Body Fat %

GonnaCrackIt
GonnaCrackIt Posts: 14 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Been on MFP for a month now and seeing a steady weight decline which I'm happy with. However feel I would massively benefit from introducing some exercise which I plan to start asap. I'd also like to work on bodyfat %. Currently (no idea if scales are accurate but they are telling me I'm 38% bf!) Stats - 4'11 and 137lbs. I've never really exercised and quite 'cushiony'. So.... could this be accurate? Best type of exercise to target bf? (cardio/strength? both?). Plan to continue eating at a deficit but anything else I can do? Your thoughts welcome x
Btw - please go easy on me complete exercise novice! :smile:

Replies

  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    The scales are notoriously inaccurate because they measure electrical resistance in you body which is greatly affected by how hydrated you are.

    You can post a picture of yourself and we can probably judge what your BF% is. Otherwise just look at the trend the scale gives you. Take data at the same time every day and see if it goes down over the period of a month or more
  • mirrim52
    mirrim52 Posts: 763 Member
    edited May 2015
    I was between 35 and 40% by picture comparison, scale, and measurements at 5'0" and 140 lbs, so it probably isn't too far off.

    You only need a calorie deficit to lose fat, but weight training will help you preserve lean body mass while you lose. Cardio can help create a deficit. Short answer... Choose the exercise you like and will stick with :p
  • professionalHobbyist
    professionalHobbyist Posts: 1,316 Member
    Check your bodyfat in the morning

    Chug down 2 cups of water

    It will be different.

    I have one of those scales and don't put much stock in them
  • GonnaCrackIt
    GonnaCrackIt Posts: 14 Member
    Thank you all very much for your helpful replies :smile: I think as suggested will focus on seeing a hopefully downward trend over time. Not quite brave enough to post a pic yet but looked at some general bf ones and yea seems probably right. Now I've got a new goal to focus on and hope once exercising will get it down to a range I'm happier with. Thanks again x
  • ljk0615
    ljk0615 Posts: 160 Member
    I have a scale that can supposedly measure body fat and it says I have 26% bf. When measured at the gym with calipers I have 16% bf. That's quite a difference. I know both methods can be inaccurate but common sense tells me that the calipers determination is a bit more logical. I don't even look at that reading on my scale anymore.
  • GonnaCrackIt
    GonnaCrackIt Posts: 14 Member
    Thank you for the input :smile:
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