Working out Bodyfat?
dave_in_ni
Posts: 533 Member
Need some advice here folks. I am trying to work of BF % rather that focusing on a number on the scales. Calipers I can't use, never have been sure how much damn fat to grab.
But using things like US Navy Caluclators. I come in at around 13% BF.
I'm 5'11
175lbs
11.5 Neck
28 waist
28 hips
Comes in at 13% bf. Now the problem?? I'm skinny fat, I have no fat in these areas, it all collects in the chest and I posted a pic on here before and got told 20% bf.
So any ideas which is correct?
But using things like US Navy Caluclators. I come in at around 13% BF.
I'm 5'11
175lbs
11.5 Neck
28 waist
28 hips
Comes in at 13% bf. Now the problem?? I'm skinny fat, I have no fat in these areas, it all collects in the chest and I posted a pic on here before and got told 20% bf.
So any ideas which is correct?
1
Replies
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Believe it or not this comes in at 13% bf
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Yes so do I. I think its because all my weight is in the one area and the areas measured have no fat, I even tried calculators that measure wrists biceps etc and they said the same in or around 11-13, its really hard to gain proportion from photos but for example my 10 year old daughter, who is not overweight has bigger wrists than me, I am very finely built.0
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That's 20, not 13, sorry matey!3
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So basically we can say either A - These online calculators are crap or B - I fall through the cracks due to where my fat is stored? I think you can see that in the photos, look at my traps collar bone biceps and then look at my pecs, I am not disagreeing with either of you, I agree. I was just confused as these calculators say different1
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I'd say 19-20% but there really is no way to tell. Nor does it really matter.
Just keep eating at a deficit and keep eating a moderate amount of protein and lift heavy.
You'll get there if you stick to it.4 -
RuNaRoUnDaFiEld wrote: »I'd say 19-20% but there really is no way to tell. Nor does it really matter.
Just keep eating at a deficit and keep eating a moderate amount of protein and lift heavy.
You'll get there if you stick to it.
I want to focus on BF% rather than weight on a scale though.1 -
Weight on the scale is a mix of body fat, water and muscle.
It is more accurate than trying to measure body fat as hydration levels effect it too much.2 -
These calculators are crap if you don't have exactly the right bodyshape and fat distribution that works for them. I have a tiny neck, but massive hips (which, btw are bone, not so much padding), and as I'm not so tall and also have a fairly wide ribcage my waist is a bit bigger as well. I get completely rubbish numbers out of those calculators.3
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Only way is probably to get a dexa scan done - costs $$ though I think.
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These calculators are crap if you don't have exactly the right bodyshape and fat distribution that works for them. I have a tiny neck, but massive hips (which, btw are bone, not so much padding), and as I'm not so tall and also have a fairly wide ribcage my waist is a bit bigger as well. I get completely rubbish numbers out of those calculators.
Yep I seem to be the same.2 -
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RuNaRoUnDaFiEld wrote: »Weight on the scale is a mix of body fat, water and muscle.
It is more accurate than trying to measure body fat as hydration levels effect it too much.
Right OK.1 -
My body fat scales aren't too bad. They measure slightly over compared to a DEXA scan but it's consistent, so the decrease in body fat is the same amount as the decrease shows with a DEXA scan, they just read higher (about 2%). Since I track trends that's good enough for me.
Might be worth looking out for some of them. I have ones with handles so it gives a segmented analysis.4 -
dave_in_ni wrote: »RuNaRoUnDaFiEld wrote: »I'd say 19-20% but there really is no way to tell. Nor does it really matter.
Just keep eating at a deficit and keep eating a moderate amount of protein and lift heavy.
You'll get there if you stick to it.
I want to focus on BF% rather than weight on a scale though.
But the quickest way to reduce your bodyfat % is a calorie deficit and losing weight/losing fat.
Would suggest using the BF pictures on Builtlean.com as a rough guide.
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How can you focus on losing body fat if you don't have a way to measure it? Can you go to a wellness center for an assessment where they use calipers?
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Why don’t you just keep a log of your measurements and see how those change, instead of plugging them into the calculator? That way you can measure the areas you want to see a change in and ignore ones (like your wrists) that don’t matter as much.
I’m driven solely by progress pics at this point3 -
Wether you are bothered about the number on a scale or not what you need to do is eat at a deficit and lose fat.
You can not spot reduce so it also is irrelevant where you think your fat is too.
Eat at a deficit making sure you are getting plenty of protein and lift weights2 -
dave_in_ni wrote: »So basically we can say either A - These online calculators are crap or B - I fall through the cracks due to where my fat is stored? I think you can see that in the photos, look at my traps collar bone biceps and then look at my pecs, I am not disagreeing with either of you, I agree. I was just confused as these calculators say different
I'm going for full of crap. Because 7 percent is a big difference, and you are definitely not at 13.
Want an accurate number? Go for BodPod testing or Dexa.2 -
If you’re going to focus on body fat as your metric to chase you’re going to have to use a proper way to measure, simple as that. She’ll out for the proper scans or figure something else out.2
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I don't understand why you need a measurement. Is it just vanity, so you can tell people you're whatever percent?
Lose weight until you feel you have the fat level you desire.1 -
MoveitlikeManda wrote: »Wether you are bothered about the number on a scale or not what you need to do is eat at a deficit and lose fat.
You can not spot reduce so it also is irrelevant where you think your fat is too.
Eat at a deficit making sure you are getting plenty of protein and lift weights
In this case I am agreeing with you. TBH, from the picture shown, the OP is not at a body fat level where he needs any sophisticated measurements--they're nice, if you like data, but not necessary. The mirror will be the most accurate measurement of all.
OP--you are probably not at the point where you need any type of specialized approach. Deficit, macros, lifting, some cardio if you want--you are still on the "standard" plan.3 -
purpleannex wrote: »I don't understand why you need a measurement. Is it just vanity, so you can tell people you're whatever percent?
Lose weight until you feel you have the fat level you desire.
People relate to and are motivated by different things. Some people are analytical and data-driven. That's the "shape" of the world they see; that's what they relate to, that's what helps with motivation.
Maybe now, you can understand that it's not just for vanity. It's just a different way of looking at the world than your way.
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MoveitlikeManda wrote: »Wether you are bothered about the number on a scale or not what you need to do is eat at a deficit and lose fat.
You can not spot reduce so it also is irrelevant where you think your fat is too.
Eat at a deficit making sure you are getting plenty of protein and lift weights
In this case I am agreeing with you. TBH, from the picture shown, the OP is not at a body fat level where he needs any sophisticated measurements--they're nice, if you like data, but not necessary. The mirror will be the most accurate measurement of all.
OP--you are probably not at the point where you need any type of specialized approach. Deficit, macros, lifting, some cardio if you want--you are still on the "standard" plan.
Im not gonna lie, I love numbers, graphs and data etc and after reader a comment on here I have just looked up BodyPod tests lol
Do I need one? no probably not, I know Im fat, I know what I need to be doing to lose the fat and usually go by scale weight, inchs and how my clothes fit but Im really curious about what my results from the scan will show me lol0 -
OP have you stuck to a progressive programme for at least 3 months yet?4
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MoveitlikeManda wrote: »MoveitlikeManda wrote: »Wether you are bothered about the number on a scale or not what you need to do is eat at a deficit and lose fat.
You can not spot reduce so it also is irrelevant where you think your fat is too.
Eat at a deficit making sure you are getting plenty of protein and lift weights
In this case I am agreeing with you. TBH, from the picture shown, the OP is not at a body fat level where he needs any sophisticated measurements--they're nice, if you like data, but not necessary. The mirror will be the most accurate measurement of all.
OP--you are probably not at the point where you need any type of specialized approach. Deficit, macros, lifting, some cardio if you want--you are still on the "standard" plan.
Im not gonna lie, I love numbers, graphs and data etc and after reader a comment on here I have just looked up BodyPod tests lol
Do I need one? no probably not, I know Im fat, I know what I need to be doing to lose the fat and usually go by scale weight, inchs and how my clothes fit but Im really curious about what my results from the scan will show me lol
Then by all means get one of the more accurate tests. Also find out the conditions that make the test most accurate.
I’m a big data guy myself, so I know where you are coming from.
But none of those online BF calculators are accurate.
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