Body fat %

[lungofiron]

I notice a lot of people here like to quote their BF%. There are little gadgets around to do this, does everyone use these? I cannot see how they are going to be that accurate - surely muscle plays a part in reducing the accuracy due to the way it works.

 

[Creatureofnight]

Every procedure of testing bodyfat has a small margin of error (even bod pod and hyfrostatic weighing). Simply put, there is no 100% full proof method to find out a persons bf%. Some people claim to have 1-2% because calipers couldnt pinch their skin (if your lean and thin skin) while most contest bodybuilders have been measured now at 4-5%. Also, some people state that no one truly gets under 7% because thats whats needed to maintain organ function. I could personally careless what a formula or read out sheet say my bodyfat is. I go by the mirror and spots where i tend to hold my fat. Clothes are also a good measure, but can also be decieving if your carbs are low and muscles are slightly dehydrated.

Pictures also serve as a great tool and dont lie. I have had my bf% taken w/ numerous methods and my suggestion is this. When you start a diet, have someone run a bf test using one of the methods. And every 3-4 weeks go back for a re-measurement not to find out exact bf, but to see if your making progress. Jut stay away from those damn tanita scales, they are a joke. Did anyone see Dennis James' video? He jumped on one and had it measure his so called bf% and it had him at 14% and he start at 12% 8 weeks prior. Mind you he was ripped to hell and 4 weeks out from the O', so that shows you how accurate that method is.

 

[fhg43]

Jut stay away from those damn tanita scales, they are a joke. Did anyone see Dennis James' video? He jumped on one and had it measure his so called bf% and it had him at 14% and he start at 12% 8 weeks prior. Mind you he was ripped to hell and 4 weeks out from the O', so that shows you how accurate that method is.

I swear to God all those low fat high protein diets suck too-I always get fat on them!! So that shows you how good that method is!

Look-I own one and it is accurate. It's accurate for my wife too. If you read the instructions and set it up properly and use it like they say-ie develop good hydration habits and weigh yourself at a consistent time of day and not after exercise and not after you eat (best time is in the evening a few hours after meals and exercise or in the morning)...THEY ARE ACCURATE.

This pisses me off-its like any tool if don't use it properly it won't work for you..

Anyway bro I agreee with 100% on all the other stuff. I can tell my BF is going up when my clothes are tighter and I can see it in my body-not as ripped etc...

IMO the best gauge is a combo of looking in the mirror and one of the simple tests like a scale or calipers.

FHG