body fat %

[robertsmith]

I see some scales that claim they can calculate your bf%. I don't see how this is possilbe. They must just use some formula based on your height. Anybody know anything about these. They are fairly expensive, which make me wonder if they really work. I realize that even if the do work OK, They can't be dead on so spare me those replies.

 

[robertsmith]

ok so I found the answer to my own ?

It sends a low, safe electrical current through the body to measure its composition. The electrical current passes more easily through lean muscle than fat. Body composition is calculated mathematically, based upon the speed at which the signal passes through the body.

So I'll change my ?. Has anyone used these and what do you think.

 

[3Vandoo]

Yes do it and the scale will tell you, that your bf is 68% or so



there better means to get your % than this one

 

[Stiffler]

there crap IMO, go get a set of calipers they run like $14 or so

 

[robertsmith]

ya I have a caliper. Damn thing is a pain. I get a differant reading every 1/4 in I move it

 

[gegl]

I use those scales. The more muscle you have the less accurate they are. I have a set that have an athlete setting. gets it closer.

What they are good for is monitoring the trend, are you going up or down.

You will need to use them the same time every day ie on waking or going to bed.

They are effected greatly by body hydration. Im on a CKD and as soon as I start to get into ketosis I go up by 2-3%.

A cheaper version are the ones you hold in your hands. Obviously they dont weigh you but the same things apply for BF measures.

Ive got callipers as well now - www.accumeasurefitness.com cost £14.00

 

[strengthmonster]

If you mean the Tamita ones they are crap. I have a set and they give a way high reading. They can be a good guide for loss and gains but will give a much higher reading than calipers. They actually say on the instructions they are not recommended for bodybuilders or athletes. According to them I was 23% when I was actually about 8%.

 

[muscleup]

If you go by those scales to get low b.f.% you will DIE

 

[mlomker]

Has anyone used these and what do you think.

I use one. They will vary up to 2% depending on time of day and your hydration level. I'm only interested in tracking trends so that's good enough to me. Just take the reading at the same time of the day and then average the readings for a week. That'll definately be good enough to spot trends in cutting/mass cycles.

Calipers are a PITA and they aren't any more accurate. If you really NEED to know then get a hydro or DEXA done and compare the results to your caliper/scale as a point of reference. Of course, those aren't cheap tests....only diehards need apply.

I wouldn't buy anything less than the BF-572. The others are don't go down to the 1/10th and it has an athlete mode for people with slow heart-rates.

 

[Shane]

Yeah I have one it tells me I'm 19% when I really 7% but for some reason when I was dieting for a show it was dead on accurate I knew because I was getting it checked with calipers every week but I say don't waste your money.

 

[plifter]

I used one once that said I was 12%. Then I had the most accurate test, the air compression chamber test, and it had me at 22%.