Measuring BF percentage; not so lean?

[buffdoc]

I already did a search, so don't flame me (except if I'm on the wrong board, but this is where i usually post).
A chiro at my gym has one of those hand-held electrical bio-impedance devices. He said it was pretty accurate, but was "age-prejudiced" ie, it assumes we all get fatter as we age. I'm a pretty lean 49; when he measured me w/ ht, wt, and age as stats, it read 14.5%. When he used same ht, wt, and entered age 20, it read 7.5%!
Any input on this disparity?

buff(?)doc

 

[Zyglamail]

I think the general consensus on those things is they are junk. Try a decent set of calipers and you will likely get a much more accurate reading....hehe, once ya get good with them.

 

[liftsiron]

The only true assesment of bodyfat is the mirror.

 

[IJ26]

those things are inaccurate. If you read the instruction manual, at least the one at my gym, it actually says that they give inacurate readings for weightlifters and athletes. I dont know who else would care what their bf is.

 

[doublebicep]

those things are inaccurate. If you read the instruction manual, at least the one at my gym, it actually says that they give inacurate readings for weightlifters and athletes. I dont know who else would care what their bf is.

Worthless. I finally bought my own calipers. There is a method where you are weighed under water that is supposed to be the most accurate. For me the best tools are calipers and a mirror.

 

[mvmaxx]

The only true assesment of bodyfat is the mirror.

AMEN!

 

[cinnabar8521]

I have one that was given to me when I bought a shit load of gym equipment and they do not work, I don't know why I still havn't thrown in the trash. The mirror is your best bet.

 

[Him1]

quote:
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Originally posted by liftsiron
The only true assesment of bodyfat is the mirror.
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I agree, but, there is a benefit to calipers if you do it yourself the same way every week. they are helpful to check if you are gaining muscle w/ little fat or losing fat w/out losing muscle.

 

[Keep it beefy]

The only true assesment of bodyfat is the mirror.

yup

 

[scotty green]

yea I once used those and it said 15%. Problem was I had a clearly defined 6 pack and striated lower back... Go figure.

 

[LittleHelp]

The underwater weighing is the best test but it's a pain in the ass and hard to get access to.