Possible that BF% is wrong?

[uday28fb]

Ok for my conidtion class we had to get a fitness assessment. I went in thinking the guy would measure my body fat % to be like 16-17, but he measures me and says 12.5%. This doesnt make sense, because wouldnt i be able to see my 6 pack by now? Also my chest is really flabby, right now im completely out of shape, how can my BF be so low? He was using some kind of metal caliper that had a rule on it, could his way of measuring be inaccurate? I dunno i think somethings wrong, i really dont look like im in the 12% area.

 

[Kabeetz]

The general rule of thumb is that bodyfat between say 13-17 percent doesnt really look much different.. supposedly 10 is the magic number for MOST people regarding seeing abs.

As for calipers and the people who administer the test, u're right in that there is a ton of variables that go into it. The best way to get something out of calipers is to sort of look at the average of repeated testing over time. A single test can be seriously out of whack.

 

[SgtSlaughter]

there is a huge margin of error if the caliper user is not experienced.

...even when there are there is a margin of error

There are different point tests too... the more the better. 7 points and up IMO

 

[devcon]

...and it could be you just happen to hold only a little bit of fat in the area's he pinched...naw...he messed up on the test...yea...

 

[gettnlarge01]

More than likely it"s wrong.At 12.5% of bf you should look lean in the mirror.Everone is different when I"m at 15% I can still see my obliques and top part of my abs.

 

[StRoNg_WoN]

I got mine tested @ 9.34, and I thought I was closer to 12... I can see abs when flexed... but not when soft... and I hold a little back fat.. so I dunno man...

 

[poysyn]

genetics can be a factor at what bodyfat levels you can see your abs. some people can see their abs at 15% while others are barely visible at 10..

chances are if your 'flabby' you are more than 12.5..

 

[uday28fb]

yea i got some love handles, i dont know why it could have gone that low, well im gonna go back to the place and have some check it again. He checked my thighs and the side of my chest where there already is no fat, but he didnt check my love handles area.

 

[silver_shadow]

if it's possible you could get your bf% checked using the water dunk method