Body fat measuring

[Hill]

Hello,

I've been reading on the message boards here and everyone I talk to seems to come down to the same baseline. Its not really what you weigh or your Body mass index that is imporant. What deems real progress is your body fat percentage.

With that said what is the best method to guage your bodyfat %? What would a typical gym use? Ive heard about bodyfat accumeasure calipers. They seem to go from the most simplistic where you convert the readings yourself and you test 1 fold of skin, to models that have LCD screens which automaticly convert readings and allows you to test 3 skin folds.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone have used any of these devices, are they accurate or just a fad. I was thinking of picking one up, for I dont belong to a gym. Also if anyone knew some trustworthy brands?

Thanks,
Hill

 

[abear]

i use the accumeasure ones. very simple although when i first started with it i would do it 5 times and get 5 different readings. now i can get the same number in 2 attempts.

i have read that the margin of error is roughly plus or minus 2% but i'm fine with that. might be more accurate in the hands of a skilled and qualified person.

 

[RoRoCo]

I have used both caliphers and electric current methods.

Since different people store fat in different sections of the body differently, the calipher method is only really accurate with multiple reading and taking an average.

I currently use the electrical current method on a scale at home. Since it is measuring the current though your muscles, you level of hydration will affect the readings. IOW, the more dehydrated your body is the lower the reading for body fat.

As long as you get a reading the same time every day you should get a good number to work with. After all...the number is not what is important...it it today's number vs last month's.

Hope this helps.

RoRo