Best way to calculate BF%?

**newbrew** · 01-07-2005, 04:50 PM

I realize there a few different methods...what are some fairly accurate ways to calculate body fat?

Whats the MOST accurate as well?

thanks

**tycin** · 01-07-2005, 05:00 PM

id say bodyfat calipers.

**seanw** · 01-07-2005, 05:01 PM

The most accurate is being dunked in a big container of water. I have no idea how it works but the Universities and Sports Academies have them. Next is Calipers for skin fold tests.

***JohnnyB*** · 01-07-2005, 05:01 PM

Hydro testing is the best, they weigh you dry then wet, the fat floats so they calculate it that way.

JohnnyB

**tycin** · 01-07-2005, 05:02 PM

ok aside from that stuff the easiest,cheapest best way would b the calipers IMO...

**bullram** · 01-07-2005, 05:05 PM

bod pod

**kaorialfred** · 01-07-2005, 05:14 PM

bod pod first if you can find one

calipers 9 site seems to be most accurate

**bullram** · 01-07-2005, 05:17 PM

////

***JohnnyB*** · 01-07-2005, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by tycin

ok aside from that stuff the easiest,cheapest best way would b the calipers IMO...

He ask for best not cheapest

JohnnyB

**scorp** · 01-07-2005, 05:21 PM

Hydro is by far the best method in achieving the most accurate bodyfat%. The skin caliper method has a see-saw effect in accuracy. There is a +5% or -5% difference when using the skin caliper method. Be it a 3 site, 5 site, 7 site or 9 site, there is always room for error. But if that is all one can do, then so be it.

**tycin** · 01-07-2005, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by JohnnyB

He ask for best not cheapest

JohnnyB

ya ya.

**IRONATE** · 01-07-2005, 05:26 PM

I would say calipers is your best option here.Accordidng to ACE, the calipers are plus or minus 3%. I don't think you'll find a bod pod. Hydo is the most accurate.Calipers should put you in the right direction though. Make sure the person who does this for you is either an M.D,or at least a certified personal trainer.

**Chemical King** · 01-07-2005, 06:49 PM

some dude down my gym puts these clips on ur feet and other parts of ur body and it uses electric currents or sumit

**jgg1221** · 01-07-2005, 07:25 PM

yeah what does everyone think of those bathroom scales that calculate BF%?

supposedly they shoot electrodes into your feet or somethin...

is it BS?

**seanw** · 01-07-2005, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by jgg1221

yeah what does everyone think of those bathroom scales that calculate BF%?

supposedly they shoot electrodes into your feet or somethin...

is it BS?

There was a thread on this a couple of weeks ago, the consensus is they are sh!t. I bought one and I almost had a heart attach when it told me the number. It was 15% over what the calipers were saying. By the way, whats a "Bod Pod" that somebody mentioned above ?

**scorp** · 01-07-2005, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by jgg1221

yeah what does everyone think of those bathroom scales that calculate BF%?

supposedly they shoot electrodes into your feet or somethin...

is it BS?

Honestly, I think that they are pure shiite! From what I understand you can get some pretty far-fetched readings if your electrolytes are not satisfactory. I would have to say that they not worthy of a 1cent price tag.

**bullram** · 01-08-2005, 07:14 AM

http://www.bodpod.com/p_bodSTAbout.php

**seanw** · 01-08-2005, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by bullram

http://www.bodpod.com/p_bodSTAbout.php

Amazing the sh!t they think up, doesnt look like it would fit in the boot of the car though

**juiceinthehood** · 01-08-2005, 09:33 AM

look in the mirror

**scorp** · 01-08-2005, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by juiceinthehood

look in the mirror

That was hilarious bro. That would tell me one of 3 things. Man, I look fat. Man, I look OK. Man, I looking forking great! That is definitely the cheapest way to gauge overall appearance.

**STAYHUNGRY** · 01-08-2005, 01:32 PM

The old fashioned way of measuring bodyfat is just look at yourself. At about 10 percent bodyfat, you can begin to see separation between your abs. At about 8 percent, you should see a "sixpack". At 5 percent and below, you have the shredded look, with obliques showing and the thin skin look.

**scorp** · 01-08-2005, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by STAYHUNGRY

The old fashioned way of measuring bodyfat is just look at yourself. At about 10 percent bodyfat, you can begin to see separation between your abs. At about 8 percent, you should see a "sixpack". At 5 percent and below, you have the shredded look, with obliques showing and the thin skin look.

That is generalizing at its finest.

**odrorir** · 01-08-2005, 01:54 PM

I tried 3 diffrent model 60-100$, all were off by over 10%...

They use normal muscle mass for calculating BF, in some kind of algorithm, doesn't help much when your muscle mass is above/below average for you height...

Originally Posted by jgg1221

yeah what does everyone think of those bathroom scales that calculate BF%?

supposedly they shoot electrodes into your feet or somethin...

is it BS?