how do you know your actual body fat?

**thebigshow** · 06-30-2011, 07:04 PM

I think some use bodyfat measuring instrumental machine ( i don't know exact name)

is it correct?

some people said caliper is correct

is it difficult for general users to use?

maybe some people take a picture and upload their pic

ask guys " how much I have bf?"

my point is "how do you know your actual body fat?"

**Dr Pepper** · 06-30-2011, 07:14 PM

Do u have acsess to someone that can take your measurements with calipers?

Calipers are very accurate...

**Catch** · 06-30-2011, 08:23 PM

I bought some calipers at GNC the other day, but they're only used for the skin/fat right above your hipbone. I used them and got 22% BF. I personally don't think that's very accurate, but WTH do I know? Lol.

Posting pics of abs/arms/legs and having people guesstimate is probably just as, if not more, accurate, but I got the calipers not for accuracy, but for a means of tracking progress. Even if it's not actually 22%, I'm sure a 2% loss is.

**ScotchGuard02** · 06-30-2011, 08:38 PM

The most accurate measurement of body fat is the hydostatic measurement machine. You sit in a vat of water and they weigh you out of the tub and suspended in the tub. This is the most accurate way. The second is the bodpod which is a static pressure measure. You're weighed and then a pod is compressed before you're weighed again. Pretty accurate. The caliper method is not too accurate but it is consistent.

**slimshady01** · 06-30-2011, 08:46 PM

I use the bod pod. Cheap and accurate!

**TheClinch** · 06-30-2011, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by slimshady01

I use the bod pod. Cheap and accurate!

What the hell is a bod pod?

**Sulixe** · 06-30-2011, 08:57 PM

i compare myself to pics and aproximate it.

**Black** · 06-30-2011, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by TheClinch

What the hell is a bod pod?

They have a bodpod website. Just add .com to the end. There is also a locator on that site. They usually have them at universities. I had my first one done is April 2010. It seemed very accurate with a +/- of a few %. I then had it done again this last April and (although I had been on a cut) it said I was at 4.xx% bf, which was no way in hell. There was a different technician this time and I don't think he calibrated the machine as well (during the calibration he looked as though he didn't know wtf he was doing).

Although funny story is that you do the test in your underwear. I didn't notice until I got home, but I had a hole in my boxer/briefs. I'm sure he got to see my ball skin.

I've wanted to try the "dipping" method mentioned above, but I can't find a place that does it local to me.

With all this being said, the accuracy of these tests are nearly as important as the consistency.