Accurate B/F %

[CBGB]

I am not sure where to post this. So I will start here.

My gym has some scale type object that is supposed to tell you your B/F. You enter your age, weekly training time, etc. This thing is telling me that I have 10.4% B/F. I have been looking at some other forums where guys are asking to have their B/F judged. I look nothing like the guys that are told they are in the 10% range. Are these thing accurate at all?

[Gaspari1255]

It's usually a ball park estimate. I dont even bother with it anymore. Two years ago, I'd step on it on a Monday and be 5% then saturday I'd be 18%...some of them can be decent but I think the large majority are bs.

[eatrainrest]

agreed... the electronic scales suck in my opinion but hey, use it for a measuring method...most accurate convenient way is the calipers.. but that takes alot of training.. and you want the same trainer to measure the same spots..or you will have mixed results

[mg1228]

I got one too-very inaccurate--but atleast mine is consistent so i can a least track progress--mine says 16-17--and im prob 11-12

[Phate]

I am not sure where to post this. So I will start here.

My gym has some scale type object that is supposed to tell you your B/F. You enter your age, weekly training time, etc. This thing is telling me that I have 10.4% B/F. I have been looking at some other forums where guys are asking to have their B/F judged. I look nothing like the guys that are told they are in the 10% range. Are these thing accurate at all?

electric impedence scales measure the resistance to electric current as a means of measuring bodyfat, they do this by sending an electric current through the body and since fat has very little water, it doesn't conduct electricity very well compared to muscle which is primarily water

there are several problems with this type of measuring as water content, electrolyte content, time of day(before or after workout), etc.. can influence it

all in all, not very accurate, but can be used to track progress if used at the same time every day and an average of several trails are used

[jamyjamjr]

fcuk electronics... get dipped

[Tigershark]

I just bought an electroic caliper off of ebay. I used it and then compared the results after using the tape measure method and they were pretty close. Best investment I made for calculating body fat.

[Gaspari1255]

^How much did that run ya?