Tools to calculate your BF% regularly

**mootyroonks** · 12-07-2012, 01:31 PM

I know my gym has a machine they can hook you up to in order to measure your BF%. but I dont have a scale and was wondering how accurate digital scales are with the bf measurement feature. I want something that I can monitor regularly. In order to calculate my daily caloric requirements.

**Gonzo877** · 12-07-2012, 01:34 PM

Hope someone chimes in soon, I have wondering the same thing.

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 01:37 PM

You can buy callipers from eBay that will give you a good reading but not as accurate as using a bodpod

**mootyroonks** · 12-07-2012, 01:41 PM

Im really more interested in digital scales that feature the ability to calculate BF%. how accurate are they? are there better ones than others?

**Armykid93** · 12-07-2012, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by bigsiv

You can buy callipers from eBay that will give you a good reading but not as accurate as using a bodpod

Agree. That's what i'm gonna do.

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by mootyroonks

Im really more interested in digital scales that feature the ability to calculate BF%. how accurate are they? are there better ones than others?

Not sure buddy I've never used them. Post a picture and we can have a guess

**JWP806** · 12-07-2012, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by bigsiv

You can buy callipers from eBay that will give you a good reading but not as accurate as using a bodpod

Bodpod is the probably the most accurate method that is relatively accessible to most people. I'm not sure how it measure up against hydrostatic body composition analysis but I don't think most people have access to this method. Bodpod costs about $50 each time but I think you can get a package of three different bodpod tests at a discount.

The handheld body fat monitors and digital scales are pretty much useless from what I have heard.

**TinyBeal** · 12-07-2012, 01:54 PM

I'm paying $100 bucks per session, because they are the only ones in the area with a Bod Pod *sigh

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 01:56 PM

Think people obsess a bit with body fat percentage just look in the mirror like I do. I sigh as well but it doesn't cost anything

**mootyroonks** · 12-07-2012, 02:03 PM

lol. its not so much bf that i care about. i wanted a scale and thought that if the bf calculator is accurate, it might be worth the extra coin.

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by mootyroonks

lol. its not so much bf that i care about. i wanted a scale and thought that if the bf calculator is accurate, it might be worth the extra coin.

Can't see it being accurate on a scale they take your weight and height, age I think then estimate. Bodyfat needs to be measured in a number if places round the body to get a better reading. Get some calipers bout £2.50 from eBay with the chart

**mootyroonks** · 12-07-2012, 02:14 PM

thank you

**--->>405<<---** · 12-07-2012, 02:15 PM

what JWP said is pretty much it. BOD POD is most accessible for the accuracy.

a good way to track progress inexpensively would be a tape measure (waist and shoulders), the mirror, and scale as well as weekly pics. i would recommend all 4.

the good thing about the BOD POD is it is pretty accurate so u will know where to set ur cals at based on LBM. it is something u could do more like every 2 or 3 months..

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by --->>405<<---

what JWP said is pretty much it. BOD POD is most accessible for the accuracy.

a good way to track progress inexpensively would be a tape measure, the mirror, and scale as well as weekly pics. i would recommend all 4.

the good thing about the BOD POD is it is pretty accurate so u will know where to set ur cals at based on LBM. it is something u could do more like every 2 or 3 months..

405 if you didn't have access to a bodpod or couldn't afford it, is there a better way to calculate your bf% maybe a formula such as waist x hips x ......etc?

**--->>405<<---** · 12-07-2012, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by bigsiv

405 if you didn't have access to a bodpod or couldn't afford it, is there a better way to calculate your bf% maybe a formula such as waist x hips x ......etc?

not to my knowledge. calipers are ok but they depend on the person using them too much. for example my wife who owned a set of $400.00 harpenden calipers when i met her had been cheking mine for months. the % always came out relatively close. the last time i went to the bod pod it had me at 13.1%, she had me at 7.8%.. now u tell me if calipers are worth it?

ur best bet other than BOD POD IMO would be to post a pic for a ballpark guesstimate rite here.

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by --->>405<<---

not to my knowledge. calipers are ok but they depend on the person using them too much. for example my wife who owned a set of $400.00 harpenden calipers when i met her had been cheking mine for months. the % always came out relatively close. the last time i went to the bod pod it had me at 13.1%, she had me at 7.8%.. now u tell me if calipers are worth it?

ur best bet other than BOD POD IMO would be to post a pic for a ballpark guesstimate rite here.

It's not for me I know roughly what I am I don't mind

just wondering with the likes of you and the other vets if you could come up with a formula that would be close. Sort of like the TDEE one.

And if the calipers tell you your under 8 % I wouldn't use anything else lol

**Back In Black** · 12-07-2012, 02:34 PM

Google 'bodyfat pictures'

There's a poster with varying degree's of bodyfat and examples of that level. The mirror or an honest partner/friend will tell you the rest!

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by SteM

Google 'bodyfat pictures'

There's a poster with varying degree's of bodyfat and examples of that level. The mirror or an honest partner/friend will tell you the rest!

I've done that a few times SteM some site I'm 12% some sites I'm 20 lol

**Back In Black** · 12-07-2012, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by bigsiv

I've done that a few times SteM some site I'm 12% some sites I'm 20 lol

You gotta stop comparing yourself to the girls man

TBH, once you have been accurately measured once you will know where you are within a few % with the help of a chart.

**--->>405<<---** · 12-07-2012, 02:44 PM

heres one i like:

**Back In Black** · 12-07-2012, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by --->>405<<---

heres one i like:

That's the fellow!

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by --->>405<<---

heres one i like:

I hate that one lol and cheers SteM for the tip I knew something was wrong when I had bigger tits

lol

**--->>405<<---** · 12-07-2012, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by SteM

That's the fellow!

im shooting for top middle!

**canesfan804** · 12-07-2012, 02:58 PM

Seems BodPod is best if you can find one. At least with calipers you can track what direction you are moving in tho.

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by --->>405<<---

im shooting for top middle!

I'm shooting for bottom middle

lol JOKE lol

**canesfan804** · 12-07-2012, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by --->>405<<---

im shooting for top middle!

Im shooting for top left. Prob is Im closer to bottom right. LOL

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 03:00 PM

What bf% are u in your avi 405?

**--->>405<<---** · 12-07-2012, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by bigsiv

What bf% are u in your avi 405?

havent been to bod pod yet (going soon) but that pic was taken last week. id say pushing 10-11% guessing.. believe it or not i am actually leaner now than when that pic was taken!

of course u have to take into account the subjectivity of the guesstimation!

theres a better view of it on the previous page towards the top..

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 03:27 PM

I've seen your Avis from before and you look like a different bloke now you've done well. I'm asking yours cause I look the same as your present avi roughly lol

**--->>405<<---** · 12-07-2012, 03:32 PM

^^ u must be working fairly hard then cuz i know i am busting my butt! and i am basically 95% compliant with every capacity of diet, workout, cardio.

ive been doing this for so long now diet and food choices are really no longer an obstacle. the obstacle is figuring out WHAT to do. i can eat 5000 cals worth of carbs in 8 hrs or go 24hrs with no food. or go 5 days with no carbs. it is no longer a struggle to comply. the struggle is figuring out the method!

i believe this final obstacle has just about been overcome!

**bigsiv** · 12-07-2012, 03:39 PM

Yeah I'm a bit like you training and eating is priority at the moment my GF not happy lol but till I'm 220lbs at 10% I will keep obsessing.
I haven't read your accountability yet I've been a bit obsessed with AAS lately but hitting the diet section is next.

You will have to let me know what the bodpod says good luck 405 and let me know when you figure out WHAT to do because its probably the secret everyone needs lol