Methods of BF% testing?

nabiller

New member
ok. There is the old fashioned tape measure routine that measures waist and neck to give bf%, which is totally off for most people, unless they have huge necks and small waist.

calipers-(plyometer???) fairly accurate?

whats this dunking method i keep hearing about and where can i get it done? is it the most accurate?
 
calipers work fine, but u can never trust them totally. I would use them most to see if i loose or gain any Bf%.
 
those bf% scales (tanita, etc) are unreliable source of measuring bodyfat. your results can vary on the time of day, hydration levels, etc.

a caliper is a safer way to go but it should be done by an experienced individuel who knows what there doing.. and even that can only give you an approximate.
 
atherjen said:
those bf% scales (tanita, etc) are unreliable source of measuring bodyfat. your results can vary on the time of day, hydration levels, etc.

a caliper is a safer way to go but it should be done by an experienced individuel who knows what there doing.. and even that can only give you an approximate.

Yep:D
 
The only truly accurate measures are Hydrostatic Underwater testing and a new method based on the same principle only using a capsule of air. Both tests cost something like $200-300 for one testing, if I'm not mistaken. Other than that, you can find ball park figures with bodyfat calipers as well as being able to chart additions or subtractions in bodyfat much more effectively than the bodyfat scales.
 
That is why I try to check myself at the same times of the day. I know it ain't exact but it gives me a ballpark figure!
 
Calipers should be best between 6-15%, supposedly hydrostatic weighing (according to Duchaine) is only accurate above 15% - which is not something I've heard before, but its pricey anyway.

The electro-impedance scales are BS, a skinny ass friend of mine comes up 29% or so. They do tell you how to best use the device, but they are still a crock.

You can get calipers that will add up the numbers for you. Once getting lean though, it is usually suggested you just look at the mm measurements, not try to trust the caliper for actual percentages, and then of course use the mirror.
 
Mudge said:
The electro-impedance scales are BS, a skinny ass friend of mine comes up 29% or so. They do tell you how to best use the device, but they are still a crock.

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when I was at 14%bf the tanita told me I was 23% :rolleyes: lol
 
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