Body Fat Tester

[Toby from MO]

Looking for input on an affordable body fat tester to be used for “before/after” comparison. I’ve done enough reading to understand the “over the counter” testers are not all that accurate so I’m not wanting to invest a fortune…I’d rather do without. That said, if there is a model that is relatively consistent and easy to use…for comparison measurements only…I would consider it.

Thanks for the input.

[Cynic]

Define affordable? Is $80 affordable? How about $250?

[Dhocott]

I use a tape and the YMCA Circumference method. It's not perfect, but is good for trends. The formula is listed at the bottom of this page Body fat percentage - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Toby from MO]

Originally Posted by Cynic

Define affordable? Is $80 affordable? How about $250?

I was hoping for less than $80 but I would spend it if the unit offered true advantages, i.e. accuracy and/or ease of use, over cheaper models.fficeffice" />

$250 is too much. I’m still in need of a few pieces of gym equipment that would be money better spent.


Dhocott…thanks for the link. I’ll check it out.

[AFI82]

I picked up a handheld impedance tester at Target. It was on clearance for about $10. In this case, lack of cost may speak in regards to quality. Mine may not be perfectly accurate, but it has been consistent when I've used it.

For a month to month comparison, I think it works well.

[jsm27]

I have used the Omron model. Pretty good. Its supposed to be clinically accuarate to within 2%. You have to take the readings with a grain of salt, as hydration and time of day can effect the numbers you get. Also realize it adds an automatic 1% every year. They basically assume we get fatter as we age. They dont give us credit for putting on muscle. Some people actually I have seen deduct about 10 years from thier age for a better reading. Its not chating but in reality makes it more accuarate.

[EricLikesLifting]

Yeah definetly pay attention to hydration levels and time of day. I would recommend waking up, drinking a glass or 2 of water to properly hydrate, and weight around this time. When they claim to be winthin 2% accurate, that is +/- 2%. So a reading of 12% means your actual bodyfat is probably between 10-14% (I'm skeptical if they are even this accurate). As stated though, if you try and control hyrdation level and time of day, they should show trends over time fairly good.

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by Toby from MO

I was hoping for less than $80 but I would spend it if the unit offered true advantages, i.e. accuracy and/or ease of use, over cheaper models.fficeffice" />

$250 is too much. I’m still in need of a few pieces of gym equipment that would be money better spent.


Dhocott…thanks for the link. I’ll check it out.

Bioimpedence is crapola.

Calipers is your best bet, but there are tape methods too.

Calipers:
Fattrack II w/ myotape - ~$30
Fattrack Pro - ~$80
Accu-fitness - ~$12

Tape methods:
Home Body Fat Test
Calculate Your Body Fat Percentage
Diet Calculator, Body Fat Calculator

[EricLikesLifting]

Even calipers have a lot of error and depend on a bunch of variables, mainly the accuracy of the person testing them. You can't accurately test them on yourself. If you go the tape measure route, which is certainly the cheapest and not too shabby of a method, you are best off still having somebod do the measurements for you.

[Tom@foresight]

If you are going to a gym, why not get one of the PT's to do it for you?

In many gyms instructors have no problem getting the old calipers out and doing your BF% at no charge.

Ask and see!

TOM