Hi everyone, I was wondering what method people here use to find out there BF %. I was reading a article on body composition (issue 208-209) it mentioned tantia (sp) scales can any users of this method comment on this. Thank You
Tanita scales can be a double edged sword in my book. Sure, they are very convenient to use and easily accessible, but more often than not, they are off. There are so many variables to consider when using a Tanita scale…(standard vs. athletic version, hydration levels, time of last meal, time of day). I use the one here at work and I make sure that when I do use it…I am as close to the same conditions from the previous week. So, I tend to do it first thing Monday morning after I have pissed upon waking up in the morning. That way, I am assured that I will get close to the same readings each week.
I have another post where I’m talking about this as I’m just getting started…I have a FatTrack II that I’m using. I am being very careful, using a tape measure to ensure I take it in the same spot and even that I put my fingers the same distance apart to pinch. Everyone is telling me that you get better at it over time, it just takes practice. I recommend doing it a few times, at least while you get started. Then you can either take the number that you get twice first (which if you follow these steps they should be only a small % difference) or take three and average them together. I’m going to do this until I feel comforable with my ability to get one accurate read.
I think Tony G’s reply is the most important…do it at the same day/time (in morning, after a restroom trip) every week for accuracy.
Tanita and BEI scales are not very accurate. Calipers are better if the person taking measurements is very experienced. Hydro rocks if you’ve got an extra few hundred $ laying around and can find a facility.
I don’t worry about bodyfat and just go by the mirror. There are way too many inherent errors in all testing methods, with the exception of DEXA, which still has some variable error.
roc, I’m with Tony G on this one. I have a Tanita as well, one of the better ones with an “Athletic Mode.” It is a useful tool for me when I need a rough estimate of someone’s LBM and BF for purposes of calculating macronutrient requirements, but as a reliable means of measuring a person’s progress, the darn thing will drive you crazy!
I has a guy at the gym measuring me with calipers, 9 point. He had years of experience and had worked with competitive BBs. But even in some of his mm measurements we sometimes found inconsistencies that didn’t make sense. Example, if you reduce mms in 8 of the 9 measurements but gain in one of mm measurements, that’s just not the way the body loses fat.
I finally found a doc in the area that does a DEXA BF test for me. He charges $50 and doesn’t charge me an office visit. I go at the beginning of a program (diet and/or workout) and upon completion so that I can see how much I gained (hopefully) in LBM and how much I lost (hopefully) in FM. DEXA is as reliable as hydrostatic weighing, but unlike getting dunked in a tank, a DEXA test only takes 6 minutes.
Yeah I read in the article that the scales can be off, I was wondering what is the difference between the athletic one and regular? TTT
To you guys think that picking up a tantia scale is a good ideal? I was going to order fat calpers as well.
Athletic mode is a setting for people that work out more than 10 hours per week; cardio and lifting combined. It’s supposed to be more accurate. I would still recommend that you save your money and just buy a regular digital scale that measures in 2/10th increments.