+ 1 Getting your BF measured.
I see a lot if posted stats with a question mark next to the body fat number. I'm no expert but in most cases you guys are WAAAY off! There are a few ways you can do this accurately. You can get a standard caliper measurement at your docs office along with a total BMI (Body Mass index). The problem with BMi tests is that they have to put you in a specific category and if they're wrong then your numbers will differ drastically (not very accurate). If they place you in the "Average adult male/female" category then chances are your numbers will come back negative (obese in my case, LOL). If they label you an athlete then your numbers will be closer to accurate.
The other way to get this measured (the closest thing to dead on balls accurate you'll find) is Hydrostatic weighing which is performed under water. Yes they weigh you outside the pool and then under water. I'm told that most Universities salivate at the thought of people like us volunteering for this test. You guys should look into it. Having your BF measured accurately can help you pin point goals and gauge where you truly are. If you're just getting started on this journey of getting healthy, a BMI for overall health can do the same. Get your numbers. Set some realistic short term goals and get where you want to be. Some of the guesses I see are not even close to true. I am 8% bf and I can't pinch any fat on my arms, back or stomach. I barely get skin. Anyway, here's a link to the different ways to measure.
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I tried to test my BF last night. I figured I was around 12-15% but based on the caliper and chart I'm 9. I also used a digital and measured 3 times. All came back between 7.5% - 10%. Going to call next week and see how accurate my measurements were.
The one thing you shouldn't use are the bullshit testers you hold in your and for 30 seconds. I had 1 tell me I was 33% bf and like you I can.t pinch an inch anywhere.
I paid to have my Bf taken at my gym. The machine put me in high 20's and the caliper showed 13%.
AnonMan I was just looking this stuff up friday, and checking where I could get a BF caliper. What timing !!!
I have been waiting for this post! I agree most people are way off on their measurements. There is another option available to me that I like and it is quite accurate, it is called the BOD Pod. This is a big egg like device that you sit in with compression shorts and a rubber cap. If you can shave your body hair this is good as it gives a more accurate measurement. It works by shooting short bursts of air into the chamber and measuring the displacement. It is accurate to within 2% I am told through the University PHD program that runs it. This reading can be thrown off by several human factors such as a hairy chest or dehydration or super hydration or eating food prior to use. This could be an alternative to calipers and hydrostatic testing.
I too fell to the myth that because you could still still see my six pack that I was still in reasonable standards. I thought I was in the 13-15 range based on my age and what I was in my younger years. But the bod pod proved to me that I was fucking delusional and I developed a cycle with a different objective in mind.
Things to consider.
That's interesting. I'll have to look into that. When shooting for goals however I know that some ppl have a sub 10% (closer to 5%) and seem to have no issues. Now bf protects the vital organs as well as helps your body work efficiently. I feel good at 8% and I'm not competing so I see no need to drop anymore. But I was still surprised at the reading. I would have guessed that I was lower than 8% based on my appearance. I can't imagine 4 or 5%.