DrinkFlintWater's picture
DrinkFlintWater
  • 14
1493

Getting accurate BF%

ad

Just curious as to what method you guys are using to calculate your BF% accurately. Im looking at the calipers and tape at the moment but any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks!

DragonDog's picture

I use a BOD POD. I was using electrical impedance and it kept reporting 17%. I thought I was lower, maybe 10%. It was actually 6%. The technician ran it twice to be sure. I agree with the brothers here. Bodyfat % means very little next to being healthy and strong as a race horse.

ashop's picture

Under water dunking (hydro static) is what I like. Find an aquatic center in your area and see if they off it.

robb's picture

I'm going to buy some calipers, their reasonably accurate and cost next to nothing.

I just guess what I'm at but it would be nice to have a real idea of what I'm at, especially if dieting up or down.
So like I said above, I'm going to break the bank and pay the hefty price tag lol.

In a promo × 1
Passito's picture

I don't think that calipers are really accurate when it comes to BF %

However, I think they are one of the best tools when the same person takes the measurements at the same spots on the body under same conditions.
In fact, If skinfold thicknesses are going down, then you are likely losing fat and further it's cheap.

DrinkFlintWater's picture

Thanks for your input bro!

CRAZY DOSER's picture

I’ve been at my doctor lately. I found out that his weighing-machine has a function to determine the amount of body fat. It is made by japanese company Omron and it determines bf amount by electrochemical principle (internal electrical resistance of tissues).

Passito's picture

Do you have some kind of link to info on that one?
Would be interesting to see. Never heard of it. Or is it underwater weighing system??

Passito's picture

So it's essentially only bioelectrical impedance?
Just didn't know the name Omron.

Unaccurate AF...Error rates of around 8-10%

MedDx's picture

Good info right here....technology at its finest... Smile

Wreckit's picture

We use in body's scan. Its not 100% accurate. They claim within 1% but truth its a few % up or down, but the important part is its a baseline for you.

Pale's picture

Basically it comes down to if you are still asking what your BF is you are still too fat..

Pericu's picture

Hahaha, true.
Or you have some kind of dysmorphia...but then BF% is probably the least you should be concerned of.

DrinkFlintWater's picture

I am trying to determine which method is best used for accurately determining BF%. I dont think im too fat unless you consider 85%BF too high....

Makwa's picture

Underwater weighing or DEXA scan are most accurate but rather impractical for the average gym rat and can cost $200 or more a pop. Calipers cost $10 the readings are free and they are fairly accurate. Can't ask for more than that.

DrinkFlintWater's picture

Thank you for your feedback bro!

Passito's picture

Even the best techniques have larger error rates than most people realize.
This doesn't mean that those methods are useless but you need to be aware of the error rates and treat the results with cautious.

Numbers you get from any bodyfat testing method are a very rough estimate. Even the most accurate up to this point, Ie. DEXA scans can be off by up to +-5%.

When using calipers to track change over time If the sum of your total skinfolds is decreasing, then you are likely losing body fat.
Whatever technique you choose, keep the conditions as identical as possible between measurements. That means having the same technician perform the measurement on you, using the same equipment, and at the same time of day.

You don't need to have your body fat tested. A combination of body weight and circumference measurements (like waist circumference) will give you a very good gauge of whether you're losing body fat. If your circumference measurements are decreasing, you are likely losing fat.

So don't be too focused on the actual number itself but more so on the progress.

Greg's picture

Calipers are my weekly go to. I have the one that will digitally read out the result; using calipers by yourself can be challenging.

I used a DXA (DeXA) scan.
Looks simular to this: http://washington-institute.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DLP-DXA2.pdf

Very cool, they scan you, get your weight by the scan, then weigh you on a scale and the weight will match.
https://www.eroids.com/forum/general/off-topic/body-fat-analyzer

Then there's this: https://www.eroids.com/forum/general/general-talk/so-you-think-your-at-1...

DrinkFlintWater's picture

Thanks. I am gonna give the calipers a go.

GrowMore's picture

Here at eroids we take a very rough guess in the lower ranges of our own BF% then take at least 10% off and go with that..

Take a look at people's statsand then their photos, if they have even uploaded any.

Ronburgundy's picture

Haha! I was just about to say that. By the way, I'm sitting at 5% now lol

GrowMore's picture

Solid percentage brah, still a little high for eroids.

SL's picture

Lmao

Owes a Review × 2 In a promo × 2