Thread: i'm bad at using fat calipers... :(

I have a set of calipers and only check one spot (on the abs just above the right hip). I do not worry if it is 20%, 80% or whatever. I use it as a gauge to see if my BF is going up or is it going down. That is what is important to me. Like a weigting yourself on a scale, once a week, at the same time of the day (consistency counts) and use it as a tool to measure your progress.

Originally Posted by Phred

I have a set of calipers and only check one spot (on the abs just above the right hip). I do not worry if it is 20%, 80% or whatever. I use it as a gauge to see if my BF is going up or is it going down. That is what is important to me. Like a weigting yourself on a scale, once a week, at the same time of the day (consistency counts) and use it as a tool to measure your progress.

But I'd like to calculate actual lean mass.

Originally Posted by drew.haynes

But I'd like to calculate actual lean mass.

Well it is going to take some practice if you want to be accurate with calipers. It might help if you had someone verify your BF. Do you go to a gym that may have someone on staff who can measure your BF? If so, have them measure your BF and take your calipers in and ask for some feedback on how you are measuring your BF with your calipers. Otherwise you are just going to be in the ball park with your measurements. Remember it is just a number. Try not to get wrapped up in it. Use the calipers to measure your progress and use the mirror to gauge if you need to loose more BF or not.

Originally Posted by Phred

Well it is going to take some practice if you want to be accurate with calipers. It might help if you had someone verify your BF. Do you go to a gym that may have someone on staff who can measure your BF? If so, have them measure your BF and take your calipers in and ask for some feedback on how you are measuring your BF with your calipers. Otherwise you are just going to be in the ball park with your measurements. Remember it is just a number. Try not to get wrapped up in it. Use the calipers to measure your progress and use the mirror to gauge if you need to loose more BF or not.

I mostly wanted it so that while BULKING... i could tell how much weight was REAL MUSCLE.

here is the deal to be pro licensed on skin fold calipers you have to do over 100 different people in a controled monitored enviroment. Your best bet is get some books on learning technique do the 7 site test and measure each spot 4 times then average them. eventualy you will good at it untill then do that it will be relitvley acurate. Biggist mistake people make is they grap to much and and get unerlying tissure besides fat.

exrx.net is a great sight for research