Body fat measurement...

[msoper]

I have heard to use calipers on three places to determine body fat. On the pec, on the lower belly, and somwehre on the thigh. But I was confuse where exactly on the thigh this was? Inner or outer thigh? Front or back?

 

[Sub-Zero]

Use a 7 site instead, get someoen to do ur back

The link shows photos and an online calculator .....

http://weightrainer.virtualave.net/7men.html

 

[TJohn]

SZ is right, 3 spot test isn't good enough. Check out that site, it's informative.

TJohn

 

[msoper]

It said I can use a ruler but........where might I get calipers.

 

[msoper]

Or is fingers good enough?

 

[TJohn]

Originally posted by msoper
Or is fingers good enough?

Fingers ?? No, you need a good set of calipers. I got a set for free when I ordered from
Netrition.com but they aren't the best.

TJohn

 

[msoper]

Where can I get some? Grocery? healthfood store?

 

[msoper]

also.....should the measurements be taken with the muscles flexed or relaxed?

 

[Mudge]

Relaxed, you are trying to measure the fat below the skin, it has nothing to do with muscles at all. There is no way a ruler or fingers will get the job done, your talking a couple mm difference and your Fat Albert on paper.

The calipers also have to be compressed a certain amount, which is indicated by an arrow, something not easily simulated otherwise.

Probably any health store, drug store, or online as well.

 

[TJohn]

Originally posted by Mudge
Relaxed, you are trying to measure the fat below the skin, it has nothing to do with muscles at all. There is no way a ruler or fingers will get the job done, your talking a couple mm difference and your Fat Albert on paper.

The calipers also have to be compressed a certain amount, which is indicated by an arrow, something not easily simulated otherwise.

Probably any health store, drug store, or online as well.

TJohn

 

[msoper]

Thanks alot guys.

 

[msoper]

One more thing, I usually carry more fat around my midsection than any other place in my body. Will this throw off the calculator?

 

[Mudge]

No, thats why the more measurements the better, because not everyone stores it in the same place. Most men do store in the midsection though, nothing unusual there

 

[msoper]

Oh and abou the flexed muscle thing.......i meant.....do they need to be flexed so you dont accidently get muscle in there. Or will that not ususally happen?

 

[Mudge]

You pinch the skin with one hand, measure with the other, which is why a second person will help GREATLY with back etc, because you would have to be pretty talented to do that yourself accurately.

If you flex your muscles you will have a hard time pinching the skin to measure it... With the leg you may find some difficulty with this, you have to balance on one leg carefully so that it goes completely limp for you.

 

[msoper]

Thanks. Hope the other calculator are way off and I am less than 22% bf.

Im not really over way..I just got a gut and lovehandles.

 

[Mudge]

http://www.solid.net/lowcarb/lylemcd/skinfold.htm