Body Fat Measuring Idiots

[Fire_Woman]

I made an appointment today to have my body fat measured at my local Bally's gym. The first "trainer" I talked to had NO idea what to say when I asked "Do you use the 3 or 7 site method?" He just looked at me with a blank look & asked "What do you mean?" So I left & went to a DIFFERENT Bally's clear across town. This "trainer" says "Oh we measure in 3 spots with these 'thingys'. (holds up calipers) On your thigh, your stomach, and I can't remember the last one." To which I replied, "Tris" and she says "Try what?"

OMG

Where can you go for a measurement by someone who KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING?! From what I've read, its all about the expertise of the person measuring the fat, so I want someone who's been there, done that. Right.

 

[crazy_enough]

LOLOLOL, OMG thats sad!

 

[Fire_Woman]

I was PISSED for awhile, but then I found it kind of amusing & GLAD for all of y'all that I knew a bit of enough info to not let them fools measure me!

I should have let both of them do it to see how far apart they'd get!

 

[crazy_enough]

Can u have a hydrostatic test done?? those are far more accurate, but might make u wallet a tad lighter than with the calipers test!

 

[Fire_Woman]

No fundage until at least May, but by then, I expect to be better off bf% wise

 

[Missfit4all]

i am sorry 2 hear about your hectic day? How frustrating!! Maybe call up the Gym Owner(s) and mention that they may want to educate their staff on BF calipers?

I just ordered one, myself. I hope they r easy to read? But atleast i can give it a heck of a lot better shot than some you have just mentioned? LOL.

 

[Kimber]

check with a local university's exercise physiology department or find a PT in your area with ACE, NASM or NSCA credentials.

 

[GoalGetter]

I made an appointment today to have my body fat measured at my local Bally's gym. The first "trainer" I talked to had NO idea what to say when I asked "Do you use the 3 or 7 site method?" He just looked at me with a blank look & asked "What do you mean?" So I left & went to a DIFFERENT Bally's clear across town. This "trainer" says "Oh we measure in 3 spots with these 'thingys'. (holds up calipers) On your thigh, your stomach, and I can't remember the last one." To which I replied, "Tris" and she says "Try what?"

OMG

Where can you go for a measurement by someone who KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING?! From what I've read, its all about the expertise of the person measuring the fat, so I want someone who's been there, done that. Right.

HAHAHAHAHAHA! I work at a Bally and i can tell you that is so dead-on. I have been approached by more than one trainer/co-worker asking me to "remind them again" what is the proper way to measure body fat. Hell the club didn't even have calipers available. They had the bioelectrical hand-held gadget. Ugh. I had to bring my own. And when I did, everyone was flipping out, asking me if they could use it on their clients. WTF? You'd think my calipers were made of gold.

I'm sorry you had such a f*cked up experience. And I'm sorry I couldn't help but chuckle when I read this. It is just so accurate.

As far as going to someone who knows what they're doing, it's a game of luck, I'd say. I'd definitely try Kimber's advice. Alternatively, you can ask the training manager at one or two Bally gyms, tell them what your experience was with the previous trainers, and let them know exactly what you expect.

I'd do it for you if you lived near here...

 

[aggies1ut]

The trainers at 24 Hour Fitness at least know how to do it, but I guess they switched from a 7 site test, to only a 4 site test now. It may be free, but a 4 site had me at 17% or something and hydrostatic had me at 13.5%.

 

[GoalGetter]

The trainers at 24 Hour Fitness at least know how to do it, but I guess they switched from a 7 site test, to only a 4 site test now. It may be free, but a 4 site had me at 17% or something and hydrostatic had me at 13.5%.

man i would LOVE to get the hydrostatic BF test done. Would love to know the TRUTH! hahaha!

A gym i recently went to inquiring about training positions has the Bod Pod. But even that one, I'm skeptical about. I've been reading up on it and keep coming up with articles like this one.

 

[aggies1ut]

I got hydrostatic done at a gym, for a fee. I was also interested in doing the Bod Pod for comparison, but the only one in my area is at a VA Hospital and is not open to the public. I am curious about it though.