Body Fat Percentage

[Vickyloo]

I read lots of people on here talking about body fat percentage but I have no idea what mine is.

How do you calculate it? Do you need special tools of any sort?

[Guest Tigger]

I honestly have no idea what mine is either They do make Calipers especially for finding out what your body fat % is. My roommate has one that looks like this --> http://www.betterfitnessproducts.com/images/body-fat-calipers.jpg

[airen123]

Your gym or your doctor should be able to give you an idea with an electronic tool. I've also done the at home tape measure thing. Google navy method and covert bailey methods.

[jeramieb]

Here is an online calculator. It won't be as accurate as a caliper but it will give you an idea of where you are.

[Vickyloo]

That's fab, cheers! Mine works out at 27%, which I'm pretty pleased with. It's better than I thought it would be.

[IfItPlugsIn]

If you have a Bod Pod nearby, it's supposed to be more accurate than calipers or electronic devices, and more convenient that other more scientific methods (water displacement, etc.). Most places charge about $40-50 for the testing, but I found a local college that will do it for $10. They give printouts with your test results, and estimates on BMR and TDEE.

[morethanjustamom]

I use the tape measure method paired with looking at images online of others with similar BF%. This works for me, since I'm not in competitions, it's not necessary for me to know exactly what my BF% is. In the ballpark is ok by me.

[oystergirl]

The navy tape measure fat calculator is supposed to be pretty accurate. The issue is of course you have to be very accurate with WHERE you are measuring and if you are sucking in or letting out etc...take a picture of yourself as well. that helps with comparison!@

[jeramieb]

The navy tape measure fat calculator is supposed to be pretty accurate.

What is this mystical 'navy tape measure fat calculator' you speak of. When I was in the Marines they only went off a standard BMI Chart. I don't ever remember any measuring going on.

This of course ended up with a lot of very muscular individuals labeled as 'fat' unfortunately.

[VorJoshigan]

The problem with bodyfat percentage is that there is no way to measure it that is easy, cheap, AND accurate. I use an electronic impedance device.

The other thing with bodyfat is - why does one care? It's definitely better than BMI, but I think that listening to your body, looking at yourself in before and after pictures, and staying cognizant of your clothing fit is at least as important as a raw number. Or maybe I'm just saying that because mine is <GASP!> 41%

[Loren Wade]

Some scale have the electronic impedance built in. I use that. No, they're not completely accurate, but it does allow you to watch a pattern in fat loss.