Electronic BF % Measurement From Different Sites

[becbec]

So I have kinda bad circulation in my legs and a little bit of fluid in my calves due to some medication I am taking.

One day I got my bf% done on the one you stand on and then another day I got it done on a hand held one. The reading on the foot one was 10% higher than the one taken on the hand held one.

Both readings were taken at the same time of day, with around the same amount of fluids on board

Comment / opinions?

[HarryB]

So I have kinda bad circulation in my legs and a little bit of fluid in my calves due to some medication I am taking.

One day I got my bf% done on the one you stand on and then another day I got it done on a hand held one. The reading on the foot one was 10% higher than the one taken on the hand held one.

Both readings were taken at the same time of day, with around the same amount of fluids on board

Comment / opinions?

I really struggle seeing these tools as an even semi accurate estimation of bf. I used the standing one a day before competing a few years ago and it told me I had 23% bf or something.. here I was with striated glutes and lines all over the place with 23% bf. I was also quite dehydrated due to trying to make a weight class so I have no idea how it arrived at that figure?

The handheld one I have never tried but I can't see it being any more effective!

[becbec]

I did my research :grin:

If you have poor circulation, your body fat will meausure higher as the current has more resistance to go through

If you're dehydrated, it'll do the same thing, because water is a great conductor of electricity

[HarryB]

I don't know... I just don't believe in them.. I have used the stand ones a few times at all different levels of bodyfat by caliper and it's never been close.

[Phedder]

Odd, they always seem to under-estimate mine. Last year I got a reading of 7.4% when both under water weighing and calipers put me around the 12% mark.

Guess my circulation is great and I'm always well hydrated :grin:

[nate225]

Im with Harry & Phedder - innaccurate at best!

I'm not saying calipers are always that great, however I had a 7-site ISAK anthro done last year by an experienced practitioner and I was about 15%, I then jumped on a set of Tanitas(?) that said I was 31% :pfft: :grin:

[bang_bang]

what is the most accurate way to get it measured? iv heard those bod pod thingys are the way to go. does anyone know of any in chch?

[HarryB]

I would say calipers, just make sure the same person does them every time and uses the same set up. At least then even if they aren't completely accurate they will at least be consistent and will show a trend of which way your bf is going over time.

[Phedder]

what is the most accurate way to get it measured? iv heard those bod pod thingys are the way to go. does anyone know of any in chch?

A DEXA scan would be the most accurate (might be what you meant by bod pod :? ? ) likely followed by under-water weighing. But both of those aren't exactly readily available to most people, so calipers are usually the way to go. They won't be as accurate, but as Harry mentioned if you get the same experienced person to do it each time and they always use the same sites you will be able to see the trends, which is what really matters. No one's going to be getting a DEXA scan every month or so to see how their bulk or cut is going

[bang_bang]

yeah a dexa scan is what i meant. it was refered to as a bod pod on the documentry i saw it on. aw here was me thinking my local gym would have one! after a quick google i now know better :doh:

[becbec]

I get a bone density scan done every few years for free, they're great :nod: