how to properly measure bodyfat using calipres

[Imadeapoopsie]

Whenever I use the same method using calipres to measure my bodyfat I always get the wrong measurement to what my trainer measure, could I be pinching the fat the wrong way, does the area I pinch supposed to be really precise? What could I be doing wrong

I really can't afford to spend 70$ everytime ny trainer measures my bodyfat

[Pseudonym]

There are loads of variables here that could cause this:

- Are you using the same formula to calculate BF%?

- Are you pinching the same area? It doesn't have to match to the millimetre, but it's got to be pretty close. An inch either way can make a big difference.

- Are you pinching the skin the same distance from the calipers as your trainer does?

- Are your calipers applying the same pressure?

Ultimately it doesn't really matter if your readings differ from your trainers - as long as you both are individually consistent in how you take them.

[Imadeapoopsie]

Yeah he told me to google his method so im using the right formula

I think maybe its the angle eg horizontal or vertical

my calipers are different I have budget ones maybe thats why

either way true that it doesn't matter as long as im consistent thanks for the advice

[Pseudonym]

I think maybe its the angle eg horizontal or vertical

Hmm, I don't think that would make a difference. You're measuring the thickness of the skin (and subcutaneous fat) - that's going to be the same whether you pinch horizontally or vertically.

BTW - great profile pic. Looking real solid.

[Kalidane]

I asked a good PT about this yesterday and all he does is a 4 site measurement.  Forget formulas attempting to guess at BF%.

 

If the measurements are dropping then what more do you need to know?  As you say, just be consistent.

[Leeroid]

But I need to know my bodyfat percentage so that I can tell everyone on the internet that I'm only 7%

[Gym rat]

I second that as well looking very sold keep it up

[Pseudonym]

But I need to know my bodyfat percentage so that I can tell everyone on the internet that I'm only 7%

See, that's where you're going wrong. Your internet percentage should be quite unrelated to your real life percentage.

[crazyfacials]

your first mistake is by going with the cheap ones, they will keep on giving you a better reading than you expect

[Kalidane]

But I need to know my bodyfat percentage so that I can tell everyone on the internet that I'm only 7%

See, that's where you're going wrong. Your internet percentage should be quite unrelated to your real life percentage.

 

lol exactly.  We're all 5% on the internet