Whats the best skinfold test to take?

[morala]

Hi all,

I was wondering what is a more accurate way to measure bodyfat percentage. Would it be Sloane and Weir or Durnin and Wormsley? What does everyone here that posts use to measure bodyfat?

[Truds]

I usually vary it depending on where the client tends to store most of their bodyfat. The D & W one is pretty much useless for me as I store most of my bodyfat around my glutes/thighs, so according to them I'm lean as all the time! ha ha

Take a look at the link attached and it has a pretty good selection of different calculations....

http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

[deeepsouth_nz]

The 8 skinfolds as per the ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry) guidelines - inputed into Yuhasz equation BUT then you need to make sure you know your anatomical bony landmarks or you might as well not bother. Alternatively, find an ISAK accredited practitioner (refer SESNZ website).

[Pseudonym]

Good question! (And good answers, too!)

[morala]

Thanks for the feedback people

I have done both S & W and D & W. I though S & W is a bit too low for calculating body fat percentage.

I know how hard out the ISAK protocols are. I know my landmarks but a proffessional is the way to go.

My gym does D & W but I havent been tested for a while. Been a bit scared to know how fat I am

[ngapuhi strong]

The 8 skinfolds as per the ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry) guidelines - inputed into Yuhasz equation BUT then you need to make sure you know your anatomical bony landmarks or you might as well not bother. Alternatively, find an ISAK accredited practitioner (refer SESNZ website).

this is the way i always get mine done, then it doesnt seam to matter who i get to do them as long as they trained properly i always get ralitive results

[Sheta]

I use D & W for all my clients. I was using S & W for a while but 2 skinfold sites for girls just didnt really seem to add up.

You could pretty much follow any calculation; as long as you are getting the same 'tester' each time for accuracy and your skin folds are dropping, it shouldnt really matter.

Sheta

http://www.evolveyourself.co.nz

[SamWelly]

A mirror is a really good guide

BF% should be less important than definition IMO.

[morala]

Dont bodyfat % and definition go together? Like losing the bodyfat % would show more definition.

I know a mirror is a good guide but knowing how much % of bodyfat gives a good guide of how far off someone is to getting defined. Thats my opinion anyway.

[Luigi]

Dont bodyfat % and definition go together? Like losing the bodyfat % would show more definition.

I know a mirror is a good guide but knowing how much % of bodyfat gives a good guide of how far off someone is to getting defined. Thats my opinion anyway.

your right they do go together.... but unless your on a serious diet - say leading up to a comp then i would say the mirror is prob a better idea as its easy to see if you have lost any bf without worrying about measuring etc..

[morala]

Dont bodyfat % and definition go together? Like losing the bodyfat % would show more definition.

I know a mirror is a good guide but knowing how much % of bodyfat gives a good guide of how far off someone is to getting defined. Thats my opinion anyway.

your right they do go together.... but unless your on a serious diet - say leading up to a comp then i would say the mirror is prob a better idea as its easy to see if you have lost any bf without worrying about measuring etc..

It also depends on the person as well. Some people can look in the mirror and be dellusional. For someone a little out of shape, a skinfold test showing them that they are over 20% can wake them up.