Answers (12)
1
I personally use Calipers for this reason...
From the research I had to do in college the Bioelectrical Impedance is +/- 12% of the SD (Standard Deviation), basic calipers are +/- 4% of the SD, and hydrostatic weighing is the "gold standard". It's not realistic to have our clients get into their swimsuits to take their BF% nor is convenient or economical, so hydrostatic weighing is out of the questions. So when it comes to better SD, which means more accuracy, I choose calipers. I suggest using calipers as long as you'r consistent and accurate with your pinches for each client. Also, the more sites you take with the calipers the better the reading.
I don't use the BIA because it uses an elecrical current to measure BF% and there are too many factors that come into play such as: temperature of the room and fluid intake. You're going to have a better BF% reading in warmer/hotter temperatures than a colder room due to more blood/liquid flow in the body and less constriction. If your client drinks more water, then he/she will have a better reading because water conducts the electrical current better which means a fast/better reading, where it's the opposite if your client didn't drink much fluids.
I still have my college scientific paper on "Body Composition Assessment" if anyone's interested.
From the research I had to do in college the Bioelectrical Impedance is +/- 12% of the SD (Standard Deviation), basic calipers are +/- 4% of the SD, and hydrostatic weighing is the "gold standard". It's not realistic to have our clients get into their swimsuits to take their BF% nor is convenient or economical, so hydrostatic weighing is out of the questions. So when it comes to better SD, which means more accuracy, I choose calipers. I suggest using calipers as long as you'r consistent and accurate with your pinches for each client. Also, the more sites you take with the calipers the better the reading.
I don't use the BIA because it uses an elecrical current to measure BF% and there are too many factors that come into play such as: temperature of the room and fluid intake. You're going to have a better BF% reading in warmer/hotter temperatures than a colder room due to more blood/liquid flow in the body and less constriction. If your client drinks more water, then he/she will have a better reading because water conducts the electrical current better which means a fast/better reading, where it's the opposite if your client didn't drink much fluids.
I still have my college scientific paper on "Body Composition Assessment" if anyone's interested.
0
I just use the omicron hand held...I don't use it for accuracy but as a referenc of progress.
0
I use the Skyndex calipers. I like the fact that it calculates body fat percentage automatically.
0
I use near infra-red technology with a device called Futrex. It claims to be calibrated against hydrostatic weighing. Once in my career did I have a client who had that procedure, and the results of the Futrex were within 0.2 percent. I was impressed myself.
0
I use the Tanita BF-350 at my office at the gym most of the time and still use my Tanita TBF-521 (which was one of my first pieces of equipment that i acquired when starting as a Personal Trainer) for corporate visits, Wellness Days and Home visits. I still keep my manual Slim Guide Plastic Skinfold Caliper when I have clients with pace makers etc. - cheap and fairly accurate (this is still within 0.5% of the Tanita's readings! :-)
0
As Shawn points out, "..reference of progress.." is what we should be looking at. Without getting technical, accuracy is important, but at the end of the day it boils down to consistency with methods used and the progress from one assessment to the next. I have successfully used my Slim Guide Calipers for many hundreds of clients showing their progress. Find a device that suits your budget and use and then get to know how to use it.
Tanita has software that connects your device to your pc allowing you to automate and streamline your assessments, they also include a nutrition side to the package which may interest you.
Tanita has software that connects your device to your pc allowing you to automate and streamline your assessments, they also include a nutrition side to the package which may interest you.
0
I use skin fold calipers I find them most accurate but it is progress in the right direction that counts
0
I also use the Omron Handheld. It was an inexpensive way to help give my clients an instant measure of their success/progress. I know for $30 were not looking for extreme accuracy, but like others have mentioned it does provide pretty decent consistency.
0
If I'm using a bio-electrical device for body fat measurements I use the Omron monitor.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
I use the plastic slim-guide on occasion for extra accuracy and the health-o-meter body fat scale(bioelectric impedance) to track daily changes in hydration and body fat percentage. The health-o-meter reads the body fat percentage extremely high (so I have to show my clients their actual body fat is much lower with the calipers) but it is fairly consistent to track change.
0
I use my tape measure and scale, simple
Waist circumference is an important measurement, not only for "looks" but health
It's a good guide
Make sure you use the same tape measure!
Waist circumference is an important measurement, not only for "looks" but health
It's a good guide
Make sure you use the same tape measure!
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