Trainers that measure body fat levels, using a Bioelectrical Impedance device, what device do you use with your clients?

I just use the omicron hand held…I don’t use it for accuracy but as a referenc of progress.

I use the Skyndex calipers. I like the fact that it calculates body fat percentage automatically.

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.

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! 🙂

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.