You can break down body fat testing techniques into four methods. There is the Navy Method, Home Body Fat Scales, Skin fold Calipers a and lastly, Hydrostatic Weighing. For our purposes we will only review the three most commonly applied.
The first technique is the Home Body Fat Scale. A very small electrical charge is passed through the body, and a resistance measurement is taken. When you compare the results to your actual body weight, your body fat can be determined.
There are many factors that can affect the outcome of this test. This is the most error prone of the tests in this article. The electrical currents from the heart and the skeletal muscles can affect the results; as can water in the body. Skin temperature and physical activity can also have a direct impact on the test readings. Exercise should be avoided for at least 12 hours before the test as well as food for 4 hours before.
Skin fold Caliper - Another popular method is the use of calipers. This is the most cost preferred method of measuring body fat. However, you need to learn to use them correctly for this purpose. It should be done by a professional if one is available; but if not, then acquire a set of Accumeasure calipers and follow the measuring instructions as stated. Measurements are taken with the calipers from several different body parts. A formula is then combined with the measurements to determine your body fat.
Hydrostatic Weighing- Hydrostatic weighing; also known as under water weighing is the most accurate way to calculate body fat. That is if you can find a hydrostatic weighing tank. How is it used? First you need to understand the Archimedes Principle. If you took physics in school, you will understand this better. But if you did not, I will explain it now. You or the examiner calculates your body density by measuring the amount of water you displace when you immerse yourself in water. The Archimedes principle reasons that the amount of water displaced when an object is partially or totally immersed in water, is proportional to the weight of that object. In this case you are the object. Then a formula is used to calculate body fat based on your body density. The problem is finding a hydrostatic weighing tank! This is too sophisticated for most people; but it remains the most accurate.
Why bother with measuring your body fat anyway? After all, it seems like a lot of trouble. Knowledge of the exact amount of fat in your body can help you set realistic goals for your weight loss plans. Body fat is an important element in successful weight control. You will be objective and scientific choosing the program that is the best way for you to lose weight. Keeping track of fat loss is the same as watching your calorie intake or getting on scales and checking your weight. Fat measurement is the only way you can objectively track the success or progress of your weight loss program. - 32002
The first technique is the Home Body Fat Scale. A very small electrical charge is passed through the body, and a resistance measurement is taken. When you compare the results to your actual body weight, your body fat can be determined.
There are many factors that can affect the outcome of this test. This is the most error prone of the tests in this article. The electrical currents from the heart and the skeletal muscles can affect the results; as can water in the body. Skin temperature and physical activity can also have a direct impact on the test readings. Exercise should be avoided for at least 12 hours before the test as well as food for 4 hours before.
Skin fold Caliper - Another popular method is the use of calipers. This is the most cost preferred method of measuring body fat. However, you need to learn to use them correctly for this purpose. It should be done by a professional if one is available; but if not, then acquire a set of Accumeasure calipers and follow the measuring instructions as stated. Measurements are taken with the calipers from several different body parts. A formula is then combined with the measurements to determine your body fat.
Hydrostatic Weighing- Hydrostatic weighing; also known as under water weighing is the most accurate way to calculate body fat. That is if you can find a hydrostatic weighing tank. How is it used? First you need to understand the Archimedes Principle. If you took physics in school, you will understand this better. But if you did not, I will explain it now. You or the examiner calculates your body density by measuring the amount of water you displace when you immerse yourself in water. The Archimedes principle reasons that the amount of water displaced when an object is partially or totally immersed in water, is proportional to the weight of that object. In this case you are the object. Then a formula is used to calculate body fat based on your body density. The problem is finding a hydrostatic weighing tank! This is too sophisticated for most people; but it remains the most accurate.
Why bother with measuring your body fat anyway? After all, it seems like a lot of trouble. Knowledge of the exact amount of fat in your body can help you set realistic goals for your weight loss plans. Body fat is an important element in successful weight control. You will be objective and scientific choosing the program that is the best way for you to lose weight. Keeping track of fat loss is the same as watching your calorie intake or getting on scales and checking your weight. Fat measurement is the only way you can objectively track the success or progress of your weight loss program. - 32002
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