Body Fat Percentage.... Is this normal?

[Jrzimmer]

I had my body fat and all my measurement taken today and I was very pleased with the results. The last time I had my body fat checked with the pincher was about 2 months ago and I was 26%. I had it checked today and it was 15%! I about lost it, lol! Over all since I started I've lost 17-20 lbs, and I'm wondering if my new bf measurement is right. The guy that did it is certified and he pinched each area 3x's. But I look in the mirror and don't the 15%, I mean I still have an ass and thighs! Here were my numbers for today:

back of arm: 10mm, 10mm, 11mm-averaged at 10.33
lower belly: 10mm, 11mm, 10mm,- averaged at 10.33
lower thigh: 14mm, 13mm, 15mm- averaged at 14.00

I'm 26 so I'm wondering if that has something to do with it. Any help/input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by Jrzimmer

I had my body fat and all my measurement taken today and I was very pleased with the results. The last time I had my body fat checked with the pincher was about 2 months ago and I was 26%. I had it checked today and it was 15%! I about lost it, lol! Over all since I started I've lost 17-20 lbs, and I'm wondering if my new bf measurement is right. The guy that did it is certified and he pinched each area 3x's. But I look in the mirror and don't the 15%, I mean I still have an ass and thighs! Here were my numbers for today:

back of arm: 10mm, 10mm, 11mm-averaged at 10.33
lower belly: 10mm, 11mm, 10mm,- averaged at 10.33
lower thigh: 14mm, 13mm, 15mm- averaged at 14.00

I'm 26 so I'm wondering if that has something to do with it. Any help/input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

I'm going to be honest, that's a pretty quick time frame to lose 11% body fat. It usually takes longer than that. Body fat numbers mean nothing and you've made great progress so good for you!!

[Jrzimmer]

Originally Posted by kimm4

I'm going to be honest, that's a pretty quick time frame to lose 11% body fat. It usually takes longer than that. Body fat numbers mean nothing and you've made great progress so good for you!!

Thank you! I thought it was a little weird, even the guy that did it looked at the numbers again, lol.... Fortunately I'm not going to base everything off that % so yeaaaaa, but it does look kind of cool, lol!

[Jrzimmer]

Originally Posted by Butterfly_babe

First off, Congrats on the weight loss!

If your stats are right, I would guess the body fat results are probably not accurate unless you are 165 of pure muscle. I'm 5'10 at 163 and Im probably closer to 22% 15% is pretty darn low for a woman and it usually takes more time than a few months. Id be happy getting to 18% at the moment!

Either way, sounds like you have done an amazing job in such a short time and I wouldn't get too caught up in numbers.

Thanks Butterfly Babe! I figured I'm about 21ish % I think it throws the measurement off since most my weight is in my ass....lol. Anyway I checked out your pics, keep up the good work lady!

[Jrzimmer]

Originally Posted by Butterfly_babe

Thanks for the comment. I know what you mean about the fat hiding.... I store all mine in my lower back, lower stomach...real hot

I have the omeron to test bodyfat...and that isint too accurate but I look for trends...if it's going downwards...Im happy!

Whats the Omeron?

[galours]

Omron is a handheld device used for measuring body fat %, it's not quite as accurate as hydrostatic weighing or calipers but it will do. You input your numbers in the device (ht, wt, age) and it calculates bf & BMI.

Btw I've had my bf measured by hydrostatic weighing, kind of costly ~$50 but worth the accuracy. Hope that helps

[Jrzimmer]

Ohhhhh k, thanks! I think they have one of those at my gym. I'll have to try that and give it another go. If that says 15% I will probably faint, lol. Jk Jk....

[freebirdmac]

Omeron and the like are worse than calipers. Do yourself a huge psychological favor and just use the tape measure, mirror, progress picts, and how clothes fit. Trying to use bodyfat measurements to assess fat loss will have you pulling your hair out and very possibly changing up a plan that is really working. There is nothing readily available out there to measure bodyfat and on which to base your plan.

[Jrzimmer]

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

Omeron and the like are worse than calipers. Do yourself a huge psychological favor and just use the tape measure, mirror, progress picts, and how clothes fit. Trying to use bodyfat measurements to assess fat loss will have you pulling your hair out and very possibly changing up a plan that is really working. There is nothing readily available out there to measure bodyfat and on which to base your plan.

True true... still sucks tho, lol. I saw good results this month so I am happy with that. Just hoping my body keeps reacting that way for the next month. Pretty much lost 2-3" everywhere in a month. It will be a miracle if that happens for the next 30 days, lol!

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

Omeron and the like are worse than calipers. Do yourself a huge psychological favor and just use the tape measure, mirror, progress picts, and how clothes fit. Trying to use bodyfat measurements to assess fat loss will have you pulling your hair out and very possibly changing up a plan that is really working. There is nothing readily available out there to measure bodyfat and on which to base your plan.

I have to agree. I see too many women and men go crazy with the numbers...it just seriously messes with your mind.

Progress pics and the mirror are your best guides.

[Jrzimmer]

Amen! Thanks for all the help ladies!

[RachelSarah]

I have been measured with the calipers --but the guy measured my tricep bit, bicep bit and my shoulder blade... Is this correct?? no measurements were taken any where else on my body?
After my first month of working out i lost 0.4% - which isn't great i dont think but at least it went down and not up lol..
xx

[Jrzimmer]

The guy that did mine measured 3x on each: thigh, back of arm, and lower stomach

[Miranda]

Originally Posted by RachelSarah

I have been measured with the calipers --but the guy measured my tricep bit, bicep bit and my shoulder blade... Is this correct??

no. and 3-point isn't that accurate anyway. 7-point is better.

http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/BodyComp.html

[BuffedWildCat]

Especially since most women hold most of their fat on their LOWER bodies. I use the 7 point system myself.

[blessed33]

How did u loose the body fat wat did u eat?