Body Fat Measurement

[GoldsGymGirl]

What is a normal body fat range for a woman? Also, what is the most accurate way to measure?
I got my body fat measured at the gym today by a personal trainer.. and she used two methods--the electronic one where you enter in your height and weight, hold on to this little machine and put your arms straight in front of you.. it said my body fat was 9.4%!
Then she did the little pincher one and those measurements said my body fat was about 20%!
How can there be such a big difference?

[98shadow]

A good BF% is 18%. Anything under that is too hard to maintain and really not necesary unless you plan on competing and over that is about average and we do want to be better than average (lol) No method is foolproof. I never go a good measurment with the hand held things, they have alot to do with you hydration level.
The caliper test is pretty good when done by someone who knows what they are doing. You don't weigh very much for your height.
If your bf% is 20 I would say you should concentrate on building some muscle. Are you happy with the way you look, that is what is really important, averything else is just a number.

[GoldsGymGirl]

That's what I'm trying to do now, build more muscle..
I'm okay with the way I look.. I just really want to look more fit/muscular. Since browsing the forums, I have learned so much! I have upped all my weight when weight-training and have upped my protein as well... I've also added good fats to my diet. I am already seeing a difference!

[manchesterbu]

Originally Posted by GoldsGymGirl

That's what I'm trying to do now, build more muscle..
I'm okay with the way I look.. I just really want to look more fit/muscular. Since browsing the forums, I have learned so much! I have upped all my weight when weight-training and have upped my protein as well... I've also added good fats to my diet. I am already seeing a difference!

I'm almost 5'7" and was 117 pounds. So I was almost the same as you.

The pincher test is more accurate - if they are doing it right.

20% is probably more correct than the 9%. I was at 21%....now down to 16%.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[GoldsGymGirl]

When should I get re-tested in order to see better results? A few months.. 6 months.. year?

[freebirdmac]

Originally Posted by GoldsGymGirl

When should I get re-tested in order to see better results? A few months.. 6 months.. year?

Never? BF testing is like the Holy Grail of weight management. Maybe one day an accurate means of measurement will be found. You are far better off taking measurements and pictures to monitor your progress.

[GoldsGymGirl]

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

Never? BF testing is like the Holy Grail of weight management. Maybe one day an accurate means of measurement will be found. You are far better off taking measurements and pictures to monitor your progress.

You're absolutely right! Thanks

[manchesterbu]

Originally Posted by GoldsGymGirl

You're absolutely right! Thanks

Every 6 weeks is when I get measured.