Body fat question

[dcsiren]

I just got my body fat measured with one of those hand held devices. While the BMI was normal, I rated higher than normal on the "fat scale." My new trainer couldn't believe it and we tried it again. Basically, a similar read.

Is it possible to have hidden body fat and you just don't see it? Also, when you are bulking up, is it okay for one's body fat to be not just higher but a bit - ok, maybe a little more than a bit - higher than normal? I'm so confused!

Also, I'm 5'4, weigh 143, but now I forget my BMI. I was 140 for a long time, is it possible those three pounds are fat?

I'm getting bruised from pinching myself. Help before I turn purple, haha, thanks!

[trainwithrae]

what is "normal"?
I personally wouldn't trust bf or bmi readings, just go by photos and measurements.

[nicoledominique]

If you've been bulking I really wouldn't worry about it...Once you start cutting down your bodyfat % will decrease rapidly.

[dcsiren]

what is "normal"?
I personally wouldn't trust bf or bmi readings, just go by photos and measurements.

I couldn't tell you. According to him, it was statistically normal. But your suggestion sounds good to me.

[armoured_amazon]

I just got my body fat measured with one of those hand held devices. While the BMI was normal, I rated higher than normal on the "fat scale." My new trainer couldn't believe it and we tried it again. Basically, a similar read.

Is it possible to have hidden body fat and you just don't see it? Also, when you are bulking up, is it okay for one's body fat to be not just higher but a bit - ok, maybe a little more than a bit - higher than normal? I'm so confused!

Also, I'm 5'4, weigh 143, but now I forget my BMI. I was 140 for a long time, is it possible those three pounds are fat?

I'm getting bruised from pinching myself. Help before I turn purple, haha, thanks!

Ahaha you sound like me; I keep measuring a solid 24-5% bodyfat for the whole 6 weeks that I've been eating clean, training heavy and doing lots of cardio. I give up measuring!

[kimm4]

progress pics, measurements and the mirror...that's all i use

[kitebean]

what is "normal"?
I personally wouldn't trust bf or bmi readings, just go by photos and measurements.

I've got to agree with that!

If you take the various methods of measuring BF, calipers, tape, BMI, tanita, omron etc, the disparity on me personally can be as much as 10%!!!! Obviously something is wrong there!

Stop pinching

[heidismommy]

progress pics, measurements and the mirror...that's all i use

Same here and it's a much more reliable method of determining body composition. There is a rather large margin of error that occurs with those body fat measuring gadgets.