Caliper

[Energizer1000]

Previously I posted that I have an Omron Machine to check on my BF level. I received comments that it was not that accurate since it depends on what you just ate, what time you use it, and how you hold it. I was glad to hear that since the reading was a bit high.

So a couple of months back, I got hold of a 3 point caliper (Digital) to check on my body fat. The reading was down compared to the omron which made me happy

However, I learned that it is still not that accurate. They were saying you have to check around 10 different points to get the real body fat levels.

Thus it mean now that my 3 point caliper is inaccurate?

[Hibiscus09]

All methods of skinfold tests are somewhat inaccurate -- they're an estimation. It makes sense that a seven site measure would be slightly more accurate than a three site measure, but I think a three site measure is fine for your purposes.

http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfit/bodycomp.html

Skinfold tests are good for tracking trends if you have a decent caliper. I've had the kind I squeeze myself and always felt like I never knew if I was squeezing harder in one place or another. It's difficult to know whether the pressure you're applying is constant or not.

There are more expensive calipers (a lot more expensive) that apply a constant standard pressure (Lange, Skyndex, Harpendon, etc.)

http://www.drwoolard.com/fitness_tes...d_calipers.htm

If you check out Exrx, they have a good explanation for how to take measurements, sites and a calculator:

http://www.exrx.net/Testing/SkinfoldProcedures.html

Here's another site that shows photos of where you should pinch and explanations of how you should pinch:

http://www.topendsports.com/testing/skinfold-sites.htm

For accuracy purposes, it's also important to figure out a way to make sure you pinch the same places on your body each time. It's difficult to take your own tricep or subscapular measurement.

[Energizer1000]

Thanks for your Inputs Hibs! I use a 3 point measurement which is the Chest, abdomen and thighs. I read in the article your forwarded about the skill required in measuring BF. Where does the skill come in? I just try to nip 3 inches of the whatever I get on those spots and measure it.

[Hibiscus09]

I hate to keep linking you to death, but here's another link by Dr. Hussman in which he describes how to properly pinch a skinfold. Hope it helps:

http://www.hussmanfitness.org/html/T...gProgress.html

[lukamar]

Hibs that's very good explanation of skinfold, I have never seen it before..

I find that I can get quite good repeatability but I still do 3 measurements and average them.

[CapitalJay]

Great links! I've been looking for a good description of skin-fold measurements for awhile! Thanks.

[Energizer1000]

Thanks Hibs! I appreciate the links