Alternatives to Bodyfat Caliper Testing

[nubiennelady]

I'm following the Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle program and I need a fairly accurate, consistent method of checking my bodyfat percentage on a weekly basis. I've purchased an Accu-Measure Bodyfat Caliper as recommended in Venuto's book but I have real doubts that I'm measuring my suprailliac (which you are instructed to do) b/c most of my excess fat is on my stomach. The last time I had a BodPod measurement done (in January), I was 36% bodyfat. When I went to my gym in March, my bodyfat was 38% using the handheld tester. But with this Accu-Measure caliper, my bodyfat is ranging from 32-45%. Should I just get a handheld tester and use those %s since they seem to be fairly accurate and consistent? Or is there another easy, affordable method of doing this?

Thanks,

Nubie

[JimBad05]

Ideally, BodPod or hydrostatic weighing is the best way to determine bodyfat percent.

But, consistant and reliable measurements can be gotten from a caliper, eevn if they're not 100% accurate. I personally used to hate my calipers. But, after toying with them for a bit, I was able to establish a procedure. Basically, I go to all 3 sites, the exact same position each time, and pinch all the fat thats fit to grab. Then, I take the measurement right next to my fingertips. It may or may not be thr right way to do it, I don't know and I don't care. I just know that it consistantly gives me readings (last week 14.2%, this week 13.6%) that I feel good about. Basically, doing the same exact thing every time won't be accurate, but they will be good indicators in a relative sense.