Body Fat Caliper

[Alone]

I bought the Accu-Measure body fat caliper, and at 5'10/165lbs, it says my BF is 11%.

My concerns are simple.

1. The instructions say to only measure one point near the stomach. I thought there were supposed to be multiple points?

2. I'm by no means fat, but I'm not nearly cut either. 11% seems a bit...low for me?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Alone
I bought the Accu-Measure body fat caliper, and at 5'10/165lbs, it says my BF is 11%.

My concerns are simple.

1. The instructions say to only measure one point near the stomach. I thought there were supposed to be multiple points?

2. I'm by no means fat, but I'm not nearly cut either. 11% seems a bit...low for me?

There are multiple-point tests. I would look them up online and how to calculate them. Also, make sure you're doing it right - not too tight. It takes some training to hone things in, but you can get a general reading with a multiple point test.

 

[KingGheedora]

I haven't gotten a chance to test this out myself but I bookmarked a review I found on Amazon.com while I was buying my calipers.

http://exrx.net/Testing/BodyCompSites.html
http://exrx.net/Calculators/BodyComp.html

Here's the actual review (saved this, don't have the link to it)

The caliper is *great* and the myotape can be useful, too. Both are easy to use.

Some reviews have said the caliper is too simple to be effective, but they are mistaken. Their problem is not with the caliper, but the way they are using it (see more below). This product is recommended by the pros, and there is no reason to pay any more.

Caliper: It's a little tough to get a consistent reading, but with practice it gets easier. The product has a great "click" feature so you can never push too hard. Do not use the instructions or the chart that comes with the product, however, as it will decrease the accuracy and consistency of your body fat measurements. A much more reliable method is to use the internet (see below).

Myotape: Very easy to use and good compliment to caliper.

How to maximize this product using the internet:
1) EXRX dot net has a page which lists the skinfold sites to measure under /Testing/BodyCompSites.html and a calculator page under /Calculators/BodyComp.html that will give you the appropriate fat %. I use the 3 site method since the 7 site method requires the help of another person, and it's not necessarily that much superior, anyway.
2) gain-weight-muscle-fast dot com /body-tape-measurements.html lists further regions to measure
3) Each time you measure (weekly, monthly, etc), do it the same time of day in the same exact spot. This will help minimize error.

Note, the instructions which come with the caliper do work, it's just that it isn't the best method, which is why some fitness freaks were complaining. Consistency across measurements is the most important thing when measuring body fat, and the suprailiac is terribly tough spot to hit consistently. Veer just a little off and the reading will change. But if you use the other method I listed, these problems will be alleviated. Also, the 3 site method is more accurate, with minimal additional effort.