Is this an adequete body fat caliper?

[FDF12389]

Started 5x5 today, and I want to start tracking body fat accurately, will this do the trick?

http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/fitness2000.shtml

 

[KoolDrew]

I prefer the "Slim Guide" because it's spring loaded leaving a lot less to human error. Also, make sure to get a MyoTape with it.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
I prefer the "Slim Guide" because it's spring loaded leaving a lot less to human error. Also, make sure to get a MyoTape with it.

link?

 

[KoolDrew]

http://www.amazon.com/Slim-Gui...-Booklet/dp/B0000AN3UB

Either caliper will get the job done though. If you want something a bit more economical, stick to the one you posted. The only thing I will not recommend is the digital fat track caliper. I bought it and it's complete crap.

 

[FDF12389]

Thanks

 

[TheVrolok]

The thing with calipers is this.. they can be accurate if you know exactly what you're doing/are experienced with them. This means that as a beginner, your measurements will probably be off - but that's ok. Think about it as a way to follow your change in BF rather than your actual BF. So while you may not be measuring properly, as long as you measure the same way each time you'll still notice trends in increasing/decreasing BF.

 

[Deeko]

I had hydrostatic testing done this week, they come to my gym every 2 months....that's the best way if its available.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

you could get tested profesionally once and then measure yourself with these cheapies to get a baseline. then you'd just use the calipers to measure your progress. it wouldn't be perfect but it would definitely help you track your progress. i think taking a picture once a week or every other week would be a good idea also for tracking progress.

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: Deeko
I had hydrostatic testing done this week, they come to my gym every 2 months....that's the best way if its available.

Unless you're a high roller and splurge for DEXA! Eek.

 

[FDF12389]

Originally posted by: M0oG0oGaiPan
you could get tested profesionally once and then measure yourself with these cheapies to get a baseline. then you'd just use the calipers to measure your progress. it wouldn't be perfect but it would definitely help you track your progress. i think taking a picture once a week or every other week would be a good idea also for tracking progress.

What would a professional measurement entail?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: FDF12389

Originally posted by: M0oG0oGaiPan
you could get tested profesionally once and then measure yourself with these cheapies to get a baseline. then you'd just use the calipers to measure your progress. it wouldn't be perfect but it would definitely help you track your progress. i think taking a picture once a week or every other week would be a good idea also for tracking progress.

What would a professional measurement entail?

Someone who is well-trained (hopefully) will do exactly what you would've done, but they will probably get a better reading. They will do a 3, 5, or 7 point pinch test I think, 7 point being the most accurate if done correctly. I may be wrong though since I haven't had it done personally.