Where to get measured for body composition?

[Patt]

So, soon (this weekend), I will be starting the Starting Strength program. I really want to have a complete picture of where I'm currently at (even though it will make me cringe) so I that I can have measureable results.

Two questions ...

Does anyone know of places that do this for a fee?

and

Is this something I could do with calipers etc. that would be sufficient and accurate enough for my needs?

Thanks.

 

[Patt]

Better yet ... tell me what you monitor to track your progress besides the exercise you're doing and your weight.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

You could buy calipers and use them as long as you're consistent in your measurements. Personally, I go off how I feel, how I look, and what the scale says (just for technicality). Because of this, I'm a big fan of progress pictures. If you're going through a significant metamorphosis, then taking them every 2 weeks would be a good idea to see your true progress. Also, I can almost guarantee you'll just feel the difference in your energy levels, quality of sleep, etc.

 

[Deeko]

http://bodyfattest.com/ ?

 

[katank]

For BF %, most gyms should have people capable of doing caliper measurements. You can also buy a caliper and do it yourself. It should be pretty accurate after getting a bit of practice. Look online for 5 point or 7 point BF caliper measurement formulas. A caliper is pretty cheap. You can get a decent one for ~10 bucks.

Another option is to get a scale which has bioimpedance measurement. That's more expensive and probably unnecessary.

Other ways to measure progress include getting an elastic tape measure (those used for tailoring etc.) and measure waist size, chest size, etc.

Lastly, taking pictures can also work well. It's very noticeable.

 

[brikis98]

If you have some dying need to know your bf% exactly, you'll need a hydrostatic measurement similar to what Deeko posted. However, I think that the average person can use a few much cheaper/simpler tools to get a pretty good estimate. Moreover, since it's really the improvement in your measurements that you should care about, rather than some arbitrary absolute value, the cheap/simple solution is a better choice since it's easier to do on a regular basis. I'd suggest using a combination of the following:

1. Bodyweight
2. Appearance in the mirror
3. Progress across a series of photographs
4. At home bf% tests using tape measure or calipers
5. Progress in your exercise
6. How you feel during the day

Each of the above paints only a partial picture, but putting them together should give you a very good sense of your progress in not only your body composition, but your athletic performance/abilities and overall health as well.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: brikis98
If you have some dying need to know your bf% exactly, you'll need a hydrostatic measurement similar to what Deeko posted. However, I think that the average person can use a few much cheaper/simpler tools to get a pretty good estimate. Moreover, since it's really the improvement in your measurements that you should care about, rather than some arbitrary absolute value, the cheap/simple solution is a better choice since it's easier to do on a regular basis. I'd suggest using a combination of the following:

1. Bodyweight
2. Appearance in the mirror
3. Progress across a series of photographs
4. At home bf% tests using tape measure or calipers
5. Progress in your exercise
6. How you feel during the day

Each of the above paints only a partial picture, but putting them together should give you a very good sense of your progress in not only your body composition, but your athletic performance/abilities and overall health as well.

After doing some more research, and reading all these answers, I'm going to do essentially what you suggested in your list.

1. I'll keep track of pounds, though I really don't care what I weigh so long as I'm healthier and feel better.
2. I will keep track with weekly photographs. Whether I post them here or not is yet to be determined
3. I will have my wife help me with specific measurements, probably not including calipers as I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to.
4. I will keep a training journal, and update it here on ATHF. This will include not only the weight lifting I'm doing, but also some of the diet related information, and how I'm feeling.

Thanks everyone for the replies ... I'm hoping that tomorrow is the day I start.

 

[KoolDrew]

Consistency > accuracy.

Just about every method out there has it's disadvantages, but the important thing is consistency. I generally just use the mirror/pictures, scale, tape measure and calipers. Pictures I try to take monthly, while other measurements are weekly. With the exception of calipers, which I only use from time to time.