Body Fat Percentage

**scotty** · 15-02-2005 11:37 PM

How do you guys measure your % of body fat is it just a simple calculation or do you use some kind of machine? Still think iam putting on fat not muscle. Hop some one can tell me away cheers.

**Lowmans** · 16-02-2005 09:21 AM

I do a 3 point skin fold test using 'FatTrack Skinfold Digital Calipers', they take some getting used to since you have to measure at the same points each time (I take an average of 3 readings once a month). A 7 or 9 fold test would be more accurate but I do the test myself so doing skin folds on my back would be impossible. I got my skinfold calipers from Ebay.

There are various other methods which are less accurate and use simple body measurements a google search will find many different ones e.g.
http://www.am-i-fat.com/body_fat_percentage.html
http://www.he.net/~zone/prothd2.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/becker11.htm
http://www.zoneperfect.com/site/content/calculator.asp

**smala01** · 16-02-2005 09:53 AM

What about those "fat scales" that send an electronic charge up through your feet? We have a set in the gym. Are they accurate?

**Tom** · 16-02-2005 10:15 AM

at my gym we have one like that but its hand held, it sends an eletric pulse through you and seeing as it takes longer (or shorter?) for that pulse to pass through fat u can work out the body fat.
and i can tell u they are unaccurate as poo. a guy at my gym managed to knock 5% of his percentage by cleaning the metal plates on it and then having a drink of water.
basicly the calipers are the best way, aslong as u do it properly!

**James Copping** · 16-02-2005 07:04 PM

DEXA underwater testing is the best way

.

Calipers are the best method we have though.

**Tom** · 16-02-2005 09:28 PM

Quote

DEXA underwater testing is the best way

as long as u prepare before n dont for example eat **** loads and drink 5 litres of water

**Darkh1de** · 19-03-2005 12:16 PM

what are ur guys body fat anyway

**scallywag** · 19-03-2005 04:01 PM

i dont know mine but will test it when i go to uni
im looking at sports science and they use the underwater testing there

being an ectomorph i find i dont put on bodyfat easily
however protein shakes do seem to trigger it with me which is very annoying

, iam messin around with the ingredients to see what it could be

**Barry** · 19-03-2005 07:07 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by scallywag

i dont know mine but will test it when i go to uni
im looking at sports science and they use the underwater testing there

being an ectomorph i find i dont put on bodyfat easily
however protein shakes do seem to trigger it with me which is very annoying

, iam messin around with the ingredients to see what it could be

I used to be an ectomorph, too scallywag, but I'm 35 so I don't have that problem anymore.
I got MP's Whey Protein Isolate last week for the first time.
I used 300g each day. I must say I ended up eating less food/protein as a result but not intentionally.
Anyway, I noticed I've put on a little fat as well this week.
I've gained about 7-8lbs in one week(215lbs). Of course steroid free I don't believe our bodies could naturally put on 7-8lbs of muscle in one week. So some must have been fat.
The thing is, my diet has been very low in fat. Perhaps lower than usual.
But then, a gram of protein has 4 calories so 300g of whey is an extra 1200 calories, minus the slight reduction in my food intake.
I've been training like a madman but I guess what your body doesn't need, even protein, it will turn into fat? And not just eliminate it out of your body.
My answer, firstly, more lean food and slightly less whey, this makes nutritional sense. And then work out just how much protein I really need for my training,bodytype,lifestyle. You hear so much talk about 1g per lb bodyweight to 1.5g, to 2.0g.
Ensure you're not overdoing your protein intake, we rarely consider this.
Also is your training enough? ie: reps, sets. Are you doing enough?
Lastly look at your fat and overall carorie intake and your general lifestyle.
When I was younger I couldn't gain weight for love nor money....now it's easy.
P.S. Do you do any aerobics? I don't, maybe I should, no definitely I should!!!
Even as an ectomorph you should. Try everything, every variable!

Good Luck!

Barry
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**scallywag** · 19-03-2005 09:42 PM

thaks barry for your very detailed response
i do aerobic work as i belive its an imoprtant part of a programme.

i dont know if protein can turn to fat but carbs definently can. high GI carbs(ones that increase glucose levels quickly, so often taste sweet) release insulin which can promote fat gain.
Also if you have lots of carbs it stops the fats being respired away as carbs are the first marconutreint to be respired