The most convenient method for measuring bodyfat is the use of skinfold calipers

This method is subject to error, particularly in light of the fact that everyone differs as to the locations on their body where fat is distributed; however, numerous scientific studies have shown the skinfold method to be reasonably accurate, and it is far simpler and much less expensive than the other methods used.

There is only one true way to get an accurate measurement of your body fat percentage, and that is by using something called body fatcalipers. Calipers are a measurement device used to measure thickness. In this case, it will be the thickness of parts of your body. There are a few specific spots (referred to as “skinfolds”) that you measure with the calipers, and then you do some basic math, and… that’s it. Within seconds you will know your body fat percentage.

Skinfold calipers come in many different varieties, ranging from extremely expensive (several hundred dollars) to relatively cheap (less than ten dollars). Perhaps the most popular brand is Accu-Measure®, which are 100% plastic in design. The pressure of these calipers on the skinfold is determined by a third leg which “snaps” into a small slot as the calipers are squeezed to the proper pressure. While these calipers are modestly accurate, they are often criticized as being less accurate than calipers using metal springs.

Another popular brand of calipers, reputed to be more accurate, is Slim Guide®. These calipers are predominantly plastic but have precision metal springs designed to place the proper amount of pressure on the skinfold. Rather than squeezing these calipers together, they are squeezed open, and the spring pressure then closes them to the proper pressure.

A Digital Body Fat Caliper is also available. The FatTrack GOLD is a new configuration of the successful FatTrack II, with a MyoTape Body Tape Measure added for extra measurement capability.

Another fine digital caliper, The Warrior Digital Body Mass Caliper is the first caliper to calculate lean body mass and body fat percentage.

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