Body Fat Testing For Trainers

[nyflex]

Who here does Caliper Testing? If so does anyone do 9 point testing? Where did you learn this? And how do you do it?

 

[bignate73]

www.exrx.net has the points and the calculator on it.

 

[Fyre]

I usually only use six sites.

 

[nyflex]

I do 9 now but I lost all my info on it.
I had some tainer say that a 3 point test was all that was necessary!
How about the factor of the lower body?
Where do most women store Body Fat?
What a ignorant fool, he actually went on TV and stated this.

 

[bignate73]

the fact of the matter is, its not practical.
there are not many clients comfortable/tolerant enough for a trainer to do a 9 or 7pt test. a 3 or 4 pt is just fine for seeing a change. keep in mind, the women's and men's chart is made differently for a reason. through statistical data of fat distribution.

usually a 3pt includes chest, abdomen/SI and THIGH.

when i did my 4pt tests and had someone hydrostatically weighed, i was .3 off. is it necessary to get closer?

 

[zackdarnell]

I had some tainer say that a 3 point test was all that was necessary!
How about the factor of the lower body?

The 3-point test includes the thigh.

 

[argent]

The more sites the better the accuracy will be. The skinfold is not a very accurate method of determining bodyfat even with an expert administering it. A much better way to chart progress would be to record all of the site measurements in mm and not convert it. Then you will be able to go back 2 weks from now and say" I've lost 7mm off my SI measurement" which is more feasible than trying to convert it.

 

[nyflex]

So lets say when it comes to accuracy, or if your just trying to show any significant change in your clients body, the 7- 9 is a better alternative vs. the 3-4 point? If someone is uncomfortable with a BF test then you can stick to measurements.
For short term clients I think the 3-4 is fine but for your long term or to make them become a long term client the more sites the better. Remember we need to keep them motivated besides how they feel and the clothes fitting so they keep buying!!

 

[argent]

I think the total of the mm is good for all clients b/c a client might lose 3mm off all 7 sites you take. This might say they lost 1% bodyfat. I'd say 21mm lost sounds more impressive than 1% lost.

 

[bignate73]

i usually convert it to lbs of bf lost and LBM gained.

so even if they stagnate in losing weight, we can justify the balancing act of LBM and bf.

i have one guy who tells me, "i dont make progress when im getting measured." he's a machine though. as long as his clothes fit different, he gets worked and gets stronger...he's happy.

quibbling over mm with him wouldnt impress him. but every client is different.

good luck doing some of those measurements with some clients though.

in this business, there really isnt a set protocol you can follow due to the human factor. everyone is different, values different things with regards to their results. what may be interesting for information tracking to us, might not work with them.