what the F*$K is up with these BF% scales?!?!?

[CushingRW]

This makes absolutely ZERO sense to me.
When I started lifting/training/dieting, I was at 228lbs, 5'9, and 21% bodyfat, with a 36" waist.
I'm not 187lbs, with a 33" waist, noticeably more defined, and lifting seriously twice as much in every lift.
The bf scale still says 21%. How is this possible?
The caliper test said I was much higher than 21 before, and now says I'm in the low teens. What is more accurate?

[calmus]

Are you really 5'9?  Lots of times people don't input the right height and it throws the reading off.

Sounds like the calipers are more accurate.

[windsor88]

I have one of those scales too.  It fluctuates 5% in a few hours depending on water intake.  I usually use it when I get up in morning and after a piss.

[chaos]

Junk, plain and simple.

[webcake]

Calipers are the most accurate you can get. The BF scales (e.g Tenita scales) are often way off and easily affected by certain factors. After exercising (cardio) one time and hadn't had enough to drink, the scales said i was 30%BF. I know im not lean, but the next day did the calipers bodyfat test and got measured at approx 17%. As already been said, JUNK.

[Stubborn]

Actually hydrostatic tests are the most accurate. Check it out:

http://www.getdunked.com/home/default.asp

And yes, those scale are worthless.

Though someone definately suckered every woman with a body dismorphic disorder (all of them) into buying one.

[Rimbaud]

Those scales are basically shit.

[stayhungry]

Those scales dont really work for the "Bodybuilder" individual.  They go off height and weight basically....well if that were true then ronnie Coleman would show probably 50% bodyfat considering he is over 300 pounds....

Use the Caliper.....cheap and accurate

[wes]

Get a mirror and use it!!
scales of any kind can be misleading.............. .if you look good or look like shit,the mirror will let you know.

[Mega Man]

The most accuarte way to measure body fat percent is Hydrostatic fat testing under water....I can get it done for $50 at the university of south florida medical lab near my house

[ngm21084]

how accurate are the bf analyzer where you put in all your measurements for height, weight, neck, waist, hips, and belly button? just wondering

[oldtimer1]

Get a mirror and use it!!
scales of any kind can be misleading.............. .if you look good or look like shit,the mirror will let you know.

I agree the mirror is a great tool for judging body fat.  The problem is that to many guys must own circus mirrors judging by the body fat % some guys think they are. 

[ngm21084]

a mirror is the absolute worst way you could ever tell your bodyfat.

when you see yourself everyday, even the most MAJOR gains/losses would be hard to judge because
you see yourself so often that the change isnt perceived.

how accurate are the bf analyzer where you put in all your measurements for height, weight, neck, waist, hips, and belly button? just wondering

what do you think about the above mentioned way of doing it?

[lightweight]

Those scales are basically shit.

This is the most correct statement about these scales.  They consistently tell me that my bf is 20%+ when I can see my abs.

[The Squadfather]

a guy i train with has one of those Omron ones that you enter your weight into and then hold it out at arms length and it has a digital readout of your BF, don't know how reliable it is.

[Stubborn]

a guy i train with has one of those Omron ones that you enter your weight into and then hold it out at arms length and it has a digital readout of your BF, don't know how reliable it is.

We had one of these at a gym I worked at and I tested it by taking in more water, holding it at face level, chest level, or shoulder level. These little differences could change your bf% by 2-6% easily. You would have to eat the same thing, do the same things, and all at the same time of the day to get a comparable result. Then its still going to be off one way or the other.

#1=hydrostatic
#2=calipers
#7,928,356,720=bf% scales and the like.

But candy has a REALLY nice one because it accurately measured him at 13% @ 232! How could this be wrong?

[MCWAY]

Actually hydrostatic tests are the most accurate. Check it out:

http://www.getdunked.com/home/default.asp

And yes, those scale are worthless.

Though someone definately suckered every woman with a body dismorphic disorder (all of them) into buying one.

I've also heard that the test the military does for estimating bodyfat is pretty accurate. For those that don't fit the "ideal" weight for their height, a measurement of the neck and waist is taken. That is plugged into a formula (simplified into a chart for quick reading), resulting in a bodyfat estimation.

Here's are some links:

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/blbodyfatmale2.htm (Height: 5'5" - 5'9^1/2")

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/blbodyfatmale3.htm (Height: 5'10" - 6'2^1/2")

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/blbodyfatmale4.htm (Height: 6'3" - 6'8")

The "Circumference Value" (CV) is simply the difference, in inches, between your waist and neck (i.e. someone who 5'10", weighing 240 lbs. with an 18" neck and a 35" waist would have a CV of 17, which would correspond to a bodyfat estimate of 13%).

These are for guys. If any ladies are interested, let me know and I'll post those links.

[wes]

a mirror is the absolute worst way you could ever tell your bodyfat.

when you see yourself everyday, even the most MAJOR gains/losses would be hard to judge because
you see yourself so often that the change isnt perceived.

Just gotta` knopw what to look for weekly and be honest with yourself.

It is acxtually the best method.

You have now learned something new and of value.

[candidizzle]

Just gotta` knopw what to look for weekly and be honest with yourself.

It is acxtually the best method.

You have now learned something new and of value.

totally agree with you wes

the mirror is the abolute!

following the scale, bf, is bad for me...when im bulking i get to caught up on my weight and forget about bf...when im cutting i get so obsessed with ab definition and bf% that i lose sight of my weight and my thickness

[wes]

I hear you bro...................th e mirror never lies,if you`re fat or carrying too much fat,you can`t help but see it if you are being honest with yourself.

[The Squadfather]

I hear you bro...................th e mirror never lies,if you`re fat or carrying too much fat,you can`t help but see it if you are being honest with yourself.

hard to believe you've ever seen an ounce of fat on your body Wes going by the way you look, seems like you're always shredded, good stuff.

[wes]

Thanks Dave....not always so cut but I never get too fat.

I eat my share of junk when not training for a show..trust me!