BODYFAT CALCULATORS

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.

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.

These calipers can be ordered on the World Wide Web at the following URLs:

Accu-Measure®:

• Hard Bodies
• Amazon.com

Slim Guide®:

• Hard Bodies
• Amazon.com

A wide variety of skinfold calipers can be purchased from:

Creative Health Products
5148 Saddle Ridge Road
Plymouth, Michigan 48170
Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-742-4478
http://www.chponline.com/

Skinfold measurement requires a little practice. In most cases, one can measure his or her own skinfolds (except in places that cannot be grasped with both hands), but it is often better to have someone else take the measurements to assure objectivity. Measurements should be taken several times and an "average" measurement used. The bodyfat calculators available at this site will automatically "average" three measurements at each of the skinfold sites shown and described. If you wish, you can take five measurements at each site and exclude the highest and lowest measurements.

Using the tips of your thumb and forefinger (not the flat portion where the "fingerprints" are located), firmly pinch the skin in the area to be measured. The skinfold should be pinched firmly and deeply enough that the subcutaneous (under-the-skin) fat is included in the measurement, but not deeply enough to include muscle in the measurement. (See drawings). The jaws of the calipers should be placed closely to the fingertips so that a true reading can be obtained of the amount of fat squeezed between the fingers. Once the jaws of the calipers have settled into place under the proper pressure, the reading (in millimeters) should be entered in the appropriate box of the bodyfat calculator. Detailed photographs of the proper methods for taking skinfold measurements at various sites may be found at Testosterone Magazine's "Body Composition for Beginners."

Using the Bodyfat Calculators

The measurement sites, for both men and women, are shown and described on the screen of the appropriate bodyfat calculator. Enter the skinfold measurements in the boxes provided, as well as your age, then click on the button marked "Calculate Bodyfat" and a final bodyfat percentage will appear in the box below.