How Do You Measure Body Composition?
Today, over 73% of American adults are either overweight or obese. Even if you’re in shape, you might be aiming for a certain percentage of body fat so you’re nice and trim.
You’re doing everything right, but the scale isn’t budging. But you think you notice a difference; is it in your head or is it for real?
A better way to measure results is to measure body composition. What is body composition? It’s the percentage of fat, muscle, and bone in your body.
Read on for a quick guide so you can lead a healthier life!
Body Composition Test
There are ways you can measure your body composition without fancy gadgets. The easiest way is to buy some calipers. This is a tried-and-tested method, as it’s been used for over 50 years.
Take the calipers and measure your skinfold at different sites on your body. It’s recommended that you test 3 to 7 areas, such as your chest, triceps, above your hip bone, thigh, and abdomen. These measurements will tell you how much body fat you have.
Here are some other options.
Hydrostatic Weighing
This is also known as hydrodensitometry and underwater weighing. As the name suggests, you’ll be weighed in a tub of water after you get in it. From this measurement, you can get your lean tissue, muscle, and fat mass.
Obviously, this isn’t very practical to do at home. You’ll usually have to visit a gym, doctor, or wellness clinic to have hydrostatic weighing done.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) Device
A BIA device is handheld, which makes it very convenient. As you hold the device, it’ll send tiny electric currents through your body.
The results? Measurements for your lean tissue mass, as well as water and fat. If you’re looking for convenience and measurements on the go, then this is fantastic to have.
Body Composition Scale
If you’ve got a manual scale, it’s time to ditch it in favor of a body composition scale. These are made of glass and some metal parts you need to step on with bare feet. They use a small and weak electrical current to get not just your weight, but also your body fat and water percentages.
You’ll find scales in a wide variety of price ranges. But typically, the more expensive ones (around $100) are more accurate.
Body Scanner
Go a step up from a body composition scale and get a body scanner, like the one from evolt360.com. It uses the same concept of weak electrical currents. However, it’s much more accurate and detailed.
By placing your hands and feet on the scanner, you’ll get measurements for your fat and muscle mass, as well as the water and minerals in your body. It’ll be the ultimate way to get fit!
Measure Body Composition and Make Lifestyle Changes
As you can see, there are several ways you can measure body composition. Pick the one(s) that’s right for you, and start making lifestyle changes to be as healthy as you can be!
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