gus

iTrader: (1)

whats the average fat index suposed to be


we have new scales at the gym that measure your fat index, mine was 22.7.

whats that good or bad?

it doesnt give you a ideal or anythiing to go by

gus

iTrader: (1)

just got back from gym and its now 20.4



is it a percentage of your body that is fat?

FastFordChris

from what i gather its the same as body fat %

they say you should take a good few readings before taking an avarage to allow for water retention etc

personally i'm not really inclined to use it as if you look fat then you work harder at the gym

Rs1

iTrader: (1)

Aye it just sounds like your body mass index.
Generally they say........
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

gus

iTrader: (1)

its not bmi its listed as fat index %

Steve200+

I'd like to know more about this bodyfat % thing as well.. mates at the gym have had it done, I've no idea what it's all about (besides the obvious) Can anyone help?

It can't be BMI surely, one lad in particular blatently defies that, but has a low bodyfat % whatsit.

RSPTG

Correct.
It is your body fat %. So if you weigh say 12stonex14=168lb - 20% =134 is your lean body weight.

gus

iTrader: (1)

thought so



whats the average then? any ideas?

Steve200+

How is it measured? I've heard of being done, but haven't been paying attention... special sort of machine or something?

RSPTG

The best and most accurate measure of body fat % is done by the use of hand held calipers. You need someone who knows what they are doing and it is normally taken from several areas. See if one of the instructors at you gym is proficient with this method.

The scales or hand held items can be very inaccurate, as is the timing of when you are measured with regards to food or fluid intake which will make a difference to the readings.

DaveMCMkIII

Can be achieved, as stated, via the calipers using various techniques (i.e. 7 site measurements), by bioelectrical impendance (where a small electrical charge passes though the body) or via DEXA (dual xray anthropometry), however this last method isnt something you'd find at your local gym or even most hospitals or performance centres

I think you can pick up fairly cheap bioelectricial impendance devices now, not sure though.

bigwelshlad

how do the calipers work on beer bellies? could i only find out my body fat accurately using other methods ?

Steve200+

Riiiiiight I've seen people vaguely with the big 'pincers', makes sense now, Cheers chaps!

Rs : I packed in the gym, after they issued a 'no sweat' policy.

Dave, would you believe it
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...714&doy=search

RSPTG

They pinch ya from the side above the hip along with other points on the body, .....not your actual belly.