Fat Test

[Arhat of Fury]

How accurate is the electronic fat tester. Its the one that sends a 65ohm current through your body. You grip it and hold your arms out straight.
I took that at the gym today and it said I was 20%. That just doesnt seem correct cause right now Im concentrating more on cardio and toning up. Before when I was building muscle I was around 14%. Im thinking its aploy to make people think that they need personal training.

Whaddy all think?

[Viper555]

Give this a shot:

Multiply your weight by 1.082 then add 94.42(weight factor)

Multiply your waist measurement(at navel)by 4.150(waist factor)

Subtract your waist factor from your weight factor(lean body mass)

Subtract your lean body mass from your actual weight(body fat)

Divide your body fat by your actual weight and then multiply that by 100.

This is what I use to get my BF% and it seems to work alright although im guessing its not 100% accurate.

[IronFist]

^ That way said I'm 12%, which is a bit high.

Arhat, I've seen electronic measurements that were very accurate, and I've seen electronic measurements that were very inaccurate.

[Arhat of Fury]

^that way said I was Almost 30%.

Well, I guess I'll go back and have one of the trainers with the calipers do the test.

While we're on formula's anyone got the target heart rate formula.

[Chief Fox]

220 - (your age) gives you your maximum heart rate.

If you want to burn fat You need to be at 75 to 85 % of that.

For me.

220 - 35 = 185

185 * .75 = 138
185 * .85 = 157

138 to 157 bpm is my fat burning zone.

It will be slightly different depending on what kind of shape you're in. But this is a good basic guide line.

[Arhat of Fury]

thanks chief fox,

This may be a stupid question, but the above mentioned test I took, Does it take into consideration your muscle mass?

[Chief Fox]

It's a very basic way to get close to your Maximum Heart Rate. I'm sure there are more complex/accurate ways to find your MHR that might consider muscle mass.

Once you find your MHR it's all just percentages of that.

I've read another way to find your MHR that might be more accurate.

Hop on a stationary bike. Make sure you warm up. ride for a minute then icrease the intensity a bit. Ride for another minute and increase again. Do this ten times. The last minute should be an all out everything you've got gonna die if you don't stop effort. Take your heart rate as soon as you're done. This should be your MHR.

[Arhat of Fury]

oops sorry, I meant above mentioned fat test.

[Viper555]

I'm not really sure if it does or not. I got it from the NO2 book. I'm sure it's probablly no where near as accurate as using calipers though. I just use as a guideline for making sure I keep losing body fat and to keep making steady progress. Right now it says I have 9% BF.

[rubthebuddha]

it put me at 16 percent or so, which reflects the 15 i got a while ago on an electric. can't be too far off. :)

[Arhat of Fury]

well, I guess Im fat then,
But I dont look it, almost got a 6 pack.

Guess I'll keep to my goals,

Thanks,