Calculating body fat with a measuring tape...

[Keyhole]

I have never calculated my body fat, but I am very curious. From everything I read, everything short of being dunked in a tank of water is inaccurate. So basically I'm looking for the cheapest way to keep track.

I read an article before that I cannot find now about taking measurements, plugging them into a formula and coming out with your body fat percentage. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

[Cammo]

You need to get yourself some skinfold calipers - a measuring tape won't tell you a thing.

This is what I have - nice & cheap


Once you have taken readings from the various parts of your body, you need to do some math.

Check this out

Here's another

[Keyhole]

I found this:

Body Fat Estimator

Here's my measurements:

Waist size at narrowest point: 35 inches
Waist size at your naval: 37 inches
Hip size at widest point: 37.5 inches
Neck at narrowest point: 15.75 inches
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 188lbs

Calculated body fat percentage - 20.72%


If that is accurate I can believe it. I still have a bunch of fat to lose.

[Cammo]

Originally Posted by Keyhole

I found this:

Body Fat Estimator

These online bf calculators are bogus - how can they tell what is fat & what is muscle?

[jproudj]

I just did the online one and it came out @ 5.6% - Sweet, where's my six pack then?!

[HammerTech]

I'm a flabby bastid according to that calculator...oh wait, I'm a flabby bastid anyhow!

But we can change that....hehehe....

[Keyhole]

Any recommendations on a caliper?

Amazon.com: Slim Guide Skin Fold Caliper: Sports & Outdoors

This one any good?

[Cammo]

Originally Posted by Keyhole

Any recommendations on a caliper?

Amazon.com: Slim Guide Skin Fold Caliper: Sports & Outdoors

This one any good?

That one looks fine - don't go spending too much, they all do the same job.

Don't forget you'll need someone to take your measurements when you get around to using it.