This is a very accurate method of tracking body composition changes and the Slim Guide Skin fold Caliper with the Booklet is a GREAT tool for doing this. I have used a few tools over the decades and for the price...this is a great tool!
The booklet DOES give you answers for 1, 2 and 4 location tests instantly without any complex math.(see P.S. at bottom.)
This is best used by taking measurements over a period of time and tracking changes. If your interest is simply to monitor your body composition over time for general health, once every one to three months is a good interval. If, on the other hand, you have a specific goal or are in an intensive nutrition/training cycle, you may wish to track once a week.
If you are looking to lose weight (by losing excess fat) ...measuring Lean Body Mass and Body Fat is the only way to insure you are not losing muscle and water.
Many diets cause massive losses of water and muscle (very low calorie and low carbohydrate diets for example)...leading to a quick regain of pounds at some point. If you are on a diet program, and nobody is measuring your Lean Body Mass and Body Fat, you simply do not know what your body is doing.
So you know my credentials, I have been involved in health and fitness for over 20 years as a Body Builder, Body Sculptor, Trainer, Consultant, Coach and many other positions in the field. I am currently the Director of Personal Success Now.
For the best accuracy with this...
You should have the same person take the measurements at the same time of day. You should take your body weight (needed to determine Lean Body Mass and Body Fat) on THE SAME SCALE at the same time of day every time. The first time, you should measure how far down the Biceps and Triceps you take the measure and make a note. Make a picture diagram of where you take the other two measurements (below the shoulder blade and the side of the waist.) There are directions and diagrams to help you in the book, so don't worry about a thing.
Also, note what cloths you were wearing when you weigh yourself on the scale...always wear them for the weigh-in. Take a photograph of yourself now!! It is very helpful to see images of yourself at 30% bodyfat, then at 25%, then at 20%, then at 18%! If you feel shy, take them yourself in front of a mirror!
You will be glad you did. Just trust me on that.
If the program you are following is not giving you results in three weeks, something is not right. Get some help from a knowledgeable and qualified trainer. They can help you shorten the time it takes to reach your goals and be Your Personal Best.
Always ask potential program managers/trainers how they will help you achieve your goals. If they will not be using these components to help you...consider finding someone else:
1) Food and Nutrient intake monitoring
2) Cardiorespiratory Training
3) Resistance Training
4) Personal Assistance including Body composition monitoring
Additionally, if you are looking to lose body fat, you should consider removing foods with flavorings, colorings, additives, and preservatives from your diet at this time, as clinical tests have demonstrated that some of these can adversely effect bodyfat mobilization (i.e. fat burning) and some even enhance fat storage and stimulate the appetite.
Wishing you Personal Success Now!
P.S.
It is important to know up front that you will need another person to help you if you wish to get the most accurate results using this method of body composition monitoring. To more accurately determine your Lean Body Mass and Body Fat, you take caliper measurements from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7 (or even 9) locations on the body. 2 of these are from behind: Just below your shoulder blade and the back of your arm (which you can reasonably do alone.) There is an option to use a measurement from only one location (front of the arm) to determine bodyfat, however this is not as accurate as taking it from multiple (3+)locations.
There are on-line calculators that will allow you to use a 3-site measurement that 1 person can do alone.Here is one such: linear-software.com/online.html.Since this is based on a mathematical calculation, you can do it yourself if you are interested...here is the information:
The 3 Skin fold sites required for Men are:
Chest, Abdomen, Thigh;
The 3 Skin fold sites required for Women are:
Triceps, Suprailiac, Thigh.
There are illustrations on the website given above.
You must determine body density:
Body Density for Men:
1.1093800-(0.0008267*(sum 3 skinfolds))+(0.0000016*(sum 3 skinfolds)^2)-(0.000257*age)
Body Density for Women:
1.0994921-(0.0009929*(sum 3 skinfolds))+(0.0000023*(sum 3 skinfolds)^2)-(0.0001392*age)
To Calculate Body Fat %:
(457/Body Density)-414.2
Product DescriptionSLIM GUIDE SKINFOLD CALIPER The most widely used professional body fat caliper in the world. This accurate and easy to use pistol grip trigger caliper is made of durable ABS plastic. Includes "How To Measure Your % Body Fat" manual.
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Skin Fold Caliper
The personal trainer at the athletic club I belong to had me use a dual-grip ball for several exercises. I had never used one before and liked it so much that I decided to get one for home. The eight-pound ball is a good weight for me and the grips make it easy to use. I have arthritis in my hands and the grips definitely make the ball easier to use.
