A lot of gyms use BIA Scales or devices for measuring bodyfat. They are considered more accurate than doing skinfold tests with a caliper because there is no skill required of the tester. But does that mean they accurately measure bodyfat?
A few years ago I was DEXA scanned, callipered and BIA tested with both a set of BIA scales and a 6-electrode BIA device; all on the same day.
The calipers and DEXA scan both measured me at 8%. The BIA scales put me at 30% before they switched to 'athlete mode' whereby I was 20% bodyfat!
That day, I was the only man on the planet with clearly defined abs at 20% bodyfat!
The tester argued that BIA devices are good; they just don't cater to people like myself with exaggerated muscular development. She then said that all that was needed was an equation based on people like me and then the BIA test would be accurate.
Translation: BIA devices are extremely accurate for measuring bodyfat so long as you already know your bodyfat to begin with.
Translation translated: BIA devices are as useful as a broken compass in a magnet factory during an electrical storm! You should never, EVER base any decisions on their readings!
3 comments:
Spot on Damon!
BIA scales are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
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