The Ideal Way to Measure Body Fat
Skinfold Thickness Measurements
Because underwater weighting it is complicated and cumbersome and requires special equipment, most exercise physiologists use simple skinfold measurements to determine body fat percent. The College of Sports Medicine says that when performed by a trained, skilled, tester, they are up to 98% accurate if you take your time and follow the instructions you should be able to obtain the same accuracy.
Follow the simple steps below instructions and charts also included with the tester.
Step 2 While standing, firmly pinch the suprailliac skinfold between your left thumb and forefinger, see figures 2 and 3. Place the jaws of the Personal Body Fat Tester over the skinfold, while continuing to hold the skinfold with the left hand, see figure 4
Step 3 Press with the thumb where indicated on the Personal Body Fat Tester until you feel a slight click. The slide member will automatically stop at the correct measurement, see figure 5. After reading your measurement, return the slide member to the far right starting position. Repeat three times and use the average as your measurement. Refer to the body fat interpretation chart to determine your body fat percentage and what it means.