Body Fat Monitors
From LoveToKnow Exercise
Body fat monitors help people maintain the whole fitness picture. Weight loss is a struggle for more than 30 percent of the population. Too often, the focus of weight loss is put on what the scale in the bathroom says, but the scale generally only provides body weight. A person’s body weight may fluctuate anywhere between 1 to 5 pounds from week to week. Body weight also does not take into account body mass. Muscle weighs a great deal more than fat. Body fat monitors help people to track their percentage of body fat along with their weight to provide a comprehensive picture for improved fitness.
Home Body Fat Monitors
Measuring body fat is one of the first steps a personal trainer will take when designing a fitness program. Home body fat tools are relatively new in the world of fitness. The home use monitors come in a wide variety, with some customizable features. Ideally, the measurements are taken via bioelectrical impedance devices that provide an accurate measurement of body fat.
Previously, hydrostatic weighing was the most accurate method of measuring body fat. In hydrostatic weighing, a person is lowered into the water while exhaling and pushing out all the air they can. They continue to push out air as they are submerged. The body is then weighed in the water. Fat is actually lighter than water, thus the more body fat a person has, the more likely they are to float.
Fat calipers are another body fat measurement tool. Calipers are uncomfortable and require pinching key areas to measure body fat mass on thighs, hips, waist and arms. These measurements then provide a look at the body fat index, but the measurements are not always 100% accurate.
Bioelectrical Monitors
The idea behind bioelectrical impedance devices for measuring body fat is their accuracy. How are they accurate? It begins with the small electrical charge that is sent through the feet (yes like when a person is standing on a scale) or their hands (when they grasp the device). The unit uses information on age, gender and weight along with the speed the charge traveled through the body back to the unit to measure body fat. The charge is not uncomfortable and in many cases it’s barely perceptible, however, individuals who use a pacemaker are not recommended to use these types of body fat monitors.
Most bioelectrical impedance devices will store the basic data so it does not have to be re-entered each time. The benefit of the devices that also double as scales is that weight is updated each time it is used so that on the spot, accurate calculations can be made. If using a device like this with children, it is worth noting that not all devices have a child setting, so be sure to check that out when shopping for a device.
Water Weight is a Factor
Women should note that when retaining water, most bioelectrical monitors will give inaccurate readings. Some experts suggest that when water weight is fluctuating and a weight scale is involved, be sure to shed clothes before taking a reading. All users should avoid being dehydrated when testing their body fat. The ideal time is at least 3 hours after a meal and emptying his or her bladder.
Find Body Fat Measurement Tools
A quick glance at Amazon.com shows a wide variety of different body fat measurement tools along with heart rate monitors and more. When shopping for the ideal device, be sure to check out other consumer opinions along with expert recommendations. The device should require some informational input (weight, age, gender) and use bioelectrical impedance for measurement. Devices that use the above as well as serving as a weight scale are probably the sturdiest for home use.
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