Whats a good body fat calculator for me.?

Question

Here is my problem. I'm a martial artist who is pretty muscular. But at the same time I'm kinda fat too. So whats an accurate body fat calculator that will help me calculate my bf%. The circumferance one cant be right because my muscles contribute to my width of the abs just like my fat would so it couldnt work. So whats a good way to calculate?

Answer 1

One of the only ways to get a decently accurate measurement...besides the whole being submerged in water thing that I don't really understand...would be to go to a trainer or something and have a caliper test done. They take this little tool and measure the fat at 6 or 7 points on your body...plug it into a formula...and usually get a pretty close estimate. Those stupid things where you type in age, height, and weight are a joke! I did that the other day just for fun. I am 5'7", 190 lbs, and 25 years old. I also lift weights everyday and...in my little small gym...am probably one of the strongest guys there. I have a large frame and while i have some fat on my stomach...my upper abs are poking out. And my waist size is around a 33...or at least my 34's are really loose. Well...I checked mine on this msn thing and it told me that my body fat was 35 percent and I was obese. Those things are def a joke. If I had to estimate I'm probably in the 10-12 % range. And with you being into martial arts...I imagine yours is fairly low also. If you get the chance sometime...swing by a gym and see if they have a trainer there that knows how to do a caliper test...that's your best bet.

And one last thing. there are electronic things that you hold in your hands and it's supposed to be able to send a signal through your body and figure it out somehow. I've never found them very accurate. the one experience I had with one of those was a few years ago. i had a caliper test done 2 weeks before and i was around 7 percent...which i think was pretty accurate...i had a 6 pack back then and in way better shape than i am now. well...i tried the electronic thing like 3 days in a row and it ranged from 12 to 15 percent. i talked to several trainers and they say they aren't very accurate because they don't take into account the amount of water that is in your body at the time. seemed to make sense to me.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

If you go to a physician or sports specialist, they can use a body fat caliper, which is like a big clip that they pinch the back of your arms with and some fat on your tummy. The thicker the measurement, the more body fat you have.

You can also do a flotation tank where they hold you underneath water and weigh you or something. I've never done it before, but I saw it in a magazine once.

Also, you can get an electrode thing that sends electric pulses through your body. Since electric passes through fat faster than it does muscle, the longer it takes to get back, the less fat you have. They're not very accurate, but if you want something to do at home they're a good alternative. You can buy one at GNC or Bed, Bath and Beyond. I'm sure they have them at sports stores, too.

Answer 4

Body fat calipers or floation tanks are the most accurate. Bioelectrical impedance is not very accurate (digital readout not withstanding).

Here is a link to some info about the different ways of measuring body composition.

Answer 5

BMI Calculators are bullshit. I think you should just get a fat pinch test to be more accurate. Just know that they all have error to them, and that as long as you're a generally healthy male, then that's what you should take pride in:D

Answer 6

There's really no BMI calculator

The best bet is to go to your physician

Answer 7

i do it this way, when i shower if i can look down and see my limp wee wee without leaning forward im not to fat!!!!

Answer 8

a mirror.