IRON KNIGHTS METAL WORKING

Measurement of body composition

Each time you embark on any fitness program, we hope to make some progress. Otherwise, we would only be wasting time. Measure our progress is very important not only for ourselves whether and how quickly they are improving, but because it provides the stimulus for us to stay on the road. However, no measurement is perfectly correct, and not all measures are appropriate for each objective. Using a measure that is irrelevant to your goal is likely to provide meaning or inaccurate information. As a result, we must ensure that the measures we take are appropriate for our objectives. Tools and measures to monitor progress may cover the entire range of indicators measuring health, physical appearance / body composition and performance sports. However, we will stick to indicators of physical appearance and body composition as they are the ones that generate more interest in health and fitness.

This article lists some of the metrics along with their objectivity, accuracy, and overview of its uses and limitations. For the purposes of this discussion, the objectivity of the measurement is defined as independent reading individual interpretation. For example, the weight is considered to be very objective, because if the scale shows a weight of 145 pounds, you do whatever you want to show. In addition, for the purposes of this discussion, the accuracy is defined as ability to accurately indicate body composition such as fat percentage.

Weight

Theory: Person heavier fatter.

Objectivity / accuracy: very objective, very vague

When used alone, weight gives no useful information on body composition. However, when combined with measurements of body fat percentage can be useful in estimating lean mass. It can also be useful for athletes who compete in weight divisions (ie boxers).

Body Mass Index or BMI (weight in kg divided by height2 in meters)

Theory: If two people have the same weight, the shorter fatter.

Objectivity / Accuracy: very objective, very vague

Body mass index gives no useful information on body composition and it is useless to calculate the mass. However, its convenience makes it useful for studies of the general population.

Circumference Measurements with a tape measure

Theory: Smaller thickness (especially around the waist) is thinner.

Objectivity / accuracy: reasonably objective, but a little vague

girth measurements do not measure body composition directly, but can tell you if your waist or hip measurement is expanding or shrinking. girth measurements are very convenient and useful to monitor trends. Furthermore, using a tape measure is the best way to see if it fits in the new clothes.

Photography

Theory: If you look thinner, then they probably are.

Objectivity / Accuracy: Something target but somewhat inaccurate

The results you get from a photograph are affected by lighting, camera or photographic technique. However, If you use photography constant conditions before and after pictures are very useful for measuring progress.

Measuring Buoyancy in a flotation tank

Theory: The muscle is less buoyant than fat.

Objectivity / Accuracy: Very objective and very accurate

measurement of buoyancy is the most accurate measure of body composition in live subjects and is widely accepted as the standard gold. However, it is cumbersome and requires a high degree of expertise of the tester. In addition, the trapped gas can affect the measurement. However, the most accurate in measuring body fat percentage for the purposes of estimating the mass.

Skin measurements with calipers twice

Theory: The least that can pinch, the thinner it is.

Objectivity / Accuracy: Reasonably objective and reasonably accurate

Skinfold measurements are second to measures of buoyancy in accuracy. However, only measures subcutaneous (under the skin) fat and requires some technical knowledge by the person taking the measure. In general, increases precision the number of places in your body that are measured. It can be very useful because the fat under the skin is usually what determines how well your abs are showing or how you look in a bathing suit.

Bioelectrical impedance

Theory: Muscular conducts electricity better than fat.

Objectivity / accuracy: very objective, but needs a little

This measure is average arm's length in height, with constant hydration and electrolyte levels. Deviations in any of these parameters can significantly affect the measure. However, it is convenient and easy to use.

As mentioned before, we seek approvals for a variety of reasons and a variety of methods measure our progress toward our goals. Whether your goal is to fit that new clothes to look good for the photo shoot, or simply to feel better, it is important means for measuring progress is relevant to the individual goal.

About the Author

In addition to maintaining his career as a professional pilot, Roger has spent much time pursuing formal and self directed studies of the human physiology and metabolism. He is also qualified as a health nutritionist and a fitness trainer. He has written numerous articles for www.spartafit.com.

Skin Fold Caliper Testing