% body fat

Anyone know how it's calculated or where I could have it done?

I'd appreciate the info.

-Zook-

There are three ways to do it. 

The least accurate is to use a caliper to measure folds of skin (for us, an obvious problem due to our excess skin). 

The middle accuracy is what a lot of scales use, which runs a low-level electrical current through your body to measure resistance.  It's pretty accurate and completely painless (you don't feel it at all).  My scale gives me weight, as well as percentages of fa****er, muscle, and bone using this method. 

The best way to do it is through a water displacement test (which I've never done) that involves measuring weight vs water displacement.  (this is the one my gym will do by appointment).

Hope this helps!
Karen

 Thanks, Karen...helps with the understanding and options.

Do you know if your gym does this for non-members?  I belong to the Upper Main Line Y and they don't do it as far as I know.

If you have any ideas as to where I could get the most accurate one done I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks again!

-Zook-

Call the sports medicine places in your area and ask for hydrostatic weighing. There is a sports conditioning place in Allentown that is using an air chamber and is supposed to be as accurate as water.
I`ve done water twice and it`s not easy. Doing the lung volume thing and holding your breath may be difficult for some.

 Ah ha!  Another avenue to pursue!  :)

There are enough sports med places around here.  I'll make a few phone calls.

Thanks for the lead.

-Zook-

ooooh where is that?

 It's not one place.  Sports Medicine is a medical specialty of physicians, physical therapists, etc.  So if you're looking for one, look for a doctor or rehab facility.  

-Zook-

My personal trainer measures my body fat monthly.  It's a hand held device and it take seconds.  Good luck.

Amy

 Hey there, girl!  Good to hear from you.  

I've seen those devices advertised.  Does it seem to be accurate?

Next time you go, would you note the maker of the device?

Thanks.

-Zook-

When I owned my Nautilus I had it done at East Stroudsburg University. Then I had it done again at Sports Medicine near Muhlenburg Hospital Bethlehem. I believe it`s now a Coordinated Health location. Both those places did hydrostatic. There is a Human Performance Lab type place at OAA Allentown which is using the air chamber, Bod Pod.
The last time I had it done was about 15 years ago and it was about 100 bucks and too an hour.Very accurate. Don`t forget calipers only really take into account subcutaneous fat and miss all the belly fat and stuff between organs.


Locations
http://www.bodpod.com/clients/locator