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Body Fat Testing |
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Sample Body Composition Reports 1 |
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Skinfold Testing is included with the Cardio-Metabolic Exercise Profile - see report #2 above.
HOW IT WORKS
Skinfold calipers measure the fat below the skin’s surface. 3-5 sites on the body are measured 2-3 times (Jackson & Pollack method). Measurements are then calculated using a method that evaluates your values compared to values from similar populations with known % fat levels. Although not as accurate as underwater weighing, skinfolds provide a convenient way to assess body fat changes. Skin-fold values are generally within 2-4% of the value of the hydrostatic weighing assessment.
Hydrostatic Weighing (optional add-on service - see report #1 above)
HOW IT WORKS
Under water (hydrostatic) weighing is the most widely used laboratory procedure for determining body volume or density. This method is based on “Archimedes’ principle that a body immersed in fluid is acted on by a buoyancy force that is demonstrated by a loss of weight equal to the weight of the displaced fluid” (ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, Vol 1 #1). Or more simply put, we can estimate your body fat by determining how buoyant and heavy you are in water. Thus, the person with more bone and muscle mass will weigh more in water and thus have a higher body density and lower percentage of fat.
This test requires weighing a person underwater as well as on land. Additionally, to reconcile the buoyancy factor of the air in the lungs of a person will need to exhale all the air from their lungs while submerged in water. Generally, this procedure will take several attempts before a consistent and accurate reading is produced.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
The test will take place in a small pool or a tank that is a square, four feet deep and four feet wide, filled with warmed water (approx. 80-95 degrees F). Participants will be weighed on dry land first and then will be instructed to climb into the tank (or pool). A seat set-up much like a swing set will be used as the chair in the tank. The participant will submerge themselves under water by leaning forward in the chair and lifting the hips up in the back. Several attempts will be made to clear as much air as possible from the lungs while submerging.
Although one of the more accurate techniques, underwater weighing can be difficult or impossible for many populations including some obese, elderly, disabled or even fearful (afraid of submerging in water) persons.
This procedure can be a challenge and if you do not feel you would be comfortable participating underwater then other procedures for determining body fat can work quite well as reliable indicators of body composition. Skinfolds and bioelectric impedance are preferred over near-infrared interactance and body mass index for the practical assessment of percent fat (ACSM, Lohman, T Phd. et al, 1997). Which ever procedure you use, you will need to make your baseline comparisons using the same pre and post testing techniques.
Norms charts for body fat% by age group
Males |
Age |
Females |
10-15% |
20-29 |
18-23% |
12-16% |
30-39 |
20-24% |
14-18% |
40-49 |
21-25% |
15-19% |
50+ |
22-26% |
Norms charts for body fat% by age group
Males |
Females |
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Essential |
3-5% |
11-14% |
Athletes |
5-13% |
12-22% |
Fitness |
12-18% |
16-25% |
Potential Risk |
19-24% |
26-31% |
Obese |
25% + |
32% + |
Sport Specific Norms Chart
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Copyright © 2000-06 The Fit Stop Human Performance Lab. All rights reserved.
Revised:
November 03, 2006
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Located in Carlsbad, CA Tel: (760) 634-5169 email us