Skinfold help

Does anybody have a formula that might give even close to realistic results for % bf?

By circumference measurements (US Navy) I seem to get a pretty accurate number based on what I see in the mirror.

Every skinfold formula I've come across (and I've got 10 of them, from 3 site to 10 site measurements), all give me numbers from 3% to 7%. I am clearly not this lean.

I guess my fat deposits may be a little odd, I've clearly visible abs even at 15%(USN). My chest is pretty striated (and um, small) when I get down to 9%(USN).

I know enuff not to get hung up on % bf numbers to the nth decimal just like to measure stuff and It just seems weird that all the skinfold formulae could be so way off.

I thought it might be my measurement technique, but there's really not much to it. Put fat between calipers. My largest measurement doesn't get much bigger than 9mm (abdominal) the small ones are like 3mm (triceps). Does that seem way too small?

Just curious.

Actually, there is quite a bit to the technique. Been years since I used to do it, but there is, iirc, a specific distance between the fingers to be used, you have to dig in and get a good pinch (iow, can't be too gentle). You also have to have a good understanding of the where the sites are. If you're pinching yourself, there's no way you're getting a good reading, ime.

Do your calipers have some sort of release mechanism if you pinch too tightly? I've had measurements that were several points too low because the person measuring me pinched too tightly. The calipers I got that would make a little click if you pinched too tightly were the ones that gave me the measurement closest to what I got from underwater weighing.

Then where exactly is your bodyfat?

As Pat pointed out, this is incorrect. Proper pinching technique can be semi-complicated. Knowing where the sites to pinch is another key.

Fairly evenly distributed over my studly rippling abs. Visibly its mostly in in the decidedly unstudly love handle area. The suprailiac site. But I don't seem to pinch much here.

Yeah, I'm thinking technique is more my problem here. Either that or massive massive dysmorphia. I doubt it. I always have abs. At low BF I have big bumpy abs. I've never seen ab striations, or fully gotten rid of the fat on the suprailliac site.

I think people who 'only see their abs at 10%' must carry more fat on the front and less on the sides.

The pair I'm using now has a spring that's supposably calibrated to squeeze about right.

I have, in the past, used a cheapo Accu-Measure pair that had a plastic stud that was supposed to click at the right point. Similar results.

Good to know as I thought I must be nuts- I'm in the 14-15% BF range myself at 5'7' and 189lbs (45' chest - 35' waist' and can see abs very clearly but have that wunnerful superilliac love handle and next to my naval I can easily nail 25mm + on the skinfold. That got down to 14mm when I was around

had no clue about diet + exercise + protein requirements- now I've started a

measurements are like then.

Check out the drawing of the skinfold here:
http://www.rustyiron.net/bodyfat.htm

That should give you a concept of what you're trying to accomplish. I have found that it is a good idea to dig in deep enough that the part of the fold above your fingertips is definitely thicker than the part you are squeezing; this tends to indicate that you have pulled up the fat layer, rather than just the skin.

1. Get someone else to measure. 2. Make sure the pinch is on site. 3. Pinch broadly and deeply. 4. Try to get a good wad of flab above the pinch.

I'll give it another go.

Like I said, it's been a while, but how do you do the triceps and back skin folds yourself? Or maybe there's another combo of sites you can use that are all on the front side?

Yep, that's what I was getting at when I set you had to dig in.

http://www.healthcentral.com/cooltools/CT_Fitness/ bodyfat1.cfm

...for a test that does not involve skinfold use.

Regards,

Charlie