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good scale? - 3/7/2004 2:24:38 PM

hoSSo

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I baught this scale Click here for link

do you think the bf% is accurate?

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RE: good scale? - 3/7/2004 4:21:44 PM

cpl

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I don't understand how a scale can tell the difference between fat and muscle. It could be that it just counts any extra pounds for your size as being fat- I've never used one before, so I wouldn't really know.

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RE: good scale? - 3/7/2004 4:52:42 PM

WDNinABQ

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These scales work using the principle of bioelectrical impedance. The basic idea is that electricity travels faster through water (and hence muscle) faster than it travels through fat. So the scale shoots a small current through one foot and measures the speed at which it appears in the other foot (and the strength of the signal) and uses that info along with some other information like your height, age, sex, etc. to approximate your body fat percentage. You can find a neat introduction to bioelectrical impedance analysis right here

These scales can be pretty accurate under ideal conditions, however, due to the sensitivity to the amount of water in your body, readings can vary quite a bit depending on your hydration levels, so you pretty much always want to use them under the same conditions (e.g. right after waking up in the morning).

< Message edited by WDNinABQ -- 3/7/2004 5:55:54 PM >

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RE: good scale? - 3/8/2004 11:08:39 AM

Pappy

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Actually, from what I've read, you don't want to weigh (rather BF wise) yourself in the morning due to being asleep w/o any real hydration.

I purchased the Tanita Body Fat scale Model 578. I originally ordered the Tanita 679 but later cancelled due to back order. Tanita's known (from what I've researched anyway) as one of the more accurate scales on the market. One thing I was specifically looking for was incraments in % and lbs. For instance, a lot of the scales I found under 50 dollars (retail) counted BF% in 1% increments. I wanted a scale that would offer more, and both of the above mentioned models counts BF in .1% Increments. I've seen some others offering .5% as well. Matter of preference really.

That particular scale does not mention the BF% increment but it sounds like probably 1%. If I were you, I'd type the model and maker into a search engine w/ "review" and check out what other people have said about it. I did that w/ my Tanita scale and am quite happy w/ it.
I always weigh myself when I get home after work. That way I'm always weighing myself hydrated, and away from anything that might raise my heartbeat (avoiding post workout readings).

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RE: good scale? - 3/23/2004 10:56:02 AM

LaserX2

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I bought a scale with BF measures recently as well. MDA beleives that the best method is to have someone trained do it with calipers. I just bought mine to have a digital sclae, the BF was a bonus. I do not place much stock in mine, because it said I have a BF in the 30s. I do not think so!!!

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RE: good scale? - 3/24/2004 6:23:48 AM

jenng

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I hate my BF scale. When I first got it, it said I was 44% BF. Maybe I was. But many months and many pounds later, after starting a lifting program, the $%^#% was still showing anywhere from 41-43%. I borrowed a friends hand held scale and it shows 33.5%, which is probably closer to the truth.

Regardless, I ordered the calipers from Supp101 and hope to actually get a real reading soon. But for me, the scale is good for measuring weight and increasing frustration - that is about it.

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RE: good scale? - 3/25/2004 8:33:33 AM

Pappy

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I dont' know if your scale included specific instructions for measuring BF for women, but it's different than it is for men. In general though, You always want to weigh yourself in the afternoon, never in the morning. You'll always get skewed results.

Also, during the menstrul cycle, your results are always going to be pretty off, considering the water retention and other things I don't know about (in regards to the cycle). Also, I dont' know if you were already doing this, but you always want to measure your BF% with no clothes on. Clothes can also skew results. Take any jewelry off as well. Make sure to empty your bladder too. I know it's a lot to factor in, but remember it's done from an electrical signal shot through your body, so such factors can really play into it.

I've had my BF measured with a PT and with my scale, and both were pretty close to one another. So I know that at least MY scale is pretty accurate.

< Message edited by Pappy -- 3/25/2004 8:35:15 AM >

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RE: good scale? - 4/1/2004 11:25:12 AM

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