measuring bodyfat percentage

hollypink · 28-07-2014 10:31AM #1

I've just started a fitness class and as part of the package they measure your bodyfat % at the start and after 4 weeks. I've had it measured in the past, but this time, although the trainer took skinfold measurements, it just occurred to me that he didn't get my weight or height, but he went off and did some calculation and gave me a percentage. I'm curious about how you can calculate bodyfat % without at least weight - how does that work?

Hanley · 28-07-2014 10:51AM

hollypink wrote: »

I've just started a fitness class and as part of the package they measure your bodyfat % at the start and after 4 weeks. I've had it measured in the past, but this time, although the trainer took skinfold measurements, it just occurred to me that he didn't get my weight or height, but he went off and did some calculation and gave me a percentage. I'm curious about how you can calculate bodyfat % without at least weight - how does that work?

Because it's a percentage. Not an absolute.

The measurement tells you what % of your bodyweight is made up of fat.

Whether your weight is 20kg or 200kg doesn't matter.

It's better not worrying about your weight too, because weight is a poor indicator of progress when strength training.

hollypink · 28-07-2014 11:16AM

Thanks, that makes sense. There was a scales in the corner of the room so I think that was what started me thinking about it afterwards.

measuring bodyfat percentage

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