Simple Accurate Inexpensive Body Fat Measurement

This is the 3rd body fat testing device I have purchased. The other two: Omron HBF-400 Body Fat Monitor and Scale and FatTrack Gold Digital Body Fat Caliper - 1 pc(AccuFitness) have been used for some time and I wanted to add this manual one to see if perhaps digital at least in this case is not the way to go. I've kept records of my digital readings and when I took my measurements at the same time as the others with the Accu-Measure manual calipers I found that the manual reading was 2% less than the digital ones. I retook all the measurements 3x's and came up with the same results.



What does this mean? For me it means I'm going to go with this one. While seeing the digital readings is very cool (sometimes disappointing but cool...) I'm not convinced they are the most accurate. Then again if I'm losing another 2% when I use the manual calipers... why wouldn't I want to use this one?!



In this package you get the calipers and a MyoTape tape measure which allows you to lock the tape measure in place for more accurate readings. Very easy to use and read. You also get a 5x7 card with two body fat % measurement charts (one for men and one for women) measurement tips and an explanation of how to use the calipers with step-by-step directions.



NOTE: it is recommended by the makers of this product that if you are obese you should not take skinfold measurements. They suggest using the tape measure instead. The one included in this package goes up to 60".



Overall I think this is a good buy. Easy to use accurate inexpensive and a device that I will use for years to come.More detail ...

Great Overall Gauge At A Good Price

I highly recommend the Omron fat loss monitor for anybody who is serious about monitoring their body fat.



Why I Recommend It:

1.
EASY to use. It's almost dummy-proof

2.
Inexpensive. For less than $26 you can have it delivered (Super-Saver shipping) including batteries.

3.
I don't need help to use it. I don't know of any other method that you can do in the privacy of your home each and every day with the exception of calipers. And you need somebody else to use the calipers on you. Since they're only accurate if that person knows what he/she is doing and measures you in the exact same place each time I think it's just easy to get a monitor.

4.
Quick. I can take a measurement in about 10 seconds.



General Thoughts/Suggestions:

1.
The instruction manual mentions this also but... Make sure to take the measurement at the same time each day. I take my measurements right before I leave the house for work before I've eaten or drank anything for the day.

2.
Don't expect the results to be perfect. If the measurement tells you that you're 16% body fat that's probably pretty close to what you actually are. But depending on how much water you've had to drink how recently you've exercised how recently you've eaten etc. the reading could go up to 17% or down to 15%. It's best to be consistent with when you take your measurements and to use the monitor as a guide to tell you if you're gaining or losing. I think of it as a fat loss compass... not a fat loss GPS.

3.
Make sure that you keep your stats updated in the computer memory. I'm on a fat loss routine right now. I've lost 15 lbs since I began using the Omron monitor. It only takes a second to update your personal stats in the monitor's memory. But you need to do it. Otherwise it'll give you an inaccurate reading.



All in all I'd say this is a great investment. Yes you can lose body fat without using a monitor. But it is also possible to lose weight without losing body fat (i.e. water weight or muscle). I'm constantly tweaking my diet and workout routine to keep that percentage dropping. Without the monitor I'd be in the dark and I'm confident that I wouldn't have seen the progress that I've seen thus far.



Good luck & good health!

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