| Skinfold calipers are used to measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat at various locations on the body. The medical and fitness industries have developed specific formulas to predict body fat based on your gender, age, weight, height and skinfold measurements. These formulas have been correlated for accuracy against more invasive body fat monitoring such as underwater (hydrostatic) weighing. Skinfold testing is an easy, portable and convenient procedure that can be performed in the privacy of your home at any time you desire to monitor your body fat levels.
Features
- Economical professional performance.
- Includes a 22 page book "How to Measure Your % Bodyfat" with numerous illustrations and explanations on proper technique and procedures.
- Provides information on how to determine muscle loss or gain, how to determine frame size and how to find a person's weight for a desired bodyfat level.
- Utilizes one, two or four body skinfold locations to calculate bodyfat levels - front of upper arm, back of upper arm, waist and upper back.
- Male and female charts include frame size, bodyfat calculations for 1, 2 or 4 test locations and height/weight.
- Exerts 10 grams of pressure per square millimeter of skinfold.
- Comparable jaw pressure and contact area to calipers costing 6 times as much.
- Comfortable "Pistol Grip" operation.
- Provides consistent accuracy.
- Durable ABS plastic construction.
- 5 year warranty.
Skinfold Testing Locations
Four Locations are shown and recommended for the most accurate measurement and calculation. One or two locations can be used if time is an issue or there are other considerations. If only a single testing location is used, the back of the upper arm is recommended. If two locations are used, these should be the back of the upper arm and the upper back below the shoulder blade. The "How to Measure Your % Bodyfat" manual provides bodyfat calculation charts for using 1, 2 and 4 testing locations.
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Back of Upper Arm
The back of upper arm (Triceps) is located halfway between the shoulder and elbow joints. The skinfold is taken in a vertical direction on the center of the back of the arm. |
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Front of Upper Arm
The Front of upper arm (Biceps) is located halfway between the shoulder and elbow joints. The skinfold is taken in a vertical direction on the center of the front of the arm.
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Upper Back
Located just below the shoulder blade (Subscapular). The skinfold is taken at a 45° angle.
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Waist
Waist (Suprailiac) is located just above the iliac crest, the protrusion of the hip bone, a little towards the front from the side of the waist. The skinfold is taken horizontal.
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Skinfold Testing Technique
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Use your thumb and index finger of your left hand to pinch an area of skin wide enough to get a good fold. |
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Pull out the the fold of skin and underlying layer of fat with your left hand away from the body. You do not have to worry about getting any muscle as the muscle is firm and will not come into a fold with the skin and fat. |
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While holding the skinfold with the left hand, place the jaws of the calipers about 1/4" from the fingers of the left hand. Release the trigger of the caliper so the entire force of the jaws are on the skinfold. Without releasing the skinfold with the left hand, let the force of the caliper creep a bit for a few seconds to settle to the correct reading. Write down the measurement and proceed to the next location. | |
