Posted: 5/17/2012 8:19:33 PM EDT
| Didn't search, but hope you guys will help. I bought a cheap scale from walmart a few years ago that i've been using to track my weight, but after reading some reviews on it i feel it may be inaccurate. What do you guys use? Thanks! |
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how accurate is the composition part? |
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I was wrong, I have the 516B
Omron Scale 516 This is all for me, your results may vary. Also, I was told by a personal trainer friend that you're looking for consistency in the device you use. In other words use only this one as a gauge for if you're gaining/losing in all categories. The BMI is within .5 of what can be calculated by hand (or using online calculators). The BF I think is accurate based on what I know of myself and the other electronic device used at the gym. This Omron has points of contact at your feet and your hands which I think makes it more accurate than a foot or hand only device. The electronic I've used at the gym only uses your hands (same brand). It measured my BF at 11% - which I don't believe is accurate based on my history. When I was in college I had a skin fold test in a weight lifting class I took, I was 10% then. I've put on about 10 pounds (mostly on my stomach). The Omron 516 measures me at 14.5% which I think to be more accurate based on what I see in the mirror compared to 12 years ago. One thing to consider in these type of electronic measurements is that how much water you have had that day can change the reading. I try and weigh at the same time and day of week and only once a week to monitor my changes. If you are looking for the most accurate (especially relating to BF) you may want to get calipers for a skin fold test. The weight part of the scale is as accurate as the balance beam scale at the gym. I don't really use the VF or the resting metabolism. The age "calculator" is actually my exact age and I wouldn't really rely on it - seems like a gimmick number to me. Here's an article that may help you in deciding what will meet your needs. Article I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions I can try and help with. |
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skin fold test just makes me cringe. I know my BF% is over 40%. i'm a fatty. my scale is accurate to like 4oz. (weighed 2 5lb plates at 10.2lbs), so i know the weight scale is accurate. I was just trying to get an accurate(ish?) BF%
ETA I weigh myself at the same time every morning to track more closely. i certainly understand about water intake (i drink roughly 8lbs of water a day). |
| Shiky, for the time being(if your bodyfat is actually that high) I would recommend using the scale you have now and taking measurements with a cloth/sewing measuring tape to track progress. Although I have had my bodyfat checked a few times by a BodPod and another system that uses ultrasound, I find it is the easiest way to determine how much progress you are making. Don't truly worry about BF% until you get down below 20% or so. |
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Quoted:
Shiky, for the time being(if your bodyfat is actually that high) I would recommend using the scale you have now and taking measurements with a cloth/sewing measuring tape to track progress. Although I have had my bodyfat checked a few times by a BodPod and another system that uses ultrasound, I find it is the easiest way to determine how much progress you are making. Don't truly worry about BF% until you get down below 20% or so. thats what i figured. curiosity usually gets the best of me, and i guess i don't really have to be that worried about losing lean mass, simply because once i reach a desireable weight i can just start lifting like a beast. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Shiky, for the time being(if your bodyfat is actually that high) I would recommend using the scale you have now and taking measurements with a cloth/sewing measuring tape to track progress. Although I have had my bodyfat checked a few times by a BodPod and another system that uses ultrasound, I find it is the easiest way to determine how much progress you are making. Don't truly worry about BF% until you get down below 20% or so. thats what i figured. curiosity usually gets the best of me, and i guess i don't really have to be that worried about losing lean mass, simply because once i reach a desireable weight i can just start lifting like a beast. I agree with what Chizzle stated. My BOL has lost about 40 lbs in 3 months simply by changing his diet (eating more healthy, smaller portions and lots of fruit) and running some on the treadmill. He was 6"1 - 270. Now down to about 230 - still wants to lose about 20 more. I tend to be lazy and 1 month ago hired a personal trainer. One of the best decisions I've ever made. My stamina in the gym has increased substantially in the one month and I actually enjoy going and look forward to the challenge each time. Now if I can just quit some bad habits I'll hopefully see greater results. |