Ever wondered how much body fat you carry around? You can stop guessing and start measuring the amoung of fat you have using a skinfold calipers.
Skinfold fat measurement uses a skinfold calipers to measure the amount of fat present in the body. This method is a simple and inexpensive way to know your body fat percentage. In this process, a double-thick fold of skin is pinched manually at various designated areas of the body and is measured using a skinfold calipers.
The subcutaneus layer ( the layer under the skin) contains fat over the muscle and measuring this fat can help in determining the total fat in the body. Skinfold fat measurement works on this premise. After taking the skinfold fat measurement, the readings are used in a formula to get the total body fat.
Skinfold fat measurement has two options. The short process in which 3 areas are considered. In the other option 7 areas of the body are considered.
3 Skinfold Sites
If you are measuring 3 skinfold sites:
For Men: Chest, Abdomnial, and Thigh are measured
For Women: Tricep, Superiliac, and Thigh are measured
7 Skinfold Sites
Measuring 7 skinfold sites require the following areas for both men and women:
Chest, midaxillary, subprailiac, abdominal, tricep, thigh, subscapular
How is Skinfold Fat Measured?
To get the accurate fat measurement, the readings should be taken by a professional and the calipers used should be of good quality. Here are the steps to measure skinfold fat:
- The measurements should be taken when the person is standing. The readings are taken either on the right or left side of the body
- Pinch the skin between your index finger and the thumb. When you pinch, you should be able to hold a double-skinfold in you hand. The process can cause minor discomfort
- Now use the skinfold calipers and place them 0.5 inches away from the pinch location. It should be placed in the middle of the pinch.
- Take 3 measurements at each site. After each measurement, take a fresh skin-fold pinch and then measure them
To determine the total body fat, several formulae are available. Some formulae are tailored for 3 sites while others are applicable for 7 skinfold sites.
As skinfold fat measurement is easy and fast. Use this method to set new goals to reduce fat and increase your fitness.
