scales

Group: General Diet & Nutrition

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 399, Messages: 16719

With such a topic so broad we truly try to cover the basics from all angles in this group. Nothing too big or too small. Nutrition is as significant if not more as exercise is to reaching your goals so learn all you can.

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DaniDIEt Posts: 93 Joined: 2004/07/13	2004/12/11, 03:29 PM I get to pick the scale of my choice for Christmas. I was thinking of getting one with a body fat moniter on it. Are these a waste of money?

DX14AG Posts: 1,055 Joined: 2004/07/22	2004/12/11, 04:00 PM I don't know if they're a waste of money, but according to some in FT, they body fat monitors are not very accurate. A tip for the scales is not to weigh yourself daily. You'll start getting scared if you gain a little bit of weight, but sometimes it's just water weight. You should weigh yourself every week or month on the same day in the morning right before you eat anything or drink anything. DX
	2004/12/11, 04:08 PM I think those BF scales are like the quadruple trac razors. One blade stands the whisker, the next blade stretches it, the next one cuts it and before the whisker snaps back, the fourth blade slices it below the skin line. SHICK!!!!! Because you'll believe anything and pay more for it!!!!!!! Probably better ways to spend your money Dani. -------------- I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol Charlie
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/12/11, 07:09 PM They are not very accurate, but the trick is to have a number to start from so you know you are going in the correct direction. Use your beginning number whatever it tells you for a barometer to gauge your progress, without taking it too literally. I like Charlies reply!!:big_smile: -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
DaniDIEt Posts: 93 Joined: 2004/07/13	2004/12/11, 11:43 PM I like his reply also. Is there something I can buy that would help me measure body fat that is better than a scale?
	2004/12/12, 12:12 AM Dani, you can buy a set of plastic calipers for about 20 bucks. You can go to mybodycomp.com and use their measurement system. It isn't very accurate but if you establish your current measurements and then use it over the years you can measure your progress. BF% is just a number. If you see your size shrink over the months it's very satisfying. There are also electronic instruments that do the math for you. Search calipers, Ivan has posted the brand. -------------- I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol Charlie
Miyu Posts: 118 Joined: 2003/04/15	2004/12/12, 12:14 AM I've been going through the "find my BF%" quest and I've decided to just measure myself every 4 weeks and not worry about it anymore. I have one of those digital BF scales at home and it doesn't work. The best I can get it to do is "general area" kinds of things. I can trust the thing to tell me in general that my weight and BF% is going down, but that's about it.
princesslodgey Posts: 1,748 Joined: 2004/02/21	2004/12/12, 08:05 AM I would advise avoiding the BF scales and going with the measuring tape. I would also suggest just measuring once a month for females, as water retention can make a big difference to the results.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2004/12/12, 11:05 AM Here is a great examplr of how accurate the the "digital bodyfat scales" are: I've owned one for the past 2 years. I check myself pretty often (like everyday at the same time, and same body contents) just for the fun of it. Thursday's reading was 14%,and Friday's reading was 19%. Considering what I do at the gym, and what I ate, this is impossible. I really rely on the tape measure. When ithe numbers go down, I know I've lost fat. No magic formulas needed. By the way the cost of the scale is the same as a nice dinner for 2 at a good steakhouse. The scale or the beef??:big_smile: -------------- "A will finds a way, failure is not an option" Ivan carivan@freetrainers.com Montreal Canada
DaniDIEt Posts: 93 Joined: 2004/07/13	2004/12/12, 12:44 PM Beef. Way to make me hungry. I have a tape measure so I will just stick to that. Thanks.
DaniDIEt Posts: 93 Joined: 2004/07/13	2004/12/12, 06:52 PM Ok, I have thought about it, and I am going to use the money to buy a dance mat. Seems like fun, and my son can do it with me.
Reddy Posts: 597 Joined: 2003/09/11	2004/12/29, 06:54 PM DaniDIEt - I think you made the right choice as long as you are using the mat ;) -------------- Reddy All people smile in the same language