Body Composition Testing - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[multieventer]

Hello everyone I'm new to the forum and have a ton of questions but will start with this one. I am wondering what type of body composition testing, if any, most of you use on your clients - I will try the polling option so everyone can see the results.

[multieventer]

I have noticed that we have had several views, but only a few votes. I'm curious if it is because those who are viewing currently don't offer the service or would like to know more about body composition testing or maybe it is because they don't see a value in it?

So with that in mind, what are the views of this group regarding body composition testing?

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

I would rather use Skinfolds or Circumference measures on my clients.

But what I find is that most don't want to be measured by anything but the scale.

Also, any measurement that involves a human measurer is open to a lot of error, not pinching the exact same place each time, pinching harder one time then the next, not taking the circumference measure at the same level, etc.

It's a fine art that is being pushed by the way side with electronic gadgets like he omiron hand held BIA monitor.

My 2 cents,

Dave

[multieventer]

Dave,

Thanks for the feedback. I agree with you regarding the error factor, however, this is true with all of the methods - some say impedance or infrared are some of the worst.

Why do you think most of your clients prefer the scale? Is it because it is simpler to do or because the results are somehow more accurate since it comes from a computer :wink:

[jlling]

Impedance is quick and dirty and it gives you a number, just like a scale. Without someone to explain the significance of the number and the degrees of error, whatever pops out is a ballpark number at best.

People who want to lose weight (which really means lose fat) and use a scale to measure their progress are setting themselves up for disappointment. If they have a good weight routine coupled with a cardio program, they're going to gain muscle and lose fat, a difference that a scale won't be able to differentiate and you'll weigh about the same/make 'very little' progress. People don't want to hear about everything else. But thats just my 2c about why they like it. Its also less 'invasive' than calipers since they dont have to lift up their shirts so you can measure the illiac and belly sites.

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

Dave,

Why do you think most of your clients prefer the scale? Is it because it is simpler to do or because the results are somehow more accurate since it comes from a computer :wink:

I think just years and years of habit and "brainwashing" is why they prefer the scale.

They see a smaller number on the scale as being " more healthy" which depending on how much fat you have to lose could be correct, but they don't correspond that lower number with a loss of muscle mass and water, they believe it all to be 100% fat! LOL Which we all know ain't the truth.

[multieventer]

I really like the feedback. I absolutely agree with the scale comments - far to many individuals step on the scale and realte that number to overall health. +/- 5 #'s in most peoples eyes are just that plus or minus 5 pounds of fat - thay have no idea what that is, fat, muscle, water a combination...they have no clue, and I agree it is our responsibility to educate them.

I'm curious, of those who conduct body fat testing how much, if any, do you charge for your service?