Body fat percentage is a popular fitness parameter used by personal trainers to track progress of clients. It is also good to know if you want to keep track by yourself. One of the easiest ways to determine body fat percentage by hand is with a hand-held body fat analyzer. This tool is noninvasive and it reads your body fat in a matter of seconds. The acceptable body fat range for females is 25 percent to 31 percent, and for males it is 18 percent to 25 percent.
Step 1
Step on a scale first thing in the morning after using the bathroom and before eating. Do this naked or only wear underwear to get as accurate as possible. Memorize your weight or write it down.
Step 2
Determine your height with a tape measure. Take off your shoes and socks, and back yourself up to a wall. Look straight ahead and use a pencil to place a small mark on the wall right at the top of your head. Take out the tape and measure your height. Write it down or memorize it.
Step 3
Press the "On/Off" switch on the body fat analyzer. Input your activity level, height, weight, age and gender. Hit the "Set" button after you answer each question and hit the "Up" and "Down" arrows to increase or decrease any of the numerical values.
Step 4
Grasp the handles of the analyzer and get into the correct position. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, wrap your fingers around the handles and place your thumbs on top of the analyzer. Extend your arms straight in front of your body and press the "Start" button with your thumb. Return your thumb to the top and press the handles firmly. Wait about seven seconds as a painless electrical current goes through your upper body. Your body fat percentage will appear on the screen.
Tips and Warnings
- When using the analyzer, make sure your hands completely cover the galvanized areas on the handles. You do not need to squeeze the handles forcefully. Just use adequate pressure.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Hand-held analyzer
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