Body Composition Testing

We understand the need to accurately track changes in body composition and measurements, and we have equipped Houston Fitness Consultants with the most advanced tools available.  The true value of this information continues to be brought forward, making BMI less of a value in gauging health and health risks, along with measuring progress.

We use Omron and Tanita Bio-Impedance Body Fat Analyzers, and we often use them together to verify the numbers. Our testers are new, and represent some advantages in testing, such as accommodating lean mass distribution, bone density changes, and body types. We also use a hydration level tester to ensure the most accurate starting numbers we can acquire. We recognize the limitations in bio-impedance testing, and we try to educate the client as to the specifics of the measurement, and the significance of the numbers. We also try to help them understand how the numbers can be affected by certain variables. This helps us insure the most repeatable, accurate and objective starting point possible.  One of the most important things to consider when it comes to measuring body composition is UNDERSTANDING what the numbers mean; it is actually very easy to lose weight, but it is harder to lose FAT, and that is the goal...we want to use diet and exercise to "PRESERVE (or increase) lean mass, and REDUCE bodyfat...just using a scale does not tell the entire story!

We use three different skin fold calipers, and follow the Jackson-Pollack testing guidelines for skin fold measurement. We will test with up to seven sight measurements, if the client prefers. We calibrate the calipers against each other to ensure accuracy; we also have testing templates to verify the measurements.

We also recognize the potential for discrepancy with calipers. We have arranged group demonstrations using a single caliper on a single individual, and in almost every case, three trainers will come up with three statistically significant differences (up to 20 %!!) when measurements are taken. When the trainers have a hard time getting a similar number, even doing it back to back with the same piece of equipment, we know the potential exists for clients to become confused! We want to see the clients get an accurate number because it will more accurately reflect CHANGE! How do you think you would react if, after three months of hard work and dieting, you had your bodyfat tested, and found out the number was 20 % higher? You would probably feel somewhat defeated, if not completely devastated. Especially if you had actually been making progress all along!

For basic circumference measurements, we use a Myotape measuring tape. This is a great device that helps in a number of ways…it is accurate, it is compact, and easy to use. Our favorite feature of the Myotape is that it allows you to make less invasive measurements. This has been a great help when we work in a club environment, but we also like the accuracy when we use it in our private training studio.

We also use some of the numerical tests to determine bodyfat and metabolic demand, but we use those only as an added educational tool for our clients to understand how they may fall outside of normal testing ranges.  We also go into great detail about the difference between BMI (Body Mass Index) and Bodyfat percentage...the two numbers do not have anything in common, and paying attention to one and not the other can lead to minimal progress.

Our goal is accuracy and repeatability; we have found that measurements have no value if you cannot scientifically validate the numbers. We do not want clients to obsess about their numbers; we just want them to use the most accurate tool in their personal toolbox to check and measure their progress.