Fitness and Exercise

[Buffalobiian]

I got a Tanita body fat scale for by b-day. Says I'm obese at 5ft 7.5in, 166lbs, and 22.5% body fat. You wouldn't think that I was obese if you looked at me.

I've been working out more but doing less (no) cardio. Need to start running again.

Medically a BMI of 25-30 is classed as being overweight. Obese is when you're >30.

But now I want to get one of these as well.

[Animeniax]

Medically a BMI of 25-30 is classed as being overweight. Obese is when you're >30.

But now I want to get one of these as well.

I read a lot of reviews on the model I got (BC-533) and for the most part people applaud its reliability and validity, but some people did complain about inaccurate and unreliable readings. For one they say the readings randomly fluctuate too much. So far, I've found its readings are within a range for me that don't seem untrue.

Seeing that I'm overweight/obese, it has motivated me to want to get in better shape and start running again.

[Archangel]

Medically a BMI of 25-30 is classed as being overweight. Obese is when you're >30.

But now I want to get one of these as well.

BMI is a useless form of measurement on its own. I remember i tested for "overweight" on my last physical along with 12% bf.

[shinta|hikari]

I am the same height as you and only 146 lbs. I am fit and relatively muscular, so yeah, 166 is probably overweight.

I am planning to lose about 3-4 lbs in the next 2 weeks before I go back to my country.

[Animeniax]

That's kind of arbitrary to say that since you are "fit and relatively muscular" that I am overweight because we are the same height. I could have a stockier build than you, or carry my weight in different parts of my body (bigger legs, bigger arms, larger head, etc.) or be more muscular than you. To look at me you would not say I was overweight.

I had a DEXA scan a year ago when I was in even better shape (I was running and working out at the time) and it showed I had 27% body fat, which seemed high. I definitely haven't lost weight or gotten in better shape since then, so the 22-23% body fat reading on this scale might be suspect. I've heard these home scales are best for establishing a baseline and consistent readings on which to base your workout/fitness goals, rather than for accuracy of your body fat%.

[shinta|hikari]

I was also taking into consideration the body fat percentage you provided. 22-23% is above normal.

[darkshadow]

27% is obese, fatty.

[Buffalobiian]

Indeed BMI is not the ideal way of measuring body composition, as well as the cut-offs being arbitary. The reason it's still used is because it's so easy and readily accessible.

I trust that you followed all the instructions about fluid restrictions and such before you went on those scales Ani?

[Animeniax]

I didn't see any in the user manual for this scale. There may be some generally accepted premeasure suggestions I'll have to check on to get more accurate readings.

[Buffalobiian]

I didn't see any in the user manual for this scale. There may be some generally accepted premeasure suggestions I'll have to check on to get more accurate readings.

There certainly are. The machine measures electrical impedence to calculate fat, so the body's water content really throws it off and must be standardised.

An example of such guidelines (not sure how much it varies between manufacturers, but if they have one specifically, follow that):

no food or drink within 4 hours of test,
no urinating within 30 minutes of test,
no exercise within 12 hours of test

[Animeniax]

So right when you wake up is probably the best time? That's when I've always heard you should weigh yourself (standard method) for the most accurate measurement. Except I usually take a long whizz right after getting up. Otherwise it will be tough to go 4 hours during the day without food or drink.

[Buffalobiian]

So right when you wake up is probably the best time? That's when I've always heard you should weigh yourself (standard method) for the most accurate measurement.

That's what I plan to do when I get my scale, yes.

Normally I urinate before weight myself as well in the morning, but for this fat% test I'll try without first.

[Raven]

So to change the topic of conversation somewhat (good to see this thread getting some love):



After a long search, finally picked up a pair of Nike Romaleos 2 - gotta say, worth every penny!

During squats and deadlifts it feels like you're standing in solid concrete. One of my biggest weaknesses in the past has been a shaky instability when I get down low in a heavy squat. Even after a couple of sessions, these shoes have gone a long way towards resolving that problem.

I foresee some nice new PBs in the immediate future.

[Hitokiri]

So right when you wake up is probably the best time? That's when I've always heard you should weigh yourself (standard method) for the most accurate measurement. Except I usually take a long whizz right after getting up. Otherwise it will be tough to go 4 hours during the day without food or drink.

It's the easiest way to be consistent since you have been asleep (considered fasting) for a set number of hours. Also, when you wake up is best time to do your cardio, since it helps your metabolism get started.

[Animeniax]

Speaking of fitness, the Olympics are on. The US and China are neck-and-neck in the medals race. But track and field events just started. Better luck in 150 years or so, China.

[Animeniax]

I used the scale this morning after waking up without peeing first and the results were bizarre. It had me at 166lbs and 24.8% body fat. That's up from 22.5% just two days ago (and I had a good workout yesterday). After taking a whizz, it had me at 165lbs and 24.5% body fat.

Nice shoes Raven. I don't buy Nike anymore since they utilize sweatshop labor, but they offer some functional products. I keep hearing that using weight-lifting gloves will increase how much you can lift, so I might try that.

[Buffalobiian]

I used the scale this morning after waking up without peeing first and the results were bizarre. It had me at 166lbs and 24.8% body fat. That's up from 22.5% just two days ago (and I had a good workout yesterday). After taking a whizz, it had me at 165lbs and 24.5% body fat.

Nice shoes Raven. I don't buy Nike anymore since they utilize sweatshop labor, but they offer some functional products. I keep hearing that using weight-lifting gloves will increase how much you can lift, so I might try that.

Heh, no idea.

I asked the colleague about where his sources were but he couldn't find them anymore (it's been a good few months).

[Archangel]

I think you're just fat Ani, and you're probably overestimating your efforts. Get a personal trainer if you can afford it, he won't put up with your bulshit.

[Animeniax]

Well this fat middle-aged man kept up with two 20-something kids at the police fitness test just last month. One was athletic and in great shape, the other less so but recently out of the army and in good shape. I surprised myself how well I did, but having the 2 others there to motivate me (competition).

I'm highly self-motivated and don't need a personal trainer to be in good shape, which is all I'm looking for. After leaving the PD, I slacked off a bit, then started lifting again but with no cardio work. I'll start doing cardio again and see what the scale says in a month.

[Raven]

If you're picking up cardio after a period of lifting only, I'm sure I don't need to tell you that HIIT-types of cardio will benefit you a lot more than steady-state.