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BodySpex
Body Fat Testing
To measure body
fat and body composition, BodySpex scales utilize extremely accurate
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
technology. This is the same technology used in hospitals and medical
facilities across the world. As you probably already know, your
weight and hydration levels fluctuate as you go about your daily
life. These fluctuations will affect body fat readings throughout
the day. The following tips will help you take full advantage of
the BodySpex system and receive the most accurate body fat readings.
Tips
for Accurate Body Fat Testing
1.) Always test under similar conditions.
This means always take BodySpex test at the same time each day,
same
hydration levels, same time since eating,etc...
2.) Be properly hydrated.
BIA
calculates body fat percentage based on the water content in your
muscles and your body. Being dehydrated (or overly hydrated) will
skew the body fat reading. It's recommended that you drink at least
one 12 ounce glass of water more than one hour before testing.
3.) Answer all questions precisely.
The
BodySpex scale uses gender, body type, weight and height in determining
body composition. Even one-half an inch discrepancy in your height
makes a difference in your results. To verify the data you entered
for your tests, log in to your account and go to the Account page
under the MySpex menu and click the "Change Scale Settings" button.
4.) Test before working out.
Exercise
affects your hydration level, which will lead to variation in your
results. For consistency, always test before your exercise.
5.) Test on an empty stomach.
Undigested food in your stomach will add additional weight which
may skew body fat test results.
6.) Test on an empty Bladder.
By emptying your bladder, you can reduce your weight by a few ounces
allowing more accurate body fat results.
7.) Don't test first thing in the morning.
Hydration levels to fluctuate during sleep. It's recommended to
wait more than an hour after waking-up to test body fat and body
composition. (Three to four hours is ideal)
8.) Coffee and alcohol effect results.
Caffeine and alcohol consumption cause dehydration in your muscles.
9.) Menstruation does effect test results.
Women, please be aware that Menstruation does effect hydration of
your body and will cause fluctuations in BIA body fat testing. It's
recommended women refrain from testing during their period to avoid
erroneous measurements and misleading progress graphs.
10.) Center your feet on scale.
The scale has four points of contact which must all have maximum
connection with your feet. It's recommended that users step onto
the scale heel first and paying attention to placing heel onto the
center of the foot pad.
The BodySpex Fitness Tracking System
Using our scales and this fitness tracking website
will help you reach
your weight loss goals
and
achieve
fitness!
By taking frequent BodySpex body fat tests and tracking the results
you'll easily see the progress you're making helping you focus on
more losing weight and reducing your body fat percentage. Follow the
testing tips above to assure the most accurate body fat testing and
give you the most accurate graphs and charts.
The BodySpex Body Fat Chart
You've taken a test on the BodySpex body fat scale, now compare your
results to our body fat chart. This chart is intended to help you
understand your body fat percentage and give you a perspective on
the state of your fitness. This chart is meant to be used as a guide
and is based on recommendations from the national institute of health.
Click here to view body
fat chart.
How
Does It Measure Body Fat?
The BodySpex
Scale is built around industry
leading BIA technology from
The Tanita Corporation. Our high quality professional
body composition analyzers send an extremely small electrical pulse
through a user's body to test body fat and analyze body composition.
(Caution this machine
is not recommended for People with pacemakers or women who are pregnant.)
These scales are precise instruments which
calculate body fat and body composition with consistency and accuracy,
when taken under correct conditions. For the most accurate tracking
with the BodySpex system always test under similar conditions.
Follow the tips above for the most consistent & accurate body
fat and body composition measurements.
BIA
- Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Body fat testing and body composition analysis
for the BodySpex system is based on The
Tanita Corporation's
BIA or Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis technology. The
Tanita Corporation
is the authority on Body fat testing and BIA scales and
the following information is from their website (www.tanita.com).
It will help you understand BIA and the methods we use to test
body fat and body composition.
Conventional BIA
Bioelectrical impedance analysis uses
a very small electrical signal to measure body impedance. The
signal is conducted through the water contained in the body. Lean
muscle has much more water than fat tissue and allows the signal
to pass easily. Fat causes impedance or resistance to the signal.
Conventional Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis methods are accurate,
though not as convenient as the Tanita BIA method, and may be
somewhat subjective based on the placement of electrodes. The
user must be in a horizontal position while electrodes and conductive
jelly are placed on a wrist and ankle. This procedure is usually
performed in a physician's office or clinic. Most conventional
BIA manufacturers use hydrostatic weighing as the reference method.
Tanita BIA
Tanita's leg-to-leg version of BIA produces
very accurate results that are highly correlated with both DEXA
(Tanita's reference method) and hydrostatic weighing. Measurements
are very repeatable when tests are performed under consistent
conditions. The equipment is not expensive, making Tanita a professionally-accepted
method that can be adapted easily for home use. There is no physical
imposition to the user; no need for a trained technician to operate
the equipment; and the entire procedure takes less than one minute.
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