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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.

Digital Pictures

 

NutriSystem, Inc.

 


 
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