Skin fold body fat calipers

[Wolverine47]

Today we had our body fat measured in wrestling, and mine came out around 30%. :confused: Now, this confused me because I always thought above 25% was considered unhealthy, and you can see abs at around 12-15%. I have slightly visible abs and run about 3-4 miles a day for wrestling on top of the actual practice. Was the test given the wrong way, or is it possible I actually have that high of body fat?

[JaxMMA]

Today we had our body fat measured in wrestling, and mine came out around 30%. :confused: Now, this confused me because I always thought above 25% was considered unhealthy, and you can see abs at around 12-15%. I have slightly visible abs and run about 3-4 miles a day for wrestling on top of the actual practice. Was the test given the wrong way, or is it possible I actually have that high of body fat?

I seriously doubt that you have 30%

[Taliesin]

I can't believe that you would see your abs through 30% BF, this kinda suggests that the measurement is wrong.

First, there are a number of models that can be used to convert the caliper readings to a BF % - my favourite is the 7 site test, as can be found here:
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/BodyComp.html


Secondly, there is a knack to the use of calipers - to be sure that the measurement is consistent it's good practice to take each measurement 3 times. Also, it's good to give the skin fold a break between measurements, so take measurements 1 to 7, then return for the second measurements 1 to 7 and so on.

While not the most accurate method of BF measurement, skin fold calipers should be reasonably accurate.

As a rough indicator, there are some photos here that give a rough idea of what some BF% look like.

http://www.exer-phys-club.com/bfguidearticle.html

If you look like the first one, then maybe you do have 30% BF, else, your measurements were possibly incorrect. ;)

[Ad McG]

Generally it's under 10% for visible abdominals. You aren't 30%. That link is slightly over-exagerrated percentage wise but it's a decent enough guide.