Fat Or Muscle?

Underwater weighing and bioelectrical impedance, which uses a mild electrical current, are two of the more accurate methods to determine lean muscle-to-fat ratio. Some gyms and many hospitals offer these tests. They’re however, pricey.

At home, you can get a rough estimate by giving yourself a skinfold test. This won’t be anywhere near as accurate as having the measurement taken by the above methods, but it will give you an idea of whether or not your body-fat percentage is higher than it should be. Here’s what to do.

Find a millimeter ruler and take off your shirt.

Pinch a diagonal fold of skin at your chest, halfway between your shoulder crease and nipple. Measure the thickness of the fold in millimeters.

Pinch a vertical fold of skin at the front of your thigh, halfway between your hip and knees and measure that one too.

Pinch a vertical fold of skin at your abdomen, about an inch to the side of your belly button and measure that.

Add all three measurements together and see the chart

Total (mm) – Body Fat (%)
8-19…………………2-4
20-34………………5-9
35-67………………10-20
68-85………………21-24
86-100…………….25-28

A measurement of more than 20 percent could indicate an elevated health risk. Check with your doctor and use a more sophisticated method to verify these results.

Source: magnamags