Body fat percentage?

*Beki*

I had a medical through work recently and they measured my body fat percentage - I've never had this measured before so it was quite interesting to get a value, even if it wasn't all that great!

The doctor used the electrodes on hands+feet version, which I know can be affected by water in the body as it's an electrical pulse, but how much accuracy should I place in this value? And is it worth monitoring it long-term at home?

I'm 26yo, 5'4 and weigh between 63-65kg. My bodyfat % was 28%, and apparently for my height/weight etc it should be below 26%. I know I'm a bit overweight, and could definitely do with toning up! I'm reasonably active having run two 10ks and a handful of 5ks in the last few months...

Any suggestions/thoughts?

heartbreak_star

Weight training maybe? And none of these silly girly weights - heavy and low reps will build compact muscle.

Oh, and free weights not machines

I put on 4kg powerlifting, but my measurements and body fat have decreased

HBS x

*Beki*

I'm starting Crossfit next week so I'm sure that will help!

I was more wondering about keeping track of measurements long term, in terms of home-scales and realistic numbers to aim for...

Thanks

BrookesAndrew

I would say just try and get it to around 20%. If its a bit more than that then that is fine. It will do you a lot of good in the long run. I wouldn't do weights or anything like that if I was you unless you want to get stronger. If you want to get fitter which I think will do you good if you are running 10ks and 5ks then just continue running and also try spinning. Its at most gyms now and its when you are on a bike. Its brilliant and will help you get your fitness up.

All in all though if you are running 10ks and 5ks then you don't have to worry about much. You are probably less than 28% because like you said in your post, in doesn't take into consideration the water in your body.

Keep up the running and definitley give spinning a try. It does depend on what you want though.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Yes women need body fat to retain their reproductive functions and cannot afford to go as low as men.

katejo

*Beki* wrote: »

I had a medical through work recently and they measured my body fat percentage - I've never had this measured before so it was quite interesting to get a value, even if it wasn't all that great!

The doctor used the electrodes on hands+feet version, which I know can be affected by water in the body as it's an electrical pulse, but how much accuracy should I place in this value? And is it worth monitoring it long-term at home?

I'm 26yo, 5'4 and weigh between 63-65kg. My bodyfat % was 28%, and apparently for my height/weight etc it should be below 26%. I know I'm a bit overweight, and could definitely do with toning up! I'm reasonably active having run two 10ks and a handful of 5ks in the last few months...

Any suggestions/thoughts?

according to the guide which came with my scales , 28 is perfectly normal for your age and sex

ShAnE

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Weight training maybe? And none of these silly girly weights - heavy and low reps will build compact muscle.

Oh, and free weights not machines

I put on 4kg powerlifting, but my measurements and body fat have decreased

HBS x

Heavy and low reps are better at building size than strength, and I guess most women prefer to look toned than massive, so high reps would be more effective in that case.

heartbreak_star

ShAnE wrote: »

Heavy and low reps are better at building size than strength, and I guess most women prefer to look toned than massive, so high reps would be more effective in that case.

No no no no that's completely the wrong way round! Heavy weights and low reps build compact, dense muscle! Most people I know going for size do medium weight (for them) and high reps...

HBS x

[Deleted User]

You need to be careful suggesting heavy weights to someone who has not done weight training before. Although I agree with you that it is the way to build muscle and therefore ultimately lose/maintain weight, it is vital that free weights are used correctly and they take a while to get used to. Without knowing the age or strength of the OP or any injury/weakness they may have, its important that they start light with free weights so that they can master the technique properly. Going straight into training with heavy weights without learning correct technique can lead to serious injury and then an inability to train at all.