Body Composition is divided into two parts: percent body fat and percent lean mass. The most frequently reported value is the percent body fat. There are several ways to estimate body composition.
Body Fat Scale
The body fat scale will include estimates of the following:
- Fat Weight
- Percent Fat
- Lean Body Mass
- Total Body Water
- Lean to Fat Ratio
TriFIT and calipers
Our personal trainers use a three site method for assessing body fat. One's skin is pinched by the trainer using a caliper. The skin sites for men are the chest, abdomen, and thigh; for women the sites are triceps, suprailium, and thigh.
The TriFIT computer analysis the caliper readings. The skin fold method measures only under the skin (subcutaneous) and not internal (visceral) fat.
Body mass index
Body Mass Index is a simple, but inaccurate, way to measure body composition. To calculate BMI height and weight are figured into a mathematical formula.
Waist-to-hip ratio
A quick way to estimate body composition is to use the waist-to-hip ratio. The waist is measured at the narrowest part of the torso, and the hip is measured at the largest protrusion of the buttocks. Females should have a ratio of 0.80 or less, and males should have a ratio of 0.90 or less (The Cooper Institute- Master Fitness Specialist Course and Certification, 2000. Page 181).
Bicycle Submax Test
The Center provides three submax tests: arm ergometer, bicycle ergometer, and treadmill. These tests are in addition to the testing received during the pre/post tests. There is an additional charge for these submax tests.
A submax test can provide (a) a benchmark of your fitness level, (b) the starting point, intensity level and duration for your workouts, and (c) a comparison of pre/progress tests for your exercise program.
The bicycle and treadmill submax tests will be analyzed by our TriFIT computer.
Nutritional Analysis
Your personal trainer and TriFIT system can provide you with a custom cardiovascular and strength program based upon realistic goals, your current state of health, experience level and your equipment/activity preferences. Your trainer and the TriFIT system can help you meet your weight loss/gain and dietary goals by providing nutritionally sound meal plans based upon your current status, target body composition, caloric goals, meal planning and food preferences.