Tanita - the easiest way to measure your body fat
Written: Jun 22 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very easy to use, good for tracking changes in body composition
Cons: Expensive, sensitive to hydration levels
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| Kris.'s Full Review: Tanita BF-542 Family Body Fat Monitor/Scale |
This is a great product for people who are concerned about tracking their fitness level. It is easier than other methods of testing body fat, and it can be done in the privacy of your home. The scale is durable. This model allows up to four people to store their settings, and has different modes to increase the accuracy.
How it works
When you first use the scale, you will need to enter some information that will be used to calculate your body fat. The scale stores the information for you. Subsequently you will only need to punch a button to indicate which user you are, then step on the metal plates on the scale. A small electrical current is sent through the body, and the scale determines your body fat percentage. Don't worry-you can't feel the electrical current.
Accuracy
Tanita allows three different settings (child, adult, and athlete) in order to improve the accuracy compared to older models. However, your body fat percentage may still be off by a couple %. The scale is sensitive to hydration levels, so you need to be sure to use it under similar conditions each time. For example, you might want to use it in the morning before you have anything to drink. While the scale may not be completely accurate, it is a good way to track changes in your body composition over time.
A note about pacemakers
Tanita does not recommend this product to people with pacemakers.
Cost
This is the downside of body fat scales – they are expensive compared to other methods of determining your body fat.
Common Alternatives
Gyms – Most local gyms or YMCAs will give you a skin-fold (caliper) test for a small fee. It is easy and inexpensive, but some people may find it embarrassing to have a stranger touching and pinching them.
Buying calipers – Calipers are more accurate than body fat scales if used properly. They are less sensitive to hydration levels. A good caliper, such as the Slim Guide, can be bought for around $20. Calipers are more difficult to use than scales, and inexperienced person may not get good measurements. It takes a fair amount of practice to get consistent results, but once you are trained you may appreciate the increased accuracy.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Kris.
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Austin, TX
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 49 members
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