Using body fat calipers involves pinching skinfolds at specific body sites and measuring the thickness of the fat layer. Here's a breakdown based on the provided reference:
Skinfold Measurement Technique
The reference video mentions measuring body fat using skinfold calipers at a particular site. This is a crucial step for assessing body composition. Here’s how to measure using calipers:
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Mid-axillary Site:
- Locate the mid-axillary area, which is on the side of the body, below the armpit.
- Pinch a horizontal fold of skin.
- Use the calipers to measure the thickness of this fold, employing the same technique as with other sites.
General Caliper Measurement Tips:
While the reference focuses on the mid-axillary site, here are general tips that would apply across all sites:
- Pinching the Skin: Grasp the skin firmly between your thumb and index finger.
- Caliper Placement: Place the caliper jaws about 1 cm away from your fingers, perpendicular to the fold.
- Taking the Measurement: Read the measurement on the caliper dial a few seconds after applying the pressure. Don't wait too long, as the skinfold will compress.
- Multiple Measurements: Take multiple measurements at each site (e.g., 2-3 times) and average them for better accuracy.
