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Using Calipers When Measuring Skinfolds
The procedure for measuring skinfold thickness is to grasp firmly with the thumb and forefinger a fold of
skin and surface fat and pull it away from the underlying muscle. Take the caliper in your other hand and
open the jaws. Clamp the jaws over the pinched skin and fat. The jaws exert constant tension at the point
of contact with the skin. The thickness of the double layer of skin and fat can then be read directly from
the caliper, which is marked in millimeters.
Use these figures on the following chart to
determine your body-fat percentage and enter
the number on the line below.
Starting body-fat percentage
Women
Suprailium
Triceps
Thigh
Total
Men
Chest
Abdomen
Thigh
Total
Optional Picture Taking
Pictures can be the most exciting evaluation you
can do. The numbers and the tape measurements
are great, but actually seeing differences from
comparison photographs of yourself is quite
satisfying.
Taking full-length photographs is not difficult, but
to see the maximum difference between before
and after, you should follow these guidelines.
1) Keep everything the same. Wear the same outfit,
a snug solid color is best, and have the person
taking the picture stand in the same place, with
the same setting behind you.
2) Make sure you stand against an uncluttered,
light background.
3) Have the person taking the photograph move
away from you until he can see your entire body
in the viewfinder.
4) Stand relaxed for three pictures, front, right
side, and back. Do not try to suck in your
stomach.
5) Interlace your fingers and place them on top of
your head, so the contours of your torso will be
plainly visible. Keep your feet 8” (20 cm) apart
in all three pictures.
6) When you get the film developed tell the
processors to make your after photos the same
size as your previous ones. This way, your height
in both sets of photos is equal and more valid
comparisons can be made.
Measurements