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Scale that checks body fat reliable?

gutterputt1 Posts: 15 Joined: 2004/01/08	2004/02/12, 10:54 PM I have a scale that supposedly checks your body fat.I started exercising (cardio only) and dropped about 10lbs. and 6% on my body fat.About 4 weeks ago I started lifting and following a 2000-2500 calorie diet with about 1g protein per lb of body weight and creatine.I'm 5'11 and 175-180 lbs.According to my scale my bodyfat is no longer dropping.Not too concerned with losing more weight just getting rid of the fat.Don't seem to be going anywhere, at least not very fast.I do weight training 3 days a week with 3 days of cardio.Am I hurting myself or just expecting too much too fast.
pimple Posts: 490 Joined: 2003/07/08	2004/02/12, 10:57 PM well, body fat % is just an estimate... they're pretty close to the actual number, so if your scale says so, i wouldn't doubt it too much, but i wouldn't sweat over it too much either... -------------- 8.3 http://www.hotornot.com/r/?eid=GEKZGLA&key=RLE
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2004/02/13, 07:39 AM if you want to lose body fat, then you have to diet and cut calories, you can't build muscle( suplus of calories) and get rid of body fat( cutting calories) at the same time. These are 2 diferent things your trying to do. If you are gaining muscle it will "naturaly burn" off fat through a higher metoblizm. PLus the 1st few lbs are the easiest to lose. Don't rush it if you do, you'll start losing muscle mass -------------- ---andrew.......adversity causes some to break, but others to break records! LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR!!
ioioio Posts: 302 Joined: 2004/01/29	2004/02/13, 07:57 AM I think that the scale that checks body fat on the site, is totally wrong. It's cr@p. But if you want to lose clories you can't gain muscle too as bigandrew has very well pointed out!!!
gutterputt1 Posts: 15 Joined: 2004/01/08	2004/02/13, 09:29 PM My original goal was just to lose weight and get in some sort of shape.I had gained about 15 pounds over this last year and just quit smoking.But just losing weight won't give me the body I want to have.I know I have to build muscle ,I was just concerned about gaining back the belly I just lost.
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/02/13, 11:40 PM Are you speaking of the Body Mass Index Calculator? If so, I believe that technology is out of date. I'm roughly six feet tall, and the BMI says my ideal weight should be between 135lbs and 185lbs. I'd be comfy at 180, but 135? No way... I'd fall over in a stiff wind... t ============ Quoting from ioioio: I think that the scale that checks body fat on the site, is totally wrong. It's cr@p. But if you want to lose clories you can't gain muscle too as bigandrew has very well pointed out!!! ============= -------------- Tim "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self." Aristotle
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2004/02/14, 12:05 AM Any scale that you use, be it on here or the scale you have, or even calipers, just use it as a guide, be patient and measure yourself also, thats where you really see results. One more comment, if you have the Tanita bf scale or any other, make sure your bladder is empty, and if you have any stainless steel on you (like a watch) take it off. Congrats on kicking the smokes! -------------- "A will finds a way" Ivan Montreal Canada
Reddy Posts: 597 Joined: 2003/09/11	2004/02/14, 04:50 PM ahh thanks Carivan - I didn't know that - I seem to be holding where I had been - about to change some things up
pimple Posts: 490 Joined: 2003/07/08	2004/02/15, 12:25 AM yeah, make sure you take your watch off before you measure your wrists... JK... -------------- 8.1 o_O http://www.hotornot.com/r/?eid=GEKZGLA&key=RLE
wrestler125 Posts: 4,619 Joined: 2004/01/27	2004/02/19, 06:21 PM unless your using calipers are a water tank to estimate your body fat %, dont believe everything you hear or see. electronic bodyfat estimators work by sending an electrical signal through your body (thats why you have to stand on two seperate metal plates). Since muscle contains more water than fat, it coducts electricity better. The scale uses this to "determine" the amount of fat in your body. So basicly, all that it is measuring is how hydrated you are. When im cutting weight for wrestling, im at about 5-6% bodyfat, and im remarkably skinny, (you can not only see definition in my abs but striations) but im severly dehydrated, and as a result, the scale says that im at about 20% bodyfat. Also, creatine usage will have an effect on the reading. Basicly, your scales bodyfat tester is crap -------------- "I get up in the morning around six to run for about an hour. Later in the day, I lift with a partner. Following my lifting sessions, I usually do speed and agility drills. Later, I drill all my holds and moves." 'Isnt that lifestyle boring?' "Yes, but the gold medal is very shiny." Ichiguchi Olympic Gold Medalist