Weight loss was not the best measurement for determing one’s progress in the gym. The tool I think is the most important for analyzing one’ physique is body fat, because a lower body fat is healthier for the body and also makes the body look better.
Trainers have been using body fat calipers for years, while people have scales at home and I can tell you both are wildly inaccurate. In ‘The Four Hour Body’, Tim Ferriss recommends the DEXA, BodPod, and the Ultrasound by BodyMetrix as the three top tools for measuring bodyfat. So today I will review the three and let you in on a special opportunity here in Maryland.
The DEXA is an X-ray that costs $50-100 per session and measures bone density in addition to bodyfat. It will show muscle imbalances that can be missed by your average doctor.
The Bodymetrix ultrasound device tells you the thickness of fat wherever you place it. It is used by many of the top professional teams. A professional unit is $2000 and a personal unit is $500.
The BodPod uses air-displacement and alternates air pressures to determine body composition. Infact, the BodPod is the official bodyfat measurement device for the NFL and is used by scouts in selecting the top players. With a BodPod analysis, you will learn how many calories your body burns at rest and your overall composition. It will help you determine whether you are burning bodyfat or muscle. If you brun muscle, you lower your metabolism, so get yourself checked so you can make sure your efforts in the gym are getting you the results you want.
Merritt Athletic Club is bringing BodPod testing to their Fort Avenue location tomorrow, July 11th. Please contact the club for availability and cost at 410-576-2004.
In Health and Happiness,
Madeline Dolente
www.Madfitness.com