Over the coming few weeks we're answering all the fitness basics to build up a nice foundation for new folks coming in. Let us know if there's anything we ought to add, and post a few tips if you like.

Our newest answer: Measuring body fat from start to finish

We've got four more lined up, just a few final edits now.

Cheers, W

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Hi Anthony,

I've bought the Accu-Measure calipers. My mate and I have just used them to calculate each other's body fat and hit a snag: although he is visibly carrying more weight and has substantially less muscle definition than me, his count came to 13.5 percent, mine to 20. I tried to do my own measurements earlier and came in at 13 percent. I know this makes me sound like an idiot, but could you please describe exactly how you use the calipers, ie do you measure below where you're pinching/ above where you're pinching etc? Does skin elasticity make any difference, as my skin seems more pliable than my mate's? Any help appreciated, cheers!

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Did you follow the test Anthony mentioned or the 9-point test?

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7-point test

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I did the one Anthony mentioned.

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People have different distributions of body fat. I'd only really use skinfold thickness to monitor your progress. The formulas aren't really worth bothering with.

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Skinfold thickness? Pardon my ignorance, but how do you measure this?

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Just checked, Anthony mentioned a 9-point test; however, you have to click on the link. Did you just test one area? Within the text it mentions on area, but if you look at the diagram it shows all 9 areas.

Try it again usinf thr 9-point method, sometimes people do not use them properly the first time.

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Well, use the calipers, and note the millimetres (thickness of the skinfold)...

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Sorry, another blonde moment for me there ...

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