+44 789 719 7818

Tag: body fat

Rachel G. body fat test results (progress in 4 weeks)

I'm passionate about training two kinds of personal training clients;

1) People with a dieting past who want to lose body fat effectively and keep the results in the long term &

2) People who want to learn to learn to train for maximum aesthetic results - a nicely toned body (vanity, ha) -- usually women who want to primarily start using weights/resistance equipment in their training and to learn to train safely and effectively.

All training is based on getting optimal fat loss results FAST.

Rachel on incline chest press yesterday (tricep definition starting to come through!)
Rachel on incline chest press yesterday (tricep definition starting to come through!)

I've trained Rachel G. for the past month - she's a "type 2 client". I just did her body fat analyses (caliper method) yesterday as we'd reached 4 weeks of training together. We couldn't believe the results - increased lean mass (=increased BMR=her body is now burning calories more effectively) and a lower body fat percentage while her weight has remained the same (she's got no weight to lose). Details below:

 

Body fat%: Was 26.3% ---> now 24.4%

Lean body mass: Was 38.3 kg ---> now 39.3 kg

Fat mass: Was 13.7 kg ---> now 12.7 kg

BMR (basal metabolic rate): Was 1197 ---> now 1219 kcal/day

 

So proud of you, chick!! Let's keep rocking those weights :-)

 

/Fit as Hel fitness coach Erika Helsinki

 

P.s. Rachel had pretty much NO upper body strength a month ago!! She's so much stronger now and definition is starting to show.

P.p.s. If you'd like to enquire about personal training (currently available in North East England), text me on 0789 719 7818 anytime :-)

Body fat % testing

Fit as Hel: The Simple Life got a question the other day on Facebook - I thought to share it here in case anyone's been wondering how to get their body fat percentage tested reliably.

Question:
By Kulchada _____________

Hi Erika,
What would be the best way to measure fat and/or muscles in body ? I did once last year with Elixia , where they came to promote their fitness at our work place. The machine was something like we stand with bare feet on, and only hold the sticks. Not sure how accurate would that be but I would really to measure again. Unfortunately, I am not their client. Are there any places you could suggest to go and try and not too pricey ? Thanks for your any recommendation in advances. ....Regards, Kulchada ....PS: I came across your blog when I searched for body fat measurement in Helsinki.

Answer:

By Fit as Hel: The Simple Life

Hi Kulchada! Thanks for your question.

The bioelectrical impedance devices (scales/hand held devices...) give you a very rough estimation and I wouldn't particularly recommend them. Some give you a more accurate reading than others, but they're often dependant on so many factors you simply can't control them. I've used BodyStat in the past (it's about 1000€ for the machine), but in the end it didn't end up being very reliable either, although I was made to believe so by a gym manager.

Caliper tests (skin fold method), on the other hand, can be a better way of testing your bf% -- although this won't give you 100% accurate results either. However, it does become a fairly reliable way of tracking progress if done by the same professional every time. This method includes pinching your skin with specialist calipers and measuring the mm's of fat in certain areas of your body -- then inserting these numbers into a scientifically developed formula which comes up with an estimation of your bf%.

It's also possible to give out an estimation of your body fat percentage just by looking at your picture (where stomach & legs are visible). This is obviously not going to be the most reliable way of doing it, but for example women who've got visible abs would likely usually be below 15% body fat.

I use calipers with my clients and would happily do your measurements properly if there weren't around 2,000 km distance between us .

Did this help at all? I'm sure if you look up a qualified reputable PT in Helsinki they'll be able to do your skin fold measurements. And don't hesitate to drop me a message if you've got any more questions!

Hope you're having a great weekend.

Best regards,
Erika Helsinki

about a minute ago
Fit as Hel: The Simple Life

Oh, and I forgot to mention that it IS possible to have your bf% accurately tested by the hydrostatic method (submerging you under water), but this is a vvvvvvery expensive method.

Measurement results: Miss A

My client was reluctant to get her body fat measurements done yesterday, after about 6-7 weeks of training with me. The scales haven't shown much difference since starting - in her own words she's been off track with eating (parties, guests, late nights...).

But the visual change in her body composition is apparent due to her tremendous effort in our training sessions - much more muscle definition, incredible strength gains and a nicely toned body.

It's very important to track progress continuously and so we proceeded with the caliper (skin fold) test.

A's results (2nd Nov/19th Dec):
- body fat %: 31.8/28.5
- fat weight (kg): 22.4/20.1
- lean weight (kg): 48.0/50.3


---> Over 10% loss in overall body fat amount
---> Body fat -2.3kg
--->Lean muscle +2.3kg

SERIOUSLY CHICK!!! Grab a kg of pure fat and you'll start to appreciate just how much you've achieved in such little time.

AND 2.3 kg of extra muscle is AMAZing - and has significantly increased the amount of calories your body burns in a day (BMR) - exactly what we want.

Add that clean eating in to your habits and you'll be lean as f*** in no time!

IMPRESSIVE RESULTS - well done A!! Let's get you the dream body back :-)

/Erika