Scales

[DDRNewbie]

Hey all----

This is sort of an odd question, but I wanted to get some feedback. I've decided to get myself a new scale (to mark progress and all) and I was wondering what you all had to say on the subject?

Apparently the latest craze is to have a scale that also measures body fat content. Aside from the fact that none of them seem to cover *all* kinds of body shapes ("for average use"...."for athletes"....."for sedentary people"), I'm not sure I'd want a "harmless electrical pulse" being shot into my body every time I stepped on the scale.

Anyways, what do you guys suggest?

DDR Newbie

[abrannan]

The body fat scales are okay, but not very accurate. If you're wet or sweaty when you step on them, you'll affect the result. You can't feel the electric pulse though. To measure body fat, you're better off getting a set of calipers. THey run about $20 online, and they're far more accurate. I'd suggest getting a scale that measures 1/2 pounds or tenths, so you can see even if there's only a small movement in weight.

[SSC]

I suggest not using a scale... I guess you can, it may help track weight loss, but remember muscle weighs much more than fat.

[DDRNewbie]

True.....but I'm not powerlifting, so I don't expect to have *that* much muscle growth. As such, even with the increased muscle mass (in my legs, for instance), there should still be very noticable losses in weight.

Even so, thanks for reminding me

DDR Newbie

[abrannan]

Using a scale in concert with a body fat % measuring device can help you determine if you've lost or gained muscle, and how much. One tip for the weightlifting, the larger the muscle group you work, the more muscle building hormones you release. Your Quads are basically the largest workable muscle group you've got. Squats can be a great way to boost your gains on your upper body.