Skinfold calipers
How TO perform a skinfold caliper test
To measure body fat you will some body fat measuring calipers and somebody to help you, all measurements should be taken on the right side of the body in order to be consistent.
The three site method involves taking readings from 3 different sites on the body.
For males these sites are:
The three site method involves taking readings from 3 different sites on the body.
For males these sites are:
- Chest (between the crease of the armpit and the nipple)
- Abdomen (right of the navel)
- Thigh (midpoint between the knee and the hip)
- Triceps
- Supraillic (near the top ridge of the hip bone)
- Thigh (midpoint between the knee and the hip)
Normative data
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Simpler and easier to perform that other body fat measuring tests
- Only one piece of equipement is needed
- Equipment is cheap
- Assistant needed to administer test
- Only measures 3 areas