Answers (9)
4
Hi Pascale,
I'm not sure if you are aware but bioelectrical impedance device has +/- of up to 14% depending upon if your client is hydrated, has jewelry on, or isn't holding the device appropriately. Maybe BF% isn't the best way to measure if it will be discouraging. I would look into other ways of measuring her progress such as doing body measurements, whether it's hip to waist or measuring bust, waist, hip, arms, and thigh or doing a fitness assessment (3 minute step test, push up/modified push up, measurements, and flexibility).
Hope this helps!
I'm not sure if you are aware but bioelectrical impedance device has +/- of up to 14% depending upon if your client is hydrated, has jewelry on, or isn't holding the device appropriately. Maybe BF% isn't the best way to measure if it will be discouraging. I would look into other ways of measuring her progress such as doing body measurements, whether it's hip to waist or measuring bust, waist, hip, arms, and thigh or doing a fitness assessment (3 minute step test, push up/modified push up, measurements, and flexibility).
Hope this helps!
1
Hello Pascale Lean,
I use the skinfold calipers for bodyfat measurements.
If you are afraid this could be medical, I would refer her to her doctor; nothing wrong with being careful.
Are you sure your client's eating and drinking habits are exactly the same? Do you think the change of seasons could have something to do with it?
Good luck; please let us know how this turns out.
Take care,
Natalie.
I use the skinfold calipers for bodyfat measurements.
If you are afraid this could be medical, I would refer her to her doctor; nothing wrong with being careful.
Are you sure your client's eating and drinking habits are exactly the same? Do you think the change of seasons could have something to do with it?
Good luck; please let us know how this turns out.
Take care,
Natalie.
1
My first guess would be a nutrition issue. It could be too many calories in or far too few. I would have them see a Registered dietitian to carefully analyze their eating habits.
0
In order for us to answer that, we would have to know what she was doing for the past 3 months and if there were changes to her exercise program (assuming that something in the exercise program is a cause for this). Also, what was her eating habits like?
Aside from measuring her body fat and weight, are there any other anthropometric measurements that you take (such as skinfolds, waist circumference, circumference on other body parts)? The less tools that's used, the less accurate a picture you have of what's going on with your client.
It could very well be the device itself or even the conditions that you measured your client. Normally when you take these measurements, they should be taken under the same conditions as the first time you measured your clients. Did you make sure the conditions were the same the last two times you measured your client with the device?
Aside from measuring her body fat and weight, are there any other anthropometric measurements that you take (such as skinfolds, waist circumference, circumference on other body parts)? The less tools that's used, the less accurate a picture you have of what's going on with your client.
It could very well be the device itself or even the conditions that you measured your client. Normally when you take these measurements, they should be taken under the same conditions as the first time you measured your clients. Did you make sure the conditions were the same the last two times you measured your client with the device?
0
We made the measurements always at the same time before the workout. I used a handheld bioelectrical impedance device to measure BF% and BMI. I tried the device on myself and it worked accurate. My client is 66 years old and diabetic. She always eats the same food and has an eating routine to avoid complications with her diabetic. She started working out with me 3 month ago and we meet once a week for a resistance trainings session (mainly tubing, balance and coordination exercises). Other than that she is walking daily with her dog. So, except seeing me once a week no changes in her routine. I'm worried that it might be a medical issue and appreciate your reply, thank you!
0
Hi Pascale,
did you by any chance also take anthropomorphic measurements? Did she complain to you of her clothes fitting differently? Those can be just as accurate indicators of change.
Such a body fat increase in the absence of weight gain is all but impossible. Even though her exercise routine is moderate, it should be sufficient to maintain her muscle mass. You mention that she is very consistent in her food intake. Bio-electrical impedance is also sensitive to hydration levels.
Regardless of the outcome of this question, I would not measure body composition once a month on a client like her. Given her moderate exercising, it is not likely to change significantly and may just make her feel worse.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
did you by any chance also take anthropomorphic measurements? Did she complain to you of her clothes fitting differently? Those can be just as accurate indicators of change.
Such a body fat increase in the absence of weight gain is all but impossible. Even though her exercise routine is moderate, it should be sufficient to maintain her muscle mass. You mention that she is very consistent in her food intake. Bio-electrical impedance is also sensitive to hydration levels.
Regardless of the outcome of this question, I would not measure body composition once a month on a client like her. Given her moderate exercising, it is not likely to change significantly and may just make her feel worse.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
0
Each bio-electrical impedance device comes with a manual that explains the proper conditions under which to get an accurate read on a client. Most differences that you're describing, are due to a dehydration issue. It could be that with the summertime heat and humidity (not sure where you are located?), her normal water intake needs to be increased to account for these issues. The same could be true if she was traveling recently, or even is there was a change in the medication she's been using to control her diabetes.
As Karin, indicated, it would be unheard of for her body fat percentage to make a jump like that without her weight also climbing. Did you also take measurements? I use measurements, as well as a bio-impedance scale to double check all my assessments and to decrease the chances of a dehydration issue. The tanita scale I use, also tests for hydration level to see the accuracy of the body fat reading and see where dehydration may be an issue.
If you don't have measurements on her, I would take measurements and see if the body fat percentage you get with measurements is equal to what you saw with the scale and then go from there.
Good luck,
Jocelyn
As Karin, indicated, it would be unheard of for her body fat percentage to make a jump like that without her weight also climbing. Did you also take measurements? I use measurements, as well as a bio-impedance scale to double check all my assessments and to decrease the chances of a dehydration issue. The tanita scale I use, also tests for hydration level to see the accuracy of the body fat reading and see where dehydration may be an issue.
If you don't have measurements on her, I would take measurements and see if the body fat percentage you get with measurements is equal to what you saw with the scale and then go from there.
Good luck,
Jocelyn
0
I am confused.
Her bodyfat went up, as tested several times, but her weight did not change. Have I got that right?
This tells me that her muscle mass went down percentage wise. Using tubing and bands may not be enough to sustain her muscle mass, especially only once a week. ACSM recommends miniumum of 2x's a week. Have you considered revising the strength training program?
Her bodyfat went up, as tested several times, but her weight did not change. Have I got that right?
This tells me that her muscle mass went down percentage wise. Using tubing and bands may not be enough to sustain her muscle mass, especially only once a week. ACSM recommends miniumum of 2x's a week. Have you considered revising the strength training program?
0
Another possibility is that your first measurement could have been off. BF% increase without BW going up it sounds strange to me. Also, this client needs to be training at least 2x/week if not more. Is she Type 1 or 2 diabetic? Since she is diabetic, I would suggest training more often will help her with a better blood regulation and better A1C levels. Not seeing her often, gives her the time and excuses not to follow any instructions you might have given her and make it easier for her to lie about her diet, exercise and other habits and changes she is trying accomplish. Have you taken her measurements since then?
