Why get a body composition test?
The main reason to get a bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) test is to see how much of you is lean mass and how much is fat mass. Standing on the scales gives you your total mass (weight) but a BIA test will break down that mass into fat mass and lean mass (muscle, tendon, bone etc).
As BIA testing is affordable and quick, you can get regular tests and monitor your progress, or maintenance over time. This will let you see how well your dieting, hypertrophy training, new running club or whatever new thing you are adding to your life is affecting your body composition.
A body composition test will tell you your:
- Body fat %
- Lean mass %
- Water content
- Estimated Kcal requirements
- Basal metabolic rate
How does it work?
Body composition is calculated using bio-electrical impedance analysis. Simply put, it sends an electrical current through your body. The machine measures the impedance (the amount of current your body stops passing through you) and calculates the percentage of fat, water and lean mass. A higher impedance means more fat% as electricity can pass through muscle much more easily as it has a higher water content.
Things to remember:
It works through impedance, so for most accurate measurements you should not eat or drink for 2 hours before your test.
You should also refrain from intense exercise as sweating will reduce you total body water, reducing the accuracy of the test.
It’s not only for top tier athletes, it’s not just for people who want to see their fat loss progress over time. Everyone can benefit from knowing what their body is made up of!
