FAQ's 
Q:  How accurate is the BOD POD?
Q:  How long does the test take, am I inside the whole time?
Q:  What do the results tell me, are they easy to read?
Q:  How do I schedule an appointment?
Q:  What are the other measuring options and their advantages and disadvantages
Q:  How do I lose my excess body fat?
Q:  How do I increase my lean muscle mass?
Q:  How can the BOD POD be used in my weight loss program?
Q:  Are there any age-specific body fat standards?
 


  
Q: How accurate is the BOD POD?
A: 
   
  

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Q: How long does the test take, am I inside the whole time?
A: 

No, the WHOLE test takes about five minutes, less than 2 are inside the BOD POD.  The 5 minutes includes loading the information from your client Information/waiver form  into the computer and taking a mass measurement (weight) reading while having the process inside the BOD POD explained.  This part of the process happens outside as the BOD POD goes through it's Quality Control and Volume calibration process, which it does every test.  After verifying proper volume calibration you'll enter the BOD POD for 2 brief 50 second measurements resulting in a light feeling of pressure change while the machine reads volume measurements resulting from the air displaced by the body.  Click to see video

   
  

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Q: What do the results tell me, are they easy to read?
A: 

We print your results right after the test and encourage you to share them with Physicians, Personal Trainers, Dieticians/Nutritionists, Coaches, and even Corporate Wellness Directors tracking the progress of your fitness program. We will however be happy to answer any questions you may have after reading your results and explanations. Click here to see full results

   
Q: How long does the test take, and can I see a video of the test?
A: The test takes approximately five minutes, see video link .
   
  

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Q:  How do I schedule and appointment?
A:  Matt@BeFitTest.com or call 410-353-2791
   
  

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Q: What are the other measuring options and their advantages and disadvantages.
A: 

(1) Hydrostatic (Underwater) Weighing
 
This technique determines body fat from body density (the ratio of body weight to body volume) or: D = Mass/Volume. It is based on the whole-body principle of Archimedes, which states an object's loss of weight in water equals the weight of the volume of water it displaces. In this procedure the subject sits strapped in a chair that is submerged into a water tank and weighed. While submerged, the subject must expel all the air from their lungs and hold their breath for 10-15 seconds until the scale can be read. This process is repeated up to 10 times to ensure accuracy.

Average Test Time: 30-60 minutes
 
Advantages:

   
  
  • An established reference method for measuring body density.
  • Known to be very accurate when compliance issues can be followed properly.
  Disadvantages:
   
  
  • Test time is lengthy, arduous, and very difficult to perform correctly.
  • Technician must be highly skilled in order to obtain accurate results.
  • Some populations are impossible to test, including the extremely obese, disabled, elderly, infants and small children, and those with an aversion to water.
  • Ongoing maintenance issues are high. Water temperature needs to remain constant and the tank should be drained after each measurement, since dirty water can skew results.
  • A wide range of equipment, protocols, calibration, and methods for determining residual Residual Volume can contribute to measurement errors.
  • Hygiene issues.
  

(2) Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) 
This technique was initially developed to measure bone mineral density, not body composition. During testing a subject lies on a table and the body is slowly scanned. Computer software then reconstructs an image of the underlying tissue to determine total fat and lean mass.

Average Test Time: 10 minutes

Advantages: 

   
  
  • Provides more accurate results than field methods.
  • Comfortable.
  Disadvantages:
  
  • Uses x-ray technology, which is invasive.
  • Special license required for operator.
  • Equipment is very expensive and availability is mostly exclusive to medical facilities.
  • Cannot accommodate extremely large/obese people.
  • Different DXA equipment can produce different results.
  

(3) Bioelectric Impedance 
Considered a field method, this technique is based on the concept that the lean tissue of the body is more conductive than fat tissue due to its higher water content. Testing involves placement of electrodes on the skin, while a low dose electrical current is passed through the body. The resistance to this current is determined and converted to percent body fat.

Average Test Time: Under 5 minutes

Advantages:

  
  • Quick.
  • Easy and comfortable.
  Disadvantages:
  
  • Not as accurate as the BOD POD, hydrostatic weighing, or DXA (error factor of ±8% fat).
  • Results are greatly affected by the type of instrument used, hydration level, food intake, and skin temperature. 
  • Can't be used by those with medical implants such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
  

(4) Skinfold Calipers 
Considered a field method, this technique measures subcutaneous fat at several sites on the body by pinching the skin with calipers. The assumption is that subcutaneous fat is proportional to the subject's total body fat.
 
Average Test Time: Up to 20 minutes

Advantages:

   
  
  • Portable and easily performed in the field.
  • Inexpensive.  
  Disadvantages:
  
  • Not as accurate as the BOD POD, hydrostatic weighing, or DXA (error factor of ±8% fat), since only subcutaneous fat is being measured.
  • Reliability is highly dependent upon the type of calipers used and the skill level of the technician.
  • Not a valid method for measuring the extremely obese.
  • Testing can take a long time, as many sites need to be pinched repeatedly to achieve the most accurate results.
  (5) Body Mass Index (BMI) 
This is a mathematical calculation based on a subject‟s height and weight, which is used to make an assumption of the subject's body fat.

Average Test Time: Less than 5 minutes

Advantages:
   
  
  • Inexpensive.
  • Easy to perform.
  Disadvantages:
  
  • Does not directly measure body fat.
  • Often misclassifies muscular subjects as being obese.
  • Same range classifications are used for both men and women.
  • Does not take into account age, gender, and ethnicity when determining results.
  

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Q: How do I lose my excess body fat?
A: 

The most effective way to shed excess fat is to combine sensible exercise with healthy dietary choices.  Research shows this to be the most successful approach in the long run.

   
  

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Q: How do I increase my lean muscle mass?
A: 

The best way to increase muscle is through resistance training.  Healthy and vigorous muscles are consistent with good health, as muscles support the activity of the body and burn calories.

   
  

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Q: How can the BOD POD be used in my weight loss program?
A: 

Consider working with a trained health care or fitness professional. They can review your BOD POD test results and design a program to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to retest in the BOD POD regularly so you will know if you are progressing towards your goal.

   
  

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Q: Are there any age-specific body fat standards?
A: 

Research shows that a moderate, natural increase in body fat with age occurs in many individuals.  To account for this natural increase, $ fat values provided in the Body Fat Rating table on the BOD POD test print-out sheet should be viewed as recommendations for adults 18 years and older, with the values being adjusted upwards by possibly 3-5% fat for older adults.

   
  

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 Contact Details

410.353.2791       Towson, MD       Matt@BeFitTest.com

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