Got my body fat% checked at gym today.

[rreynier]

Today at my college gym they were doing free skin caliper tests to check for body fat %. The lady did mine and it was 4.3%. She looked at me kinda funny and seemed concerned about it.. and that i definatly shouldnt lose more. I weigh 170pounds and im 6ft.

So my question is.. am I unhealthy? Also, readin up on different websites.. and they all say health from 6% to like 10%.. and most say 5% is bare minimum. I mean I eat alot.. i mean alot. Granted ive been eating healthy (today: 2 oatmeal breakfast, 8eggs+ham lunch w/yogurt, then 2 chicken and brocolli, then at nite 2 ham/cheese sandwiches, and ill prolly eat apple) Should I worry?

heres pic of me bout 2 months ago:

[ArchAngel777]

Those 5% minimum guidelines apply to most of us "normal" people... You know, 99% of the population that has problems controlling their weight if they don't eat right. In your case, you are perfectly healthy. You look great too! Impressive on how that body fat can really change the way someone looks.

I have a friend who was measured at 3% and he certainly is... When he takes his shirt off I am drolling with envy... Of course, he, like you doesn't have much muscle mass. But I'd love my mass I have right now with 3% body fat... Heck, give me 8% and I'd still be happy.

Take care...

[Glaim]

If you're at 3% you're in the hospital. That's the bare minimum for survival. We're talking auschwitz diet here. In my years as a personal trainer and time spent at my University measuring bodyfat, I've NEVER measured anyone not prepping for a contest under 7-8%. It's just not feesible.

Honestly, I think the person testing you really didn't know what she was doing.

[Roddy]

The person who measured you is wrong. I'm at 9% and i doubt your less than 7%.

[Optimum08]

calipers usually concede a percent error of around 3-4%...so in reality he is around 7-8% bf, which is still very lean, but not "auschwitz-style"

[rreynier]

i suppose it could be an error. she did check it twice.. and bout a year ago i had it tested and it was at 5.5% or somethin. either way, i dont feel unhealthy so its prolly a bad reading, and im not gonna worry bout it!

[Jorge Sanchez]

Ya, you look very lean, but not 4% lean.