Body Composition Assessment
Research has shown that increased fat mass in the body may lead to several health complications and because body mass is no longer indicative of fat mass, an individuals body composition must be considered. Due to the simplicity and ease, the CPAFLA (Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Approach) technique of using the body mass index refined by skinfold and waist circumference measures is much more meaningful. BMI is measured based on height and weight, which is imputed into an equation to give a basic indication of fat mass status (underweight <18.5, normal 18.5-24.9, overweight 25-29.9, obese >30). The waist circumference measure is taken with measuring tape and is placed at the approximate midpoint between the iliac crest and the lowest rib. can indicate where the majority of the fat mass is located and indicate the risk of disease. The skinfold measure can indicate the overall fat distribution by measuring skinfolds at the biceps, triceps, subscapular (shoulder blade), iliac crest (upper hip) and medial calf. This involves lifting the skinfold at the specific site to measure the thickness and thus presume a measure of subcutaneous fat. This technique can be uncomfortable for some individuals as the professional will be displacing the skin folds on sensitive areas of the body. However, by combining these three simple techniques our staff can assess an individual’s body composition to a relatively accurate degree.
Our body composition assessment can be 30-45 minutes in length and afterwards results will be discussed with you by our staff to explain where changes need to occur. Skinfold measurements can be excluded from the measurement due to personal preference, however results will not be as accurate. Our body composition assessment is $40 per session and can be booked dependent on the availability of our staff.