Body Composition
This is the one test no athlete should ignore, McArdle says. Knowing your body fat percentage not only provides motivation, but is also a clear health indicator.
To get an accurate measurement of your body composition at home, you’ll need a skin fold caliper, a simple plastic tool that pinches your skin to measure thickness. McArdle recommends using the instructions and calculator from the fitness resource website ExRx.net. The website directs you to measure skin thickness in seven locations where you can then enter the data to calculate your body fat percentage and lean weight, which is then compared to the general population.
“Body comp not only has a huge impact on athletic performance, but also on health, McArdle says. “How much fat mass you have communicates a lot about what the other test results are going to be.”
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
Back to top
