Yuhasz Skinfold Test

Measuring body fat percentage is an easy method of discovering correct body weight and composition. Beneath the skin is a layer of subcutaneous fat, and the percentage of total body fat can be measured by taking the 'skinfold' at selected points on the body with a pair of calipers. The Yuhasz Technique uses six sites as opposed to the three of four sites used in many other tests.

Method

The method is as follows:

• Ensure that all of the skinfold measurements are located on the right side of the body and that the measurements are taken in millimetres
• Pick up the skinfold between the thumb and the index finger so as to include two thicknesses of skin and subcutaneous fat
• Apply the calipers about one centimetre from the fingers and at a depth about equal to the thickness of the fold
• Very slightly release the pressure of the fingers so the greater pressure is exerted by the caliper
• Repeat the procedure three times as the measurement may vary and take an average
• In order to standardise, measurements should be taken by the same person and at the same time of day, preferably in the morning
• Add the results of each measurement to get a total value in millimetres
• Using the calculator below to determine the percentage body fat

Measurement Sites

The following sites are used for determining percentage body fat:

	Triceps The skin fold is located midway on the back of the upper arm. The arm hangs freely and the skinfold is lifted parallel to its long axis.
	Subscapula The skinfold is lifted vertically and measured below the tip of the scapula.
	Suprailiac The skinfold is located immediately above the crest of the ilium. The fold is lifted at a slight angle to the vertical along the normal fold line.
	Abdomen The skinfold is located to the left of, adjacent to, and in line with the navel. The fold is lifted parallel to the long axis of the body.
	Front Thigh The skinfold is located midway on the front of the upper leg over the quadriceps. The foot is placed on a six-inch step with the knee slightly flexed and muscles relaxed. The fold is lifted parallel to the long axis of the leg.
	Chest (male only) The site is located above and slightly to the right of the right nipple. The skinfold is taken at a 45-degree angle of the horizontal.
	Rear thigh (female only) The skinfold is located midway on the back of the upper leg. The leg is held in the same position as the front thigh measurements. The skinfold is lifted parallel to the axis of the leg.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted.

Validity

This test is not a good predictor of percent body fat, however can be used to indicate changes in body composition over time.

Fat-free Body Mass & Lean Body Mass

The fat-free body mass (FFBM) represents the body mass devoid of all fat whereas lean body mass (LBM) contains a small percentage of essential fat. LBM is a theoretical value developed by Behnke. For men Behnke considered it to be FFBM+3% essential fat and for females FFBM+12% fat (3% essential fat + 9% sex specific essential fat). Many researches use the terms FFBM and LBM interchangeably.

Typical Scores

The average male has 15 to 17% body fat, while the average female is between 18 and 22%. Typical scores for elite athletes are 6% to 12% for men and 12% to 20% for women.

The following table details the percentage body fat for male and female athletes for a variety of sports.

Free Calculator

• Yuhasz Skinfold Test Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.

Four Week Fat Loss Fat loss strategies from elite sports nutritionist Matt Lovell who has been working with elite athletes, international rugby players and World Champions as a Sports nutritionist for the past 7 years. Matt is sharing some of those principles, strategies and tricks that elite performers in the world of Sport use to get lean and stay lean. Select this link for more information on "Four Week Fat Loss".

Fat Loss Revealed Fat Loss Revealed is a complete blue print to fat loss success. Everything you need to know about diet and nutrition, fat loss supplements, training and the mental edge are covered in Will Brink`s ultimate guide. Select this link for more information on "Fat Loss Revealed".

Lose Fat and Gain Muscle with Turbulence Training Lose fat and gain muscle without cardio. Discover the cardio free fat loss workouts using weight training exercise and interval training to burn fat, get rid of stubborn belly fat, and build muscle. Select this link for more information on "Turbulence Training".

Athletic Body Sculpting for Females The majority of people would prefer the lean look of an athlete, and not only that, but it is also the look most people seem to find most attractive in the opposite sex. If LEAN and ATHLETIC is what people want, why on earth are the majority of people, who want to achieve the lean athletic look, still eating like a fat person and training like bodybuilders? With the groundbreaking 'Athletic Body Sculpting' System From Bryan Kavanagh and Ian Graham of 'Athletic Body System' you will discover step-by-step how to sculpt a body with a level of leanness and sexiness that you never thought possible. Well it is now 100% possible and 100% Guaranteed! Select this link for more information on "Athletic Body Sculpting".

Athletic Body By Design for Mens The majority of people would prefer the lean look of an athlete, and not only that, but it is also the look most people seem to find most attractive in the opposite sex. If LEAN and ATHLETIC is what people want, why on earth are the majority of people, who want to achieve the lean athletic look, still eating like a fat person and training like bodybuilders? With the groundbreaking 'Athletic Body By Design' system you will discover step-by-step how to build a physique with a level of muscularity and leanness that you never thought possible. Well it is now 100% possible and it is 100% Guaranteed! Select this link for more information on "Athletic Body By Design".

101 Performance Evaluation Tests Periodic testing and measuring is the only way to get the up-to-date, accurate and objective information you need to assess current performance, then make informed decisions about future training and competition goals. This brand new workbook, 101 Performance Evaluation Tests, is the largest, most complete and authoritative collection of sports performance evaluation tests there is. And it is an essential tool for anyone wanting to predict athletic performance or evaluate an athlete`s current level of fitness. Select this link for more information on "101 Performance Evaluation Tests".

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests
• Body Fat Percentage
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Muscle Fibre Test - Dr F. Hatfield
• Body Fat Percentage using Girth Measurements

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

• Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
• Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
• Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
• Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
• The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
• Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
• Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
• Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
• PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2