Body Fat Tape Test Accuracy

Are you super fit but failed the body fat tape test? Has this happened to anyone?

ANSWERS IN CAPS...STEW

I am always over my max weight and can't pass the taping. According to Marine Corps taping standards, I am 35% body fat, but when I get a caliper test, I am between 13-15%. The Marine Corps doesn't accept the caliper test, so how can I lose the extra weight without giving up my physical fitness? I already tone, using low weight/high reps, since I can't afford to put on the extra muscle with higher weight lifting. I don't use supplements, since those tend to make me gain even more unwanted weight, and I don't want to dehydrate myself, since it will only hurt my PFT score and I'm stationed in Okinawa, so hydration is a must! The Marine Corps says I'm a 'fat body' but I know I'm not! Am I just one of those people who are doomed to being administratively discharged because I don't fall within their standards? Is there such a thing as being too physically fit?

THAT STINKS - I KNOW A FEW MARINES WHO HAVE THAT SAME ISSUE - THEY LOOK GREAT BUT ARE JUST DENSE AND DO NOT MEET THOSE STANDARDS EVEN THOUGH THE BODY PERCENTAGE IF WELL UNDER ACCORDING TO OTHER METHODS - THE TAPE METHOD IS NOT ACCURATE - IF YOU COULD GET BODY DENSITY TEST BY GETTING IMMERSED IN WATER AND SEE HOW MUCH WATER YOU DISPLACE THEN YOU WOULD HAVE AN ACCURATE READING ON BODYFAT. I WONDER WHAT YOU WOULD BE THEN...

BUT IF YOU WANT TO LOSE QUICK - KEEP UP WITH REGUALR WORKOUTS 5-6 TIMES A WEEK AND GO HARDCORE AND STOP EATING ANYTHING WITH SUGAR IN IT. YOU CAN STILL EAT CARBS FROM FRUITS AND VEGES BUT NO SWEETS / BREAD, HIGH FRUTOSE CORN SYRUP...

KEEP DRINKING WATER TOO - ALL DAY - UP TO A GALLON OR MORE IF ACTIVE AND SWEATING...DO NOT FORGET ELECTROLYTES IF SWEATING PROFUSELY...

READ THIS - it will explain how it works so well...

Stew Smith CSCS
www.stewsmith.com

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com.