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How It Works The BOD POD Gold Standard Body Composition Tracking System uses patented Air Displacement Plethysmography for determining percent fat and fat-free mass in adults and children. The simple, 5-minute test consists of measuring the subject's mass (weight) using a very accurate electronic scale, and volume, which is determined by sitting inside the BOD POD chamber. From these two measurements, the subject's body composition is calculated. The BOD POD consists of two chambers. The front, or Test Chamber, is where the subject sits and is comprised of a seat that forms a common wall separating it from the rear, or Reference Chamber. During the brief data collection period of the volume measurement, the chamber door is secured by a series of electromagnets and a gasket. A Diaphragm is mounted on the common wall, which oscillates during testing. This causes small changes in volume inside the chamber, of which the pressure response to these small volume changes is measured. This is done by measuring the interior volume of the empty BOD POD chamber, then measuring it again when the subject is seated inside. By subtraction, the subject's body volume is obtained. For example, if the interior air volume of the empty chamber is 400 liters, and the volume of the chamber is reduced to 350 liters with the subject inside, the body volume of the subject would be 50 liters. Once the subject's mass and volume are determined, body density is calculated and the relative proportions of fat and fat-free mass are determined.

 UPDATE: Start 5:30pm TUESDAY.  Here is what is needed before you get tested

Subject Preparation:

    Clients cannot work-out 2 hours prior to testing (fine after)

    Clients cannot eat / drink 1 hour prior to testing (fine after)

    Attire is Spandex / Under-Armour type compression shorts / bra or swim-suit

Pre-Test Process:

    Client completes and signs the “Client Information & Waiver Form”

    The Be Fit-Test, LLC mobile office has a dressing room for privacy, is environmentally controlled. We ask you have your attire under you regular clothes.

    Remove shoes and socks, jewelry, and watches in private dressing room
Test Process:
    Upon data entry the BOD POD will enter a validation phase lasting approxi- mately 2 minutes, the client will be weighed during this time.
    Client will enter the BOD POD for 2 brief 50-second tests, with the door be- ing opened in between the two.
    While testing, the client should breathe normally, not talk, and try to stay still

    Client will hear or feel a slight blowing sound with some folks feeling a slight
compression of the ears (similar to driving in the mountains).

    Results will be printed after the second test while the client dresses.

* - Because the BOD POD measures your Body Volume, items such as clothing (other than approved clothing), jewelry, eyeglasses, etc., can have a significant impact on the accuracy of body composition test results.

The BOD POD was designed with grants from NIH to replace the Hydro-static (dunk) test.  It uses the same concept, “displacement”, only the BOD POD uses air-displacement versus water for the dunk test.  The BOD POD is used by NIH, all Mayo Clinics, Duke Weight Loss Center, 15 NFL Teams to include the Combine, and most major college teams.

The BOD POD is as accurate as the dunk test it replaced.  It identifies Lean Mass and Fat Mass and tracks change in each over multiple tests.  How many clients have you had that gain/lose a few pounds but you know their composition has changed more than that?  The BOD POD will show if 8lbs of fat loss is being offset by 7lbs of lean mass growth, giving the client tangible proof that 1lb change the scale reflected is indeed 15lbs of change.

Most importantly, the BOD POD uses the subject’s composition numbers to give metabolic information.  The BOD POD will give RMR, and Total Energy Expenditure information for “Sedentary, Low Active, Active, and Very Active” levels of activity.  Trainers find it easier to convince clients they need to eat more when they see it from a piece of research level machinery.

The charge is $45 per test, but “Package” deals are available for before and after.

Post to comments if you are interested in using this invaluable tool.  We will be hoping to start at 5:30pm Tuesday.