Anthropometry is the measurement of body
size and proportions including skinfold thickness,
circumferences, bony widths and lengths, stature and
body weight (Heyward & Wagner, 2004).
Competitive athletes are often conscious of their body
composition because when aiming to compete at their
optimum, body composition is a variable which they can
manipulate. There are ‘ideal’ body types for different
sports with particular reference to body fat, as this
aspect often offers little contribution to overall
performance.
During the profiling, measures are taken for height,
weight, skinfold thickness (x 9), girths (x 5) and
breadths (x 2). Such measures provide a map of fat
distribution over the body, which is unavailable from
other measurement techniques. Such information can
provide detail for training prescription based on
strengths and weaknesses within measurements. The
process takes 30 minutes and provides an estimate of
body fat percentage and somatotype (muscularity, leaness
and roundness).
Clients are asked to wear tight clothing (e.g. cycling
shorts) and are required to provide access to skin on
waist, arms, shoulder, thigh and calf. The procedure
does not cause any discomfort.
Measurements are taken by a female Level 1 ISAK
accredited anthropometrist.
Video showing a subject undergoing anthropometrical
profiling
