DEXA vs Skinfolds for Body Composition
DEXA is the gold standard but expensive; skinfolds (ISAK) are cheap, repeatable and the practical coach's tool.
Key takeaways
- DEXA = gold standard but impractical weekly
- ISAK skinfolds = practical, repeatable, cheap
- BIA = convenient but hydration-sensitive
- Pick one method and stick to it for trends
Definition
Body composition methods estimate fat mass, lean mass and bone mass. The three most common methods in coaching are DEXA, skinfolds (ISAK) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
Practical choice
DEXA: gold standard, ±1–2% accuracy, but expensive and not repeatable weekly.
Skinfolds (7-site ISAK): low cost, high repeatability when one trained tester does all measurements; the practical coach's tool.
BIA: convenient but heavily affected by hydration; best for trend tracking under tightly controlled conditions.
Apply this in Elite Coaching Hub
Related
Run a smarter coaching practice
Apply periodisation, ACWR and nutrition tools — all in one platform.
Start free trial