An athletic trainer administers the InBody 570 test. Credit: Office of Student Life
Imagine having almost your body’s entire chemical makeup analyzed and exposed in 45 seconds.
A new body composition analysis machine, the InBody 570, is now available in the RPAC for students and staff members to use beginning this semester.
Unlike other body composition testing methods, the InBody 570 is a faster and less expensive way for people to receive a full-body composition analysis.
“The InBody doesn’t just do body fat, it does fat-free mass, fat mass, but also tells you your water weight, how much water is being held inside and out of your cells and even shows the differences in your limbs,” said Alycia Israel, RPAC personal training coordinator.
A small machine that looks similar to a scale, Israel said the InBody works by using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) technology, which measures the speed at which a small, undetectable electrical current passes through the body. The faster the current travels through the body, the lower the person’s body fat percentage.
Israel said the information provided by the InBody 570 scan will not only be used to develop workout programs for personal training purposes, but also can help spot potential health problems.
“The No. 1 variable is obviously body fat percentage, but knowing where you’re holding the fat can help,” Israel said. “Where you’re holding fat viscerally can be a huge health risk.”
After wiping off the hands and feet with a cloth to remove excess oils, the person stands on footpads and holds onto handlebars with designated thumb pads. In less than a minute, a sheet is printed with a thorough analysis of the body’s composition.
Although body composition devices are typically used by athletes or physique competitors, group fitness instructor Grace George believes the scan can be beneficial to anyone.
“Health is the biggest thing you can give someone,” George said. “Even if you are overweight, it’s good to get a baseline of OK, here is where we’re starting from.”
In addition to measuring several components of the human body, the printed sheet will have a chart on the bottom to track an individual’s progress if they choose to have the test done multiple times.
“Along the way, it’s going to get hard to keep coming to the gym. So looking back and seeing how far you’ll actually come is worth it,” George said.
It is unlikely that anyone getting the test done will remember all of the information that is discussed during the assessment. To help with this, the printout will also have a QR code on it that can be scanned by a smartphone that explains what each part of the test means.
Student or staff members with a RecSports membership can take the test for $15. The session includes a scan as well as a consultation by one of the facility’s certified trainers who can answer any questions the client may have.
Further information on the InBody 570 or instructions on how to schedule an appointment can be found at recsports.osu.edu under the Fitness and Wellness tab.
