What Is a Bod Pod Test?
Prices
WellU/WellnessNOW
$15
University Employee/Student
$30
Community
$45
Groups (4+, scheduled together)
Community: $35/each
University: $25/each
Bulk (4 scheduled/prepaid appointments)
Community: $140
University: $100
The BOD POD uses Air Displacement Plethysmograph (ADP) to determine your body composition (the ratio of fatty mass to lean mass). Body composition is divided into two body mass categories (fat mass & lean mass).
Fat mass consists of all the adipose tissue (fat) within your body. Lean mass consist of bone, bodily fluid (blood), organs, and skeletal muscle. The BOD POD test provides results of these two categories expressed as percentages of total body mass.
- Testing is highly accurate, safe, and quick, with a complete analysis in about 10-minutes.
- Bod Pod uses the most advanced technology available today.
- It's easy and appropriate for many types of people, including the obese, disabled, elderly, and children.
- It provides excellent repeatability and tracking.
What to Expect
- All testing is done by appointment. Please call 801-585-7325 to schedule your test.
- 30-minute appointment
- Special clothing is necessary. Women need to bring a swimsuit or form fitting lycra shorts and a sports bra. Men need to bring a speedo or form fitting lycra shorts. (PEAK can provide compression shorts if needed.)
- Don't eat or exercise 4-5 hours prior to your test
- Don't drink coffee 4-5 hours prior to your test
- Don't smoke or drink alcohol 2 hours prior to your test
- Don't participate in vigorous/high intensity weight training 12 hours prior
- Do come rested and relaxed
- The subject sits comfortably inside the BOD POD for 2-3 50-second testing periods.
- Results are available immediately.
Bod Pod Results Information
- The range of error for this test is ± 1 to 2.7%. BodPod is as accurate as hydrostatic (underwater) weighing, but quicker and easier to perform.
- PEAK tester will help to explain and interpret results
- Bod Pod results sample
Body composition testing may feel uncomfortable for the parties involved. We strive to create an atmosphere in which our participants feel respected and at ease by refraining from inappropriate comments and behaviors. By entering our space, you are also agreeing to meet this expectation. Failure to do so may result in cessation of the testing session.
Locations
Please call your desired location to set up your appointment.
PEAK
HPER East Building
260 South 1850 East,
Room 217
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-585-7325
L.S. Skaggs Patient Wellness Center
530 Wakara Way
SLC, UT 84108
801-213-8720
FAQS
How does the BOD POD compare with other body fat assessment techniques?
Body composition measurements from the BOD POD have been found to be equivalent (no statistically significant difference) to those obtained using 4-compartment model reference techniques. The BOD POD is also referred to as the “Practical Gold Standard” because testing is so easy and offers excellent repeatability.
How does the BOD POD measure body composition?
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, 10-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
How long does a BOD POD test take?
A complete test, including printed results, takes about 10 minutes. PEAK schedules 30-minute appointments to allow for paperwork and explanation of results.
How big of a person can fit in the BOD POD?
The BOD POD is designed to accommodate a wide variety of human shapes and sizes. Because of its generous-sized interior and oversized window, NFL and NBA teams, as well as sumo wrestlers use the BOD POD routinely without difficulty. The BOD POD can accommodate subjects up to 7 feet tall and 550 pounds.
Do clothing and/or hair affect BOD POD results?
Clothing, hair, jewelry, and eyeglasses can have a significant impact on the volume and mass measurements performed during a BOD POD test. Therefore, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that all subjects tested in the BOD POD remove all jewelry and eyeglasses, and wear minimal, form-fitting clothing such as a Lycra® or Spandex® swimsuit during testing. Single-layer compression shorts and/or lightweight jog bras are also acceptable clothing (without padding or wires).
A swim cap must also be worn to compress any air pockets within the hair.
What should I expect during a BOD POD test?
Participant compliance for testing in the BOD POD is very simple. You need only to sit comfortably and quietly inside the BOD POD for the brief measurement period (no talking or laughing). Sounds relating to valves opening and closing may be heard, but most people are unaware of the slight pressure changes that take place during a BOD POD test. A few people have noted a feeling similar to that of moving from the first to second floor in an elevator.
Can subjects be tested in the BOD POD right after exercising or eating?
No. Subjects should wait at least two hours after exercising or eating, and always be in a completely relaxed state (normal breathing) when testing in the BOD POD.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call one of our two locations listed below.