Taylor Body Fat Scale Instructions
Taylor makes a variety of body weight scales, including a model that analyzes your body fat percentage. It works by using a technology called bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate the amount of fat you carry, as opposed to lean mass. Keep in mind that all at-home scales have a slight margin of error, so it's crucial that you only use the scale for a general estimate. If you need exact body fat measurements, visit a sports doctor or other clinician.
Regular analysis helps track progress. (Image: Brilt/iStock/Getty Images)How the Taylor Body Fat Scale Works
Understanding how your scale works will give you a better idea of how to operate it. Measuring your body fat in relation to lean mass is a good way to assess your health and nutrition, since excess fat increases your risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes. When you stand on the scale, two electrodes positioned under each foot transmit a harmless, low-level electrical current through your body. The signal passes through lean mass quickly, while fat slows the current down, allowing it to estimate how much of your body is fat and what portion is lean mass.
Power Up Your Taylor Body Fat Scale
Taylor body fat scales typically come with batteries included. If this is the case, flip the scale over and remove the plastic slip sticking out of the battery compartment. The slip is in place to prevent the batteries from draining while at the warehouse and during shipment. If you do not see a plastic slip, your model may not have batteries included, making it necessary to purchase them separately.
By default, the scale is set to measure your weight and fat in pounds. If you prefer to use a different measurement, move the switch on the bottom of the scale to the preferred measurement.
Calibrate Your Taylor Scale
Before you can use your scale, you must calibrate it to ensure accuracy. Find a flat surface where you'll weigh yourself regularly. The bathroom is often a good place for this. Once the scale is in place and turned on, press lightly on the platform, causing a running zero pattern to appear on the screen momentary. Once the screen turns off automatically, your scale is ready to measure.
It's best to leave the scale in the same location. If you must move the scale, for example from a hardwood floor to a carpet, recalibrate it for accuracy. After you replace the batteries, also recalibrate the scale.
Enter Your Personal Data
To analyze your body fat accurately, you must enter your height, age and gender. Turn the scale on and enter your information into one of the slots -- P0 to P3. The remaining three positions can be used by other individuals. Use the up and down arrows to toggle to the corresponding height, age, and gender. For each parameter, press "Set" once you have entered the appropriate information. In turn, the information will saved and needn't be re-entered.
Calculating Your Body Fat
Remove your shoes and socks before you begin. The manufacturer recommends wiping your feet with a damp cloth, leaving them slightly damp prior to stepping on the scale, because this provides the most accurate reading.
Switch the power on and press the up or down arrow to navigate to your personal memory number. Once the scale displays "0.0," place each foot on top of the electrodes, standing as still as possible. After a few seconds, the display will show your weight for two seconds. Remain on the scale; the upper portion will show "---" while it computes other measurements. After a few seconds, it will display your body fat and water percentage. The measurements will repeat five times for convenience, giving you time to write them down.
Additonal Information
The scale also works as a regular scale that measures only weight. For this, just turn the scale on and stand on it, waiting a few seconds for your weight to appear. This function doesn't require your personal data.
Your estimated body fat may fluctuate with the time of day, how much water you drink or what you eat prior to measurement. To get the best results, weigh yourself consistently at the same time of day in the same location. For instance, check the scale upon waking each morning prior to eating or drinking anything.
