Which method is commonly used to assess a client’s body composition?

Skinfold measurement is a widely accepted method for assessing a client’s body composition, primarily because it allows for the estimation of subcutaneous fat levels. This technique involves using calipers to measure the thickness of skinfolds at various sites on the body, which can then be used to estimate overall body fat percentage. This method is particularly useful for trainers as it provides a practical, relatively easy, and cost-effective means of assessing body fat, enabling trainers to track changes in body composition over time in response to training and nutrition programs.

While other methods like bioelectrical impedance analysis and waist-to-hip ratio can also provide insights into body composition, skinfold measurements are favored in many fitness settings for their direct measurement of fat distribution. Body mass index, although useful for identifying general weight categories, does not differentiate between lean mass and fat mass, limiting its effectiveness for detailed body composition analysis.