Getting a Body Fat Test at a Gym vs a Medical Clinic: What’s the Difference?

What You’ll Get at a Gym (Like Excel Health & Fitness)

At Excel in Manteca, we use the Fit3D body scanner. It’s a quick, private scan that uses infrared imaging to measure:

  • Body fat percentage

  • Lean muscle mass

  • Body shape and circumference

  • Posture and symmetry

  • A 3D visual of your body

You don’t need a doctor’s referral. Members get scans for $35, and non-members pay $49. It takes about 60 seconds.

Why people love gym-based testing:

  • It’s affordable

  • Easy to repeat monthly

  • Great for tracking fitness progress

  • You stay in a relaxed, non-medical setting

  • You can scan whether you’re a member or not

What You’ll Get at a Medical Clinic

Medical clinics often use DEXA scans, a diagnostic-grade body composition scan that’s used for:

  • Bone density and health screenings

  • Medical evaluations

  • High-precision body fat and lean mass readings

Why people use clinics:

  • Extremely accurate data

  • Often used in clinical or research settings

  • Good for people with medical conditions or special needs

But there are downsides:

  • Requires an appointment or referral

  • Costs range from $75 to $150+

  • Not designed for regular fitness tracking

  • Feels more formal and clinical

Key Differences to Consider

Environment

  • Gym: More relaxed, fitness-focused

  • Clinic: Formal, medical setting

Cost

  • Gym: $35–$49

  • Clinic: $75–$150 or more

Accessibility

  • Gym: Come in anytime, no referral needed

  • Clinic: Usually needs scheduling and approval

Use Case

  • Gym: Fat loss, body shaping, fitness progress

  • Clinic: Medical concerns or diagnostics

Comfort

  • Gym: Quick, private, easy

  • Clinic: Clinical setup, longer process

Which Option Makes Sense for You?

Choose a medical clinic if:

  • You need a scan for medical reasons

  • You were referred by a doctor

  • You want the most clinical-level data possible

Choose a gym-based scan like Fit3D if:

  • You want to track fitness, weight loss, or muscle gain

  • You need motivation through visual feedback

  • You want something you can repeat regularly

  • You don’t want to deal with clinic scheduling

Final Take

Most people don’t need a diagnostic scan. They need something consistent, comfortable, and affordable — especially if they’re trying to get in shape or stay motivated.

That’s exactly why Fit3D works so well at Excel Health & Fitness in Manteca.