Should You Use Multiple Body Fat Tests or Stick With One?

Different Methods, Different Numbers — What Should You Trust?

If you’ve ever tried more than one body fat test — maybe a smart scale at home, an InBody at a gym, and a Fit3D scan — you’ve probably seen very different results.

It’s confusing. One says 18%. Another says 25%. A third says 21.5%.

So what should you believe? And is it better to try multiple tests, or just stick with one method consistently?

Here’s what we tell our members at Excel Health & Fitness in Manteca.

Why Every Test Gives You a Different Number

Each method uses a different way to estimate body fat. For example:

  • Smart scales use electrical currents (BIA), which are affected by hydration

  • Calipers rely on the tester’s skill and accuracy

  • DEXA scans use X-rays for precise breakdowns

  • Fit3D uses 3D imaging and body measurements

None of them are 100% perfect. What matters most is that you use the same method consistently, so you can actually track change.

The Problem with Mixing Test Types

Using multiple test methods might seem like you’re “double-checking,” but it often leads to:

  • Conflicting results

  • Confusion about what’s working

  • Doubt in your own progress

  • Stress over chasing the “right” number

You might end up spinning your wheels, changing your plan not because your body changed, but because the data confused you.

Why Sticking With One Method (Like Fit3D) Works Best

With Fit3D, you get:

  • Consistency across all scans

  • Visual progress with your 3D avatar

  • Body fat, lean mass, circumference, posture, and more

  • A dashboard that tracks your trends over time

  • Zero guessing, just clean data and real feedback

Whether the number says 23% or 20% doesn’t matter as much as whether it’s moving in the right direction.

When It Might Make Sense to Do a Second Test

There are some cases when comparing methods is helpful:

  • You’re prepping for a medical procedure that requires DEXA

  • You want to compare Fit3D to a previous method you used

  • You’re doing a one-time baseline check with a different tool

But for weekly or monthly use? Stick to one method.

Final Thought

Your goal isn’t to chase a “perfect number.”

Your goal is to measure real change, stay motivated, and know when your plan is working.

That’s what Fit3D does best, and why most people see their best results when they stop bouncing between tools and start tracking with confidence.

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.

Fit3D vs Progress Photos: What’s the Better Way to Track Body Change?

Everyone Takes Before-and-Afters — But Do They Tell the Full Story?

Progress photos are one of the most common tools people use to see if their body is changing. You stand in front of the mirror, snap a picture, and hope to spot a difference.

They’re easy. They’re personal. And they’re… kind of limited.

At Excel Health & Fitness in Manteca, we offer Fit3D body scanning because it gives you the same visual feedback, but with data to back it up.

Let’s look at how the two compare.

What You Get from Progress Photos

  • A visual record of your body over time

  • Easy to take at home with a phone

  • Great for motivation when the scale stalls

  • Helps you feel progress, especially in side-by-side comparisons

But…

  • Lighting, angle, pose, and clothes can throw things off

  • It’s easy to miss small changes

  • No real data behind what you’re seeing

  • Can be discouraging if you don’t “look” different yet

What You Get from a Fit3D Scan

  • A full 3D avatar of your body

  • Identical pose, lighting, and scan position every time

  • Real measurements: waist, hips, chest, thighs, posture, and more

  • Body fat %, lean mass, symmetry — not just how you look, but what’s changing under the surface

You can compare side-by-side scans and see the change clearly, no guesswork needed.

Fit3D vs Photos: Why Fit3D Wins for Tracking Change

Accuracy and Consistency

  • Photos: Easy to skew

  • Fit3D: Same setup every time, no angle tricks, no shadows, just results

What You Can Learn

  • Photos: Only what your eyes can see

  • Fit3D: What your body is actually doing — in numbers, visuals, and measurements

Motivation

  • Photos: Can be emotional, good or bad

  • Fit3D: Encouraging because it tracks small wins you might not notice

Why Not Do Both?

Many of our members still take photos, and that’s great. But they pair them with Fit3D scans every 4 to 6 weeks so they get the best of both:

  • The emotion of seeing change in the mirror

  • The confidence of knowing the data backs it up

Final Thought

Progress photos show you a glimpse.
Fit3D shows you the full picture.

If you want to stop guessing and start measuring your body change with confidence, a Fit3D scan is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.