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Look here for answers to your questions about using SlimStep
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Questions about using
SlimStep?
Search our Q&A archives, or scroll through the list of Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) below. If you have other questions or comments,
visit our Contact page and write to us.
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Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q) Why do I get
an error or inaccurate results when measuring body fat?
A) You must grasp the 4
silver sensors firmly against your palms (NOT
your thumbs) when making a measurement. Refer
to the diagram below or your instruction manual
for helpful tips.
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1)
Stand straight without bending your elbows.
Your arms should be held out parallel to the
floor.
2) Squeeze the sensors firmly under the PALMS
of both hands as shown at right.
3) Your hands should be clean of any oils or
makeup. If your palms are very dry, moisten
them slightly with a wet towel first.
4) Keep your body relaxed and stand still during
measurement.
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Q) What is BIA and body
fat percentage?
A) BIA (Bio-Impedance Analysis)
is a technique that measures body impedance (resistance
to a small electrical signal) to compute your ratio of
body fat by weight. The resulting body
fat percentage tells you how much of your total weight
is composed of fat. This is a more useful measure of true
fitness than weight alone.
Q) How is body fat measured?
A) Muscle tissue and fat
exhibit different impedance. By applying a small electrical
signal at the palms, this difference can be measured and
used to calculate body fat percentage.
Q) Can I feel the electrical
signal?
A) No. The signal is extremely
small and you will not feel anything when the measurement
is being made.
Q) How is body fat computed from
bio-impedance?
A) Your sex, age, height,
and weight determine your "body profile", a measure of
total volume and typical composition (females normally
have higher body fat than males). A mathematical formula
uses this profile to compute your actual body fat from
the impedance measurement.
Q) What should my body fat percentage
be?
A) Depending on your sex,
age and height, there are recommended values for ideal
body fat. Visit our Body Fat Analysis
page to see tables of suggested values.
Q) When should I measure my body
fat?
A) For highest accuracy,
you should avoid meals or exercise 4 hours before measuring
(i.e. - in the morning after first waking up). Bio-impedance
is affected by your hydration level, or water content,
which can vary during the day. If you want to track changes
in your body fat, measure at the same time and under the
same conditions each day or week.
Q) What does the graph in the
SlimStep LCD display mean?
A) After measuring body
fat percentage, the SlimStep classifies your body type
based on the results. There are nine categories, ranging
from "Thin & Lean" to "High Fat & Weight" which help you
find your particular weight and fat ratio.
Q) Can other people use my SlimStep
to measure their body fat?
A) Yes, anyone can measure
their body fat. Before making a measurement, SlimStep
asks you to enter your body profile data since it uses
this information to compute body fat percentage.
Q) Should I turn off my SlimStep
to conserve batteries?
A) If you're using the Activity
Monitor or have selected a weight loss Plan, leave SlimStep
ON while clipped to your waist. If not used for an extended
period, you may turn it off (press and HOLD the POWER
key).
Q) How does the activity monitor
work?
A) When the SlimStep is
clipped to your waist or belt, it detects the motion
of steps or body movements you make. This activity is
counted and displayed on the LCD.
Q) Does SlimStep work like a
pedometer?
A) Unlike a pedometer, SlimStep's
activity sensor detects motion in two directions so it
can monitor general body movements. Therefore, it will
not necessarily indicate the exact steps taken
or distance traveled while walking. Since it detects a
greater range of motion, it can better estimate actual
calories burned during typical daily activity.
Q) How does the SlimStep track
my activity level?
A) When walking, running
or exercising, the activity you make can be converted
into calories burned. SlimStep calculates calories and
the approximate equivalent distance walked from your activity
using your body profile data (age, height and weight).
Q) Why does SlimStep show daily
and total calories, distance, and activity?
A) If you are over your
ideal weight, SlimStep calculates the total number of
calories you need to lose to reach your goal. It then
keeps track of your activity level to indicate how much
further you need to go.
Q) Can I manually reset the progress
totals?
A) Daily progress details
(calories, steps, and miles) are automatically reset to
zero at the start of each day. However, if you wish to
manually reset them to zero, press and HOLD both SELECT
keys together. (Your total progress details, if you have
selected a 30, 60, or 90 day course, remain unchanged.)
Q) After measuring my Body Fat%,
how do I choose a weight loss plan?
A) If your weight or Body
Fat% is above ideal for your profile, SlimStep will display
recommended pounds and fat% you need to lose. It will
then offer 30, 60, or 90 day "courses" by computing the
excess calories you must burn in each plan.
Q) Why does SlimStep just display
"HIGH" and offer no course selection in some cases ?
A) When your ideal weight
goal cannot be safely met in 90 days or less, SlimStep
cannot create a calorie-burning plan and will skip Course
selection. You'll need to embark on a longer term supervised
weight-loss program.
Q) What if I follow the Course
plan but don't lose weight?
A) If your calorie intake
exceeds the typical Daily Calorie usage (BMR) for your
profile, you may not burn enough daily calories to meet
your goal. You must eat a proper diet and not exceed your
recommended calorie intake.
Q) How big is the SlimStep?
A) With the integrated belt
clip, SlimStep dimensions are 3.5" wide, 2.1" tall, and
3/4" thick. It weighs only 1.8 ounces.
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View
the SlimStep Instruction Manual
(PDF Format - Requires Acrobat
Reader 4.0 or higher) |
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View
the BCA Instructions or Guidebook
Manual
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Guidebook
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(PDF Format - Requires Acrobat Reader
4.0 or higher) |
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