Bathroom Scales Explained

Looking at ourselves on a day to day basis in the bathroom mirror, it is nearly impossible to effectively track any changes that may be happening to the composition of our bodies. Bathroom scales serve as a device that allows us to monitor various types of data related to our bodies including - but not limited to - weight, levels of visceral fat and body mass index (BMI).

Suitable for use in many rooms of the home - and not just the bathroom - the range of weighing scales now available here encompass many different styles which ensures that if you wish to leave the scales out in the open for easy and frequent access, they will not detract from the look and feel of the room - if anything these items will make an interesting and decorative addition to the room.

For most people a set of standard mechanical or digital bathroom scales is enough to suit their personal needs. They provide a way to easily and quickly measure body weight with the information available in metric as well as imperial measurements.

For those that are undertaking a change in diet or an exercise regime, additional information to weight can tell a more accurate story of what changes the body is going through. While for a lot of people monitoring weight only is sufficient to notice any changes in body composition for the better or worse, it may not paint a true picture for those that are drastically converting body fat into muscle mass.

Please continue reading for further information related to the different types of options available and for explanations of functionality typically found across the range of scales that you will come across throughout these pages.

Types of Bathroom Weighing Scales

There are 2 main types of weighing scales people can use:

• Mechanical Scales
• Digital / Electronic Scales

The best bathroom scales for you will depend entirely upon your needs and requirements, as each category has its own pros and cons which will be explained in the following sections.

Mechanical Bathroom Scales

Mechanical bathroom scales have been around for many decades and are the style that most people are accustomed to using in the home. They are so easy to use - you just stand on and off without having to fiddle with any buttons.

One of the leading manufacturers of weighing scales is Salter, and their mechanical scales are amongst the most commonly found and best-selling models available within this market. The Salter Speedo Mechanical Scale is a perfect example of their robust engineered scales which deliver perfect results time after time.

The benefits of this style is that they do not require batteries, they tend to come with guarantees of 10 years and upwards, while the design is somewhat traditional which many people find charming and prefer to have in their home compared to the more modern in appearance electronic versions.

Digital Bathroom Scales and Enhanced Functions

Within this category are both the simple and the more advanced digital and electronic scales. If you are only interested in measuring body weight, there are plenty of scales to choose from which include both the modern glass and metal designs as well as the more decorative models such as these scales which come in many different patterns and colours such as bamboo and coloured glass.

The real power of these household devices can be seen with the more advanced digital models that provide additional data in regards to body composition. Not all electronic models provide the following options so it is worth double checking if your selected model will provide exactly what it is that you require:

• BMI body mass index calculation
• Body fat %
• Water %
• Muscle and bone levels

To some people the above functions may seem obvious but it is worth understanding exactly what these options could mean to you, particularly if you are undertaking a change in diet or exercise regime.

Knowing your body fat as a percentage enables you to truly track how your body is responding to exercise or diet. Most people that exercise as a way to lose weight can be disheartened by the results if they see no visible change when measuring their weight. The problem with this is that exercise often adds muscle to the body while removing stored fat which can lead to confusing results related to weight.

Your weight may stay the same or even go up during this time, but it doesn't mean that your efforts have been in vain. By measuring and recording the levels of body fat using specialised bathroom weighing scales, you can track actual reduction of potentially harmful visceral fat to accurately determine if what you are doing is having a positive effect upon your body.

But body fat electronic bathroom scales aren't only useful for those attempting to change the composition of their bodies in some way - be it losing fat or gaining muscle. They are also a good way to casually monitor your body for early warnings of any changes that could have negative consequences, for example an increase in body fat.

Seeing yourself in the mirror each day it can be difficult to notice gradual changes that can naturally occur, so measuring periodically either your body fat or BMI scales you can rely on an accurate method of detecting changes within the body.

Popular Models

For many people functionality is the secondary concern when considering what would be the best bathroom scales for them. The primary concern is how the scales will look in their home and if they are easy enough to use.

Both the mechanical and digital scales can be incredibly easy to use by anyone - often just requiring you to stand on or off and without the need to push any buttons prior to turn on or off.

From the salter bathroom scales range are the 148bksvdr and these mechanical models which look great and represent what most people see as the traditional scale.

Within the basic digital category are a number of vibrant and attractive models such as the Stardust Digital Scale and the Fuchsia Scales. These highly popular models allow people to choose an item that matches both their sense of style and the décor of the home.

Of the advanced models Omron are renowned for making high quality body fat scales and offer a number of value for money units that are popular for use at home or in gyms.

One of the current methods of analysing body composition is to use BMI data. The bf508 body fat and BMI scale calculates this for you automatically as well as delivering advanced data related to levels of body fat among other stats.

Please note that whether you are looking to lose weight, gain muscle or simply monitor your body it is a good idea to consult with your GP to ensure that you are fully understand the consequences of each course of action and the effects they may have.

Here at BathroomScales we are frequently adding new stock so if you can't find what you like today be sure to check back soon.