How did the gym measure body composition? Since you mention a machine, was it bio-impedance (one of those scale things with a handle you hold)?
Because they are unreliable as fuck. And can be very very easily thrown off by things like differences in the time of day when you're measured, hydration levels (which are also affected by where you are in your menstrual cycle, for people who have them), exactly how tightly you hold the handle, whether your feet are sweating, and so on.
I've heard some people say that if you're absolutely consistent about how you use it, it can show overall direction of changes in body composition.
But I've got one (long story) which I used from time to time out of curiosity, and finally gave up because it wasn't telling me anything informative or registering changes (apart from seemingly-random fluctuations, and 22% to 25% body fat would be well within the range of the random fluctuations it showed for me) even when I could see in the mirror that I'd gained significant muscle.
no subject
Because they are unreliable as fuck. And can be very very easily thrown off by things like differences in the time of day when you're measured, hydration levels (which are also affected by where you are in your menstrual cycle, for people who have them), exactly how tightly you hold the handle, whether your feet are sweating, and so on.
I've heard some people say that if you're absolutely consistent about how you use it, it can show overall direction of changes in body composition.
But I've got one (long story) which I used from time to time out of curiosity, and finally gave up because it wasn't telling me anything informative or registering changes (apart from seemingly-random fluctuations, and 22% to 25% body fat would be well within the range of the random fluctuations it showed for me) even when I could see in the mirror that I'd gained significant muscle.