Floor scales: stand and drop!

The endless groans of women about being overweight and the insane joy of a couple of lost kilos..

Quiet male pride in built-up biceps and a frown at the “beer” belly that has appeared..

Exuberant delight of young parents about the baby who has put on weight..

And all these emotions are due to such, it would seem, ordinary and simple item, as scales.

Scales are for a man

Floor scales are designed to measure a person’s weight. All devices differ in the way they measure weight: they come in mechanical and electronic.

According to another way of classification scales are divided into household and medical. Medical scales make it possible to determine and control a person’s body weight with the accuracy necessary for doctors.

Nowadays, anyone can buy a medical scale for use at home.

Live weight – and precisely in grams!

The heart of a mechanical scale is the measuring spring. When you change the load on the scale, the spring moves and then changes the position of the hand or the scale rotates relative to the stationary hand.

It is impossible to measure the weight absolutely precisely, and the scales are usually considered valid with a certain error of measurement, which in domestic mechanical scales may range from 0.5 to 1.2 kg.

Medical mechanical scales, on the contrary, allow defining weight with accuracy up to 0,05-0,1 kg, but they cost more and have bigger dimensions.

Rule 1. Scales should stand on a flat surface. Stand in the middle of the platform, without leaning on anything, and try not to move.

In addition to the price, the main advantage of mechanical models is their durability, because they, in fact, have nothing to break, and any problem the user can almost always fix themselves.

Besides, mechanical devices are completely energy-independent: no electromagnetic waves can change their readings, bright lighting is not necessary for them at all.

Besides, you don’t have to spend money on batteries and get upset if they run out at the most inopportune moment. In short, mechanical scales can be used under any conditions.

Do you want to measure with sensors or just the display??

Electronic scales on the market can be divided into three subgroups: simple electronic scales mechanical content and digital display , electronic scales with two different principles of operation and the scales of the new generation with four sensors.

The simplest electronic scales are those with a so-called built-in disc. They have exactly the same weighing technique as ordinary mechanical scales, but the measurement result is shown on a digital indicator.

Visually impaired people will appreciate this option because the numbers on the display can be seen more clearly and you don’t have to bend down to look at the small graduations on the scale, thus confusing the mechanical device.

Moreover, these slightly computerized scales are in the same price category as their simpler counterparts.

Rule 2. there are peculiarities in using mechanical scales. Before you step on the scale, tap it with your foot to make sure the needle is exactly on the zero mark.If the hand does not follow, you will have to adjust it manually. When you weigh on a mechanical scale it is recommended to stand still, be calm and not make any abrupt movements.

Electronic scales rely on several different principles. One of them is as follows: two metal plates one above the other form an electric capacitor.

The slightest movement of the surface of the scale causes a change in the gap between the plates, which is detected by the microprocessor. Finally, the mechanical action is converted into an electronic signal and the result appears on a digital display.

The amount of mechanics is reduced to a minimum. And as far as we know, the fewer mechanical parts, the higher the accuracy.

Scientific thought did not stop there: a significant evolution in the field of weighing technology is the principle of the load cell.

Imagine a very thin wire carrying an electric current. When pressure is exerted on the surface of the scales, this wire is pulled out and the electrical signal changes in its wake.

The microprocessor remembers everything and translates this signal into a numeric value, which is displayed on the scoreboard. this weighing technique uses only electronics.

Twenty-first-century sensors

The development of electronic technology has led to the creation of a new generation of floor scales. It uses four sensors connected to one another to record the total pressure exerted on the scale and, through a microprocessor, gives the result of the measurement.

This advanced weighing technique has led to the development of new models of scales with an improved plateau.

The accuracy of modern electronic models, both domestic and medical, can vary from 0.05 to 0.1 kg. To buy the model of scales with minimal error is recommended for those for whom the most accurate results are important.

Do Not Stand Up With the Extra Weight!

Do not forget about the maximum weight, which the scales can withstand.

The load limit is a very important parameter for each model. Usually its value is knowingly greater than the average weight of the user. Most of today’s electronic floor scales can support weights of 140-160 kilograms but if you look around a bit harder you can find some “big people” scales with a load limit of up to 200 kilos.

Standard electronic medical scales also weigh no more than 200 pounds. To avoid premature failure of the device, it is better not to overload it.

Overweight people should pay special attention to this parameter and take into consideration that the load capacity of mechanical devices is usually somewhat higher than that of their electronic counterparts.

In America the SI system of measurement is adopted, in which the units of weight are kilograms.

In connection with this the vast majority of scales which can be purchased in our country show weighing results in kilograms, but some electronic scales measure only in pounds.

Rule 3. Do not get on the scale every day – to assess the result of the diet or just to observe the dynamics of weight change is better at intervals of a full week.

When buying scales you should pay attention to this parameter, so as not to get into trouble and then torment yourself with the conversion of unusual pounds into kilograms and vice versa.

Depending on a set of functions and technical characteristics, electronic floor scales for work may need from 1 to 6 batteries with voltage of 1,5-9 V.

Most often the scales use AA and AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries. For a 9-volt unit, it is best to use an alkaline battery. If weighed three times a day, batteries should last more than a year.

Scales with red numbers on the indicator have enough battery power for 10-14 hours of continuous work, which is about 2000-3000 weighings. It is most economical to choose models of scales which are powered by lithium batteries or rechargeable batteries.

They have a low self-discharge rate of no more than 2% per year and a long shelf life of 5 to 10 years. They have enough charge for about 8000 measurements.

Many scales are equipped with a low-battery indicator which is shown on the display. Note that the quality of batteries does not affect the accuracy of weighing, it determines only their lifetime.

in the market of floor scales there are also models that run on solar batteries or using kinetic energy. Transformer built in scales converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. When a person stands on the platform of the scale, it shifts. The generated kinetic energy is enough for weighing.

Rule 4. If you cannot see the result of the weighing from your height, it is better to ask someone at home to check it for you, as any unnecessary movements – leaning forward or sideways – may distort the actual weight.

The LCD display is an integral and very important part of any scale. Its horizontal and vertical dimensions may vary from 8 to 100 mm and from 4 to 80 mm, respectively. the bigger the display, the easier and more convenient it is to read the results of weighing and other measurements.

For the visually impaired, manufacturers offer scales with a larger display and red dial. On some scales all information is shown on the display in the form of luminous symbols.

This feature makes using the scale more comfortable, especially in poor or low-light conditions, such as when weighing late at night or early in the morning when someone is asleep in the room. Just keep in mind that the more often you admire the luminous symbols, the faster the batteries will run out.

Don’t want to weigh your body fat?

The cost of electronic scales depends on what additional functions this or that model can boast of.

For example, some electronic models, in addition to total weight, can determine the content of fat, muscle and bone tissue, as well as the amount of water in the body.

To conduct at home such seemingly fantastic measurements allow electrodes placed on the platform of scales, which pass a weak electric charge through the body.

Fat, muscle and bone have different electrical resistance, which makes it possible to determine their mass fraction in the body.

The only drawback of this “wonder of technology” is that the use of such scales is not recommended for pregnant women, children under the age of 10 years, people with pacemakers, as well as at high body temperature.

It is normal when the mass fraction of fat tissue does not exceed 17-25% in men and 22-27% in women, but you should take into account that these values can be greatly influenced by the age and physical condition of the person. As for the mass share of muscular tissue, the norm for men is about 45% of body weight, for women – about 35%.

These values are very rough and also depend a great deal on the age and build of the user. It is worth noting that the analysis of muscle tissue in the body helps to control the process of losing weight and avoids incorrect weight loss, when muscle tissue disappears instead of fat tissue.

Bone tissue in men averages around 15% of total body weight, and around 12% in women. Body water content is about 60-62% for men and 55-58% for women, but even this figure can only be deduced from the age, build and physical condition of each person.

Rule 5. Best to weigh on the same day of the week on weekdays, ideally on a Tuesday or Friday. This schedule of weighing will eliminate any random deviations from the weight norm.

For example, it should be taken into account that with age, the amount of fluid in the body decreases, and slim people have more water in the body than fat people.

Some models of modern floor scales permit the calculation of the Body Mass Index BMI , a coefficient calculated by American insurance companies. As is known, to find out this index, a person’s weight in kilograms should be divided by the square of the height in meters .

In order to calculate this formula correctly before starting to use the scale, it is necessary to enter your height, sex and sometimes also age and constitution type and save all this information in the memory of the device.

Usually it is enough to do it only once, so that all subsequent measurements of the scale will remember the user’s given characteristics. Some models of medical scales – both mechanical and electronic – are equipped with a stadiometer that allows the user’s height to be measured.

Regardless of how the scales with the function of calculating BMI will recognize the height of the user, after each weighing, the display will show both his weight and the value of his BMI.

You can interpret BMI values as follows: under 15 – acute weight deficiency 15 to 19 – weight deficiency 19 to 25 – normal weight 25 to 30 – overweight 30 to 34 – 1st degree obesity 35 to 39 – 2nd degree obesity over 39 – 3rd degree obesity. BMI is an indicator that correlates well with body weight, but you should not treat it fanatically, because the optimal weight is the average indicator, which is only a guide for determining the normal weight.

For example, BMI less than 19 is often found in young, very slender girls. The same BMI of a young man may not only indicate that he is too thin, but also indicates that he does not exercise much and has underdeveloped muscles, which is certainly bad for a healthy young person.

At the same time, people who participate in strength sports may have higher BMI values, but in this case the excess body weight is not due to obesity, but to well-developed muscles.

Some models of floor scales not only show the weight, laying out all of its components “on the shelves”, but also perform the role of a home fitness coach and a nutritionist, namely – give recommendations for daily calorie intake, depending on the activity level of the user.

These models have only recently appeared on the market, and they do not cost much more than scales and devices calculating the ideal BMI.

Plastic or metal? Glass or wood?

Nowadays the choice of scales is extremely large. There are several hundred different models available in store shelves, as well as on the Internet. Often a decisive role in choosing scales is their appearance.

Some scales by design are more suitable for women, others for men, and some will perfectly fit in the nursery. But when choosing a floor scale, you should pay attention not only to design and color in which the model is made, but also to the material of which the scale platform is made.

Plastic surfaces are the most common. Scales with a platform of plastic can be found at any manufacturer – they can be a variety of colors, different shapes, all kinds of styles.

Children will love brightly colored scales with funny pictures. The main advantages of such scales – low cost and low weight. If you want, you can find a device that weighs less than a kilogram.

Models with a glass surface, often enhanced by metal details, usually have a very stylish and modern design that appeals to many customers.

Glass, which is used in the manufacture of platforms for scales, is strong enough, but you should treat the “glass” models with great care and, at least, to avoid trouble, try not to drop heavy objects on them.

On the market of household appliances there are several models of scales with a platform made of natural stone, such as granite. These scales look solid and may well fit into the bathroom interior. To carry such scales from place to place may not be the best idea, because they can weigh quite a lot – sometimes more than 10-15kg.

If tactile sensations are important for you and you prefer environmentally friendly natural materials, you should pay attention to scales with a wooden platform, because it is pleasant and not cold to stand on a wooden surface barefoot.

Scales with a platform made of natural wood – usually it is made of beechwood – are rarely available, so you may have to hunt for them. It is also important to remember that their cost may be higher than that of models made of other materials.

Many people might like models with the so-called anatomic plateau – the surface of such scales resembles the shape of a foot.

Whatever the outer shell of the scale, it is desirable that the main mechanism is protected by a metal case. If this condition is met, the scales can easily last for about ten years.

Worse if the base of the scale contains plastic parts, because metal structures are much stronger than plastic ones. As you know, plastic easily deforms and breaks under the influence of heat and moisture.

Moisture affects the mechanism itself, so if you want the scales to live in the bathroom and serve you faithfully for many years, choose scales designed for humidity up to 85%.

Especially for kids

Hardly anyone would argue with the fact that the baby scale – a necessary thing in the house, where there is a newborn baby.

The main features any child’s scale should have are a high accuracy of weight measurement, tare function and stability of the weighing cell. The weighing cup should be large and as comfortable as possible for an infant.

It is ideal if the scale comes with a heated base made of a natural material that is pleasant to the touch.

Some models of baby scales come with an electronic yardstick to measure height and a shockproof carrying case that easily unfolds into a bowl.

If the device has a function of saving data, then it will be able to remember the data on the weight and height of the child at the last weighing and automatically calculate the difference.

For more accurate control is recommended to use electronic baby scales. Like an adult scale, it gives the most accurate result, even though it costs more.

Cheaper mechanical baby scales are difficult to adapt for this purpose, because the baby will twirl on the scale, which means that it will be virtually impossible to accurately fix the constantly fluctuating weight value.

But such scales can be used to control weight gain for the weekly weighing.

The maximum load capacity of a baby scale is usually 20 kg, which means that it can be used for several years.

Some models can continue to be used without the cup, weighing older children as long as the maximum weight is not exceeded. The accuracy of baby scales can have several levels.

Depending on the child’s weight the accuracy can vary from units to tens, and then to hundreds of grams.

Useful Features

One of the advantages of electronic scales is that they can have from one to sixteen memory cells.

This means that the scale can remember the measurement results of one or more users, show the difference between current and previous weighings and some advanced models can even graph the weight over time.

In this regard, before buying a scale, it is worth thinking about how many people plan to use the device regularly. If you are buying a scale just for yourself, a model with one memory location should be enough.

But if you have a large family and often have girlfriends over to visit, you may want to consider a scale that can remember measurements for more people.

two more necessary functions – automatic switching on and automatic switching off of electronic scales. These two functions will be appreciated by people who suffer from back problems, as well as the elderly and pregnant women, because there is no need to bend over and turn the scale on or off manually.

Golden Rules for Accurate Weight

• Each user should know the science of weighing, because only if the following rules are followed can one speak of the accuracy and reliability of the readings obtained.
• It is better to weigh yourself in the morning, immediately after waking up and going to the toilet, on an empty stomach. Whenever possible you should use the same scales and weigh yourself with bare feet and the same clothes on, or better still, without them.
• Electronic scale readings should not depend on the posture one takes on the scale. The result should also not be altered by moving the scale after the first weighing or inadvertently shaking it. But at the same time, electronics will register the slightest fluctuation in weight. In order to calculate the arithmetic mean when the person on the scale is in motion, the electronic scale may need some time. The result is measured on these scales for some time after you leave them.
• If even with all these conditions the weight indicators leave much to be desired, it is too early to despair. First, you need to analyze what additional factors may have influenced your weight “here and now”.
• To begin with, we can remember that during a day an adult’s weight varies from 1 to 3 kg, which may be related to food and water intake, because most of all the weight depends on the fluid contained in the body.
• For example, after a heavy meal with sweet and salty foods and alcohol abuse, when there is significant fluid retention in the body, weight may be higher than normal for a while.
• Weight may also increase due to muscle swelling, rapid breathing and sweating after intensive exercise, under the influence of stress or colds.
• Women should take into account the fact that due to water retention in the body the weight before menstruation is usually 1-2 kg more than after it ends. Another interesting observation: as a rule, on Monday a person weighs 0.5-1 kg more than on Friday. This is due to the fact that people often eat slightly more on weekends than on weekdays.
• The main rule – do not break the regime. And if weight plays a really serious role in your life, such as for medical reasons, you might be advised to keep a weighing diary. Not only should you write down the numbers you get, but also any possible circumstances that might have influenced them.