Strongman athletes, often assumed to be large, challenge stereotypes, as exemplified by Brian Shaw. Recently, Shaw disclosed a body fat percentage of 17.6% through Hydrostatic testing, documenting the process on his YouTube channel on February 1st.
Shaw opted for hydrostatic measurement to determine his body fat percentage. This method involves weighing the individual on a scale and then submerging them underwater for a secondary measurement. By leveraging the unique properties of fat, muscle, and bone, precise calculations yield the body fat percentage.
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The hydrostatic measurement procedure offers accuracy in assessing body composition. It begins with weighing the individual on a scale and then submerging them underwater to measure buoyancy. From these measurements, precise calculations are made, considering the varying properties of fat, muscle, and bone.
Brian Shaw did Hydrostatic Testing
Brian Shaw and his wife, Keri, discovered a facility equipped with a hydrostatic tub. Upon arrival, they underwent initial weighing, with Brian registering at 384.6 pounds (174.5 kilograms). This weight marked a slight decrease from his Strongman career peak.
Prior to the testing, Shaw noted the greater accuracy of hydrostatic testing compared to his previous experience with a Dexa Scan for body fat measurement. He had undergone Dexa scans multiple times, even using them to monitor transformations.
Ultimately, the hydrostatic test results indicated a notable loss in lean mass with minimal fat reduction for Brian Shaw. This outcome differed significantly from his expectations, enhancing his confidence in the credibility of hydrostatic testing compared to other methods.
“We did a Dexa scan before… but the Dexa scan is not accurate… I walked in lean, like super lean. It (results) came back, and it was ridiculous.”
Brian Shaw and his wife are both adhering to diet plans, making hydrostatic weighing a tool for assessing the effectiveness of their meal strategies. Additionally, they share a common goal of maximizing weight loss and have initiated a friendly competition between themselves to achieve this objective.
“I have been kind of on a transformation journey for a while now. It would have been fun to do it at the start, but now it is coming up and it is always fun to compete with Keri.”
When it was time for Brian Shaw to enter the tub, he had to remove several buckets of water to prevent overflow. Once adjusted, the test commenced, with instructions for Shaw to exhale as much air as possible to enhance accuracy.
Shaw underwent multiple rounds of testing, with each round yielding increasingly precise results as he acclimated to the water. The initial measurement indicated a body fat percentage of 19.4%, which Shaw managed to reduce to 17.6% by the final measurement.
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Despite his efforts to become leaner, Brian Shaw maintains a staggering daily calorie intake of 4,620 calories. However, he balances this with intense calorie expenditure through MMA training and match preparation, aligning with his pursuit to be recognized as the “Most Dangerous Man on Earth.”
Overview
Brian Shaw, a renowned Strongman athlete, recently revealed his body fat percentage of 17.6% on his YouTube channel. He chose hydrostatic measurement, noting its accuracy over Dexa scans. Shaw and his wife, Keri, are following diet plans and competing to lose weight. During hydrostatic testing, Shaw decreased his body fat percentage from 19.4% to 17.6%. Despite seeking leanness, Shaw consumes 4,620 calories daily, offsetting it with vigorous MMA training.
Featured video @Brian Shaw Hydrostatic Testing (Instagram) @SHAWSTRENGTH (YouTube)
