It is important to learn about all of them so that you are able to determine for yourself what will be the most effective for YOUR client.  For instance, although skinfold measurements are a great way to measure body composition, hydrostatic weighing is going to be more accurate.   The problem with hydrostatic weighing is that a lot of people do not have access to it.  Now, if your client has access to both and happens to be obese, which do you choose and why?  Typically, you will choose hydrostatic weighing for multiple reasons.  First off, it tends to have a smaller margin of error.  Second, for an obese client, calipers are NOT going to be preferred as the accuracy decreases the higher percentage of body fat the client has.  At the end of the day, knowing the differences between all of the different types will only help you to choose the method that will be most helpful for your client.

Ryan

While going through the various tests used to measure body fat/lean muscle there were so many that needed further testing or had a high margin of error.  Do we need to be familiar with all of them.  It seems pointless to learn about them if they aren't that effective.