What Is a DEXA Scan and Why It Matters for Your Fitness Goals
Get past the scale. Train with precision.
If you've ever felt frustrated by what you see (or don't see) on the scale, you're not alone. Traditional weight tracking doesn’t tell the full story of your health or progress — and that’s where the DEXA scan comes in.
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the gold standard for body composition testing. It gives you a clear, detailed breakdown of your fat mass, lean muscle mass, and bone density — helping you train smarter, eat better, and measure progress beyond just pounds.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is a fast, non-invasive body composition test that uses low-level X-rays to analyze your body's tissue makeup. It divides your body into three key components:
Fat mass
Lean mass (muscle)
Bone mineral content
You lie on a table fully clothed while the scanner takes a complete image of your body in just 6–8 minutes — no discomfort, no prep, no stress.
Why It’s More Accurate Than Other Methods
Unlike body fat scales, calipers, or even 3D scans, DEXA provides segmental data — meaning it can show you how much muscle or fat you carry in each limb, your trunk, and even your visceral fat (the dangerous fat around your organs).
This makes DEXA ideal for:
Tracking fat loss vs. muscle gain during a training program
Setting evidence-based nutrition goals
Measuring imbalances between left and right limbs
Monitoring bone density (especially important with age)
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to benefit from a DEXA scan. In fact, it’s one of the best tools available for anyone who:
Feels stuck despite regular workouts
Wants to lose fat without sacrificing muscle
Is beginning a new strength or nutrition plan
Needs data to guide recovery, longevity, or performance
At Custom Fit SF, we use DEXA as a starting point — not just to measure, but to help build smarter training and nutrition strategies personalized to your body.
What You Get From a Scan at Custom Fit SF
Our DEXA scans go beyond just handing you a report. You’ll also receive:
A detailed explanation of your results
A comparison to age- and sex-based population norms
Guidance on what to do next: nutrition, training, or both
Optional re-testing every 8–12 weeks to monitor progress
We help you turn your data into decisions.
Final Thoughts: Take the Guesswork Out of Your Goals
The number on the scale doesn’t define your fitness — your body composition does. Whether you're training for performance, fat loss, or long-term health, DEXA scans give you the clarity and accountability you need to succeed.
Book your DEXA scan today at Custom Fit SF and start your journey with real data and a real plan.
