Athlete Mode

Developed to provide more accurate reading for athletic body types.

Why is there a separate Athlete mode?


When developing its body composition equations, Tanita found that a different equation was needed to maintain accuracy in the elite athletic population. People who exercise at high levels over long periods of time exhibit differences in their muscle structure and hydration. If these people were to use the standard Adult mode on a Body Fat Monitor, their readings could be overestimated.

When Athlete Mode is recommended?

As a general guideline, we recommend Athlete mode for anyone who carries out more than 12 hours of intensive cardio-vascular and strength training exercise a week and who has a resting heartbeat of under 60bpm. (Some people naturally have a low heart rate – it does not apply unless they exercise at that level.) They should also have been exercising at this level for at least 6 months.

There is no exact moment when a person becomes an “athlete” and individuals vary. Some people will fall into a “grey” area between athlete and non-athlete; getting a slight underestimation on athlete mode and a slight overestimation on standard adult mode.

Athlete mode is particularly suitable for people in endurance sports like running and cycling and those in cross training. (Professional athletes and body builders may still get an overestimation of their body fat percentage even in Athlete mode.)


  • Tanita defines “athlete mode” as a person involved in intense physical activity for approximately 12 hours per week or more. 
  • A resting heartbeat of under 60bpm. 
  • Should also have been exercising at this level for at least 6 months.