Body scan 3D (Styku)
3D imaging to visualize posture, track body shape changes, and monitor progress over time
Table of contents
Basic data
The 3D body scan by Styku offers a fast, non-invasive way to capture your full body shape, posture, and circumferential measurements. Using infrared imaging and a rotating platform, it creates a 360° digital avatar — allowing users to track body changes in fat distribution, waist-to-hip ratio, and shape over time.
While not as precise as DXA or Tanita for body composition, it adds a unique visual dimension. It helps enhance accountability and motivation, offering clear visualizations of transformation that go beyond the scale.
Category: Body composition
Level: Intermediate
Usefulness: Medium
Level
Intermediate
This scan is categorized as Intermediate because it becomes particularly useful once basic metrics (like weight, BF%) are already being tracked, and the user wants more visual or regional analysis. It doesn’t replace other diagnostics but complements them by highlighting changes in shape, symmetry, and posture.
It’s a great tool for those entering recomposition, aesthetics, or fitness-focused phases of their journey. However, it may offer limited value for beginners who aren’t yet tracking the fundamentals of training, nutrition, and metabolic health.
Usefulness
Medium
Visualizes changes in body shape over time
The digital 3D avatar enables you to clearly see where fat is lost or muscle gained — especially across waist, hips, thighs, and chest.
Tracks circumferential measurements
Automatically captures key circumference metrics (waist, hip, thigh, biceps, chest) and compares them over time. Useful for recomposition tracking.
Enhances motivation and adherence
Seeing real-time changes in your 3D model can reinforce habit changes — even when the scale doesn’t move.
How it works
Infrared depth sensors scan body surface
A single stationary infrared sensor captures thousands of depth points as the user slowly rotates on the platform.
3D avatar is reconstructed from scans
The software generates a high-resolution digital model that reflects body contours and symmetry.
Metrics are derived from geometry
Circumference and ratio data are calculated from precise virtual landmarks on the 3D body model.
Measures
Circumferential measurements
Waist, hips, thighs, chest, arms, and more. Useful for fitness and aesthetics tracking.
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)
A valuable marker of fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk — now with precise visual context.
Body volume and surface area
Overall body volume estimates and shape mapping. Useful in visualizing physical transformation.
3D posture analysis
Postural alignment and asymmetries can be tracked over time (optional in some setups).
Reliability
Repeatable when done under similar conditions
Circumference tracking is consistent when clothing, posture, and body positioning are standardized.
Best for trend visualization
Great for showing before/after shape and size — less useful for detecting small day-to-day shifts.
Limitations
Doesn’t directly measure fat or muscle mass
All data are derived from surface geometry — no tissue composition is assessed.
Sensitive to clothing and posture
Results can be affected by baggy clothes or inconsistent body position.
Interpretation is more aesthetic than clinical
Best used as a supplemental tool rather than a primary diagnostic.
Frequency
During recomposition or aesthetics-focused phases
Every 4–8 weeks to visualize body changes and stay motivated. Avoid over-frequent scans — subtle visual changes may take time to emerge.
General tracking
Every 3–6 months for general posture or symmetry monitoring.
Cost
Wellness centers or body clinics
Typically $25–50 per scan, depending on location and whether consultation is included.
Included in coaching programs
Many gyms or personal training packages include 3D scans as part of progress tracking.
Availability
Available at select gyms, clinics, and body centers
Styku scanners are most often found in high-end fitness centers, body transformation clinics, or health optimization hubs.
Not typically available for home use
Due to hardware requirements, this scan is usually performed on-site in professional settings.
Preparation
Wear tight-fitting or minimal clothing
Form-fitting athletic wear helps ensure accurate geometry and consistency between scans.
Stand tall and still during scan
Proper posture is key for symmetry tracking. Stay centered and follow technician instructions.
Interpretation
Compare avatars over time
The most motivating use case — see clear visual differences month to month.
Use circumference trends as secondary data
Waist, hip, and thigh changes should align with goals (e.g., fat loss, hypertrophy).
Track posture and symmetry for balance
Some setups highlight lean asymmetries or postural shifts. Use as visual feedback, not diagnosis.
Alternatives
Tanita BIA or InBody
Offer internal tissue data and precise BF%/muscle metrics, but no visual modeling.
DXA scan
Most accurate for fat and lean mass — includes regional fat data, bone density, but lacks visual avatars.
FAQ
Does the 3D scan show body fat %?
Not directly. Some systems estimate BF% using circumferential formulas, but this is less accurate than BIA or DXA.
How often should I repeat the scan?
Every 1–3 months during active progress phases. Less frequent use is fine for general visual tracking.
Can I use this scan at home?
No — the hardware is not portable or consumer-focused. It requires a Styku setup at a gym or clinic.
Is this useful for muscle gain tracking?
Yes — while it doesn’t measure muscle mass directly, it shows regional growth visually through circumference and shape changes.