Body Fat Question

catzimm · 09-13-2009, 02:39 PM

I am 5'9 154lbs, I am active duty air force and today in the gym i was approached by girl in the weight room and she asked me the strangest question, "what is your body fat?" I told her that the last time i had it done was three weeks ago and i was at 16.7% but my goal is to be under 15% by the end of October. She then went on to lecture me and tell me that my body fat was already to low and I was going about it all wrong. At first I just blew it off then I got to thinking about and I wanted to get someone elses opinion that has been training longer than me. I recently (feb 09) got back into the gym more seriously, I eat a clean1800-2000 calories a day and i train 6x a week and i am seeing real results and i really like it but am i doing it wrong? When i get my BF checked he tells me my lean muscle mass and i have not lost any, i actually gained and still lost lbs and BF. How low is to low for a females BF? I had it done today (Monday 14 Sep) by two different people and one was 15.7 (he used the caliper at 0630 after doing 45 mins of low cardio and lifting for 45 min doing arms) and the other was 15.3 (1150 this one does with a small machine that puts 2 electrobes on my right foot and on my right hand and i lay still, after a crossfit workout), I ask him what was a good BF for me and he told me I should not go under 12%? I am confused about how low is to low? I am wanting to start bulking up but i want to do it the correct way... What do you think?

Miranda · 09-13-2009, 04:54 PM

i'm not sure what the question is?

but i seriously doubt you're 16.7% at 5'9 154 lbs so no probs there.

Mesunny · 09-14-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catzimm

I am 5'9 154lbs, I am active duty air force and today in the gym i was approached by girl in the weight room and she asked me the strangest question, "what is your body fat?" I told her that the last time i had it done was three weeks ago and i was at 16.7% but my goal is to be under 15% by the end of October. She then went on to lecture me and tell me that my body fat was already to low and I was going about it all wrong. At first I just blew it off then I got to thinking about and I wanted to get someone elses opinion that has been training longer than me. I recently (feb 09) got back into the gym more seriously, I eat a clean1800-2000 calories a day and i train 6x a week and i am seeing real results and i really like it but am i doing it wrong? When i get my BF checked he tells me my lean muscle mass and i have not lost any, i actually gained and still lost lbs and BF. How low is to low for a females BF? I had it done today (Monday 14 Sep) by two different people and one was 15.7 (he used the caliper at 0630 after doing 45 mins of low cardio and lifting for 45 min doing arms) and the other was 15.3 (1150 this one does with a small machine that puts 2 electrobes on my right foot and on my right hand and i lay still, after a crossfit workout), I ask him what was a good BF for me and he told me I should not go under 12%? I am confused about how low is to low? I am wanting to start bulking up but i want to do it the correct way... What do you think?

The average woman is around 23%BF. Women in fitness and figure bodybuilding competitions get down around 8%BF. The healthy range for body fat is from 11-25% for women. You don't have any problems from what I can see or tell. As long as you feel good and are eating and training in a healthy manner, you're fine. The reason for keeping a minimum of 11% body fat is because estrogen is produced in our fat cells.

Haybales · 09-15-2009, 06:17 AM

I sit at 14% naturally.. so I wouldnt worry about it, as long as you are being healthy and ensuring you have enough rest and all you should be fine.

I've heard 14% is "risk level" but, my body is still normal, I still get my regular cycle and all. So don't stress, it's just another silly number!

kimm4 · 09-15-2009, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miranda

i'm not sure what the question is?

but i seriously doubt you're 16.7% at 5'9 154 lbs so no probs there.

Agreed.^

Most doctors will advise no less than 14%. To be honest, if a person isn't planning on competing or doing some kind of contest diet...most can't even get to that level.

Women think they're a lot lower than they really are...

TRosey · 09-15-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesunny

The average woman is around 23%BF. Women in fitness and figure bodybuilding competitions get down around 8%BF. The healthy range for body fat is from 11-25% for women. You don't have any problems from what I can see or tell. As long as you feel good and are eating and training in a healthy manner, you're fine. The reason for keeping a minimum of 11% body fat is because estrogen is produced in our fat cells.

exactly. you're eating healthy and training healthy, you're seeing gains. That's the important part. I'm naturally around 13% and had the same worries you did when you started because of the reactions I got when I answered that same question. I felt great, nothing was wrong with me so I didn't understand. You sound like you're on the right track and completely fine from what you've mentioned here

juliacheh · 09-15-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimm4

Agreed.^

Most doctors will advise no less than 14%. To be honest, if a person isn't planning on competing or doing some kind of contest diet...most can't even get to that level.

Women think they're a lot lower than they really are...

I agree with kimm4. I think it's even great to be at 18-20% body fat with muscles.

catzimm · 09-15-2009, 11:27 AM

Thanks everyone for your opinions, I asked one of the female trainers today and she accessed me. I printed out my fitday reports for the last month and my workout programs with the weights and reps to see if i increased. She said i was doing great and to keep it up, I do not plan to compete (i am not the swimsuite type) I just want to be muscular and strong and like i said on my my bodyspace i want to be coach not the mom on the bench...Thanks again...

Atheena · 09-15-2009, 03:43 PM

I had mine done a little over a month ago and I am sitting at 16% and my body seems to be ok with it and I have muscles as well!

Surf_N_Turf · 09-15-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haybales

I sit at 14% naturally.. so I wouldnt worry about it, as long as you are being healthy and ensuring you have enough rest and all you should be fine.

I've heard 14% is "risk level" but, my body is still normal, I still get my regular cycle and all. So don't stress, it's just another silly number!

Exactly. "Normal" and healthy is different for everyone.