Question about Weight I should be aiming for

[FarmMan]

Hello, here are the details on me before I go any further:

Height: 5"6
Age: 17
Weight: 165lbs
Build: Endomorph

Weight Training: 3x a week, Moderate, Rep Range is 5-12. I get loose with the 12, and do pyramids up to 5 then go back down.

Cardio: Starting Jogging 2x a week, and hopefully Swimming 2x a week. Jogging would be interval training, start out 20 mins, and go on to 30 mins of walking to jogging.

Goals: I am wanting to slim down to where I can build up from, a weight I can be at with low BF% and just work up slowly from there. My goal weight in the end is 170lbs, but that will be a while away, and I understand this isn't overnight. I have no sports I am competing in, except possibility of going back to Boxing. I am in the Air Force DEP, and have to be able to complete my Push Up, Sit Up, and Running tests with 95 or higher.

Question: What weight, in your opinion, should I aim for to make a starting point.
Motivation: People who are here that educate people like me. People who push themselves above and beyond the "normal" standards of humanity.

Thanks for any help, and I appreciate any tips/advice, and hopefully some with links to websites with more info (or exact links on bb.com article wise).

[jake1224]

In my opinion; don't go by weight. It has too many variables. But..if you must, a "lean" individual at 5'6 is about 130. Go by bodyfat% instead, or the mirror. Most BF% tests are inaccurate - there is a sticky around here that has people guesstimate for you.

The mirror never lies, brah. When you decide you're lean enough is what matters; not what others tell you. However, your following bulk will be impacted by what point you start at.

[FarmMan]

Wow, 130 sounds pretty low. I think if I had to I'd go to 145, but I wouldn't want to go any lower. I'd probably stop at 145 and just stay there and keep working in the weight room and do some cardio and just stay 100% healthy in my diet. Thanks for your opinion, it is helpful, and I thank you for it.