Body fat percentages

[GymBunni]

Hey i just wanted some feedback on bodyfat percentages, for chicks in particular but also guys, I am a 21 year old girl that weights 62 kgs at 5 foot 8 and my body fat percentage is 20.5 percent - 456 SLM and ab level 2 if anyone can relate to what that means lolz. Am wondering what would be a good goal bf% wise? And also what % body sculptors and fitness models would be sitting at on avg?

Look forward to hearing your feedback

[Phedder]

I know it's not the answer you're looking for, but I've always been a fan of going by the mirror and not BF%. Different people can have different levels of definition at the same BF% so the mirror is a much better judge.

[train hard]

20.5% is a normal healthy range for a women the top figure girls on the other hand would be into the low mid single digits

[GymBunni]

Yeah i know what u mean bout the mirror thing my trainer says the same thing but i just use it as a general idea have only done it a cuple of times, single digits wow crazy i know it is alot harde for girls then guys to get a low bf - like the normal for guys is a lot lower then for girls eh - am aiming at 16% to start with - hopefully by end of year : )

[ThePman]

It varies way too much to be anything more than a guideline. Bodyfat measurement is so inaccurate to the point that guessing by the mirror is about as good as any test.

[cantygirl]

I would imagine by your height and weight, you must be getting pretty close to where you need to be for fitness. Don't forget that it should be a curvy and athletic build as apposed to the lean athletic look for figure. And like has been said above, bodyfat measures are very individual and where I look damn lean between 18-20%, that might look completely different on someone else. If you are competing for the first time, you will need to use your measurements as a baseline for future comps. After 9 years, my weight that I compete at stays about the same, however, the look is better with each year, more muscle less fat. Its really interesting to compare one year to the next. Most of all, its a big congrats for getting to that level, enjoy the experience and come back for more.

[GymBunni]

yeah deff ure right there, different people hold the fat differently too i guess. Thanx forure feedback everyone and yea i do rely on the mirror above all - dont even own scales because theres no point for me really. Its been such an amazing journy so far and am only just starting so look forward to the rest,, do hope to compete one day - well it would be nice to have the option and just be comp ready - prob looking at end of next yr at this stage though lolz - dont wana give it a half ass attempt and set unrealistic goals eh. Wow u have been in it for a long time then, i can imagin u would not only look great but have built some quality strong muscle eh. All the best !!

[teamfatboy]

You could always try Arnold Schwarzenegger's "jump test"... jump and if it jiggles, it's fat.

But as everyone's said, it's subjective. Have a look at recent NZ competition photos and you'll get a gauge of how winning competitors look.

[andy s]

You could always try Arnold Schwarzenegger's "jump test"... jump and if it jiggles, it's fat.

I do a similar test by driving the fork hoist at work. no suspension and solid tyres. Gets me back doing cardio every time!