what is ideal bf percentage

[*new*]

I heard that sixpacks don't appear unless you go below 10%. At the same time I read in many places that 15% bf is the ideal for men?

I am on a diet shooting for 8% and I got a long way to get there, but just wondering
if i should go that much
thanks

 

[Shiftkey]

15% is average/normal, not ideal. 8% is a good goal to shoot for.

 

[Duke Togo]

you will see abs at 10%, and 12% if you flex them hard.

it also depends on what method of body fat measuring you do to determine the percentage, so a water measures 7% would be calipers 10%.

personally i wouldnt go for 8% it would be harder to maintain then 10% and unless you have a decent amount of mass to reveal youll just look like a shredded twig.

 

[stevera004]

Originally posted by Shiftkey
15% is average/normal, not ideal. 8% is a good goal to shoot for.

I'm 6-3 200lbs and 15% bf (approx. via military fit site posted in another thread and Tanita scale). A lot of people tell me I look too skinny! At 12% (around 190lbs), most people said I looked far too skinny. Just an FYI.

 

[Shiftkey]

I'm 6-3 200lbs and 15% bf (approx. via military fit site posted in another thread and Tanita scale). A lot of people tell me I look too skinny! At 12% (around 190lbs), most people said I looked far too skinny. Just an FYI.

That's a good point, and I have a friend who has almost the same stats as you and looks a bit skinny (though his BF is closer to 12% at 200lbs). I think it all depends on your own genetics and how your fat is distributed.

I look skinny with 18% (what I used to be) and 12% (now) because my arms, chest, and legs are very very lean. You can't pinch anything there with a caliper - just skin. All my fat goes to my waist.

 

[Dirtheart]

I didn't want to start a new thread, but want to ask if it's possible to drop bodyfat while bulking?

I've been bulking for the last month with some significant results, but I would like to drop some body fat in order to get a more ripped and defined look.

If I substitute more meals with whey suppliment, will this help?

 

[jiza101]

Dirt, you cannot gain muscle and lose fat at the same time UNLESS your a total BBing noobie. Now, you should incorporate some cardio into your lifting sessions, and KEEP a STRICT DIET. So on one day do some HIIT, and then the next weights. That way you will lose fat and remain muscly. Or you can totally CUT and you will lose a little bit of muscle in the process. Your choice
I suggest you go to www.bodybuilding.com then go to the forums, this will be your holy grail to bodybuilding.
Hope i helped

 

[Dirtheart]

Thanks Jiza, that has been helpful. I have been browsing the site and especially the sections on defined abs etc and found some very useful info.