Group: Experienced Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 50, Messages: 19484

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body fat %

2004/12/24, 02:19 AM
BB1 I was wondering when you step on stage what is your body fat % at that time?

I had a couple disagreements over this with some people....I thought when bodybuilders step on stage they are around 3-4%?

If others know please respond also
Carivan
Carivan
Posts: 8,542
Joined: 2002/01/20
Canada
2004/12/24, 11:29 AM
Some as low as 5 most are at 7-8.
Some do look like 3-4% though.

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If you can dream it, if you can imagine it, then you can be it, you can do it. If it is meaningful enough, and you commit the energy of your passion, you will.

Ivan
carivan@freetrainers.com
Montreal Canada
bigandrew
bigandrew
Posts: 5,146
Joined: 2002/10/21
United States
2004/12/24, 05:33 PM
bigger the guy , more fat I think they can "carry on stage"....some people can be diced at 9% while others need to be down to abut 4 or so.

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bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2004/12/24, 09:12 PM
BA..noone will win at 9%!

I am usually at 5% to have a chance to win.

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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....

bb1fit@freetrainers.com
2004/12/25, 03:00 AM
I was reading Sylvester Stallone was 2-3% for his movie Rocky....I know most doctors recommend to go no lower than 5% for health concertns( proper body insulation, nutrient absoprtion, immune function etc)...

When I went to get my BF tested, I came between 6-7%....with hand calipers...and that's rediculous, cuz i barely see outlines...and I the guy redid it 3 times to make sure...because we were both skeptical...the calipers had +/- 1%.....

BB1 how much do you reduce your lifts by when you're dieting? I know bodybuilders lift heavy in off season and then diet to get lean before contests...but I always wonder since you're also losing muscle/strength while dieting...by how much do you need to reduce your weights?....

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
2004/12/26, 04:17 PM
when people are dieting by how much do they usually reduce their maximal weights(or for certain reps)?
2004/12/28, 08:36 PM
any1?
keencuedess
keencuedess
Posts: 40
Joined: 2004/04/04
United States
2004/12/29, 11:12 PM
i'd like to know the same thing menace
Reddy
Reddy
Posts: 597
Joined: 2003/09/11
United States
2004/12/30, 01:33 PM
Why would you reduce?? I would keep lifting the same - you want to lose fat not muscle
or do you mean the amount you lift?? - I read somewhere to
lift 60% for 16 reps
then 70% for 12
then 75% for 10
then 80% for 8
does that help??

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Reddy

All people smile in the same language
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2004/12/30, 03:01 PM
Slvester Stallone was not at 2-3%. They always exaggerate that. I gurantee you I was leaner than him many times for shows.

When I am dieting, the worst thing you can do is reduce your lifts. That is a sure way toward lean muscle loss.

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Quoting from menace3000:

I was reading Sylvester Stallone was 2-3% for his movie Rocky....I know most doctors recommend to go no lower than 5% for health concertns( proper body insulation, nutrient absoprtion, immune function etc)...

When I went to get my BF tested, I came between 6-7%....with hand calipers...and that's rediculous, cuz i barely see outlines...and I the guy redid it 3 times to make sure...because we were both skeptical...the calipers had +/- 1%.....

BB1 how much do you reduce your lifts by when you're dieting? I know bodybuilders lift heavy in off season and then diet to get lean before contests...but I always wonder since you're also losing muscle/strength while dieting...by how much do you need to reduce your weights?....

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
=============


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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....

bb1fit@freetrainers.com
2004/12/30, 08:54 PM
I don't know, the reason I was wondering was I remembered reading that when people diet they don't have as much energy/strength that they do in off season so they end up doing lighter weights or maybe use higher reps...in other words they don't max out...like stay with 10-12 reps vs 6-8reps...when you're dieting you're losing muscle as well as fat....so I don't understand how I can go on lifting same weights...plus you're reducing your daily carbs so you have even less energy...just wondering out loud
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2004/12/31, 10:50 AM
In answer to that, most times, yes your stength will drop due to calorie deprivation, but you do not purposely drop your weights. You still go as heavy as possible. Incorporate more supersets, dropsets, etc. But make sure you get your heavy sets in.

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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....

bb1fit@freetrainers.com
Lindsay22
Lindsay22
Posts: 129
Joined: 2004/12/09
United States
2005/01/12, 01:55 PM
what is the most accurate way to measure body fat % ???
puresurfr2
puresurfr2
Posts: 16
Joined: 2004/12/28
United States
2005/01/12, 06:47 PM


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Quoting from lindsay22:

what is the most accurate way to measure body fat % ???
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Mirror :)
2005/01/13, 03:19 AM
water displacement, electrical charge( i forget what it'se called)...less precise are skinfold tests with calipers...
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2005/01/13, 07:43 AM
water displacement is accurate but not very accessible or affordable, usually.
Bioelectrical impedence is not very accurate because there are so many factors that can effect the reading (your hydration level, when you last ate, if you have a lot of muscle..)
Calipers - used by someone who has had training and practice are generally accurate within a percentage or two, the important thing is to have the same person repeat the measurement each time. you will see progress (or not) and know whether you are losing fat.
I have found, with my measurements and with clients, that the first few months can be misleading, then as you get leaner, the fat gets more loose and liquidy under the skin and the measurements become more accurate.

If you are not competing, track your progress with a tape measure, measure your waist, your chest, your biceps, your thighs, your calves and remeasure in a few weeks.
I have also found that taking pictures every two weeks and comparing them with previous pictures shows more progress than the calipers or the scale.

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An old thought for the New Year - \'If you fall down seven times, get up eight\'
What matters is that you continue on.
mattmjv
mattmjv
Posts: 3
Joined: 2005/01/17
United States
2005/01/17, 07:55 PM
im 5ft 8inch 170lbs ive been working out for about 2years i have a pretty good build, but im slacking on the midsection, can anyone give me some good tips on how to lower my bodyfat, and some cardio tips so i can get a nice set of abs. Thanks
2005/01/17, 08:19 PM
to see abs, you need to be below 10% bf...to get very defined abs that's probably between 5-7%...

do ab exercises 2-3 days a week

-Crunches/Decline Crunches-as many as you can do for 3 sets with 60 sec rest
-Floor Leg Raises(butt comes off the floor)-legs should be outstretched- do as many as you canfor 3 sets with 60 sec between sets(you can do variations by doing them hanging from a bar)
-Twists- 3 sets 60 sec rest, as many as you can...

Do cardio 2-3 days a week on off days or after weight lifting

do 30-60 min cardio.....focus on keeping heart rate in 65-70% target zone for maximum fat burning...gl...you get rarget rate apprx by : (220-age)*.65=your target heart rate gl
skyy669
skyy669
Posts: 1
Joined: 2005/02/02
United States
2005/02/06, 07:46 PM
I want to know what the a woman's body fat % should be at, overall... im below 8%, but i still dont see a lot of muscle. not to mention i don't want the chest and rear to disapear... any suggestions?
2005/02/07, 03:47 AM
appropriate bf for woman is between 18-25%bf...very lean females are in 10-14 range....I am doubting you are 8%..because that would be outright dangerous for a female...also definition of abs depends on bf and lean muscle...you may simply have low muscle mass in abs area..........also when you drop low in bf...your chest size drops, but your butt remains fairly constant....esp if you do deadllifts and squats........go recheck bf...8% is extremely low for a female...if it's your real bf it may create health concerns...
2005/02/07, 03:50 AM
do crunches(weighted if necessary) or explosive crunches/sit ups for 5-8 reps...russian twist, leg raises....do them weighted for 6-8 reps using cables....
lildrummaboy57
lildrummaboy57
Posts: 1
Joined: 2005/03/30
United States
2005/04/26, 09:50 PM
How do u no wat ur body fat % is?
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2005/04/26, 11:05 PM
There are many tests you can do, calipers are probably most reliable. Just always have the same person do it, some pinch different than others, and may make your readings vary.

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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....

bb1fit@freetrainers.com
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2005/04/27, 07:58 PM
Skinfold Measurement Technique

Skinfold measurement are not simple and require a little practice. In most cases, one can measure his or her own skinfolds, except in places that cannot be grasped with both hands. However it is better to have someone else take the measurements to assure objectivity. Measurements should be taken several times (e.g. 3 times) and an "average" measurement used. Measurements should also be taken with a caliper, using the right technique. The bodyfat calculators will then calculate fat percentage based on the ‘thickness’ of the skin on several places of the body.




Using the tips of your thumb and forefinger (not the flat portion where the "fingerprints" are located), firmly pinch the skin in the area to be measured. The skinfold should be pinched firmly and deeply enough that the subcutaneous (under-the-skin) fat is included in the measurement, but not deeply enough to include muscle in the measurement. (See images). The jaws of the calipers should be placed closely to the fingertips so that a true reading can be obtained of the amount of fat squeezed between the fingers. Once the jaws of the calipers have settled into place under the proper pressure, the reading (in millimeters) should be entered in the appropriate box of the bodyfat calculator.







10 Tips to a good technique



1.Use body fat calipers to measure. Don't use body fat percentage tables that are only related to your height and weight.
2.For greater accuracy, monitor changes with skinfold measurements rather than converting them into a body fat percentage and using that to judge progress.
Have an experienced examiner test you if possible. At the very least have the same person test you each time. Be careful about how you find skinfold sites.
3.Take the reading within 4 seconds of applying the body fat calipers to the skinfold. A prolonged delay has been shown to significantly underestimate the actual skinfold value.
4.Take measurements at the same time of day for each test.
5.Don't have a test immediately after exercising.
6.Make all measurements on the right side of the body.
7.There should be no more than a 2 mm difference between trials.
8.Have the subject refrain from contracting the muscles in that area.
9.Allow a minute to pass before a second trial is made on a particular site. This is to allow the skin time to regain its normal degree of suppleness.
10.Practice your technique!



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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....

bb1fit@freetrainers.com
sstump1
sstump1
Posts: 1,227
Joined: 2005/03/20
United States
2005/05/02, 02:27 PM
Is www.mybodycomp.com, bf% measurement and Resting metabolic rate pretty accurate?

I go to 24 Hour fitness and I don't have much confidence in them and their ability to measure. I had 2 different people do mine and the first one said 22% and the 2nd says 26%...and they tried to sell me a bunch of stuff. So can't say I have a lot of confidence in their ability to measure me. Even though the 2nd was a lot more accurate then the first, as mybodycomp.com shows at 25.32%.
DX14AG
DX14AG
Posts: 1,055
Joined: 2004/07/22
United States
2005/05/02, 02:34 PM
Yes they are accurate.
kieas
kieas
Posts: 41
Joined: 2005/05/19
Japan
2005/07/07, 01:27 AM
how about the body fat caculator here on FT. It says measure your waist, but do they mean the narrowest part, or do they mean where you put your belt on?
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2005/07/07, 05:39 AM
For someone who is new, not alot of muscle mass, BMI is actually a pretty good way to go. I am going to be posting this in my diet thread soon as I get to beginning your diet.

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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....

bb1fit@freetrainers.com
summerskills
summerskills
Posts: 2
Joined: 2005/10/25
United Kingdom
2005/10/25, 09:10 AM
hey guys erm am new on here and i was just wondering if you could help me.... i am big into martial arts and so i dnt want to be bulky or anything but i want to be lean ( 6pack pecs etc.) now from what my friend told me, i already have these its jst my body fat may be a little too high for them to stand out. i am 6ft 1 and i weigh about 12 stone, i was just wondering what type of diet i should start to help me get my body fat down ? thanx alot guys.. and girls ... shaun
2005/10/25, 09:43 AM
sorry got logged out...
coolnatedawg
coolnatedawg
Posts: 813
Joined: 2005/03/09
United States
2005/10/26, 11:56 AM
i have a question... im not entirely sure how the calipers would work if you had a lot of loose skin. i used to be around 230 but i am now at 180. i have lots of loose skin that if it doesnt tighten up within 6more months (been waitin bout 6 so far) then i am lookin into surgery. but i am curious if i were to get BF % would it be off because of this? i can see my upper abs comin in but they arent very defined so i know i am gettin close.
-thanks,
nate
summerskills
summerskills
Posts: 2
Joined: 2005/10/25
United Kingdom
2005/10/26, 01:29 PM
hey null ! erm yea admittedly my friends dnt really know much about this stuff thats why i came on here, cause from reading ur messages... You guys know your shit ! thanx for ya help with the weight thing, i think the main reason i thought i should not add mass is because my BMI count said i was dead on what i should be for my height, but i'll deffo try what you've said .... thanx again mate !
bigandrew
bigandrew
Posts: 5,146
Joined: 2002/10/21
United States
2005/10/26, 01:36 PM
nate I had the same problem too....was about 290 got down to 220 at my lightest....now i'm about 260. Usually electric indepandance worked best on me because of this skin.

OR have the person do 6 or 9 point testing. Way more accurate than 3 point.

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Friends don't let friends squat high...


People don't reach thier true potental, only those who seek it.
Bor1s
Bor1s
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/12/25
Bulgaria
2006/02/05, 04:23 AM
In his website Jay Cutler says he was 3%BF on Mr.O 2005.Do you think it is true?How much BF does Ronnie have,what about Dexter Jackson?
2006/02/05, 05:11 AM
sounds about right...

they all have very similar bf....
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2006/02/05, 08:51 AM
Yes, with steroids and diuretics it is possible to get extremely low in bodyfat, also very dangerous.

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Quoting from Bor1s:

In his website Jay Cutler says he was 3%BF on Mr.O 2005.Do you think it is true?How much BF does Ronnie have,what about Dexter Jackson?
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In truth, people can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the time but the will that is lacking.
- Sir John Lubbock
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2006/02/05, 12:41 PM
When you have anabolics to replace testotserone, T3 for thyroid, clen for nervous system output, cortisol blockers, appetite supressants, insulin, GH, IGF-1 and the rest, you don't have to worry about anything that is relevant to natural dieters.

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Strength and Honor!
Bor1s
Bor1s
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/12/25
Bulgaria
2006/02/06, 05:06 AM
Then why does Jay have a big gut?
wrestler125
wrestler125
Posts: 4,619
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United States
2006/02/06, 11:26 AM
Too much growth hormone.

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Iron and chalk.

Pain is only temporary, it is in your mind. If you can still walk, then you can still run.
Bor1s
Bor1s
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/12/25
Bulgaria
2006/02/07, 04:51 AM
So you are saying that he really is cut to the max and he has max detail but he just has a big gut because of the GH?
shmin
shmin
Posts: 3
Joined: 2008/12/25
United States
2008/12/25, 05:27 PM
hello im 196 founf and 6 fit i work at list 3-4 times a week im not fat but i have an anonoying belly what can i do do you have a specipic plan i eat preety good
SFGiantsMVP
SFGiantsMVP
Posts: 1,533
Joined: 2005/12/04
United States
2008/12/29, 09:37 PM


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Quoting from shmin:

hello im 196 founf and 6 fit i work at list 3-4 times a week im not fat but i have an anonoying belly what can i do do you have a specipic plan i eat preety good
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Eat better!

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Knock-Um Down & Keep-Um Down!

My Log http://www.freetrainers.com/FT/jsp/Message.jsp?f_ix=15&t_ix=1609

Squat 285
Deadlift 340
Bench 260x2
Overhead Press 170x2
V & T-Bar Rows 200x3