body fat % question...

[lavi]

I'm curious what % body fat is generally consider low, normal, high. Like is <10% low, <20% "normal," <30% high?

I just saw I'm at 14.7% and I'm surprised. I always thought I would be at a pretty low body fat %.

Also, what does it really mean? My brother is the same height, weighs more, and is the same body fat %, but is definately weaker than me. How's that work?

Thanks, just tryin to learn

On another note, I think I hurt my elbow playing football about a week ago. It's fine until I start pumping iron, then after a while itll hurt and'll continue to hurt for a few hours after. I can't do any tricep exercises (since they all intensely use the elbow, painful), but do I need to stop for a while altogether? I REALLY don't want to...

 

[slobberknocker]

Low, normal, or high compared to what? I think the general guideline for men is about 15-20 percent or so is normal, but it varies based on each person's bodytype. And if you're talking about athletes, then it varies even more.

 

[pwr_machine]

From the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription:

For men (ages 20-29):
5.2% Superior
9.4% Excellent
14.1% Good
17.4% Fair
22.4% Poor
29.1% Very Poor

For women (ages 20-29):
10.8% Superior
17.1% Excellent
20.6% Good
23.7% Fair
27.7% Poor
35.4% Very Poor

 

[pwr_machine]

Also, what does it really mean? My brother is the same height, weighs more, and is the same body fat %, but is definately weaker than me. How's that work?

How were the % body fats determined? There is a fair amount of error in most tests due to the experience of the person performing the test. Most people will argue that calipers are useless, but I believe that an experienced tester can hit the nail on the head every time. If, in fact, the test was performed correctly and accurately, then you can assume that your brother carries more muscle mass but is simply weaker. I'd get multiple tests performed before I accepted this conclusion.

 

[The Red Dragon]

Bodyfat percentage is a measure of body composition. It's not really an indicator of strength. Basically it's (Fat Mass/Body Mass)X100%.

1-3% are competative bodybuilders & professional sprinters (very ripped)
at 7% you'll start to see a six pack or might even have one
15% is average
25% + is obese

But that's very subjective. Guidelines are 15-20% but those are for AVERAGE people.

You can work other sections of your body that don't involve your elbow if you still want to train. I don't think squats use elbows, I'm sure not sure if deadlifts do, I never feel my elbow flexing/extending. And those will probably grow your pressing muscles just from the endocrine response they'll provide.

Rest it and have someone check it out. I'm sure many people on this board have experienced that before.

 

[DrBones]

at 7% you'll start to see a six pack or might even have one

You have to have some pretty bad genetics to not see abs until 7%

I start to see abs aroung 15-16%... it totally varies from person to person...

IMO 7% is very low bf for an average person.

 

[mrzap]

Ya I can start to see abs at 14%. At 10% they are really impressive.

 

[lukeb5301]

Im at 9.2% body fat, and i can see my abs a lil bit.. In a few months I plan to deit I want to be down to about 4%