% Body Fat?

Babicam
Babicam Posts: 21 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Where can I get information on what is healthy percent body fat. It seems that eveyone has an opinion. What I want is a normal range for my age height, etc.

I have lost approximately 32 lbs and know that my body fat percent is less than before and I exercise regularly (just getting started back after a long break). My current workouts are running and Julian Michaels 6wk to 6pk, alternating days.

My goal is to be fit (not skinny) and I want to have curves (muscles). Also I want to join a gym and start lifting weights again. Is it better to loose the extra 15lbs or to start lifting now. I had planned on loosing the excess fat first, but now not sure.

Thanks for the advice. I truly appreciate the help.

Replies

  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
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  • tuffytuffy1
    tuffytuffy1 Posts: 920 Member
    I started weight lifting immediately upon changing my lifestyle, and I am thrilled I did. You do not need to wait until you start losing weight. Weight lifting will help you retain lean muscle mass, ensuring that the weight you lose comes from fat stores and not muscle. Good luck!
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Aye. Lift weights while losing weight to keep as much muscle as you can. Once you've reached your goal body fat percentage, go calorie surplus for a couple months and increase the weight you lift to gain muscle. After a while, you'll have put on a bit more fat due to the surplus and then you switch back to lower calories to burn off the fat again.

    You do this in phases depending on what body fat % is just too high to accept on yourself while you gain muscle. Eventually, you'll have the amount of muscle you want and don't want any more. At that point, you just burn off the fat you don't want and then switch to maintenance calories and also weight lifting for maintenance (which is less than for gains).
  • Babicam
    Babicam Posts: 21 Member
    Thanks!!!

    Now to find a gym that I am comfortable with and that has someone there to help me with my fitness goals?

    Do you all go to a gym or lift at home (have weight bench)? Just curious. I know I need the gym to begin with as I have ZERO clue where to start.

    Free weights or machines (they tend to put females on the machines)?

    Thanks again for all of the very useful information!!!!

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