Body fat

I think normal is around 20-24% - or rather, healthy. But bodyfat measurements aren't all accurate and your best bet is having a DEXA scan or the like done rather than relying on user errors in measurement or faulty electrical devices. As for what to aim for - well, depends on the look you want. I'd like to get to 18-20% - I want my muscles visible without a layer of fat over them and I'd like some semblance of abs one day. LOL

it depends on your age, older women store fat differently so the range is a little higher. The entire healthy range I've usually seen quoted is 18-28%, and younger women should aim to be lower in the range, older women in the higher end. But 28% fat is not obese at any age.

Also:

most women will have visible abs around 15% (this is below the usually quoted healthy range, but it is healthy if you get there through healthy eating and exercise and if you have plenty of lean body mass. half starved and 15% body fat is not healthy, but athletic and 15% body fat is)

women generally look very ripped (as in bodybuilding contest ripped) around 13%. it's very hard for women to get below 13% while maintaining lean mass. Most natural bodybuilders don't maintain this level of fat year round, during the off season they'll let their body fat percentage go up to maybe 15-17% then cut it down again pre-constests, etc.

If you don't want to have muscle definition, then stick to 18%+ At 18-20% women generally look lean and fit, but without much definition.

ETA: this is all the more reason for women to not fear lifting weights, because how much muscle definition you have depends on your body fat percentage. Lifting weights + 18-20% body fat = firm "toned" looking (yes I know there's no such thing but there is a look that women mean when they say toned) but without definition. "bulky" comes from too much body fat, not from muscle.

also - good site: http://www.leighpeele.com/body-fat-pictures-and-percentages

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