Your amount of body fat has grown to be among those gym badges of honour, however is seeking the ideal percentage body fat percentage going to assist you along the way to developing the ideal male body? At what point does pursuing a specific number stop being useful?
Consider the following in deciding what the right approach for you is
1) It isn’t really about the figures
Once upon a time I decided I should aim for single digit body fat levels. However I’m not exactly sure why I chose that aim, other than that I liked the sound of that idea. Even thought this is a somewhat silly way to plan your efforts it is usually the way a lot of guys go about it; we see a look on an athlete or celebrity with a certain bodyfat percentage and aim for that.
In actual fact a lot of the so called facts and figures you may read about the body fat levels of the stars is a little off the mark. Most important though is the fact that the biggest factor in the way your body looks is developing great proportions. Having a low body fat is no guarantee that you will look good; it could just make you look like you need a good feed,
2) Variation between individuals means that the same number is no guarantee of the same look
We all know this one. It is for this reason that physique competitors have such a gruelling routine of preparation before they go onstage. There are a range of variables from the colour of the skin to the amount of water you are holding that have an impact on your look, regardless of body fat percentage levels. Your aim needn’t be to achieve a certain number to attain the look of somebody else. Their number is about them, at that moment.
It really doesn’t matter what anyone else’s level of body fat is; it is not a competition, and if it was it would still be about your look, not your body fat percentage!
3) Avoid a look that is unhealthy
Beware a body fat level that is too low; it is a look that is not appealing to most people, and a signal of poor health. After all, looking good is essentially about transmitting signs of health and vitality. The skinny look can bypass this and leave you looking ill if taken too far. It is quite common to see muscle men who take low body fat levels to extremes for a competition, but it’s a look that puts most people off in the real world. It’s probably prudent to steer clear of this for the sake of your looks and your health.
The look and shape of your body is the key to turning heads
4) Keep your concentration on the things that are genuinely important
That is possibly the most important thing to remember. About anything.
You can build a great looking body without stressing over a body fat percentage figure. That way you get a great body without losing your mind in the process. Don’t give up your life to get in shape. It’s a poor trade, and more importantly, one you don’t need to make. So chasing a golden body fat figure doesn’t have to be your top priority.