PSPSARGE

We all have looked at weight charts and said that is too low for me, the chart is outdated. I weighed in the 290's for a high and was at 280 on 1/2/03. I got into cardiovascular training and a little weight training and took up bicycling. I weighed 174 after my workout last night. Yes that is good and yes I am fanatical in my effort but according to the chart, (I am 5'11", borderline large build) the weight range I think is 166-175. Friends and family say don't dare lose another pound but I actually believe from the sight test that I need to lose another 10 to 15 to be rid of obvious body fat in the lower abdomen and upper thighs. Should I go with my eyes, the chart or take the easy route and listen to freinds/family. (I know that last one is probably not right since they told me to stop losing when I hit 225) Thanks for any input.

alison_in_oh

None of the above. Get an accurate body fat analysis, preferably by skin pinch. If you're 10-15% body fat, you're pretty average; if you're interested in being competitive in cycling, look to drop down to the 8-10% range.

yespatterns

Out of curiosity, are you sure the visible 'fat' is actually 'fat', as opposed to some of it being stretched skin from the weight loss?

PSPSARGE

I really don't know the answer to that, I have no stretch marks and I was guessing that it was just the last weight I needed to lose but possibly if I lost more, the loss would be proportionate and I would still have the problem, needing to eat or build muscle differently.

mx_599

you're fine...how old are you?

mx_599

that is too low for average

supcom

15% body fat is the recommended level for adult males. It's certainly not average in the US.

PSPSARGE

I am 60 years old.

Duke of Kent

According to the BMI chart, which is what I assume you're using, I was OVERWEIGHT while in 4:30 mile shape on the track in high school.

That being said, if you feel you're still extremely healthy, and can stand to lose some weight, go for it, if you want to. There's no better feeling than knowing you're healthy, trim, and you're getting better at what you love.

alison_in_oh

Are you disagreeing because most men are overfat, thus the "average" is skewed? Or do you believe that a *healthy* weight range for an average male (which is what I meant, sorry for mis-stating) is higher than 15% bf?

Or are you assuming the OP is female? I admit to leaping to the conclusion that a 5'11" individual considered "too skinny" at 225 lbs. who is mostly concerned about abdominal fat and has a username SARGE was probably male.

cod3man

Nice, 174!

mx_599

at this age your skin has lost elasticity. i don't know why you're stressing

mx_599

i suppose i could make an argument for both. an average is an average...it's not skewed. that is kind of redundant. i think a healthy % BF for a male can be up to the low 20's if they are aerobically active and it is not deep, centrally located, visceral fat...which it usually is

PSPSARGE

You are right about losing the elasticity, when I fall off the bike, I noticed I don't bounce as high as I used to. I am not stressing much, I just kind of feel like I came this far, I want to get where I belong.

mx_599

i can't see what you are talking about, but if is mostly loose flesh....a good plastic surgeon is who you need to talk to