Robin Hood

I will be competing in my first natural bodybuilding comp September 10th.

I am currently at 128 lbs with 17-18% bodyfat. What should be my ideal body fat for a competition?

Thanks in advance

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!

Emma-Leigh

For BB, most females I know like to come in around 8%, or somwhere between 6 and 10% (depending on how they look at a particular BF%). Anything above ~10% and you might be too soft.

Personally, I am not too sure how possible 6% is for a female.... But I know people who 'aim' for it.

JLB001

I'd aim for the 8% range like Emma suggested. Less would be better, but harder to get too, but can be done.

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."

Robin Hood

I'm 5'4" will i look too "thin" if I get down to that percentage? My LBM is 105 lbs right now. If I'm 10%, that takes me down to about 116 lbs. 8% would take me down to 114 lbs (just within the limit for light weight in the level comps). I realize that top of a weight class is usually the way to go, but I'm wondering if I go down that low if I'll look like shit for my first comp.

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!

Robin Hood

So yeah, I'm doing a lot of thinking about this....I have been down to 112-115 before...I looked thin, but that was a couple years a go and didn't have the muscle that I have now. So maybe I wouldn't look bad.

Another thing, I measure my body fat % with a device they have at Bally's (which can simply be purchased at Radio Shack). A couple of the trainers said it measures high. I'm thinking I should go get it measure elsewhere if I'm going to set any goals with regards to bodyfat.

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!

Robin Hood

Another question...haha...you guys are going to love me!

Is 3 mos out a good time to start "cutting"?

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!

Robin Hood

Anyone??

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!

sdupdike

Well, I'm no pro. Currently cutting for my first comp also. But I believe 12 weeks out is about average to start cutting for a comp. I started cleaning up my diet around 16 weeks and got more strict with it at 12 weeks. And I started at about where you are, I was 130, 17 - 18%. Now at 8 weeks out, I'm at about 125, 14% (hpefully my BF% has dropped a little, getting tested today ).

Shannon

There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.

musclepump

12 weeks is common for experienced competitors. A lot of others use 16, and people who have really tough times cutting use 18-20.

Let's all join together and SPEAK ENGLISH IN AMERICA.

JLB001

12 to 16 weeks is the norm.

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."

Robin Hood

Thanks guys. I already eat pretty clean right now and have reduced my caloric intake by about 150 cals/day. 12 weeks out is when I plan to start cutting dairy and fruit and any processed carbs (e.g., the dark rye bread that I eat). Also plan to really up the cardio around then too.

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!

musclepump

I think that's too far out to start cardio. Don't want to drop calories and start cardio--too much of an output on the body.

Let's all join together and SPEAK ENGLISH IN AMERICA.

Robin Hood

How much cardio would you suggest...remember you're a man and probably had an easier time shedding the fat...women naturally carry more bodyfat and I carry it around my butt and upper thighs. I'm worried about getting those areas leaned out.

I did a "test run" of the diet last fall... I got down to 14% BF and 122 lbs in 10 weeks....I need to go a lot lower than that for competition.

Any cardio advice from the ladies in the field? (Bodybuilding/Figure/Fitness)

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!

JLB001

Recent pics?

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."

Robin Hood

I'll try and take some this weekend....been trying to get my boyfriend to act as photographer...we're both sooo busy!

I have good muscle development. Just need to get it showing again. He is assuring me that it'll go when I diet and do more cardio. My biggest problem area is right underneath my butt. There is like a strip of fat that just won't go away. I'm not worried about getting the rest lean, I know it'll be a cinch as I had no trouble during my test run.

Also when I cut last fall, I didn't have the muscle development in my lower body that I do now, so he said that will also play a big factor and help in cutting my b/f around those areas.

If you don't risk anything, you risk even more!