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February 2002

The question-of-the-month for February comes from Erin in Kansas, an advanced female collegiate athlete who asks about body fat levels.  Her question is: 

Dear Mike:

What would be the average and/or ideal range of body fat for very active female athletes?  

Dear Erin:

Thank you for your great question.  I'm glad to finally get the chance to answer a question from a female visitor!

Body composition levels, more commonly referred to as body fat levels, are always a hot topic in the world of fitness and weight training.  In general, body fat levels of females are higher than that of their male counterparts.  There are a number of reasons for this, but suffice it to say, that is how God created us.

Below is a chart listing different levels of body fat for men and women.

Male

Female

Risky High

>30%

>40%

Excess Body Fat

21% - 30%

31% - 40%

Acceptable

13% - 20%

23% - 30%

Lean

9% - 12%

19% - 22%

Ultra Lean

5% - 8%

15% - 18%

Risky Low

<5%

<15%

Erin, keep in mind that the chart above is for the average individual. Serious athletes will most likely fall below the outlined ranges.  With that in mind, a female track athlete should be in the 10% - 19% range.  More specifically, a long distance runner will probably fall in the lower part of that range, and a sprinter will probably fall in the higher end of that range.  

I hope you find this information helpful and I clearly answered your question.  Good luck with your training. 

As always, don't forget to visit the Past Qs & As and my Training Tips section for more great tips and training info.

Until next month, train hard and stay healthy.

Mike Francois

Do you have a training question for Mike?  If so, visit our Ask Mike section and submit your question.

Note: Before embarking on any nutrition, supplementation, and/or training program, consult with your physician or other licensed health-care professional.


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