The ideal male athlete body weight changes in step with public opinion.
Image Credit: Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images Determining the ideal male athlete body weight is a matter of perspective and aesthetic preference. This changes over time, but there are some timeless indicators, like body proportion and body mass index. If you are a male athlete looking to find the ideal body weight, focus on your particular sport and its criteria for ideal performance.
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Proportion Sense
World-renowned bodybuilder Steve Reeves focused on proportion more than exact body weight to reach an ideal athletic form. His arms, neck and calves measured 18.5 inches across. His ideal waist proportion was 86 percent of pelvic size, giving him the appearance of broader shoulders and chest.
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Body Mass Index
BMI, or body mass index, is a number derived from a person’s height and weight. BMI measures the amount of body fat on your body in comparison to other men of similar build. A BMI score between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal, but highly specialized athletes may have higher- or lower-than-average numbers.
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Body Fat
Percentage of body fat might not be the most accurate way to chart an athlete’s body weight. According to the American Council on Exercise, the normal range for male athletes is 6 percent to 12 percent, while the average male body fat percentage is closer to 20 percent. Muscle weighs more than fat and can significantly skew a male athlete’s ideal body weight measurement.
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references & resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: BMI for Adults
Muscle and Strength: What Are the Ideal Body Measurements?
Built Lean: Ideal Body Fat Percentage Chart
Muscle and Brawn: Maximum Bodyweight and Measurements
Ideal Weight Charts: Ideal Body Measurements for Men
Medical News Today: How Much Should I Weigh for My Age and Height?
Brian Mac Sports Coach: Your Ideal Weight and Body Mass Index
references & resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: BMI for Adults
Muscle and Strength: What Are the Ideal Body Measurements?
Built Lean: Ideal Body Fat Percentage Chart
Muscle and Brawn: Maximum Bodyweight and Measurements
Ideal Weight Charts: Ideal Body Measurements for Men
Medical News Today: How Much Should I Weigh for My Age and Height?
Brian Mac Sports Coach: Your Ideal Weight and Body Mass Index
The ideal male athlete body weight changes in step with public opinion.
Image Credit: Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Image Credit: Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: BMI for Adults
Muscle and Strength: What Are the Ideal Body Measurements?
Built Lean: Ideal Body Fat Percentage Chart
Muscle and Brawn: Maximum Bodyweight and Measurements
Ideal Weight Charts: Ideal Body Measurements for Men
Medical News Today: How Much Should I Weigh for My Age and Height?
Brian Mac Sports Coach: Your Ideal Weight and Body Mass Index
