Athletes Percent Fat

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Reference

 


Optimum percent body fat levels varies from sport to sport. The following table lists the average percent fat for both men and women in various sports. This table can help individuals determine what a desirable body fat might be for their personal interest.

Sport

Females % Fat

Males % Fat
Ballet dancing 13-20 8-14
Basketball 20-27 12-15
Bodybuilding 9-13 7-11
Cycling 15 8-10
Football backs -- 9-12
Football linemen -- 16-19
Gymnastics 10-17 5-10
Rock climbing 10-15 5-10
Skiing cross-country 16-22 7-12
Swimming 14-24 9-12
Tennis 20 15-16
Track/Field, discus throwers 25 16
Track/Field, long distance runners 10-19 6-13
Track/Field, middle distance runners 10-14 7-8
Track/Field, decathletes -- 8-16
Volleyball 16-25 11-12
Weightlifting -- 9-16
Rowing 14-18 8-15
Triathlon 7-17 5-11

 
  Reference   Vivian Heyward and Lisa Stolarcyzyk, Applied Body Composition Assessment,
  Human Kinetics, 1996

 

(c) 2001 PrevMedix LLC Updated 2-15-2001

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