Title says it all really, just how hard is it to get to the leaness of 10% or lower?

Are we talking total diet control, no excesses and a great training program? While I hate using genetics as an excuse, do people have a "natural" weight that is hard to change, some being more suited to being lean than others?

Thoughts, evidence most welcome!

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I've never got there!

I do think that unless you have some decent mass to show you will just look crap. I've come to this conclusion since cutting myself this year.

I could get below 10%, I think it's achievable by everyone, but I wouldn't want to look too skinny so I'm not going to worry about that.

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"Are we talking total diet control, no excesses and a great training program?"

Yes.


Then a good nutrition plan to maintain that %. To be honest, 11-12% is a good range for most people.

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You also gotta keep in mind all the work to get there, and then once you get it, it could very easily disappear.

I don't think I've reach 'proper' 10% yet. I think I've been squeezing my caliipers too hard, which gave a more pleasing, but false reading.

That is my goal for next 3 months, 10% or so. (well actually goal is loose 8lbs of lard, keeping lean mass. But that combination should knock me under 10% anyway).

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I probably was very close to it after last years summer of buff. I am naturaly lean anyway, but it is a struggle. For me the easiest way of calorie control is to cut out all the sweet foods, and treats, and limit myself to 3 or 4 smallish meals a day.

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In my experience id say its pretty tough :-)

From what I understand its all about diet (as much as I hate the fact) and a complete lifestyle change if its to be maintained.

Genetics probably pays some part, in terms of metabolism but I always understood that fat is stored in certain areas when we store it in our bodies not we are prone to becoming fat. Once we have become fat, fat cells dont completely dissapear just shrink- so becoming fat again I guess is easier for the body.

Im probably wrong though and got it all wrong. But its my twopence worth.

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Good thoughts guys :-)

What I was expecting, that to really get that leaness requires extraordinary dedication and some what a sacrificing of any "normal" sort of life. Personally I know what's more important to me

*finishes muffin*

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According to the bf claculator on the MH site, i'm 10.25% BF. Highly inaccurate i'm sure, considering i'm hardly an angel when it comes to a steady exercise routine and calorie counting.

I must get it done proffesionally one day ;)

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Join the gym I use - they have BF scales which measure everyone at 10% !

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"All" It requires accurate caloire monitoring to keep energy input = output to maintain 10%

but look around you and there are very few with the disiplne to maintain that all year round :-)

I have sub 20% ( I'm female ) in winter and got cold & weepy - normal healthy range is easier!

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