Goal weights...?

I'm 5'9" and currently 202lbs. I have my intial goal weight as 170lbs, which would put me at the top of the BMI. I weighed that as a 6th grader so I have no idea what my healthy weight is. I think I'm also very muscular. I've always lifted weights and was in college for a year as a discus/shotput thrower. Then, I could squat 400lbs easily and bench 160+.

Now, I'm not quite as strong, but my biceps are 13" and you can see the lines a bit with the curve. my triceps also show. My frame size, according to my right wrist is medium; left wrist is large.

Anybody have an idea as what might be a good weight for me? I know I just have to get there and see, but I'm curious.

When you get to 170 measure you body fat % if it is in a lean range or better you shouldn't need to lose more. If average you could try from losing to a lean or better range. I personally have various methods as guidelines for my goal: BMI/weight, body fat%, waist to hip ratio, waist to height ration and some ideal measurements. I may not get all of them but even 1/2 should be my ideal :)

I've done the tape measure ones, the handheld, the scale and all say between 29-31% and the calipers say 32%. I don't have nor do I know how to get access to one at water BF analysis or more accurate measurements.

I would measure body fat when closer or at your first goal before deciding on losing more, at this point measuring body fat may be inaccurate (or I have read) when one is still on the heavier side when using calipers of body fat%, so your scale may be more accurate or helpful. Ref: http://www.freedieting.com/tools/body_fat_cal culator.htm

"If you are obese, you will find it easier to use a body fat analyzer. As you become slimmer you may find calipers provide a more accurate result (as it is easier to "pinch" the fat)."

Well I finally uploaded a picture. People seem to be shocked I'm still 200lbs; apparently I don't look it, but hey, Whatever. lol. You could be the judge.

That calculator says I'm 31% which puts me JUST over normal. :(

I'm not a huge fan of BMI/weight as an indicator of health anyway, but looking at your picture I'd say you're one of those people for whom BMI really isn't applicable at all. Sorry for passing judgment on your appearance this way (I really shouldn't as I hate when people talk about my body/size!) but I reallly can't see how you would lose 30lbs without having to lose a significant amount  of muscle mass to get there, as it doesn't look to me like you have very much body fat to lose. I'd forget about the scales if I were you and just focus on healthy eating and continue with your fitness routine, and if you want a health-oriented goal perhaps aim for lower body fat and have it meaasured occasionally.

Seriously impressed with your lifting record in college by the way. You're my hero. I would ideally like to gain strength and bulk up but can't get around to putting in the time and effort required to do it properly...

Original Post by Molly2718:

Well I finally uploaded a picture. People seem to be shocked I'm still 200lbs; apparently I don't look it, but hey, Whatever. lol. You could be the judge.

You are so right! You look like 170ish in this pic, by 170lbs you may look perfect! And if you are lifting now, you'll preserve more lean mass and may just be in an ideal bf% by that weight too.

I know how it can be with all these numbers, I can only do the measuring method and I want to get my hands on caliper or a bf% measuring scale. Then if my weight doesn't go down I can at least track my body fat going down :) As long as there are results somewhere right?!

Thanks, guys! :) I'm still at 200lbs. I still have really thick legs and a stomach. I carry it very well with clothes on. lol. I wear jeans size 14, 15 juniors. Athletic clothes are Large. I currently have the same size waist (maybe 1" larger) than my sister that weighs 180lbs. I'm almost 1" taller but her legs are about 1.5" longer. So I really just have no idea how much weight can be in a stomach. lol.

Hold up. You could easily do a 400 pound squat at a body weight of 170? Are you one of these women?

1. Stella Krupinski SPF 2010-10-02 505
2. Taylar Stallings NS 2010-01-30  462
3. Robyn Blankenship SPF 2009-05-23  460
4. Ann Vanderbush PRPA 2011-11-12 405

No, I could do it when I was 300lbs. lol.

4 plates on each side. However, It's arguable if I went low enough.

I could do 3 plates on each side go to an 24" stool.

A RAW 315 pound squat is still impressive. If you could do that at a lower body weight, you could break some records.

Anyway, I think you ought to be able to get down to at least 170. I am also 5'9" and I weigh 170. I have squatted 255, benched 260, and deadlifted 405. I squatted 255 at my current weight, but I weighed about 185 when I did the bench and deadlift. I have about 15% body fat.

My coaches always mentioned that I should get into powerlifting. I just never seriously entertained the idea. But that's how I'm built and naturally strong.

I had set my goal weight to the high healthy BMI I have dropped it now that I am almost there.  I think because you have muscles aiming for just a healthy BMI weight is a good place to start.  Keep lifting weights and then when you reach goal decide if you want to lose some more or just keep building muscles to be thinner.