Ideal bodyfat for PL?

[powerliftmike]

Ive heard somewhere that 18% BF is the best number to be at for maximal strength. Not sure where this number came from, guessing its just been pulled out of the air. My doctor seems to think in the 10% BF range is ideal for health, not wanting to go lower or higher.

What is your BF? What is best for PL? Do you ever go up (mostly fat) simply to max out your class? The thinking behind this is the most leverage and why not be at the top of your weight class, but in the case of a total tie, the lighter guy wins. Any thoughts welcomed.

[Squatman51]

i would say anywhere from 12-18% theres no need to be super ripped and cut like a bodybuilder but i dont wanna be a super fatty either

[Squatman51]

i had a few buddies that use to powerlift and they switched to bodybuilding....they were pretty strong guy and dieting for there competition and they had trouble benching 135 for a few reps.... thats how it is though...you look your strongest but your really at your weakest

[Squatman51]

another thing is that it doesnt really matter how "ripped" you are or how pretty you are in powerlifting..... i read alot of russian articles and they said they dont let their powerlifters and weightlifters read BB magazines because they say they "brainwash" them into thinking bigger is stronger when there is really no correlation at all to size and strength

[taiboxa]

15% for sure!

[powerliftmike]

another thing is that it doesnt really matter how "ripped" you are or how pretty you are in powerlifting..... i read alot of russian articles and they said they dont let their powerlifters and weightlifters read BB magazines because they say they "brainwash" them into thinking bigger is stronger when there is really no correlation at all to size and strength

Very true. The only exception I can think of is Pudzianowski. lol. I have seen some pretty big BB guys that are actually realitively weak.

[RJstrong]

I really don't think that there is a particular ideal bodyfat overall... this IMO is individualistic... simply put everyone is gonna be different. I have even talked to a few top lifters on this subject... Tony Conyers for example told me that he feels like he loses bar speed on the deadlift when he gets heavier than normal... I know that my body fat percentage is low and I feel like it suits me fine... the 1st thing most people say to me when I show up to a meet is "what are you doing here man this ain't a bodybuilding contest" but I enjoy that and I think people underestimate me because of it... I wouldn't change it for the world! like stated above the World's strongest man Mario P. says it all ripped and strong as sh*t!

[Iron freak]

I always stay around 12%.I want to win and look good doing it.lol.

[barbndr]

My best competition performances came when I did not have to worry about weight. I did to lose or gain any weight on purpose throughout the last 3 months up to the contest. I hover around 10% but only because this is where my body stays given my activity level, metabolic rate, and caloric intake. That being said, I agree with RJ. Whatever your body is comfortable at would be ideal. Keeping your body at it's natural BF levels (hopefully somewhere between 8-18) is probably best. Physiologically, this is where your body is working optimally.

[power65]

All I know is....I've never competed well when I had to drop weight for a competion. I think that is the "Old School" mentality to powerlifting. Powerlifters were always like wrestlers, they always thought they had to drop weight into the next weight class because they thought it gave them some kind of advantage. That is no correct. The problem w/ that is that's not how you train. I think you need to compete at the weight you train at. How else are you suppose to know what you're capable of?? I have done so much better when I just let my body weight control itself. Saying that, I don't think there is any advantage to having a high percent of bodyfat. I stay around 12-15%. That's pretty lean for a powerlifter. Any leaner than that and I start losing strength over time.

[Velkar182]

I weighed in at 363 up from 275 a year ago! @ my most recent meet. I gotta say 25% and up works for me! My diet went as usual but was complimented with fudge 'ems, hohos and crap loads of juice. Although I packed about 200 pounds onto my total, I was probably a Mr. Goodbar away from a heart attack. So, I am working my way back down to 275 (at 315 right now). So, I think fat as hell is the best bf % for PL, but the cardio system doesn't like to cooperate for long. Honestly, getting winded walking up small slopes and a flight of steps can be embarrassing.

[Doc.Sust]

anywhere btwn 12 to 15 % is lean for a powerlifter(thats where i get to when i drop weight for a contest) i think 18-20% is optimal(this is what i try to achieve with a 24 hour weigh in, put as much water and body fat back on)