Trying to determine your body fat percentage is a huge pain in the butt.

It is universally accepted that hydrostatic weighing (a.k.a. "getting dunked") is the best method. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive and the least accessible.

Skin calipers are another often-used method. But you have to overcome a steep learning curve to become proficient with these and even then you still have to make sure you are pinching exactly the same spot each time.

The Tanita bodyfat scales are another option. I own one. Unfortunately, it is horribly inaccurate and the results are usually laughable.

Actually, I have found that one of the best indicators of body fat percentage is simply how you look in the mirror.

So in this article, I am going to show you different pictures of myself at various body fat percentages.

If you have been having trouble figuring out your own body fat percentage, you can use this article as a "visual aid" to help you determine your personal body fat.

Note: This article contains pictures. To view the complete article with pictures, click the link at the end of this article.

This Is What Fat Looks Like

This is me after a long period away from training.

My body fat percentage here is about 19%.

This is me one month later.

My body fat percentage here is about 11%.

You can just barely see the abs starting to come in.

This is a pretty horrible picture but this is me at about 8% body fat. (Skin-fold calipers put me at 6% but I personally think 8% is more accurate.)

The abs are much more noticeable once you drop into single-digit body fat levels. My waist measures 31 inches.

How To Visually Determine Your Body Fat Percentage

If you cannot see any of your abs in the mirror, your body fat percentage is probably over 15%.

If you can see the top row of abs but not the the lower abs, your body fat percentage is probably over 10% but under 15%.

If you can see all of your abs in the mirror, chances are your body fat percentage is probably below 10%.

Here's Another Resource That You Can Use To Visually Determine Your Body Fat Percentage

The Chicago Bears football team has established body fat parameters for each of their positions.

Cornerbacks, safeties, and wide receivers are expected to have between 8-10% body fat.

Running backs, linebackers and defensive ends are expected to come in between 10-18% body fat.

Offensive linemen and defensive tackles are expected to come in between 23% -26% body fat.

Here's how this can help you. Simply take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror and decided if you look most like a wide receiver, a linebacker or an offensive lineman and this will help you get a bead on your own personal body fat level.

************************************************************************ Matt Marshall is not a personal trainer or a professional bodybuilder. He's just a normal guys who figured out how to build muscle and burn fat. To view this article with pictures, go here: http://www.averagewhitedude.com/what-does-eight-percent-body-fat-look-like/146/

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