bf%?

I've been on a cut recently, which hasn't been as successful as I had hoped due to minor injuries and various parties I couldn't help indulging in.. But I have managed to make a little progress.  I've been having trouble determining my BF%, so some feedback would be appreciated.

With my Accu-Measure caliper, I get 5-6mm on the left side and 7-8mm on the right, which would indicate about 7% and 9% respectively... both of which seem too low to me.  My BIA machines have most recently said 12.3% (handheld) and 13% (scale).  Those seem more accurate, but maybe a bit high.  I donno, what do you guys think?

And btw, you don't have to say it... I know I need to bulk.. it's coming soon....


edit:  pics were taken with some slight flex in an attempt to make the fat and muscle stand out.  no flex looks a little softer, and a full flex gets a bit of definition.

Attached Image(s)

I would say 10-11 maybe, but I am not good at the guessing game. You almost look skinny instead of lean. If I were you I would say screw looking at BF and just eat, a lot. Then eat some more. Then eat again.

9%

I'd say 8-9% although I don't know why you cut in the first place?

V,
    You're the Clipart Photoshop GOD!

 

8 - 9 % sounds about right.. You didn't have enough muscle for the cut though.  Your joints look bigger then your muscles.. also alot of bone showing up top..    It's all good though..  Honestly bulk from where your at then cut down again to around the same body weight and your BF% will be lower.. you will also have more muscle showing.  
 
So start from there..  When I went down to 187lbs I felt I was a bit skinny for my first cut..  My bf% was around 7 - 8 % now it's around that again but I am 197lbs.   You just really got to screw around with it to get it right.  your going to get too skinny if you cut more.  
 
You got a nice shape to start with! BULK!

Yeah I knew you guys would say that!    I have a huge problem with excess BF.  I lose all self-esteem, and then there goes my motivation (you'd think it might work the other way around).  So for me, bulking up to like 200 lbs at 15-18%+ BF just isn't an option.  And these shots are a good 15 lbs heavier than where I was in February, so regardless of where I "should" have been, I'm at least making some improvements.  

Seriously though... 8-9%, even with that spare tire around the belly button?  

snatchula

 
Seriously though... 8-9%, even with that spare tire around the belly button?  

I have the same thing, that little bit of fat right under the belly button that you can pinch. Its not loose skin, its soft like fat. I have no idea what it is but man that thing does not go away.

Yeah dude, 8-9%. That last little pooch leaves at like 5% or so. But I would suggest bulking. I feel way small and I am 10% at 178lb. I can't wait until I get up into the 210's at sub 10%. Man that will be awesome.

You are cut enough for the summer, so I would just maintain where you are if you must.

Bulk. 1.5-1.8g of protein per kg of bodyweight, 2.7carbs per lb of bodyweight.. or a more simple way is.

30% protein/50% carb/20% fat

Personal Trainer/Nutrition Consultant

snatchula


Seriously though... 8-9%, even with that spare tire around the belly button?  

You're kidding right?!  Spare tire?!   That's hilarious.

Height 5' 8" Weight  200 lbs Body Fat 16%
Bench 315-Squat 365-Dead 405
Chest-46"/Bicep-16.5"/Waist-37"...UGGH
Thigh-24.5"/Calves 16"

    

Mile High Boy

You're kidding right?!  Spare tire?!   That's hilarious.

Yeah, slight exaggeration.  I was gonna say "donut," but I didn't think anyone would get the metaphor.

Thanks for the advice on bulking guys, but you're preaching to the choir!  Resuming bulk in about a week.  I'm a little worried about picking up the carbs again after being on the AD for a while.. don't want to put the fat back on too fast.  I've been on about 2300 kcal a day, up to 3000 on Sat/Sun.  If I just go back to 3000-3300 (~60% carbs) at the flick of a switch, wouldn't that be problematic?

Yes, it might be. I would ease into it a bit by a few hundred calories extra each day. Make sure you eat clean carbs and you will be fine. Whole wheat bread was always my good friend in the bulking times.

Guess that should only take a few days since I didn't really drop the kcals all that low.  So switching the macros quickly should be fine as long as my carbs are right?  Usually it's mostly fruit, veggies, brown rice, and oatmeal; and I use some dextrose PWO.  I wish I could find some whole wheat bread around here.  Don't think I've even seen any since leaving the States.