At what bf% do you start to get definition?

[.maximum.]

I was measured today at my gym by the trainer, using skinfold calipers, and she came up with just under 13% bf, but I have no definition at all...my arms and legs are starting to show some, but I still have an lot of fat around the waist area. I have gone from 265 to 235 since last October, eating right and mainly lifting weights, some cardio (not that much).

When I started, she measured me at 25% bf or just under...

Now, I don't think she did it very accurately, so I am guessing that i am closer to 15%-18%...at what point can I expect to see some definition???

[eastbaylifter]

Someone else (can't remember who) posted this excellent article. It visually shows you what different bf %'s look like.

In the book "SLICED" (by Bill Reynolds & Negrita Jayde), the states of muscularity are objectified as follows (I'll summarize each):

1. Full house = Over or near 20% bodyfat with no visible muscle definition and only a hint of separation between major muscle groups if those groups are very large. Basically a person in this state could be confused for a football linebacker. If you're higher than this bodyfat percentage, you'd be considered overweight/obese.

Here are some examples of the Full House state:

Tankus: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=1874224

CrazyMike: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=2272262

2. Hard = Some muscle separation appears between delts and upper arm. Abs are still not visible. Approximately 15% bodyfat.

Here's a picture of Railz in the Hard state:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=1045047
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=2114990

3. Cut = More muscle separation appears particularly in the chest and back, outline of the abs begins to appear slightly. Approximate bodyfat level = 12%

Here's are 2 examples of Abdominator in the Cut state:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=1705834
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=1705878

4. Defined = Muscle separations get deeper in the arms, chest, legs and back, and abs appear when flexed. Approx. bodyfat level = 10%

Here's an example of Abdominator in the Defined state:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=2117293

5. Ripped = Abs are clearly visible all the time, vascularity in arms is prominent, chest and back separation is obvious, and face is starting to appear more angular. Condition can be held indefinitely. Approximate bodyfat level = 7-9%

Here are some examples of the Ripped state:

Railz: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=1371361

Abdominator: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=2075745

6. Shredded = Striations appear in large muscle groups when they are flexed. You look small in clothes, but look fantastic when you're not. Vascularity appears in lower abdomen and in the legs. Condition can be held for several days with careful dieting. Competitive bodybuilders often aim for this state for competition day. Approximate bodyfat level = 5-7%

Here are some example of the Shredded state:

ShaneG85: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=1878949

Freaker: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...=&postid=470182

Abdominator: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=2168597

7. Sliced = Muscles and tendons begin to appear in the face when chewing, striations appear everywhere and vascularity appears everywhere. Bodyfat levels are close to 3% and subcutaneous water levels are near 0. Condition can only be held for a few hours at a time. Not a healthy condition to stay in due to lower water level.

Here's an example of someone in the Sliced state:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attac...&postid=2248100

Anywho, perhaps you can use this guide to determine how far you're progressing. If/when you decide to cut, make sure you give yourself 12-16 weeks to do it. It won't happen overnight, but the results can be striking when you get into the final 2-3 weeks.

[.maximum.]

I am currently cutting, have been since december. I diet for 2 months at a time then take a week or two off. I have lost 35 lbs and shrunk my waist, but have managed to bulid a nice base, including bigger shoulders, back, and legs.

do you have a link to the article, none of the picture links are working for me...

Thanks!

[Ryder]

The links dont work

[CiteCollegiale]

You should start to see abdominal definition near 10% but that is different for each person. The best way to measure you're progress on a cut in my opinion is take several measures of your waist every couple of days/week.

[Toy-Yoda]

snip

please fix your copy and paste job so the links work

[Unholy]

Stop linking to BB.com

[Ignoramus]

Try this: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...ll+House+state

Jesus that last picture is awesome and disturbing at the same time.

[.maximum.]

thanks ignoramus!

Holywars, don't worry, everybody knows this is the best BB site on the net!

[Ryder]

thanks ignoramus!

Holywars, don't worry, everybody knows this is the best BB site on the net!

[getfit]

but it is!

[Ryder]

I know it is getfit, I was only kiddin.

[Dedicated]

Try this: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...ll+House+state

Jesus that last picture is awesome and disturbing at the same time.

Nice link, those pictures are sooo motivating!!

[Unholy]

I want the full house look this winter, then the cut look for summer

[soul71]

i think im about 12... i can only see my abs when i flex

[Unholy]

I want abs, I havnt found mine just yet.

[Scottyboy]

Looks like I'm in stage 4, although I'm not as big as any of those guys. 5 is where I want to be.

[fixationdarknes]

I'd say I'm the Rock for sure. Maybe a bit lower BF%. I don't really know though.

[Hatred]

Yikes. Gimme being a big mofo and fat over looking like that last guy if that's what I look like shredded.

[pfc3rex]

That's a great article, but what about us heavier guys? like say from 20-30. I knew there was a bf% picture guide that had just wbb guys/gals on it, I cannot find it through searching does anyone have this as a bookmark?

[darius19]

I read somewhere that most people need below 10% BF to see abs. For definition I would say about the same.

[bill]

Yikes. Gimme being a big mofo and fat over looking like that last guy if that's what I look like shredded.

I don't think those photos are accurate. The full house second pic looks as lean as the next pic of a supposedly lower bf. I would take the first pic also.

[RussianRocket]

did you guys see the last pic? Crazy.

[darius19]

did you guys see the last pic? Crazy.

Yeah...its actualy disgusting...yet in a way I guess you have to admire his dedication to get that small (if he did it naturaly)

[fixationdarknes]

He looked like he was about to die.