Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?

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2006-12-18 11:00 AM


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Subject: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?
What is the ideal weight and bf % for a 6' tall triathlete to be competitive in the IM?

2006-12-18 11:07 AM
in reply to: #626856

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Master
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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?
I'd be hard pressed to say that there is one specific "ideal" body composition for a triathlete competing in any discipline. As for being competitive, I'm assuming you mean attempting to place in an AG, not just finish the race - which then opens up a whole other question of what age group?

To answer your question, though, in a somewhat roundabout fashion, I would say the ideal body type is one that is capable of cranking out multiple hours of fast, aerobic performance. There's a huge difference in body type between, say, Natascha Badmann and Torbjorn Sindballe. Yet both of them are crazy fast, irregardless of their body type. Admittedly, they both probably have a relatively low bf%, but other than that...

My $.02
2006-12-18 12:20 PM
in reply to: #626856

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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?

I'll only answer this because I am 6'0 and dream about IM competing, but just have a HIM under my belt so far...but my personal idea would be a rather scrawny 15% bf with weight around 150-155.  I think "freakishly thin" would describe me at anything less than 150lbs or less than 12% bf.

A guy would probably be around 5-10% bf and scale weight 160-180 depending on muscle mass, but that's just a guess!  I haven't gotten stats on any male IM triathletes who are my height. 

2006-12-18 12:48 PM
in reply to: #626856

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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?
no such thing as ideal.

If you watch any pro race, you will see tons of different body types. (body fat, height, muscular build, etc) As an example, if you have seen Hillary Biscay compete this year, she is in great shape, but she is not super skinny like some. She raced in 6 ironman events this year and earned a podium in 4 of those races.

my point... decide what you want to look like and go for it. I found that over the last 6 years of my triathlon career, my body is changing from a highschool wrestler, to a more lean, slender triathlete. I guess your body will change depending on what you do most of the time.
2006-12-18 1:17 PM
in reply to: #626856

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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?

I wouldn't try to pin a number on your fitness/leanness because of all of the measurement error in bf% tests....but, if you are interested, there could be some info on this webpage (and calucators) that could help.

 http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/fatcent.htm

Typical Scores

The average man has 15 to 17% body fat, while the average woman is between 18 and 22%. (Sunny adds:  These are NOT averages in the USA -- unless we're talking a group of self-selected "fit or athletic" people. However, the elite athlete numbers do sound more correct to me anyway.)  Typical scores for elite athletes are 6% to 12% for men and 12% to 20% for women. 

The following table details the percentage body fat for male and female athletes for a variety of sports.

SportMaleFemale
Baseball12-15%12-18%
Basketball6-12%20-27%
Canoe/Kayak6-12%10-16%
Cycling5-15%15-20%
Field & Ice Hockey8-15%12-18%
Gymnastics5-12%10-16%
Rowing6-14%12-18%
Swimming9-12%14-24%
Tennis12-16%16-24%
Track - Runners8-10%12-20%
Track - Jumpers7-12%10-18%
Track - Throwers14-20%20-28%
Triathlon5-12%10-15%
Volleyball11-14%16-25%

2006-12-18 2:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?

i'll echo what everyone else said:

there is no universal ideal size. YOUR ideal size is the weight/BF that allows you to go the fastest for the longest amount of time.

For me, i know i hold more muscle in my lower body than many other cyclists/triathletes. So my weight is a little higher, but my BF is just as low. I'm spot on 6' tall, and i just kinda know when i am at my right weight.

Too heavy, (175+, 11.5%+) and i feel sluggish and slow.

Too light, (165-, 8.5%-) and i feel like i've got no power and i'm too weak.

2006-12-18 2:32 PM
in reply to: #627113

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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?
levels1069 - 2006-12-18 3:13 PM

i'll echo what everyone else said:

there is no universal ideal size. YOUR ideal size is the weight/BF that allows you to go the fastest for the longest amount of time.

For me, i know i hold more muscle in my lower body than many other cyclists/triathletes. So my weight is a little higher, but my BF is just as low. I'm spot on 6' tall, and i just kinda know when i am at my right weight.

Too heavy, (175+, 11.5%+) and i feel sluggish and slow.

Too light, (165-, 8.5%-) and i feel like i've got no power and i'm too weak.

That is probably *exactly* the kind of info the OP was looking for...glad you could provide it! 

2006-12-18 2:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?
levels1069 - 2006-12-18 2:13 PM

i'll echo what everyone else said:

there is no universal ideal size. YOUR ideal size is the weight/BF that allows you to go the fastest for the longest amount of time.

For me, i know i hold more muscle in my lower body than many other cyclists/triathletes. So my weight is a little higher, but my BF is just as low. I'm spot on 6' tall, and i just kinda know when i am at my right weight.

Too heavy, (175+, 11.5%+) and i feel sluggish and slow.

Too light, (165-, 8.5%-) and i feel like i've got no power and i'm too weak.



I'm almost the same height (dead on at 6'1") and hold more muscle mass in my upper body. I notice that when I'm closer to 150, I feel quicker and like I move more easily. Add a few pounds (currently at 153 or so) and I notice a lag in performance.

Personally, my goal weight for IMAZ is 149.
2006-12-18 3:55 PM
in reply to: #627143

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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?
I'm 6'-1" and 175 most of the time. And everyone I know considers me thin.

I can't imagine being 150 with my height ...... that's ridiculous to me!! But different people have different body types.

I can notice a difference between when I was 185 and 175. Running is better and climbing is easier. My "ideal" weight based on my years of road racing bikes was around 170, but I rarely am down there anymore because of my fulltime life and not riding 5000 miles a year anymore.
2006-12-20 1:11 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?
ideal is the BF % you feel best at - that said - 8 - 12 % should be comfortable for most males - I am 6'2" and 210 at 13-14% - next season I plan on training/racing at 10-11%, bout 200 lbs, (gonna keep that Clydesdale ID)-

you can go USA triathlon and see the USA team and get vitals, they are all over the place in height weight bf %

do your thing, see what works for YOU
2006-12-21 1:52 AM
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Subject: RE: Ideal Size for IM Triathlete?

RLB199 - 2006-12-18 12:00 PM What is the ideal weight and bf % for a 6' tall triathlete to be competitive in the IM?

Not me 6'2 230lbs.

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