Athletes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Female athletes are often recognized for their athletic physiques. Female marathon runners and and female body builders are both very fit, yet they strive for very different body shapes and sizes. Athletic females may be ectomorph, mesomorph or endomorph body types, depending on their fitness goals and dietary needs. Tests such as BMI, hip circumference and waist to hip ratio can help to determine the ideal body size for athletic females.
Body Type
Athletic females are most commonly classified as mesomorph body types. These women are naturally muscular and can easily build strength and power. Sprinters, swimmers and gymnasts may be mesomorphs. Ectomorphs are another common female body type. They are known for being thin, lean and often small chested. Dancers, marathon runners and some gymnasts may be ectomorphs. The least common athletic body type is the endomorph. These athletes have round bodies with a higher percentage of body fat. Shotputters and power lifters may be endomorphs.
BMI
Body Mass Index will give an estimate of body fat. A BMI of 20 to 24.9 is average, a BMI less than 20 is underweight and a BMI of 25 or above is overweight, says the National Institutes of Health. BMI is only a mathematical calculation and does not indicate where weight is on the body. A female marathon runner will likely have an average to low BMI and may be considered underweight. Female athletes who are naturally muscular or body builders will have a BMI well above 25 but may actually be very fit. To calculate BMI, use weight in pounds multiplied by 703 and then divide by your height in inches squared. For example, a 5 foot, 4 inch female weighing 130 pounds would calculate (130 x 703)/(64 x 64) equaling a BMI of 22.3. This is an ideal body weight and size for this athlete.
Waist Circumference
To determine waist circumference, measure around your abdomen slightly above the hip bone. To get an accurate measurement, relax, breathe in and exhale prior to measuring your waist. Waist circumference reflects a more accurate evaluation of being overweight as compared to waist to hip ratio. Women with waist measurements of more than 35 inches may have more health complications than female athletes with smaller waist measurements.
Waist to Hip Ratio
Your waist to hip ratio helps to determine if the excess weight on your body may pose other health risks. Athletic females tend to carry more of their weight in their hips and thighs than their around their stomach. This puts them at a lower risk of health problems and gives them more of an hourglass shape. Athletic females have hip to waist ratios of 0.8 or less. Waist to hip ratios can be calculated by measuring the smallest section of your waist and widest part of your hips and butt and then dividing waist measurements by hip measurements.
Warning
There is no one specific BMI, hip circumference, or waist to hip measurement that makes an athletic body. Staying within the norms for these three tests does not guarantee an athletic looking body. It is more important for athletic females to have a healthy body image than an ideal weight, says the Mayo Clinic. Becoming leaner does not always make a female athlete stronger or healthier, it may even decrease her athletic performance. Staying within these suggested height and weight ratios may reduce your risk of health and disease complications.
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