An ideal weight depends on many factors. This is particularly true for male athletes, because their ideal weight will determine how well they perform in their chosen sports. Consult your doctor or a personal trainer to get the best insight into what your individual body weight should be.
Conditions Determining Ideal Weight for Male Athletes
It is a fact that men and women have different ideal weights. Dr. Philip Ryan, an endocrinologist and regular weightlifter, notes that he does not tip the scales at the weight an average ideal weight table would list for someone of his age and height, but says he knows that his weight is ideal for him based on his exercise level, his diet and his body frame. These three factors, Ryan says, determine the ideal weight for a male athlete.
Myths Related to Ideal Body Weight for Athletes
According to Ryan, many believe that the bulkier an athlete is, the more weight he should be carrying. This is a myth, Ryan explains, because an athlete's body weight ideally depends on the type of sport he practices, in addition to the aforementioned variables of diet and body frame. For example, if the athlete has a small frame, he should aim for a weight at the lower end of the ideal weight range. Similarly, a person with a larger body frame should ideally weigh in around the top of the weight-table range.
How to Calculate Ideal Weight
An athlete can calculate his ideal body weight through the body mass index. To do this, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared, the Brian Mac Sports Coach website instructs. Remember that because male athletes will generally be carrying more weight from muscles, your BMI will likely be over the normal range.
Steady Weight Gain & Maintenance Necessary for Athletes
Ryan explains that to perform best, male athletes should reach and maintain an optimum weight. The best method of maintaining this ideal body weight, apart from following an athlete's exercising schedule, is through proper nutrition. Eat plenty of protein, which is necessary for building and repairing muscles.
Other Factors Affecting Ideal Body Weight for Male Athletes
Some other factors that affect the ideal body weight in male athletes include body frame, as not all athletes are of the same physique, and diet variation according to the sport they practice.
References
- Philip Ryan, M.D., endocrinologist; Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Brian Mac Sports Coach: Ideal Weight
- NutriBase: Weight Chart
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