What is a good BMI for an athlete?

The American Exercise Council on Exercise recommends a BMI at or above 18.5 and body fat of 14 percent for women and six percent for men. The best athletes in sprint events tend to have a larger mean mass and height than long-distance runners.

Is BMI a good athlete indicator?

For most people, BMI provides a “reasonable measure” of body fat, but is not accurate for athletes (who weigh more because of muscle) or older people who have lost height, he said. Measuring levels of the hormone leptin can also be an indicator of body fat.

What is the BMI of an elite athlete?

Average BMI in athletes was 23.9 ± 5.1 kg/m2. No significant difference was found between BMI and body fat values of athletes and non athletes. Non athletes were lean, with average BMI 23.8 ± 2.2 kg/m2 and average body fat content 12.7 ± 4.1% measured by BIA.

What is the average BMI for a male athlete?

The average man has a BMI of 26.66 and a weight of 181.9 pounds and would have to gain a substantial amount of weight, largely in muscle, to approach the most common body types in the NFL and NBA.

Why is BMI is not fair for athletes?

But it doesn’t work for many athletes or fitness-minded people, due to their above average level of muscle mass. And given the fact that many younger people are devoted to fitness and interested in adding muscle, it seems like the usefulness of BMI will continue to decline in the years to come.

How to calculate your height and weight for your BMI?

View the BMI tables or use the tool below to compute yours. Enter your weight and height using standard or metric measures. Select “Compute BMI” and your BMI will appear below. What Next? Take Action Towards Better Health:

What’s the average BMI of a baseball player?

Since 1991, the average BMI of baseball players has been on the rise. Over the last 25 years, about 80 percent of players fell into the overweight or obese category when it comes to BMI. According to the linked study, the rise of BMI coincides with the steroid era along with advances in sports science.

What do tennis players need to know about BMI?

Tennis players need flexibility, strong wrists, and agility, which also means low body fat. While BMI is not an exact indicator, as we will see in a bit, it does play a part in different positions when it comes to various sports.