Why is everyone so keen on having absolute minimal bodyfat? From all my research and experimenting, I've found fat to be the most important nutrient for the body. Now don't go cramming oreo's in your mouth saying "he said its ok!". When i say fat, i mean animal and non-processed fat. But case in point, back when i was in the army, i was stationed in Arizona. I met a few native americans there and it was actually them that got me inspired to learn more about nutrition and fitness. Now these guys didn't have a six pack and didnt have huge arms. Legs were looking a little skinny too. But these guys beat everyone in our company in anything physical. They did the 2 miles in 10: something, and ridiculous #'s with situps and pushups. Looking at them, you'd think they were just an average joe, and had no muscles showing. I remember them getting measured for body fat and one came out 10% and the other was 12%. That's still pretty good, but today's media dons that 5-7% is "optimal".
now, maybe the native americans just have some genes that the rest of us don't that give them that ability. But the things i learned from them so far have held up in my training as well. I'm making another post that has to do with this as well.
but all and all, tell me what you guys think. I personally think media has got as all thinking this way or that way. I mean how much bodyfat you think the trainers had back in the 20's? And do you think they were more fit? or less?
I think also since the 70's, chemicals, drugs, etc have played a huge role in todays way of training.
sorry if this doesn't make much sense, i'm terrible at explaining things (probably why i can never win any arguements).
I'm the type that knows/understands something, but can't spell it out for others.... sigh