Final answer:
An athletic body fat percentage for men is typically between 6% and 13%. This range reflects a balance between low body fat and muscle mass, commonly seen in athletes.
Step-by-step explanation:
An athletic body fat percentage for a man typically falls between 6% and 13%. This range indicates an individual has lower body fat and likely a higher proportion of muscle mass, which is often associated with athletes and a higher level of physical fitness. The body fat percentage can be assessed using various methods, with the skin-fold test being one of the simplest and lowest-cost ways. It involves using calipers to measure the thickness of skin and subcutaneous fat at certain body sites and comparing these measurements to standard charts.
It is important to note that maintaining an athletic body fat percentage should be balanced with overall health and nutritional needs. Fat plays a critical role in providing energy and supporting bodily functions, so it's essential for athletes to consume enough fat in their diets to support their activity levels and physiological needs.