In a bit of a weird phase. Please read/help.

So I started working out and eating a really clean diet last February. I went from 175lbs to 153lbs. I'm 5'10'', and 17 years old. Right now I'm a little confused as to what I should do because I'm currently at 20% BF and 153lbs. My goal is to be about 150-155lbs (basically the same weight) but about 8% BF. Strange situation because I'm at my goal weight, but with too much fat, and not enough lean muscle mass. So I was wondering where I should go from here in terms of either doing a clean bulk, or cutting (and to what weight/BF) . Any advice would appreciated. Thanks guys.


PS: First post :)
 
Thanks, finally a reply. Okay so I measured my body fat at my local gym. They got me to stand on some thing, and it told them what it is. My goal for 8% is a long term goal that I know will take a long time. The reason I said 8% is I want to be very lean, but not bulky. At 8, I can be very toned. Thanks for your reply, and I look forward to your next one.
 
I'm guessing you used a bioeletrical impedance scale. Those things tend to have a range of error of about 3% - 8%. Plus, they fluctuate and drop based on your hydration levels.

Either way, 8% body fat is very low and borderline unhealthy. A body fat percentage of that level isn't lean. It's twiggly.
 
Jrahien already said it - the bioelectrical impedance scales can have quite a bit of error, so don't take that 20% BF measurement as an exact measure, but rather a general idea of where your'e starting. I think if you start working out to gain muscle and lose fat, you'll probably find that you won't need to go as low as 8% to be happy with the way you'll look.
 
Well at the very least, I want to be at 12% probably, and still only no higher than 160lbs. Where do I go from where I am right now though? Should I start doing a bulk? (Like I said, I would be doing a clean bulk) Also, when/if I do bulk, should I stop doing cardio?
 
I'd a recommend a balance of both. Resistance training will increase your metabolism and make it easier to lose and maintain weight, while cardio will continue the calorie burn. (I generally do the two on different days, though.)

You could also try HIIT training. It's been shown to be the best form of exercise for fat loss and would certainly contribute to strengthening your muscles.
 
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