I think "ideal" depends on the individual... some girls want to see abs and be rock hard.. others are happy to have a softer smoother look... yet still being lean...

Have your bodyfat tested.. 5'6 at 126 seems pretty thin to me!

Nicole makes a very valid point in that ideal is really relative, however, if you are someone that wants to be really defined with some striations and vascularity, you will need to be in the 10% area.. 15% and under is nice and lean with good definition, but the more hardcore look comes in at 10 and under...

I like to stay 15% and under myself. I like to see my abs at all times.

Realisticly 10% and under is going to be very tough, depending on your BF% now.. You will have to totally change your diet in a big way. Find out your BF then we can work with a plan to help you get to your goals. Stats also please. 5'6 at 126 is thin to me also, what dows your body look like now?

I'd have to agree. 10% is like 2 weeks out from a BB show. Those gals usually come in around 7%. Just had my BF checked last night, and I'm in the 4th week of a Prop/Var cycle. BF was just under 15%. I put on 8lbs of LBM in 4weeks....now I jsut gotta keep it!! LOL. 126 @ 5'6" sound thin. It kind of sounds like you need to not worry about what the scale says and how your body looks. You're not going to be comfortable with impressive muscle gains if you let that scale play it's mind games on you!!