Bodybuilding - Can you be small but lift huge?
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Soldato
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Me thinks genetics would have a very large say in that matter.
what kg you warm up with?
But surely bodybuilding isn't simply about lifting huge?
As chong has already said,genetics will play a big part in it.Lifting heavy weights in the big compound lifts requires different training techniques than purely bodybuilding.I can lift a reasonable amount and I'm only 5ft6,yet I don't look super huge at all.A larger person won't automatically be able to deadlift or squat more than me if he's mainly trained at the smith machine and leg press.
But genetics will be the biggest factor I think.
As chong has already said,genetics will play a big part in it.Lifting heavy weights in the big compound lifts requires different training techniques than purely bodybuilding.I can lift a reasonable amount and I'm only 5ft6,yet I don't look super huge at all.A larger person won't automatically be able to deadlift or squat more than me if he's mainly trained at the smith machine and leg press.
But genetics will be the biggest factor I think.
Man of Honour
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ExRayTed, don't forget that having longer levers (arms/legs) doesn't automatically help when lifting big, in fact they can be a distinct hinderance in some regards. The people I know who lift the most, effortlessly, seem to be quite short and stocky, because they are going through a smaller range of motion and lifting for shorter distances it is easier for them in some ways.
Genetics as mentioned is likely to be the main determining factor, I do agree that lifting big probably shouldn't be the main aim though, I'd prefer to lift 2/3 of the weight with perfect form than go all out and ruin myself with sloppy technique.
Genetics as mentioned is likely to be the main determining factor, I do agree that lifting big probably shouldn't be the main aim though, I'd prefer to lift 2/3 of the weight with perfect form than go all out and ruin myself with sloppy technique.
Seems like more of a an Olympic wightlifting / Powerlifting goal. You just need to watch some of the lighter weight categories on those to see that people can be 'compact' and immensely strong. Having said this, the cross sectional area of a muscle is a major factor in how much force it can produce, so for most people big lifts does equal big muscles.
The only technique I can really think of to achieve this is always stick to low reps.
The only technique I can really think of to achieve this is always stick to low reps.
i thought this forum was for computer geeks!
as already mentioned, you can be small and lift huge weights if your technighe is roght. i.e. olympic lifts or power lifting.
body building is whole different ball game.
if you don't want to get any bigger, then it comes down to diet. if you don't eat enough food to build muscle, you won't build muscle.
as already mentioned, you can be small and lift huge weights if your technighe is roght. i.e. olympic lifts or power lifting.
body building is whole different ball game.
if you don't want to get any bigger, then it comes down to diet. if you don't eat enough food to build muscle, you won't build muscle.
Here's an example of an olympic lifter (one of the best)
Pyrros Dimas:
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 187 pounds
Strength: Crazy!!
Power: Ridiculous!!
awesome vids.
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I think I could be pretty strong for my size if I trained for strength rather than the looks.
My weights are going up slowly but surely and I will think about a strength cycle soon enough (if my power rack decides to turn up).
My weights are going up slowly but surely and I will think about a strength cycle soon enough (if my power rack decides to turn up).
He makes them squats look like a walk in the park! ...and hes front squatting double what I can back squat!
He has got 7 lbs on me though
Edit, check out this guy, less than 5ft! Theres hope for you yet wardie!
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Oi!
I'll have you know i'm a monstorous 5"5' (with shoes)!
I'll have you know i'm a monstorous 5"5' (with shoes)!
we as in humans, i agree.
we as in singular, i believe that everyone has a natural limit regardless of training and nutritional advances.
Yes, very possible. Theres a guy I know who is probably about 40lbs less then me but can bench 50lbs more then me!
It works the same way for me too, my biceps are smaller then one of my other friends but I can still curl over double what he can
It works the same way for me too, my biceps are smaller then one of my other friends but I can still curl over double what he can
Of course, I agree that there is always a limit, but with what we have available we can each push to our own personal, natural limits whereas without we may not even be able to reach our own potential.