I got a good question for you guys.....

[Stang281]

How come I see guys in the gym that are lifting less weight than I am but they are bigger than me all around.

For example a guys curling 35-40lb DBs and his arms are 1-2" bigger than mine when Im curling 50lbs, and yes my form is very good, and my arms arent small I dont think 16 1/2" soft.

Or say Im shoulder pressing and the other guy is pushing 20-30lbs lighter than what I am and hes bigger than me?

Most of them are shorter than me but not all of them, and Im 6'

So how is it these guys can get such size without having to lift heavy weights?

[CF-OC_gal]

Being short is an advantage in the size game. There are a number of things that could be going on.

• They could be genetically inclined to build muscle and carry fat in a way that makes them look bigger. Large mucles and small joints are good for this.
• They might be doing a program where they are lifting their heavier weights on days or times you don't see them.
• They may be betting a bigger "pump" in their muscles than you are or may be "pumped" when you see them.

I wouldn't worry about it much. Stay focussed on making the most of the cards you were dealt in life and you'll soon be blowing away others who look at you.

[LiftGirl]

I agree with what Brat said, and also, you're not actually measuring their arms, so maybe you are just perceiving them being bigger. Shorter guys look bigger all over, even though if you measured, they may not be.

[Stang281]

Originally Posted by LiftGirl

I agree with what Brat said, and also, you're not actually measuring their arms, so maybe you are just perceiving them being bigger. Shorter guys look bigger all over, even though if you measured, they may not be.

Yea I do look at myself as being small (muscle wise) but I guess 16.5" bis arent too bad for now......Right after I get done working the bis they get up to 17.25" :

[etothepii]

Don't forget, muscle mass is the body's response to micro trauma caused by lifting. The bigger but weaker guy, throughout his training career, has responded to the damage caused by that cumulitive micro trauma. You on the other hand are stronger than he, and you probably always have been, so it takes heavier weight to create the micro trauma you require for mass. Genetics, training styles, diet, ... it all goes into a complicated equation.

[Stang281]

Originally Posted by etothepii

Don't forget, muscle mass is the body's response to micro trauma caused by lifting. The bigger but weaker guy, throughout his training career, has responded to the damage caused by that cumulitive micro trauma. You on the other hand are stronger than he, and you probably always have been, so it takes heavier weight to create the micro trauma you require for mass. Genetics, training styles, diet, ... it all goes into a complicated equation.

Very well said thanks, that makes perfect sense. :