Stout Strength/Analysis: Difference between revisions

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Also, keep in mind that in order to exert strength throughout the entire body, in other words to squat or deadlift massive weight, or to do the clean and jerk, the core musculature of the lower back and midsection have to be insanely strong - to allow the pushing muscles to carry through to the weight itself. Otherwise, it's like trying to push something with a rope - doesn't matter how strong the pusher is if there's a weak link in the chain. However, larger musculature means a thicker midsection, and a barrel chested man with a thick well muscled "core", even without the fat, is more likely to resemble a refrigerator than a bodybuilder's V-taper.

Conversely, Bodybuilders are really not as strong as they could be. Sure they're much stronger than the average joe, but due to the type of hypertrophy they cultivate, their muscle mass is made up of a lot of useless fluid. Bodybuilders also must exercise muscles which are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" muscles, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms (like the ability to lift things) than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas. A professional weightlifter's goal is [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin|lifting a lot of weight]], so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes. Fat also serves as a ready energy reserve for long-term activities, something a body builder lacks. Skeletal muscle preferentially burns energy from fat to save the sugar for nerve cells, and the "doughty" often have more gas in the tank.

Conversely, Bodybuilders are really not as strong as they could be. Sure they're much stronger than the average joe, but due to the type of hypertrophy they cultivate, their muscle mass is made up of a lot of useless fluid. Bodybuilders also must exercise muscles which are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" muscles, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms (like the ability to lift things) than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas. A professional weightlifter's goal is [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|lifting a lot of weight]], so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes. Fat also serves as a ready energy reserve for long-term activities, something a body builder lacks. Skeletal muscle preferentially burns energy from fat to save the sugar for nerve cells, and the "doughty" often have more gas in the tank.

The fat itself can also be helpful in a fight. [[Kevlard|Body fat helps absorb blows]]; one of body fat's main purposes is to absorb physical shock, which, while not as helpful in today's somewhat less violent world, has historically been of great importance when your fellow man wanted to beat you to death.