Someone who never works out can lift more than me?

Question

Ok, so I was in the weight room today at my school, and a friend of mine who never lifts, and claims he doesn't like to lift could curl more than me. We was doing curls, we was seein who could curl the most.. he could do the 55 pounds in each hand 3 times, I could only do it once. Im a little meaty, kinda built like a football player, with muscle.. anyways.. I work out monday wensday and friday, I do curls, hammer girls, and then the wrist squeezing things.. I plan on doing alot more soon, for chest etc.. anyways, how come he can lift more than me if he never works out... and I do? It's been bothering me all day... are some people just naturally more strong?

Answer 1

It could be that he's naturally stronger, or it could be that you're using better form. Was he swinging his arms, or arching his back? That can help you lift more, but lead to injury.

Don't worry too much about it.

Answer 2

I think that guy is pulling your leg. Yes there are people who are just strong by but to curl 55 pounds in each hand three times takes some control and training. I lifted for years and I think I know my way around weights in fact I had a company that made weight lifting equipment. This was the real thing, all for free weights.When your friend was curling was he doing a true curl, that is was the weight hortizonial to the floor or was it vertical? A baby could do a curl with them being vertical. So before you go off half crazy take a look at how he is curling. you might be surprised. Good luck.

Answer 3

Yeah isn't God great... even when it comes to weightlifting he's got a sense of humor.

There are 7 Granddaddy Laws to fitness training and the one most people don't understand and respect is called. Principle of Individual Differences. It goes like this:

"This principle is an acknowledgment that we all have different genetic blueprints. David Q. Thomas, Ph.D. stated, “We all will have similar responses and adaptations to the stimulus of exercise, but the rate and magnitude of these changes will be limited by our differing genetics. Some are fast responders and others are slow responders. Some have the capacity to reach elite status and some do not. If we have everyone perform the same exercise program, they will all not receive the same benefits at the same rate or to the same extent. This is an important principle to teach to people wishing to start an exercise program or to youngsters just coming into sports"

We all are designed differently some people have biomechanics that allow them to lift more. It doesn't mean they are stronger just that they have more efficient levers. Tall people tend to be be able to bench press more. Long legged people can leg press more.

However there is one more theory I ''l toss your way, The Overload Principle "the principle that states that in order to gain in strength, muscle size or endurance from any training, you must exercise against a resistance greater than that “normally” encountered. If you use the same amount of resistance for the same number of repetitions every workout, there will be no continued improvement beyond the point to which your body has already adapted."

So don't do the same bicep curls forever and expect to get stronger.

Answer 4

Everyones body is a little different, and there are lots of ways to build muscle. Genetics comes into it for sure. Also, some people are going to have more endurance, which means they can do more reps, but they may not be able to lift the same weight. There are all kinds of factors involved here. Besides that, why does it matter? do you lift weights just becuase you think its cool to be able to lift a dumbell more times than your friend, or are you doing it to enhance and strengthen your body in general. My advice is dont worry about it, but if you really care about competition, consult a trainer if possible, see if they can give you some tips to improve your endurance.

Answer 5

Do you sit on the pc all day? He may move furniture or work in the garden.

My dh never ever works out and he is like a freakin tank. If he does lift his muscles get even bigger in like 2 days, so it's absolutely part of nature.

I have managed health clubs and anyone can make muscles, some are just blessed with muscular builds and strength built in.

Answer 6

everyone has a different natural strength level. this is due to genetic factors like testosterone levels, muscle, tendon and ligament tensile strength and the individual mechanics of the body. we all have different size/length bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. all of these things effect strength

one of my buddies that's a roofer hasn't worked out regularly in about 25 years he's in his mid 40's right now and weighs about 230 lbs, he can still bench around 500. I have another buddy who has been using steroids off and on for the past 20 years he's about 240 lbs and he can't even bench 400. we are all surely not created equal

Answer 7

hey welcome to gym envy, yes some will lift more naturally, or maybe he is working his muscles through a job or just at home through choirs. I had a friend who's arms were huge and he never worked out i was sure his arms grew just by lifting his coffee cup. genetics play a big role and there is nothing we can do about that. My advice is work out on what you need to and don't worry about what others can lift. Maybe ask them what works for them and gain on your own knowledge

Answer 8

Genetics

Answer 9

he probably has better genetics than you do for lifting weights. I myself don't like to lift weights either, but i manage to curl 50 lb. weights 8 times. I also can bench press 350 lbs. (max). Sometimes you gotta let it go. Also, your friend being able to curl more than you isn't something that you should be concerned about, just do your own thing.

Answer 10

May be if you work out once, you could do more than those doing regularly. May be he is just naturally more stronger than you. Have you considered stamina? Because if you are working out regularly, definately you should be better as far as stamina is considered. What about your studies at school? Can you tell all about your studies and other activities at school?