History Analysis / StoutStrength

Fat itself can actually be helpful in a fight. Body fat, like muscle, [[{{Kevlard}} helps absorb blows and can protect the body's internal organs as well as bones]]. Roman gladiators in particular are thought to have cultivated a layer of fat by eating barley so that their shallow, slashing blows could draw audience-pleasing blood without serious injury. (Though it does have the disadvantage of cutting down endurance, particularly if you must run about -- it's still weight.)

Fat itself can actually be helpful in a fight. Body fat, like muscle, [[{{Kevlard}} helps absorb blows and can protect the body's internal organs as well as bones]]. Roman gladiators in particular are thought to have cultivated a layer of fat by eating barley so that their shallow, slashing blows could draw audience-pleasing blood without serious injury.

Fat itself can actually be helpful in a fight. Body fat, like muscle, {{Kevlard helps absorb blows and can protect the body's internal organs as well as bones}}. Roman gladiators in particular are thought to have cultivated a layer of fat by eating barley so that their shallow, slashing blows could draw audience-pleasing blood without serious injury.

Fat itself can actually be helpful in a fight. Body fat, like muscle, [[Kevlard helps absorb blows and can protect the body's internal organs as well as bones]]. Roman gladiators in particular are thought to have cultivated a layer of fat by eating barley so that their shallow, slashing blows could draw audience-pleasing blood without serious injury.

Fat itself can actually be helpful in a fight. Body fat, like muscle, helps absorb blows and can protect the body's internal organs as well as bones. Roman gladiators in particular are thought to have cultivated a layer of fat by eating barley so that their shallow, slashing blows could draw audience-pleasing blood without serious injury.

There's a reason why most weightlifters in the UsefulNotes/OlympicGames don't look as polished as the [[UsefulNotes/{{Bodybuilding}}bodybuilders]] you see in magazines. Bodybuilders don't merely have to build their muscles; they also have to keep fat from hiding them in order to achieve that chiseled look. However, strength is determined by the muscles themselves, ''not'' whether there is fat as well; losing it is mostly a matter of showmanship for bodybuilders.

There's a reason why most weightlifters in the UsefulNotes/OlympicGames don't look as polished as the bodybuilders you see in magazines. Bodybuilders don't merely have to build their muscles; they also have to keep fat from hiding them in order to achieve that chiseled look. However, strength is determined by the muscles themselves, ''not'' whether there is fat as well; losing it is mostly a matter of showmanship for bodybuilders.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torso, with samurai frequently depicted sporting large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is generally the ideal for athletics where speed, grace and endurance are required. Athletes that focus on lifting or pushing, such as sumo wrestlers, linebackers and shot-putters, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

Bodybuilders exercise muscles that are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" physique, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas. A professional weightlifter's goal is lifting a lot of weight, so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes.

Also, in order to be able to lift with the intensity seen by strongmen and powerlifters, one must consume absolutely massive quantities of food. Bodybuilders also do this, and if you look at them in the offseason, many of them appear quite chubby. It's only through starving and even dehydrating themselves prior to contests that they achieve their cut look. A bodybuilder is actually entering a contest at his weakest state, to such an extent it's not uncommon to see bodybuilders beginning to get faint or light-headed before going on stage. Champion bodybuilders enter contests at a bodyfat percentage of around 5%, which is physically impossible to maintain for anything more than a day or two. A weightlifter, not being judged by his appearance, but rather his performance, will not take these strength-sapping steps.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torso, with samurai frequently depicted sporting large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach [[labelnote:*]] Makes sense as in [[{{UsefulNotes/Kenjutsu}} Japanese swordfighting]] most of the speed and power comes from the hips not the upper body, especially in a BladeLock [[/labelnote]]. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is generally the ideal for athletics where speed, grace and endurance are required. Athletes that focus on lifting or pushing, such as sumo wrestlers, linebackers and shot-putters, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

There's a reason why most weightlifters in the OlympicGames don't look as polished as the bodybuilders you see in magazines. Bodybuilders don't merely have to build their muscles; they also have to keep fat from hiding them in order to achieve that chiseled look. However, strength is determined by the muscles themselves, ''not'' whether there is fat as well; losing it is mostly a matter of showmanship for bodybuilders.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torso, with samurai frequently depicted sporting large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach [[labelnote:*]] Makes sense as in [[{{UsefulNotes/Kenjutsu}} Japanese swordfighting]] most of the speed and pwoer comes from the hips not the upper body [[/labelnote]]. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is generally the ideal for athletics where speed, grace and endurance are required. Athletes that focus on lifting or pushing, such as sumo wrestlers, linebackers and shot-putters, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torso, with samurai frequently depicted sporting large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is generally the ideal for athletics where speed, grace and endurance are required. Athletes that focus on lifting or pushing, such as sumo wrestlers, linebackers and shot-putters, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torso, with samurai frequently depicted sporting large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is generally the ideal for athletics where speed and grace are required. Athletes that do a lot of lifting or pushing, such as sumo wrestlers, linebackers and shot-putters, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

Also, in order to be able to lift with the intensity seen by strongmen and powerlifters, one must consume absolutely massive quantities of food. Bodybuilders also do this, and if you look at them in the offseason, many of them appear quite chubby. It's only through starving and even dehydrating themselves prior to contests that they achieve their cut look. A bodybuilder is actually entering a contest at his weakest state, to such an extent it's not uncommon to see bodybuilders beginning to get faint or light-headed before going on stage. Champion bodybuilders enter contests at a bodyfat percentage of around 5%, which is physically impossible to maintain for anything more than a day or two. A weightlifter, not being judged by his appearance, but rather his performance, will not take these strength-sapping steps. Another reason is that many powerlifters [[TheyJustDidntCare don't give enough of a crap]] about how much they weigh unless it's Weight Classes are involved, especially the superheavyweights, who simply couldn't care less about their fat.

Also, in order to be able to lift with the intensity seen by strongmen and powerlifters, one must consume absolutely massive quantities of food. Bodybuilders also do this, and if you look at them in the offseason, many of them appear quite chubby. It's only through starving and even dehydrating themselves prior to contests that they achieve their cut look. A bodybuilder is actually entering a contest at his weakest state, to such an extent it's not uncommon to see bodybuilders beginning to get faint or light-headed before going on stage. Champion bodybuilders enter contests at a bodyfat percentage of around 5%, which is physically impossible to maintain for anything more than a day or two. A weightlifter, not being judged by his appearance, but rather his performance, will not take these strength-sapping steps.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torsos, with samurai frequently depicted with large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is generally the ideal for athletics where speed and grace are required. Athletes that do a lot of lifting or pushing, such as sumo wrestlers, linebackers and shot-putters, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torsos, with samurai frequently depicted with large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is generally the ideal for athletics where speed and grace are required. Athletes that do a lot of lifting or pushing, such as sumo wrestlers, linebackers and shot-putters will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

Bodybuilders exercise muscles that are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" physique, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas (That said, most professional bodybuilders are still enormously strong, just not as much as a weightlifter or strongman of the same weight). A professional weightlifter's goal is lifting a lot of weight, so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes.

There's a reason why most weightlifters in the OlympicGames don't look as polished as the bodybuilders you see in magazines. The latter don't merely have to build their muscles; they also have to keep fat from hiding them in order to achieve that chiseled look. However, strength is determined by the muscles themselves, ''not'' whether there is fat as well; losing it is mostly a matter of showmanship for bodybuilders.

There's a reason why most weightlifters in the Olympics don't look as polished as the bodybuilders you see in magazines. The latter don't merely have to build their muscles; they also have to keep fat from hiding them in order to achieve that chiseled look. However, strength is determined by the muscles themselves, ''not'' whether there is fat as well; losing it is mostly a matter of showmanship for bodybuilders.

Bodybuilders exercise muscles that are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" physique, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas (That said, most professional bodybuilders are still enormously strong, just not as much as a weightlifter or strongman of the same weight). A professional weightlifter's goal is lifting a lot of weight, so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes. Also, in order to be able to lift with the intensity seen by strongmen and powerlifters, one must consume absolutely massive quantities of food. Bodybuilders also do this, and if you look at them in the offseason, many of them appear quite chubby. It's only through starving and even dehydrating themselves prior to contests that they achieve their cut look. A bodybuilder is actually entering a contest at his weakest state, to such an extent it's not uncommon to see bodybuilders beginning to get faint or light-headed before going on stage. Champion bodybuilders enter contests at a bodyfat percentage of around 5%, which is physically impossible to maintain for anything more than a day or two. A weightlifter, not being judged by his appearance, but rather his performance, will not take these strength-sapping steps.

Bodybuilders exercise muscles that are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" physique, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas. A professional weightlifter's goal is lifting a lot of weight, so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes. Also, in order to be able to lift with the intensity seen by strongmen and powerlifters, one must consume absolutely massive quantities of food. Bodybuilders also do this, and if you look at them in the offseason, many of them appear quite chubby. It's only through starving and even dehydrating themselves prior to contests that they achieve their cut look. A bodybuilder is actually entering a contest at his weakest state, to such an extent it's not uncommon to see bodybuilders beginning to get faint or light-headed before going on stage. Champion bodybuilders enter contests at a bodyfat percentage of around 5%, which is physically impossible to maintain for anything more than a day or two. A weightlifter, not being judged by his appearance, but rather his performance, will not take these strength-sapping steps.

Bodybuilders exercise muscles that are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" physique, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas. A professional weightlifter's goal is lifting a lot of weight, so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes. Also, in order to be able to lift with the intensity seen by strongmen and powerlifters, one must consume absolutely massive quantities of food. Bodybuilders also do this, and if you look at them in the offseason, many of them appear quite chubby. It's only through starving and even dehydrating themselves prior to contests that they achieve their cut look. A bodybuilder is actually entering a contest at his weakest state, with many of them nearly faint. Champion bodybuilders enter contests at a bodyfat percentage of around 5%, which is physically impossible to maintain for anything more than a day or two. A weightlifter, not being judged by his appearance, but rather his performance, will not take these strength-sapping steps.

Bodybuilders exercise muscles that are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" physique, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas. A professional weightlifter's goal is lifting a lot of weight, so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes. Also, in order to be able to lift with the intensity seen by strongmen and powerlifters, one must consume absolutely massive quantities of food. Bodybuilders also do this, and if you look at them in the offseason, many of them appear quite chubby. It's only through starving and even dehydrating themselves prior to contests that they achieve their cut look. A weightlifter, not being judged by his appearance, but rather his performance, will not take these strength-sapping steps.

Bodybuilders exercise muscles that are very rarely used for anything except to have "defined" physique, so they can actually be weaker, in practical terms than someone with an equal amount of muscle mass in more practical areas. A professional weightlifter's goal is lifting a lot of weight, so they work muscles which have utilitarian purposes.

There's a reason why most weightlifters in the Olympics don't look as polished as the bodybuilders you see in magazines. The latter don't merely have to build their muscles; they also have to keep fat from hiding them in order to achieve that chiseled look. However, strength is determined by the muscles themselves, ''not'' whether there is fat as well; losing it is mostly a matter of showmanship for bodybuilders. Not to mention that a one hundred pound weight suddenly seems like a lot less when you've been walking around with five hundred pounds of blubber attached to you for your whole life.

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 [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin 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. Roman gladiators in particular are thought to have cultivated a layer of fat by eating barley so that their shallow, slashing blows could draw audience-pleasing blood without serious injury.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torsos, with samurai frequently depicted with large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic V-shaped look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason and is also the ideal for boxers. Sports that require a lot of lifting or pushing, however, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

The physical ideal of having broad shoulders and a narrow waist comes from classical Greek artwork. In other cultures, such as the Japanese, overall strength was represented by a barrel torsos, with samurai frequently depicted with large bellies. The idea is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Which build is best for you depends on what you're trying to do. The classic inverted-pyramid look is often called a "swimmer's build" for good reason, and is also the ideal for boxers. Sports that require a lot of lifting, however, will invariably prefer the "stout" physique.

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.

It should be noted that the idea that a strong man should have big, visible muscles in the upper body is a relatively recent one - warriors, as portrayed in art from many cultures around the world are often pictured as stout and heavy. It is, for example, not uncommon for paintings featuring samurai to show them having large bellies. The idea, in addition to what is described above, is that a strong, powerful body needs to be firmly rooted in strong legs and hips/stomach. Upper body strength is not very useful without a good support, and anyone who uses their strength efficiently derives much of it from lower-body muscles, simply because the muscles in the abdominal area are the largest muscle mass in the human body. While these muscles may, in fact, look quite impressive, a more "pyramid-shaped" body, with mass heavily focused in the bottom part, is less impressive to the average Joe than a guy with huge arm muscles and broad shoulders.