Expert: David Dickeson, A.S. - 6/27/2009

Question
hi david ur above 50 must be having alot of life experience. my question is that exercise makes a man stronger rite. so is that possible that a bodybuilder with huge muscles may be weeker than an average body man

Answer
Hello Kenny

Yes, and no. Bodybuilders get their physique by doing very specific movements where they stretch their muscles as much as possible. When you see a bodybuilder that is not tightening their muscles, the body is literally a mass of tissue and skin hanging down. The photos in the magazines is where the bodybuilders are tightening their muscles as possible.  To get such a physique does not require a lot of heavy lifting, which gives you strength higher than a average man, but rather utilizing a large number of reps and sets with light weights.

The result is a very impressive body. The problem with this is (a) you have to have the right genetics, (b) it requires considerable time and lifting in a gym, i.e. daily exercising for 2 or more hours, (c) and in "real world" situations, such as lifting a bag of gravel, bodybuilders have a very difficult time lifting and holding the bag of gravel, even with their increased strength, due to the fact that the bag of gravel keeps shifting it's weight. Bodybuilders lift with controlled movements. Their bodies do not respond well to constantly shifting weights.

Bodybuilding is a competitive sport exercise. My exercises are for keeping my body strong and healthy, able to handle all daily situations, including bags of gravel if necessary, as I get older.

Thanks for the question. Hope this helps.