female legstrength
Collegedude123
Posts: 5
I'm an average looking guy,,works out at the gym a couple of times a week. Recently I've made quite a surprising discovery: most of the girls in my gym are stronger than me in the legs! For instance I've started to work out sometimes with my girlfriend and a couple of her female friends and they all squat more than I do. Yesterday I was using the legpress machine, struggling a bit with 140 kg (managed 5-6 reps). Then a couple of girls from campus came along and lifted something like 250kgs with reps! What the f---? Is this normal or do I happen to train at a gym with many fit girls?
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Replies
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My understanding is the women tend towards having more lower body strength and men towards upper body.
But really, you can't compare yourself to anyone else. You have no idea how long they have been training and what their background is.0 -
Women typically have very strong quads. It has something to do with how our pelvis is tilted and weight is distributed. I think I read that somewhere. I could just be making it up.
It's great though. It's fun to get on the leg extension or press after some big burly guy has been on there and have to pile on more weight.0 -
I bought my own power rack and barbells so I don't have to squat my embarrassingly meager weights in front of anyone.0
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Those girls didn't look that strong to me anyway, more ordinary-looking, but I think one of them is involved in gymnastics.
Leg extensions is also a machine that I'm often surprised at the amount of weights many of these girls are lifiting.0 -
Those girls didn't look that strong to me anyway, more ordinary-looking, but I think one of them is involved in gymnastics.
Leg extensions is also a machine that I'm often surprised at the amount of weights many of these girls are lifiting.
What were they supposed to look like? There is a common misconception that women who strength train are huge.
This chick deadlifts 315lbs. I'm guessing in a tshirt you would think she didn't look that strong either.
EDIT - resizing0 -
Spend your time at the gym improving your own strength and stop worrying about what the people around you can lift. The women aren't going to the gym so that you can compare your strength to theirs. They are there so that you can stare at their assets while they squat. Get your priorities together, man.0
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I am just wondering how you figured out that you are an average looking guy?
Have you been with a few tens, some 5s but mostly 6s and 7s?
Just wondering because I kind of want to know how to define myself.0 -
I am just wondering how you figured out that you are an average looking guy?
Have you been with a few tens, some 5s but mostly 6s and 7s?
Just wondering because I kind of want to know how to define myself.
10.. Would bang.0 -
I rarely see any women even try to use "heavy" weights for anything so you must train in a great gym. I once saw a tall, muscular, Amazonian looking woman Squat 225 lbs deeeeeep for about 5 reps and she was definitely on steroids and weighed about 180 at least. Leg press is a bit different. If you use a limited range of motion you can pile on a lot of weight and that will impress some naive people but those of us who know what's going on, aren't impressed. I'd like to see those girls leg pressing the weight and bringing their knees way back to their shoulders. I guarantee they'd have to drop the weight. Reality's one tough customer.0
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I rarely see any women even try to use "heavy" weights for anything so you must train in a great gym. I once saw a tall, muscular, Amazonian looking woman Squat 225 lbs deeeeeep for about 5 reps and she was definitely on steroids and weighed about 180 at least. Leg press is a bit different. If you use a limited range of motion you can pile on a lot of weight and that will impress some naive people but those of us who know what's going on, aren't impressed. I'd like to see those girls leg pressing the weight and bringing their knees way back to their shoulders. I guarantee they'd have to drop the weight. Reality's one tough customer.
Seriously??? I really hope your sarcasm font is busted, because I'm 5'6" and weight 195# and I could squat 175# *kitten* to grass maybe the second time I ever put a bar on my back. It's nowhere close to my max, I just stopped adding plates because I wasn't confident in the safety of the lift given my experience level. Steroids are not required, promise...
And agreed: lift totals on machines don't get bragging rights, IMO.0 -
I rarely see any women even try to use "heavy" weights for anything so you must train in a great gym. I once saw a tall, muscular, Amazonian looking woman Squat 225 lbs deeeeeep for about 5 reps and she was definitely on steroids and weighed about 180 at least. Leg press is a bit different. If you use a limited range of motion you can pile on a lot of weight and that will impress some naive people but those of us who know what's going on, aren't impressed. I'd like to see those girls leg pressing the weight and bringing their knees way back to their shoulders. I guarantee they'd have to drop the weight. Reality's one tough customer.
Seriously??? I really hope your sarcasm font is busted, because I'm 5'6" and weight 195# and I could squat 175# *kitten* to grass maybe the second time I ever put a bar on my back. It's nowhere close to my max, I just stopped adding plates because I wasn't confident in the safety of the lift given my experience level. Steroids are not required, promise...
And agreed: lift totals on machines don't get bragging rights, IMO.
Video or it didn't happen. Case closed.0 -
Here we go. Wheeeeeeee.0
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Lol. 114lb lady checkin 2plate x10. My PR is 265lbs for 2 (and a half) reps.I rarely see any women even try to use "heavy" weights for anything so you must train in a great gym. I once saw a tall, muscular, Amazonian looking woman Squat 225 lbs deeeeeep for about 5 reps and she was definitely on steroids and weighed about 180 at least. Leg press is a bit different. If you use a limited range of motion you can pile on a lot of weight and that will impress some naive people but those of us who know what's going on, aren't impressed. I'd like to see those girls leg pressing the weight and bringing their knees way back to their shoulders. I guarantee they'd have to drop the weight. Reality's one tough customer.0 -
Women typically have very strong quads. It has something to do with how our pelvis is tilted and weight is distributed. I think I read that somewhere. I could just be making it up.
It's great though. It's fun to get on the leg extension or press after some big burly guy has been on there and have to pile on more weight.
True this. Expanding on what you said, it has to do with the angle from the hips to the knee. Because of the angle, women require a bit more quad strength than an equivalent guy, so the quads tend to develop a bit more, all other things being equal. Plus, women's hips and ankles are generally broader than men's (I stress, all else being equal), so there is room for more muscle in certain areas on women's lower bodies. The downside is that women are more prone to ACL tears due to that angle and the generally stronger quads. I always found it amusing when I would get on a leg extension machine after a fit girl and have to move the pin up a few notches. Sometimes I obsessed over it, like the OP is doing. But now that I've realized that squats and deadlifts are the way to go, there is no going back to machines. I'm still impressed by women's lower body curves and strength, of course...being new to these exercises, there are a lot of women on this site who are stronger than me still.0 -
I rarely see any women even try to use "heavy" weights for anything so you must train in a great gym. I once saw a tall, muscular, Amazonian looking woman Squat 225 lbs deeeeeep for about 5 reps and she was definitely on steroids and weighed about 180 at least. Leg press is a bit different. If you use a limited range of motion you can pile on a lot of weight and that will impress some naive people but those of us who know what's going on, aren't impressed. I'd like to see those girls leg pressing the weight and bringing their knees way back to their shoulders. I guarantee they'd have to drop the weight. Reality's one tough customer.
Seriously??? I really hope your sarcasm font is busted, because I'm 5'6" and weight 195# and I could squat 175# *kitten* to grass maybe the second time I ever put a bar on my back. It's nowhere close to my max, I just stopped adding plates because I wasn't confident in the safety of the lift given my experience level. Steroids are not required, promise...
And agreed: lift totals on machines don't get bragging rights, IMO.
Video or it didn't happen. Case closed.
Bitter much? :huh:
Fithealthyfor... That is some awesome insight. Its amazing, the human body overall. Lifting has really gotten me to appreciate it more than ever before.
To the OP, I wouldnt worry too much about these girls lifting more than you, like others said we all have our strengths and weaknesses and I would just focus on YOU getting stronger.0 -
Fithealthy- thanks for expanding on that. It's good to know I wasn't totally off base.
As to machine training, I feel like it has it's place. It shouldn't ever be the core of your lifting workouts, squats deads and other compound free weights will always reign supreme, but I think some machines work well as a complementary part of a routine. Not silly an master type devices, but I still include the 45 leg press, lat pull down, leg ext and cable machine in my routine.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel some machines are beneficial provided they are used in addition to your free weight exercises, and not replacing them.0 -
Fithealthy- thanks for expanding on that. It's good to know I wasn't totally off base.
As to machine training, I feel like it has it's place. It shouldn't ever be the core of your lifting workouts, squats deads and other compound free weights will always reign supreme, but I think some machines work well as a complementary part of a routine. Not silly an master type devices, but I still include the 45 leg press, lat pull down, leg ext and cable machine in my routine.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel some machines are beneficial provided they are used in addition to your free weight exercises, and not replacing them.
I totally agree, and was thinking of elaborating, but felt it would have made me seem indecisive or long-winded. I will continue to use machines for things like:
-change of pace
-warmups
-muscular imbalance correction
I actually do feel the machines got my legs primed to start doing squats, considering I was pretty inactive (hardly ever working out) last year. I used 45-degree plate leg press, leg extension, and leg curl machines.0 -
^ agreed. I tend to favour my left a lot and the leg press helps balance that out.
Also, in a real pinch if the gym us very busy and I can't get to the rack, the machines are a 'better than nothing' option0 -
I'm 182cm, weigh approx 80kg. That's about average isn't it?
Let me just clarify: I work out approx 3 times a week, and I'm doing fine focusing on my own trraining. I'm no usuallyt too concered with what other people are lifting. ,It's just that recently I have noticed this pattern and trained with some girls that made it very obvious for both me and them. And my girlfriend is a little bit taunting about it, challenging me sometimes. I'm not sure if I'm intimiated or excited about it or what - probably a little of both. I know I can kick her *kitten* on most upper body exercises anway. I appreciate that more girls today are working out than before, but it does affect my self-esteem a bit when a girl I've tried to hit on earlier (the gymnast) and her female friend legpress about twice as much as me. I guess I just have to swallow my pride appreciate the humour of the situation.0 -
I wouldn't even worry about the leg press. Just squat. That being said, there are plenty of females that squat mad heavy. If you feel butthurt about it just watch them on chest/tri day. Yeah, I'll squat 2plate but my 1RM on bench is 105lbs lol. Most of the time I'm just doing 95lbs for sets.I'm 182cm, weigh approx 80kg. That's about average isn't it?
Let me just clarify: I work out approx 3 times a week, and I'm doing fine focusing on my own trraining. I'm no usuallyt too concered with what other people are lifting. ,It's just that recently I have noticed this pattern and trained with some girls that made it very obvious for both me and them. And my girlfriend is a little bit taunting about it, challenging me sometimes. I'm not sure if I'm intimiated or excited about it or what - probably a little of both. I know I can kick her *kitten* on most upper body exercises anway. I appreciate that more girls today are working out than before, but it does affect my self-esteem a bit when a girl I've tried to hit on earlier (the gymnast) and her female friend legpress about twice as much as me. I guess I just have to swallow my pride appreciate the humour of the situation.0 -
Benching 105 ibs, that's pretty good for a female. I bench around 170, which is about my own bodyweight, and I hope a respectable figure.
On leg-day I usually train both squats and legpress. Usually I begin with squats . Right now I squat approx 70-75kg (focusing on good form/technique), while my girlfriend squats approx 105-110kgs. She weighs less than me, but has more strength in the core and lower body obviously.0 -
This thread is full of lolz!
my observation of the general gym attending population, is that most guys spend 99% of their time benching and curling, and avoid squats at all costs, so not surprising there are girls out there putting them to shame!0 -
^ agreed. I tend to favour my left a lot and the leg press helps balance that out.
Also, in a real pinch if the gym us very busy and I can't get to the rack, the machines are a 'better than nothing' option
I can see your and Fithealthyforlife's thinking, but this may not be the best way to go about sorting out imbalances.
Partly because you only really hit the prime mover, so weakness in stabilising muscles is not corrected, and partly because it doesn't address the "neuro" bit of neuromuscular. Imbalances are just as likely to be issues with the neural system as they are with the muscle itself.
For instance you could make your left leg twice as strong as your right using machines, but your squatting pattern favours the right side, due to the signals being sent from your brain, you won't instantly squat perfectly or favour the left side.0 -
There are always going to be people better at some things than you, stop worrying about what gender they are.0
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^ agreed. I tend to favour my left a lot and the leg press helps balance that out.
Also, in a real pinch if the gym us very busy and I can't get to the rack, the machines are a 'better than nothing' option
I can see your and Fithealthyforlife's thinking, but this may not be the best way to go about sorting out imbalances.
Partly because you only really hit the prime mover, so weakness in stabilising muscles is not corrected, and partly because it doesn't address the "neuro" bit of neuromuscular. Imbalances are just as likely to be issues with the neural system as they are with the muscle itself.
For instance you could make your left leg twice as strong as your right using machines, but your squatting pattern favours the right side, due to the signals being sent from your brain, you won't instantly squat perfectly or favour the left side.
What I've been experimenting with, at least when I was using leg machines as my primary leg workouts in the recent past, was to do an extra set with the weaker/smaller leg. I felt it would help both hypertrphy and firing patterns. Now that I have decided to make squats my primary leg exercise, I'm not sure how I'm going to do this. I am leaning toward using machines for an extra set or two every so often, again with only the weaker/less favored side.
Oh and to the OP: I see where you're coming from with this thread. The bottom line is, women aren't weak physically anymore. Some are (just like some men are), but not the women on this site. Some of the physiques and lift numbers of women on this site will blow your mind (and said women still make excuses that their numbers are too low). I know for a fact that some of the women who have taken the time to reply to your question can themselves squat at least your body weight, and deadlift even more.
My recommendation to you would be, if you're up for it, to start using the site seriously, make friends (not to creep on, but to really talk to and learn from them), and your enthusiasm and progress will improve. You will also learn to accept that fact that there are a lot of women who are stronger than you, and won't be such a big deal anymore, but rather you'll see it as something insanely cool and motivational. I was similar to you in the past in some ways (like obsessing over the fact that I wasn't as strong as some girls), but when you change how you look at things, the things you are looking at will change. Keep an open mind always, and good luck with lifting, bro.
P.S.: Always remember that the glutes are the strongest muscles in the body. Next time you see a girl with a large, firm, nicely-shaped, gravity-defying rear, realize that there is a good chance she is stronger than you, but it doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things. Learning to simultaneously entertain dissonant thoughts will help your outlook immeasureably, imho. The mental aspect must be trained along with the physical. This is known as discipline and it comes through repetitive training.0 -
Bear in mind as well, that the woman you see doing that *may* have been much, much larger at some point. For example, when I reach 170, I will still have bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles that have shifted 100 lbs more every step of the day. Add that 100lbs on top of 'normal' female strength and you have somebody who is already capable of running faster, lifting heavier and jumping higher than you. Because her muscles don't forget.0
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Bear in mind as well, that the woman you see doing that *may* have been much, much larger at some point. For example, when I reach 170, I will still have bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles that have shifted 100 lbs more every step of the day. Add that 100lbs on top of 'normal' female strength and you have somebody who is already capable of running faster, lifting heavier and jumping higher than you. Because her muscles don't forget.
Excellent point, Squeekyjojo!
...and one which I somehow forgot to state. I don't know how I forgot that, as some of my own female friends on here are larger and significantly outweigh me, and I've found they often tend to be much stronger than I am. A lot of it is just a simple mass thing...more LBM comes along with being active and larger, and I've found it to especially be true for females and their lower bodies. These girls are often large boned (which makes their bone structure roughly the same as my medium frame for a male) and they carry a lot of muscle. When they become thin, they will still be strong (because they are trying to preserve all their muscle), and they will end up proportionately stronger than when they were larger. In addition, they have a lot of estrogen, which is scientifically proven to build bone density and help with muscular endurance/recovery (women seem to get less DOMS due to this and their generalyl better flexibility).
Often, athletic males tend to be naurally on the thinner side in the untrained state (think Arnold), while athletic females tend to be on the larger side in said state. It's just one of the differences due to men's and women's unique enocrinology.
None of this bothers me, as I know I will eventually catch up to most of them! That's the great thing about being a guy...we can build mass fast if the conditions are right.
Yes, men are overall stronger in general...but as we have seen via this thread, it's not really *that* simple...nothing is.0 -
Those girls didn't look that strong to me anyway, more ordinary-looking, but I think one of them is involved in gymnastics.
Leg extensions is also a machine that I'm often surprised at the amount of weights many of these girls are lifiting.
What were they supposed to look like? There is a common misconception that women who strength train are huge.
This chick deadlifts 315lbs. I'm guessing in a tshirt you would think she didn't look that strong either.
EDIT - resizing
I have serious doubts that "this chick" deadlifts 315lbs. Is she an olympic athelete? The world record in the 133lb weight class is 344lbs (data from WPF).0 -
Those girls didn't look that strong to me anyway, more ordinary-looking, but I think one of them is involved in gymnastics.
Leg extensions is also a machine that I'm often surprised at the amount of weights many of these girls are lifiting.
What were they supposed to look like? There is a common misconception that women who strength train are huge.
This chick deadlifts 315lbs. I'm guessing in a tshirt you would think she didn't look that strong either.
EDIT - resizing
I have serious doubts that "this chick" deadlifts 315lbs. Is she an olympic athelete? The world record in the 133lb weight class is 344lbs (data from WPF).
Its possible I may have misread, I was looped on cold medicine at the time, the post is here
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/0 -
This chick deadlifts 315lbs. I'm guessing in a tshirt you would think she didn't look that strong either.
EDIT - resizing
I have serious doubts that "this chick" deadlifts 315lbs. Is she an olympic athelete? The world record in the 133lb weight class is 344lbs (data from WPF).
small women lifting big weights.
http://youtu.be/mp4PeXVuGwo
http://youtu.be/wG1XAfvZeco
http://youtu.be/oR7w_JvwGrU
http://youtu.be/don7aNiNALA
http://youtu.be/RB-eGVKhoW0
http://youtu.be/yWRtc5dVaFo
http://youtu.be/lKks7-YXMVc 0
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