Hoping someone can settle a dispute for me

kgagnon7779
kgagnon7779 Posts: 216
edited September 29 in Fitness and Exercise
I take a power sculpt class with a bunch of ladies. We have a playful competition going on most of the time with our running, pull ups, push ups, etc. Most of the women are shorter than me, ranging from 5'0" - 5'5". I'm 5'10". I always pass them up when running and inevitably someone yells out as I pass them, Must be nice to have such long legs! It's starting to bug me - I'd like to think that I'm passing them because I've worked my butt off to become a better runner ( I run around a 7.5 min mile). If all people needed were long legs to be great runners than all our world class runners would be giants! I tell them with that logic, they should be faster than me because they are carrying less weight.

We do this with our push ups and pull ups too - they think that I should be better because my muscles are bigger, but I guess if that's true, than they should be better because they are lifting less weight.

So, my question is, how much is physical performance based on height and weight?? Of course with different sports, it's obvious, but I'm specifically wondering about running, cycling and weight training.

Replies

  • JennLifts
    JennLifts Posts: 1,913 Member
    I can't answer your question, but I can tell you that that's a killer mile time, and you have reason regardless of leg length to be proud!
  • Newfiedan
    Newfiedan Posts: 1,517 Member
    in the running department yes longer legs will be of benefit, same applies to lifting, those with shorter limbs will have an easier time lifting a weight than a taller person as it takes less effort because the lever is shorter. Kind of like lifting a 10 lb weight with a 2 ft long stick or a 10ft long stick. It will be harder to lift with the 10 ft long stick. The same rule applies to a person with shorter arms than someone with longer arms.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    It is a little of both. If you notice most top class runners are quite long legged. Not always tall, but long legs. Having said that, without the hard work it doesn't matter how long your legs are. If those ladies worked harder they could go a lot faster. One of the things that alway amazes me is how fast my 5 (almost 6 year old) is. I have only in the past while gotten fast enough to catch him most times, and not I can out do him in endurance. All that was hard won with lots of work.
  • jhardenbergh
    jhardenbergh Posts: 1,035 Member
    I know when it comes to weight lifting the shorter the arms and bigger the chest the better, I have short arms and a big chest and back in high school I was benching 300 lbs. Taller guys would always make comments well you only have to push the bar a couple inches. It was all said in fun and jest. I would say being taller might help for the running, but when it comes to the pushups and pull ups it has to be easier for the shorter gals.
  • Topsking2010
    Topsking2010 Posts: 2,245 Member
    Ignore the haters and focus on improving your fitness. Even do some trash talking.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    in the running department yes longer legs will be of benefit, same applies to lifting, those with shorter limbs will have an easier time lifting a weight than a taller person as it takes less effort because the lever is shorter. Kind of like lifting a 10 lb weight with a 2 ft long stick or a 10ft long stick. It will be harder to lift with the 10 ft long stick. The same rule applies to a person with shorter arms than someone with longer arms.

    That would explain my great leg strength they are relatively short.
  • sagisun1969
    sagisun1969 Posts: 46
    In your situation the length of your legs have nothing to do with the fact that you are the fastest in your class. Two years ago, when I was running everyday, I ran a 7.5 mile too and I passed everyone up in my bootcamp class when we would run. I have short legs and am just under 5'4.
  • maryd4love
    maryd4love Posts: 164 Member
    - I believe you have achieved what you have achieved because you have worked hard for it....not because you have longer legs. that is bull crap!
  • lanie25
    lanie25 Posts: 42
    Of course leg length matters. You have a longer stride. I'm only 5'1''. Don't let those naysayers get you down. Run proud and beat those losers :)
  • DianaPowerUp
    DianaPowerUp Posts: 518 Member
    Obviously they're jealous. And you're fast. Keep up the good work! All you can do is ignore them, but long legs or not, you're a fast runner!
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    I agree with other people. I think those with longer legs would have an advantage when running and those who are shorter would have an advantage while lifting weights.

    I know I've been next to people on the treadmill whose legs were FAR longer than mine and wow... they can certainly outpace me. My poor little stumpy legs can't keep up with them! When I try and keep up with them - I look like a cartoon character because I'm having to take 10 steps for every 1 or 2 of theirs. lolol.
  • cuerpito
    cuerpito Posts: 65 Member
    Back in the day... I was always the tallest in class. I am 5'7". My legs are even longer - not even proportionate with my body - my car seat is always moved all the way back and I hate traveling via bus or plane because my legs don't have enough room. But I hated running and wasn't good at it - I was always outrun by my wayyyy shorter classmates. So, even though you are A BIT taller than your friends it does take the fitness and skill to run fast - so there may be rules that make it easier for you but you still need the form to run fast. Hope that will make your day! Show those shorties what you can!!! The height is just their poor excuse for not winning the competition - sore loosers!
  • anewattitude
    anewattitude Posts: 483 Member
    I'm not very tall and I do have a shorter stride when running and I feel like I'm running twice as fast because of it. I also do not have long limbs so I can relate to what they are saying since I am on the shorter side BUT you work hard at the gym and deserve to give yourself proper credit! Perhaps your body structure helps you but being tall doesn't make you fit. Working hard and being dedicated is what makes you fit! Be proud and enjoy watching your friends scurrying along with their tiny llittle legs trying to catch up to you!
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