Top athletes carrying a bit extra

acresfield
acresfield Posts: 122 Member
edited December 24 in Fitness and Exercise
*******Disclaimer*******
Please understand that I am not being critical of these people.. I am just asking a question

It always amazes me when top athletes at the very height of their career carry a little bit extra timber. With all of the nutritionists and fitness coaches etc, who follow these people about, not to mention the benefits that must surely come with not having to carry the extra weight around.. why are they not all stick thin?

I am asking this as a serious question. Is it just the case that some people carry extra weight which they cannot lose, or is there something I am just missing?

I am talking in this instance about Marion Bartolli and Petra Kvitova, but could pick from any number of top tennis players!

MarionBartoli-06.jpg

Petra_Kvitova3.jpg

Replies

  • HornsUT32
    HornsUT32 Posts: 146 Member
    Ok, first of all I don't really agree that they are carrying "extra", but that is just my opinion lol.

    Anyhow, I don't think their size has to do with their athletic ability. There are many athletes, professional and high school/college aged that are not stick thin, yet are in better shape that those smaller than them.

    We had a runner at our school that went to college on a full scholarship, and she looked about 20 pounds heavier than the other girls...yet, she was our fastest long distance runner. That is not the only example I could give you...

    My point is, don't judge them by their weight, judge them by the ability and fitness level. They are not professional athletes for no reason. If there were so over weight that it was harming them, they wouldn't be where they are today.
  • Jules2Be
    Jules2Be Posts: 2,238 Member
    I dont think they look overweight.
  • thebaconbeast
    thebaconbeast Posts: 560 Member
    ... for female tennis players it fine; you just need fairly long arms ,decent shoulder rotation ,body weight behind your shot (fat and muscle) and good dexterity sometimes. I think they could lose it if they wanted to.
  • militarydreams
    militarydreams Posts: 198 Member
    Isn't this the same as asking why top female athletes don't go for breast reductions? Surely that's just extra weight with a nipple on it
  • PercivalHackworth
    PercivalHackworth Posts: 1,437 Member
    I could be wrong, but an high-end level supposes two things :

    - Being excellent
    - Keep trying to progress/ maintain

    that goes against the very calorie deficit principle.
    Also you don't need especially to have a low BF, super sexy body to be good in sport, the latter *usually* brings the former, but it's not a pre-requisite
  • Justjoshin
    Justjoshin Posts: 999 Member
    Marion Bartolli is a very muscular woman, who doesn't have overly low bodyfat.
    Her power is likely due to the weight/strength she can put behind her 2 handed swings.

    Becoming a millionaire and a pro athlete also allow peoples lifestyles to change some, so that could have something to due with her increased weight.

    If she can beat the best in the world, I don't see her "extra timber" causing her any problems.
  • acresfield
    acresfield Posts: 122 Member
    I wasnt judging them.. at least not intentionally.. it was meant to be a question about how somebody who must burn 3000 to 4000 calories per day is not stick thin and the only answer i can think is that they are eating 3500 to 4500 calories per day. I didnt say they were fat nor was I being critical but I cant help but wonder if it doesnt hurt their ability on court and add to the potential for injuries.

    I have lost about 10lb all told and really feel the difference in how fast I can move to the ball when I am playing.

    and please understand also that I am not comparing myself to a top player :)

    Im rubbish
  • devil_in_a_blue_dress
    devil_in_a_blue_dress Posts: 5,214 Member
    It is likely that neither woman is overweight, so I am not sure what "extra" you are talking about. They just aren't super cut and lean.
  • thebaconbeast
    thebaconbeast Posts: 560 Member
    I wasnt judging them.. at least not intentionally.. it was meant to be a question about how somebody who must burn 3000 to 4000 calories per day is not stick thin and the only answer i can think is that they are eating 3500 to 4500 calories per day. I didnt say they were fat nor was I being critical but I cant help but wonder if it doesnt hurt their ability on court and add to the potential for injuries.

    I have lost about 10lb all told and really feel the difference in how fast I can move to the ball when I am playing.

    Well Bartoli and Kvitova are 1,2 short angle then long angle players , it is not necessary that they have to have extremely good stamina
  • zoominzozo
    zoominzozo Posts: 92 Member
    Some might have missed the original posters point- she isn't implying they are overweight but they aren't the shape one would imagine of a top athlete.

    I think in some cases it has more to do with genetics and body shape. I'm a size 8 bottoms-12 tops and physically fit (I do obstacle racing, dancing and military style fitness) however in photos due to my height and build I look larger round the torso than my friends of the same size- but not in a muscular way in a I look like I'm packing timber kinda way. Without a top on though you can tell it's not fat but structure. I'm a size 8 (I didn't used to be) so how can I look big- but it happens (damn camera-lol)

    I find it harder to find clothes that suit me than most because of my "trunk" I have broad shoulders and no hips but this lends itself perfectly for physical activities and I've found everything in the middle just "sticks" whether it's fat or muscle.

    I think most of the athletes may have this issue and on camera they say it adds width/weight. Some, like the one above looks like they have a little belly but, like Pink (the singer), maybe it's just muscle that sticks out front- unfortunately in clothes you can't always tell.
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