shorter big guys

Bando · 12-15-2007, 11:39 PM

I was just watching a Sopranos episode where Tony just dwarfs one of his henchmen. It made me think - for maybe the second time in my life, how short I am. Guys that are 6ft+ seem to get a lot of respect, simply because they are tall.

I remember in HS when I fought a 6.2 lineman and really did a number on his face, people treated me like I was some kind of superhero for fighting a guy that big. I remember him going out of his way to say to me he would not tangle with me again.

As I've matured, I guess I'm starting to realize that I am shorter than most BB'ers. I wont get taller, only wider. It's nice that I can build faster, and proportionally look better faster than your average string bean.

I'm not complaining, I love the body God gave me, and I treat it like a temple, always perfecting, sculpting, defining.

What do you think about the shorty? The guy who will never be "The Oak" magnificent on the stage? The guy who didn't/doesn't realize he was/is to small to really stand out?

backer · 12-16-2007, 01:24 AM

Different burdens different gifts.Some fight to gain every pound I have to watch my bodyfat constantly.Most basketball players are not great benchers,the short guys fill out quicker and have a more full apearence.When I was in junior high I was pretty good at gymnastics,a 5 inch growth spurt put an end to that.I would say take advantage of your gifts and do the best you can with what you have.For the record my fav all time bodybuilder is Columbo,full thick and just looked like he was strong.Hard for a tall man to develop that kind of density.

IR45N · 12-16-2007, 04:35 AM

It's been a couple short guys; one maybe 5'1" that I remember doing a double take at what they'd built with the iron. Bando, if you really decided to take it all the way, imho, your size would get noticed first...'look at the size of that guy; he's not very tall, but he's HUGE'.

Personally, I think it's many of us guys who are 5'9" - 6' that are stuck in the tough middle for really gaining size.

thomasale · 12-16-2007, 05:59 AM

Life deals different cards to each of is it is how you play the hand!

Tifflex · 12-16-2007, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomasale

Life deals different cards to each of is it is how you play the hand!

You took the words out of my mouth. Reps to you!

thomasale · 12-16-2007, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IR45N

It's been a couple short guys; one maybe 5'1" that I remember doing a double take at what they'd built with the iron. Bando, if you really decided to take it all the way, imho, your size would get noticed first...'look at the size of that guy; he's not very tall, but he's HUGE'.

Personally, I think it's many of us guys who are 5'9" - 6' that are stuck in the tough middle for really gaining size.

I think its just tough to gain size!Period!

Damon Smith · 12-16-2007, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomasale

I think its just tough to gain size!Period!

When I graduated high school I was 6'1" and weighed 147 lbs. I rode a bicycle and worked out with weights and ate like a horse. I was strong for my size but still looked like a bean pole. I have to work like hell for every pound of muscle.

JOHN GARGANI · 12-16-2007, 07:57 AM

Bando: I am only a tad under 5' 8"...so I can relate.....I will tell you this though: as one gets older, the law of the lever applies and the longer the lever, the more stress on the counterpoint: meaning: that taller people with longer limbs bear more risk of joint injuries as they age.....

from an athletics point of view, you could perform longer as a shorter person, in general, as you age, as opposed to a taller person, where, as I said, the length of their limbs now is actually a hindrance as their body and their joints naturally age......

so: in a nutshell: be thankful for what you are!!!!

QUALITYGUY1 · 12-16-2007, 08:01 AM

To tell you the truth, I'm 5'7", same as when I graduated HS, and I've never really thought about my height, because I never had ANY problems doing anything well, like sports, education, dating, work, etc. I believe that the only time the topic is ever brought up, is generally when some taller person either feels threatened in one way or another, or wants to use the height issue as a basis for belittling someone, which, I guess never made sense to me anyhow.

crazycelt · 12-16-2007, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

I was just watching a Sopranos episode where Tony just dwarfs one of his henchmen. It made me think - for maybe the second time in my life, how short I am. Guys that are 6ft+ seem to get a lot of respect, simply because they are tall.

I remember in HS when I fought a 6.2 lineman and really did a number on his face, people treated me like I was some kind of superhero for fighting a guy that big. I remember him going out of his way to say to me he would not tangle with me again.

As I've matured, I guess I'm starting to realize that I am shorter than most BB'ers. I wont get taller, only wider. It's nice that I can build faster, and proportionally look better faster than your average string bean.

I'm not complaining, I love the body God gave me, and I treat it like a temple, always perfecting, sculpting, defining.

What do you think about the shorty? The guy who will never be "The Oak" magnificent on the stage? The guy who didn't/doesn't realize he was/is to small to really stand out?

For what it's worth, I'm 5'7. I've noticed that over the past couple of years, several people who meet me for the first time, have commented; "You look like you're in great shape". I can only assume that six days a week in the gym must be paying off, despite my "limited" height. To be honest, I'd never thought I hear that at age 50.

Minotaur · 12-16-2007, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

As I've matured, I guess I'm starting to realize that I am shorter than most BB'ers. I wont get taller, only wider. It's nice that I can build faster, and proportionally look better faster than your average string bean.

I'm not complaining, I love the body God gave me, and I treat it like a temple, always perfecting, sculpting, defining.

Same here. It always used to bother me being shorter than the average, which is supposed to be 5'9". Would I like to be taller? Sure, but only for an easier time buying clothes and not having to use a stepstool. But other than that, like you, I'm perfectly fine with my height and build. I actually kind of like my build, and there are a few guys at my gym and the Y (when I went there) who are short and stocky too, with a muscled build.

CapitalJay · 12-16-2007, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QUALITYGUY1

To tell you the truth, I'm 5'7", same as when I graduated HS, and I've never really thought about my height, because I never had ANY problems doing anything well, like sports, education, dating, work, etc. I believe that the only time the topic is ever brought up, is generally when some taller person either feels threatened in one way or another, or wants to use the height issue as a basis for belittling someone, which, I guess never made sense to me anyhow.

This is EXACTLY true. At 5'2", I am off the charts for height. It's only an issue when someone else wants to make it an issue. Well, it also sucks when someone leaves the cables at their highest setting and I have to find a bench to reach them.

Bando · 12-16-2007, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapitalJay

it also sucks when someone leaves the cables at their highest setting and I have to find a bench to reach them.

hehehe. I always get the funniest looks when I'm eying the pullup bar before pullups, it takes a bit of concentration to jump up those 8 inches and grab hold. A couple of weeks ago I did this with my hook straps on, great set, but then I realized at the end of the set that I had no way to get back down. I had to a shimmy to the end of the bar till I only had 1 hook on and kind of slide off the end, not very graceful to say the least.

chodan9 · 12-16-2007, 06:57 PM

I have a friend who isnt very tall but he has a ton of muscle mass.
One time we were discussing various martial arts and we got onto judo.
I told him he had a pretty good height advantage on most opponents in his weight class. He was confused and had never been told he had a height advantage. I explained that his lower hip gave him a lower center of gravity, many of the most effective throws in judo drive from the hip and if that hip is several inches below your opponents then you can disrupt their balance with relative ease.

smdiskin · 12-17-2007, 12:28 AM

I think alot of it comes down to attitude as well... my cousin is 5'5" and everyone will always remember him as the short guy with a chip on his shoulder... my OH is 5'4" and when trying to remind people who have jsut met him (a few days later) and I describe him as the short guy that was with us (his mates are all 6' plus), they haven't a clue who I am talking about.... even though he is almost a foot shorter than some of the others in teh group.... saying that.... he is not exactly skinny.... even these days when he's not training much.... and when he was .... (sorry knees going a bit weak...) he was ove 210lbs.... and a 30" waist... people thought he was a bouncer.... he he...

djl_ottawa · 12-17-2007, 05:09 AM

I agree. I am 5'6 and I am no issue with my height. I would not want to be any taller. For anything.

I also notice that most folks who are short get stocky (this is average) faster then taller folks. We just have less to fill out I guess :>

smdiskin · 12-17-2007, 05:59 AM

Sorry still going weak at the knees thinking about my OH when he was fitter....

Most Muscular · 12-17-2007, 07:00 AM

I was always the shortest guy in school and would get picked on occasionally because of it but all in all I didn't really realize how short I was until I would see pictures of me next to my friends. Not only was a short, but I was quite skinny... although I had the "makings" of a great physique in body form, I just didn't eat or train back then.

When I graduated from High School I was 5'-2" and probably 125 lbs soaking wet. At my 10 year reunion (the only one I've made it back for) I was probably 135 lbs. I'd love to go back there now at 180 lbs... I'm sure I'd get a lot of double takes from those bullies that pushed me around then.

I tried playing some JV football in High School but most of the equipment was too big for me. I wore shoes about 2-3 sizes to big and got pushed around a lot until I quick. Basketball? yeah, right. We didn't have wrestling or mens gymnastics in our school back then otherwise I may have been okay at them.

Bodybuilding was finally a "sport" I could excell at because of my size. Standing next to someone who weighed the same as me but was 5" taller finally gave me an advantage!

The shorter limbs and torso also help in the basic movements (squats, deads, and bench) as taller guys struggle with these more.

Having accomplished success on the bodybuilding stage allows people to finally look up to me....

nuff said...

StressMonkey · 12-17-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

hehehe. I always get the funniest looks when I'm eying the pullup bar before pullups, it takes a bit of concentration to jump up those 8 inches and grab hold. A couple of weeks ago I did this with my hook straps on, great set, but then I realized at the end of the set that I had no way to get back down. I had to a shimmy to the end of the bar till I only had 1 hook on and kind of slide off the end, not very graceful to say the least.

That's funny! I remember the first time (not that long ago) I jumped up and grabbed the handles for doing pull ups. They're *really* high up. I wasn't even sure if I could do it. I was thinking I was going to miss and look like a buffoon.

I felt pretty silly later when I realized the station I do dips on has the same type of handles that I can easily get to when I step up on the sides of the station. duh!

BIG GUNNS · 12-17-2007, 11:03 PM

At my height I was most often the shortest in any school class I was in all the way to college . I will honestly say it never bothered me one bit .But if I ever was around another guy who was shorter .I would always make mention to my friends "man I tower over him " and "dont they have a height mininum around here". But I do notice at my work place many of our bosses and employees that are taken and groomed to higher positions are all 6' or more. Not many my size bossing any one around.

But with that said I would never change anything about my appearance .Ive enjoyed my height in all phases of my life. Also my wife and I (4' 10") have plenty of room to romp around on our king bed.

Bando · 12-18-2007, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG GUNNS

I do notice at my work place many of our bosses and employees that are taken and groomed to higher positions are all 6' or more....

I've always noticed this - I hear of people being promoted and I think "of course, he's tall with good hair..."

ntrllftr · 12-18-2007, 04:56 AM

Shut up shorty!

Oh sh*t I'm short too...

samori · 12-18-2007, 05:18 AM

Been 5'4" since soph in HS. Never really bothered me. The short jokes- italian jokes- new jersey jokes... I'm immune to being sensitive.
True that I feel my height and some good genetics have helped me improve my appearence much quicker than the lanky guys.

-- But on the same note a beer gut on a 5'4" frame may show up pretty well too

djl_ottawa · 12-18-2007, 05:22 AM

like my wife says "height means nothing in bed. Only action does"

CapitalJay · 12-18-2007, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

I've always noticed this - I hear of people being promoted and I think "of course, he's tall with good hair..."

Heightism is real, but often overlooked (pun intended). Sucks, but there isn't much that can be done about it. Unless you're short enough to be a dwarf, you're sort of considered exempt from any sort of discrimination. My take on it has always been that we create our own barriers. If I'm held back because I'm shorter than the next guy, I'm going to work harder than him.

someday · 12-18-2007, 06:40 AM

when we go to some of the big shows and see a guys that are almost as wide as they are tall i think it's very cool!

that being said, i'm 5' 6.5" without heels on, so i tend to be attracted to taller men. hubby is 6' 1", so we are height and weight proportionate.... i think most people are the same in general.

Most Muscular · 12-18-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djl_ottawa

like my wife says "height means nothing in bed. Only action does"

I found a Genie in a bottle and he gave me one wish.... I asked that my dick would touch the ground... so he gave me short legs. <drum roll>

nuff said...

dswole · 12-18-2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

I was just watching a Sopranos episode where Tony just dwarfs one of his henchmen. It made me think - for maybe the second time in my life, how short I am. Guys that are 6ft+ seem to get a lot of respect, simply because they are tall.

I remember in HS when I fought a 6.2 lineman and really did a number on his face, people treated me like I was some kind of superhero for fighting a guy that big. I remember him going out of his way to say to me he would not tangle with me again.

As I've matured, I guess I'm starting to realize that I am shorter than most BB'ers. I wont get taller, only wider. It's nice that I can build faster, and proportionally look better faster than your average string bean.

I'm not complaining, I love the body God gave me, and I treat it like a temple, always perfecting, sculpting, defining.

What do you think about the shorty? The guy who will never be "The Oak" magnificent on the stage? The guy who didn't/doesn't realize he was/is to small to really stand out?

finally someone i can relate to, but i kinda figured out a way to get some respect, its all a matter of how you hold yourself, some people always going to try you because you're short, even when you're swole- just because they are standing over you means nothing, you can be as BAD as you want to, i just let them know the first time they try me, i wont hesitate to break their face, and if they wont let up then i guess they do need their face broken, anger is sometimes a good tool if you know how to guide it, and as far as being on stage goes- you have to make yourself stand out, F*ck the line up, i'll step out and let my presence be felt, thats why lee never won olympia, even though he is a stand up dude he still could have done more, F*ck the giants shorties run this Sh*T!!!!

grtrat1 · 12-18-2007, 09:43 AM

Im 5'9" and my height has never been a problem. Even when I was in junior high I was the shortest kid on the football team (by alot). But I was the star fullback and nose guard. I was short and stocky. My nickname was "porky" to all the "tall/thin guys". I didnt start really growing till about 14. Gawd I hated the voice change time.

oldsuperman · 12-18-2007, 10:34 AM

My Dad is a feisty 5'7".... maybe! I'm 6' if I really really stretch and my not so little brother is 6'3". Mom is 5'4". Hmmmm. I've got my dads eyes, ears, and torso, otherwise, I'd wonder bout mom! LOL ed

BTW Lee Priest is 5'4" I think, and he's huge!!!!