"Nerd" vs. "Jock" Powerlifters

[Blenderate]

Something I've been thinking about lately: Powerlifters seem to be divided broadly into two groups, the "nerds" and the "jocks". Of course, not everybody fits neatly into either category. Most of us are a mix of the two.

The nerd powerlifter is characterized by analyzing every detail of his training and diet (sometimes over-analyzing), asking lots of questions, and employing cross-training. He tends to compete raw or in single-ply.

The jock powerlifter is characterized by answering every question about diet with "drink milk, eat more", every question about training with "stop overthinking everything and just lift heavy weights", misogynistic tendencies, and making fun of those weaker than him. He tends to compete in multi-ply.

Does anybody agree with my observations, or am I way off? If you do agree, which group would you consider yourself a part of? I think I'm about 95% nerd, 5% jock.

[LegosInMyEgos]

Something I've been thinking about lately: Powerlifters seem to be divided broadly into two groups, the "nerds" and the "jocks". Of course, not everybody fits neatly into either category. Most of us are a mix of the two.

The nerd powerlifter is characterized by analyzing every detail of his training and diet (sometimes over-analyzing), asking lots of questions, and employing cross-training. He tends to compete raw or in single-ply.

The jock powerlifter is characterized by answering every question about diet with "drink milk, eat more", every question about training with "stop overthinking everything and just lift heavy weights", misogynistic tendencies, and making fun of those weaker than him. He tends to compete in multi-ply.

Does anybody agree with my observations, or am I way off? If you do agree, which group would you consider yourself a part of? I think I'm about 95% nerd, 5% jock.

So if I go to a meet are the jocks gonna beat me up?

[TheLime]

I'm trying to be smarter than a nerd and stronger than a jock. Best of both worlds.

[sirwazzles]

I think this is a pretty good observation. I'd say I'm like 50/50, or maybe 60 nerd 40 jock. I analyze and am very critical towards every part of my training, diet, and recovery. I'm not sure what you mean by cross training, but if you mean like incorporating bodybuilding and powerlifting together, I do that too. I'm pretty sure I would only ever compete raw, maybe single ply. Most likely never multiply. However, I think a lot of people don't eat as much as they should, so I often prescribe that as a remedy (especially for beginners). I also think lifting is a mind game so when I workout I go in with a mind set that I'm gonna do what I set out to do.

[breathinglife]

So if I go to a meet are the jocks gonna beat me up?

If you tell them you're a vegetarian, yes.

[LegosInMyEgos]

If you tell them you're a vegetarian, yes.

U mad?



































































Yeah you mad

[Metal Jerk]

Well im an aspiring electrical engineer, does this make me a nerd?

[IronAbrams]

Pretty spot on observation. I'm nerd all the way.

[95whtgst]

definitely a nerd here - can't deny that

[Ka0s]

Definitely on the nerdier side of the spectrum here, I spend a lot of time trying to plan my training; just lifting heavy weights all the time = no progress for me. I don't pay much attention to diet however

[Drew23]

I am Jock, with nerd tendencies.

[Big Sexy J]

I am the same...about 95% nerd, 5% jock.

[DanielBeauchamp]

Maybe 70% nerd and 30% jock; just enough jock to not over-analyze my training, and enough nerd that I would prefer raw divisions. lol (also because it's pretty much the only thing I have a shot in)

[Newbtime]

being an extreme in either category will ensure you go no where/hurt your progress in one way or another.

[Nikonguy]

My personal experience with raw meets is that there are plenty of both types represented, I can't speak for equipped meets.

WhileI agree on the general "typecasting" of powerlifters as nerds or jocks I dissagree with the supposition that they gravitate to either raw or equipped lifting. That having been said, many forms of amateur athletics are prone to being divided up into the two categories presented by the OP.

(yes nerd)

[Entkommen115]

100% nerd.

[0verc0m3]

Well im an aspiring electrical engineer, does this make me a nerd?

I am on my way to an Electrical Engineering degree too actually, and would mostly consider myself to be a "nerd" of the sport.
However, I do think that the cure to most problems people have in the gym at early stages can be cured by more squatting and more milk.

[ChecksandGiggles]

Super-nerd

[skinnycalves]

Well, I was a jock and it eventually caused me to have an impingement, tender rotator cuff muscles, and general shoulder stability problems. Now I tend to be pedantic.

[ohltown]

I think I'm about 95% nerd, 5% jock.

So is it the nerd in you or the jock in you that gives roidz to cats?

[PumpinPaddy]

I somewhat agree, but I think the "jock" concept is more or less just a US thing, and there is a big difference between multi-ply feds/lifters in the US and Europe

[Darkwatcher759]

Ive noticed some goth powerlifters too. They have chains and wear black

[JacobRothenberg]

I'm a nerd that tries to fit in with all the cool jocks and spout off badass rhetoric. Maybe one day I will be capable of growing a decent beard...one day...

[rgarrison3]

I consider myself 90% jock 10% nerd, 10% of me cares about what I eat the rest says lift heavy!

[DanielBeauchamp]

Ive noticed some goth powerlifters too. They have chains and wear black

I was thinking of buying myself some black chucks and getting yellow shoe-laces for em. Would look pretty cool, IMO.

[Retardo-pex]

I tend to think of the jock lifters as the "hardcore" guys. Outside of lifting I'm a pretty big nerd, but I was a 3 season athlete in high school as well. I've never really needed death metal or a slap in the face to psych myself out, and I do like reading up on different typss of training or new science related to lifting.

I'm sure there is a lot of crossover between your definitions though.

[gbg]

Well, The powerlifter I know is quite the nerd, yet he answers to both, he over analyzes certain things yet agrees to just eat meat, drink milk and lift heavy.

I believe his answer to your question is 2 is not enough

[Cstreck]

I guess i would characterize my self as a "jock".
"The jock powerlifter is characterized by answering every question about diet with "drink milk, eat more", every question about training with "stop overthinking everything and just lift heavy weights"",.

I Mean this pretty much sums up my training philosophy.

[SwamFin]

Jocks made me dbol

Nerds made me give it to my cats

[Blenderate]

So is it the nerd in you or the jock in you that gives roidz to cats?

Jocks made me dbol

Nerds made me give it to my cats

Guys, I did not give drugs to any cats. I made one post several years ago speculating on what would happen. It was supposed to be amusing, not serious.