Being short discourages me from lifting...

[GenericDude]

Hi. Nice to meet y'all, I haven't been feeling so motivated lately. I'm only 5' 7" and I weigh 132 lbs. I have a friend who's 6' 1" and 174 lbs, he may not be big for his height but he's a lot stronger than me. He lifts 35 lbs dumbbells while I can only work with 15 lbs, 20 at the most. I can get in shape but I can't control my height, doesn't help that I have a small frame as an ectomorph. I heard that short people are usually weaker, because they carry less muscle mass compared to a tall person. How strong can a 5' 7"-8" guy get based off of that?

[etet1919]

Hi. Nice to meet y'all, I haven't been feeling so motivated lately. I'm only 5' 7" and I weigh 132 lbs. I have a friend who's 6' 1" and 174 lbs, he may not be big for his height but he's a lot stronger than me. He lifts 35 lbs dumbbells while I can only work with 15 lbs, 20 at the most. I can get in shape but I can't control my height, doesn't help that I have a small frame as an ectomorph. I heard that short people are usually weaker, because they carry less muscle mass compared to a tall person. How strong can a 5' 7"-8" guy get based off of that?

First of all, you're more like "average" height for a guy; I know some very powerful and good-looking men...and they are shorter than you!! Don't compare yourself to your friend, and he should be supportive of you, as well. You have your own unique talents. Short people are not weaker, nor do they have less capacity to build muscle mass or absolute strength. In fact, having shorter legs MAY give you some good leverage when it comes to heavy leg pressing or deadlifting.....but you have to start at the beginning and work your way up first!! If I thought the way you did, I would never have deadlifted over 280lbs, squatted 240 lbs. or benched 150 1bs., as a natural 5'0" 110 lb. female BB!! My point is, your height (or frame) won't hold you back. You have to test your athletic abilities, physical power and mental fortitude....and you'll do just fine!! Pick a program like Fierce 5...or any that catches your interest (from the workout program section stickies)...and stay consistent! Good luck!

[Natty1980]

Why are you overthinking about something you cannot change?
Lift weights just if you like it, don't compare yourself to your friends and aim to improve yourself.
I am shorter than you and bigger and stronger than many other taller guys by the way... height stopped being my concern after the teenage. You just need more self-confidence and lifting weights can definitely improve it.

[backinthegymbro]

If you wanna see how strong a short person can be, look up franco columbu, dude was a beast.

That said, who cares how much weight you can lift? Unless you plan to become a powerlifer, all that matters is how you end up looking.
Most people go to the gym to create a nice body, not for bragging rights about how much they can bench. No woman will care about your personal lifting records.

Finally, yeah you can't change height but you can change your body. If becoming muscular/fit will help your body look better, then why wouldn't you?
Unless you just want to give up on life because you're 5ft7. If that's the case then don't bother.
But for your information, mark wahlberg is 5ft8 and people loved his body. You think that 1 inch makes the difference? Or was it the fact that he looked great when he lifted and was a model for calvin klein?

[etet1919]

If you wanna see how strong a short person can be, look up franco columbu, dude was a beast.

That said, who cares how much weight you can lift? Unless you plan to become a powerlifer, all that matters is how you end up looking.
Most people go to the gym to create a nice body, not for bragging rights about how much they can bench. No woman will care about your personal lifting records.

Finally, yeah you can't change height but you can change your body. If becoming muscular/fit will help your body look better, then why wouldn't you?
Unless you just want to give up on life because you're 5ft7. If that's the case then don't bother.
But for your information, mark wahlberg is 5ft8 and people loved his body. You think that 1 inch makes the difference? Or was it the fact that he looked great when he lifted and was a model for calvin klein?

I bet his lifting "stats" (numbers) are impressive too. Being strong IS important....I hate when people knock physical or mental strength. It's all interwoven anyway....some people fail to understand this. I feel much more confident when I'm physically stronger- believing that, God forbid, if I had to defend myself or my loved ones (some cannot), I might have a "fighting" chance. I can't rely on a man to be there all the time. And I am genuinely impressed with people who have an athletic gift and natural physical power.

[etet1919]

Seriously?? Not one person is going to encourage a woman to be as strong as she could possibly get? Because strength IS a great reason and motivator to train? Alrighty.......I tell MYSELF.

[Natty1980]

I bet his lifting "stats" (numbers) are impressive too. Being strong IS important....I hate when people knock physical or mental strength. It's all interwoven anyway....some people fail to understand this. I feel much more confident when I'm physically stronger- believing that, God forbid, if I had to defend myself or my loved ones (some cannot), I might have a "fighting" chance. I can't rely on a man to be there all the time. And I am genuinely impressed with people who have an athletic gift and natural physical power.

If you have to defend yourself on the street, muscles are of little use if you don't know how to use them... you'd better learn krav maga or MMA.
Or buy a gun

[SeniorGainz99]

Hi. Nice to meet y'all, I haven't been feeling so motivated lately. I'm only 5' 7" and I weigh 132 lbs. I have a friend who's 6' 1" and 174 lbs, he may not be big for his height but he's a lot stronger than me. He lifts 35 lbs dumbbells while I can only work with 15 lbs, 20 at the most. I can get in shape but I can't control my height, doesn't help that I have a small frame as an ectomorph. I heard that short people are usually weaker, because they carry less muscle mass compared to a tall person. How strong can a 5' 7"-8" guy get based off of that?

bruh, 5' 7'' is only a tad below average. i think average height is like 5' 10'' homie. regardless.. im 5' 7 1/2' (that half matters to me LOL) and im 180lbs. My max on bench is 315, Squat 335, and i dont really know how much i deadlift. haven't done more than 225. been lifting for form mostly. but yea bro, shorter guys tend to look more jacked/stocky. its a blessing in disguise. now stop bitching and go lift heavy things and put them back down. (also, for your friends size, he's weak af.)

[etet1919]

If you have to defend yourself on the street, muscles are of little use if you don't know how to use them... you'd better learn krav maga or MMA.
Or buy a gun

I carry mace. Body language works well "on the streets." Common sense works preventively, obviously. You bring up a great point...but not for a middle aged BB looking to protect their joint health as much as possible (continuously striking a heavy bag, or even mitts...). Isn't the opposite true, as well? You can learn the techniques, but if you have no power behind them....what's going to save you?

[Natty1980]

Running
Well, if you know where to hit and you're quick enough, your hits don't need much power to incapacitate the opponent.

[etet1919]

Running
Well, if you know where to hit and you're quick enough, your hits don't need much power to incapacitate the opponent.

When I'm taking my elderly mother and young, but physically handicapped sister out, "running" won't help us here...not to be a smart ass..lol.

Otherwise, perfect! See, that's one reason why people should encourage women to train for strength/power. Sprinting and leg power, and not just donkey presses (or whatever they're called). However, a lot of the time I am there to "protect" my elderly mom and young, but physically handicapped sister.

Still though, the thug is ALMOST always going to sprint faster.....unless he's on something I'm not sure I could mention.

[asrl78]

When I'm taking my elderly mother and young, but physically handicapped sister out, "running" won't help us here...not to be a smart ass..lol.

Otherwise, perfect! See, that's one reason why people should encourage women to train for strength/power. Sprinting and leg power, and not just donkey presses (or whatever they're called). However, a lot of the time I am there to "protect" my elderly mom and young, but physically handicapped sister.

Still though, the thug is ALMOST always going to sprint faster.....unless he's on something I'm not sure I could mention.

I had a dodgy incident last Friday evening. I was walking with my bicycle through the town centre along an unlit pedestrianised street (heading for my gym). I passed a group of men who had clearly been drinking (my town has plenty on a Friday evening) and ignored them, but then one of them approached me from behind, I couldn't make out what he was doing, but he was invading my personal space, so instinctively whipped round and thumped him, in a sort of "get back" manner. Unfortunately to turn 180 degrees and thump someone whilst wheeling a bicycle requires more skill than I have, and I ended up tripping over the bicycle and down on the floor, much to the amusement of the tanked up group of men. That did have the effect of diffusing a potentially hostile situation, but in one sense I feel I was fortunate not to get my face smashed in. Next time I feel the need to thump someone, I'll drop the bike first.

[etet1919]

I had a dodgy incident last Friday evening. I was walking with my bicycle through the town centre along an unlit pedestrianised street (heading for my gym). I passed a group of men who had clearly been drinking (my town has plenty on a Friday evening) and ignored them, but then one of them approached me from behind, I couldn't make out what he was doing, but he was invading my personal space, so instinctively whipped round and thumped him, in a sort of "get back" manner. Unfortunately to turn 180 degrees and thump someone whilst wheeling a bicycle requires more skill than I have, and I ended up tripping over the bicycle and down on the floor, much to the amusement of the tanked up group of men. That did have the effect of diffusing a potentially hostile situation, but in one sense I feel I was fortunate not to get my face smashed in. Next time I feel the need to thump someone, I'll drop the bike first.

I'm glad you didn't get hurt. You said he came up from behind, too close to you. Well, you reacted and luckily they decided to leave you alone. I hate to sound paranoid, but I feel you always have to be aware of your surroundings and be alert...not texting while you're walking or looking like you're in lala land. Thugs pick up on "non-confident" or "inattentive" body language and behavior. Maybe avoid that poorly lit street? How's your back?

[grubman]

Hi. Nice to meet y'all, I haven't been feeling so motivated lately. I'm only 5' 7" and I weigh 132 lbs. I have a friend who's 6' 1" and 174 lbs, he may not be big for his height but he's a lot stronger than me. He lifts 35 lbs dumbbells while I can only work with 15 lbs, 20 at the most. I can get in shape but I can't control my height, doesn't help that I have a small frame as an ectomorph. I heard that short people are usually weaker, because they carry less muscle mass compared to a tall person. How strong can a 5' 7"-8" guy get based off of that?

Well...I’m 5’7”, small frame, started at about 142 (you can look at my before pic). Gained about 25 pounds of muscle with hard work and lots of food (and I’m guessing I’m much older than you).

If it makes you feel better, when if comes to bodybuilding, being “short” is an advantage. Shorter guys fill out faster and easier. If I was 6 foot tall and gained 25 pounds of muscle, I’d just look average.

[ElrondHubbard]

The only way being short would discourage me from lifting is if I'd started out tall and lifting made my legs fall off.

[asrl78]

I'm glad you didn't get hurt. You said he came up from behind, too close to you. Well, you reacted and luckily they decided to leave you alone. I hate to sound paranoid, but I feel you always have to be aware of your surroundings and be alert...not texting while you're walking or looking like you're in lala land. Thugs pick up on "non-confident" or "inattentive" body language and behavior. Maybe avoid that poorly lit street? How's your back?

Don't worry about me, I do engage in spatial awareness, and never fiddle with a phone when walking around. I don't think they really meant any harm, one of them had just had one too many and was larking about. In future, I will probably just cycle on the road to get to the gym rather than walk alone through a dark town centre like a sitting duck.

My back seems pretty much ok, thanks. There is some residue of achiness when I am bent over at the hip, but any pain is very low and is dissipating with every passing day. I haven't been back to the gym since last Friday, and won't be going until Saturday when I have my first session with my trainer.

[Ordrin]

Don't worry about it. Don't compare yourself to others. Most people have something that makes them special, find yours and embrace it. And you are taller than me. I am 5'5", I am a T1 diabetic, I got really fat from going onto insulin when I first got sick 7 years ago. I went upto 278 lbs, and now I am down to 231 lbs. I have been going to the gym for about 18 months now, and now I can squat more than 90% of the people in my gym (286 lbs) - and most of them are at least a foot taller than me.

Focus on your goals and judge yourself by how aggressively you pursue them. Size does not make you great, effort makes you great. Celebrate effort. I grew a beard a year ago, and now I look like Gimli, and IMO I am the most badass short person in the gym.

Never be ashamed of who you are.

[etet1919]

Don't worry about me, I do engage in spatial awareness, and never fiddle with a phone when walking around. I don't think they really meant any harm, one of them had just had one too many and was larking about. In future, I will probably just cycle on the road to get to the gym rather than walk alone through a dark town centre like a sitting duck.

My back seems pretty much ok, thanks. There is some residue of achiness when I am bent over at the hip, but any pain is very low and is dissipating with every passing day. I haven't been back to the gym since last Friday, and won't be going until Saturday when I have my first session with my trainer.

We'll have to find a way to keep our discussions on this thread topic of " being short discourages my workouts"......lol. Do you happen to be vertically challenged? I am, but that had no negative impact for me in gaining muscle mass or strength. Simply being a woman would make it more challenging...lol. Anyway, I'm wishing you luck with your new trainer, and remember you're welcome to post "form check" videos of your compound lifts if you want second or third opinions...Keep up "active" recovery by walking, biking, hiking, jogging, gardening, etc.....in other words, stay physically active in whatever capacity you're able to this week. It might help prevent some muscle soreness for when you hit the weights again.

[asrl78]

We'll have to find a way to keep our discussions on this thread topic of " being short discourages my workouts"......lol. Do you happen to be vertically challenged? I am, but that had no negative impact for me in gaining muscle mass or strength. Simply being a woman would make it more challenging...lol. Anyway, I'm wishing you luck with your new trainer, and remember you're welcome to post "form check" videos of your compound lifts if you want second or third opinions...Keep up "active" recovery by walking, biking, hiking, jogging, gardening, etc.....in other words, stay physically active in whatever capacity you're able to this week. It might help prevent some muscle soreness for when you hit the weights again.

I'm 6' tall, so no, not vertically challenged, but being thin means I may look like a pushover, that is one reason for going to the gym, to bulk out a bit. I have found that lifting has improved my posture, standing upright, head up, chest out, shoulders back makes you look bigger and more confident.

[etet1919]

I'm 6' tall, so no, not vertically challenged, but being thin means I may look like a pushover, that is one reason for going to the gym, to bulk out a bit. I have found that lifting has improved my posture, standing upright, head up, chest out, shoulders back makes you look bigger and more confident.

Exactly. Body language says it all, whether you're tall or short, "skinny" or "overweight." The more confidence you're projecting on the street, the "less" likely some one scoping out a target will set their sights on you...But it does pay to "look strong/tough" and know some effective self defense and take cautious measures.

[INeedABetterOne]

5'7 isnt even too bad

But i know where you're coming from Opie feelsbadman

[Nanashi]

Hi. Nice to meet y'all, I haven't been feeling so motivated lately. I'm only 5' 7" and I weigh 132 lbs. I have a friend who's 6' 1" and 174 lbs, he may not be big for his height but he's a lot stronger than me. He lifts 35 lbs dumbbells while I can only work with 15 lbs, 20 at the most. I can get in shape but I can't control my height, doesn't help that I have a small frame as an ectomorph. I heard that short people are usually weaker, because they carry less muscle mass compared to a tall person. How strong can a 5' 7"-8" guy get based off of that?

1. You are untrained. Meaning that you are weak simply because you haven't worked out for strength. Work out for stregnth, you will become strong in 6 months.
2. 5' 8" its much easier to look very muscular in a photo than it is at a 6 foot 1. Just go look at natural body builders.



3. I am your height, though I'm over weight. I can tell you if you do a proper strength training program for 6 months you won't feel weak. It took more than a year, but my working weight on squats is now 315 pounds. I leg press 500 pounds. I am 100% sure I will hit a 200 pound bench press for working weight (i.e. 240 pounds 1 rep max).


4.My personal recommendation is Strong Lifts 5 x 5. It has a very nice app, is simple to follow and it has an aggressive progression scheme that is perfect for people who are untrained and need motivation. The progression is constant, fast and can really only be done by newbies. Because the progression is fast it keeps you motivated.

[MyronGainzzyz]

I think you need to get over your insecurity about your height OP. I'm 5'5- 160lbs and workout with a friend sometimes who is 6'1 and maybe 165-170 and I'm way stronger so you just need to keep working at it.

I feel like being short is a blessing for a good physique!

[MrCarrot]

Surely the taller you are, the more you need to fill out to look big.

With regards to strength, didn't a famous bodybuilder once say, "It's not how much you can lift, but how much it looks like you can lift." I've take comfort in this because honestly I'm quite weak. I'm always perplexed at how people smaller than me always seem to be able to bench or squat more than I can, but it really doesn't trouble me as long as I'm doing my best.

[drkstar00]

Two words:

Franco Columbu

[etet1919]

Surely the taller you are, the more you need to fill out to look big.

With regards to strength, didn't a famous bodybuilder once say, "It's not how much you can lift, but how much it looks like you can lift." I've take comfort in this because honestly I'm quite weak. I'm always perplexed at how people smaller than me always seem to be able to bench or squat more than I can, but it really doesn't trouble me as long as I'm doing my best.

Overall strength has nothing to do with height. It's more likely a mixture of training experience, genetics and consistency.

[GenericDude]

Man I just realised I haven't checked this thread in so long, I got really caught up in things. Anyway thank you everyone for the support and encouragement! You're all awesome and truly badass people!

[corbitron69]

6'8 here. Bummer on the deadlift for sure. And overhead press is comical, lol. #doworkson