Tall people need to train differently??

[Kid Dynamite]

I'm 6'7'' and I've heard in a few places that taller people needed to train differently than shorter people due to muscle/bone length, etc. Sounds odd, wouldn't think there's a big enough difference to require different training methods. I notice that I can never push as many pounds on a bar as guys with shorter arms, but in terms of real world strength I can hang. Anyway, if you know anything about this, lemme know. -kD

 

[needsize]

All it means is that you have a longer range of motion than most, so yes you wont be able to lift as much, but greater range of motion generally means more muscle fibre stimulation which in turn means more growth. For example, I have the long arms of a monkey, which means I've always had trouble benching a lot of weight, but the range of motion has given me a much bigger and thicker chest than most guys that bench way more than I do. So to make a long answer even longer, no, you shouldn't have to train any different, just don't stress about how much is on the bar

 

[Kid Dynamite]

Makes sense. Greater range of motion giving more time under tension, sounds good. I have extremely long arms, too.

 

[Greek Freak]

www.testosterone.net had an article on exercises that are better for taller guys. I think it ran 2-3 weeks ago so check out the previous issues.

 

[Lord_Suston]

The only differenc is the from taller people need to use. Most people who are tall use less weight in the beginning, but if they learn how to use ful range of motion they gain quickly. so just lift with good form and fll range of motion and you will grow easily....

 

[Hengst]

the laws of physics really come into play here...... A tall person needs to work harder than a shorter guy to achieve the same results.

work= distance x mass (or something like that)

for example, it takes a taller guy more work to move the same amount of weight as the small guy because the weights have to travel a greater distance.

This was really frustrating to me in the beginning. I would see these short fuckers get beefy in what seemed like no time.

Only when I accepted the fact that I, as a tall guy, would ALWAYS have to work harder than the short guys, then I started to grow. It took more dedication but it payed off. I have a long way to go yet as I need to carry between 260 and 280lbs on my frame to have the same proportions as those 5-8 inch "monsters". At 6'4 and hovering between 215 and 220 I still look skinny. (BTW - I was 165lbs when I started lifting and it took 4 years to gain 40lbs naturally. and I'm quite proud of that accomplishment. Goes to show that even tall skinny guys CAN do it, it just takes more work.... grrrrr

Not fair but the reality.

 

[Hengst]

The only differenc is the from taller people need to use. Most people who are tall use less weight in the beginning, but if they learn how to use ful range of motion they gain quickly. so just lift with good form and fll range of motion and you will grow easily....

You are absolutely right on about this. For us tall guys FORM is paramount.

 

[mekannik]

http://www.testosterone.net/articles/157body.html

Body Type and Training Strategy
An observational analysis
by Charles Staley


Basically the article breaks down Trunk/Thigh/Lower Leg into length classes and the more appropriate training methodology.

I still employ full range of motion (6'2") which limits my bench weight - but using some more explosive movements has definately helped my strength and gains.

Good read.

 

[bigdelt69]

yea and chics dig tall well built guys.

 

[erickthegreat11]

Physics goes much deeper when you're talking strength and the human body. You have to consider tendon insertion points, muscle length (longer muscle is stronger), etc. You can't make a generalization that a shorter person gets stronger more easily b/c they're short.