Male-Female Strength/Wrestling Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative strength of males and females, particularly in the context of wrestling and arm wrestling. Participants share personal experiences and observations regarding strength dynamics, physical fitness, and the impact of puberty on strength. The conversation includes anecdotal evidence and reflections on gender differences in strength and skill.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experiences

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants share personal experiences where women have surprised men with their strength in wrestling or arm wrestling.
  • One participant notes that strength can vary significantly based on individual fitness levels and lifestyle choices.
  • Another participant mentions that while girls may have disadvantages in strength, technique and skill can allow them to perform well in wrestling competitions.
  • There are observations about the impact of puberty on strength, with some suggesting that girls may be stronger than boys of the same size before boys undergo puberty.
  • Some participants argue that men are generally stronger than women due to biological factors, while others emphasize that skill and technique can outweigh raw strength.
  • Concerns about how societal perceptions and expectations influence attitudes toward competing against women in strength-related activities are raised.
  • One participant reflects on their experience of feeling overpowered by a younger sibling after they grew larger and stronger.
  • There are comments about the role of balance, flexibility, and agility in wrestling, suggesting that these attributes can benefit female wrestlers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the comparative strength of males and females. While some assert that men are generally stronger, others highlight instances where women have demonstrated equal or greater strength. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that individual experiences and fitness levels significantly influence perceptions of strength, and there are references to the effects of puberty on physical development. The discussion includes anecdotal evidence that may not be representative of broader trends.

  • #31
The necessity for wrestling comes up a lot in our family, especially on pay day. I used to wrestle in High School, so I know some of the good moves. My wife got her knowledge of wrestling from watching the WWF. I don't watch wrestling on TV so I haven't kept up to date with the new techniques. For instance, bashing your opponent over the head with a chair was not one of the holds I used back in the day, so she has the advantage there. On the other hand, she moves rather slowly. In the time it takes her to set up a piledriver powerslam chokeslam combination, I could have pinned the entire opposing team and a couple of their cheerleaders to boot. Ever the gentleman, I always let her win. Then I let her drive me to the hospital.
 
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  • #32
jimmysnyder said:
For instance, bashing your opponent over the head with a chair was not one of the holds I used back in the day, so she has the advantage there.

You're supposed to keep a capsule of blood tucked in your cheek so you can bite down on it and look like you're bleeding. If you actually bleed that's really bad form. Points off for you.

Also don't forget you're supposed to keep a bottle cap tucked in your waist band to bring out and rake across her face whenever the referee is looking away. Always a fan favorite.
 
  • #33
CaptainQuasar said:
In regards to strength stuff, here is a woman lifting weight equal to her own body weight for fifteen reps:

Quicktime, Windows Media

I don't know how relevant this kind of strength would be to wrestling but even when I was in better shape (weighed less than I do now and did more weightlifting) I would never have come even remotely close to being able to do anything like this.


ha, i can't do that. most i ever did was about half my weight with a sandbag for 5 or 10. if you work your way up to it, though, you will be a beast. it's not simply a butt and legs exercise. forget inflatable balls, this is the ultimate core developer. you will have obliques and abs and serrati from hell.

but in general, stay away from crossfit theology. they push too much randomness instead of focusing on conquering specific exercises like she did.
 
  • #34
Proton Soup said:
ha, i can't do that. most i ever did was about half my weight with a sandbag for 5 or 10. if you work your way up to it, though, you will be a beast. it's not simply a butt and legs exercise. forget inflatable balls, this is the ultimate core developer. you will have obliques and abs and serrati from hell.

but in general, stay away from crossfit theology. they push too much randomness instead of focusing on conquering specific exercises like she did.

I actually don't know what Crossfit is, someone posted that on another board when feats of strength were being discussed. But I'll keep that in mind, thanks for the warning.
 
  • #35
CaptainQuasar said:
I actually don't know what Crossfit is, someone posted that on another board when feats of strength were being discussed. But I'll keep that in mind, thanks for the warning.


it's not all bad, but just do a google for crossfit rhabdo to get an idea of where the craziness can lead.
 
  • #36
  • #38
CaptainQuasar said:
In regards to strength stuff, here is a woman lifting weight equal to her own body weight for fifteen reps:

Quicktime, Windows Media

I don't know how relevant this kind of strength would be to wrestling but even when I was in better shape (weighed less than I do now and did more weightlifting) I would never have come even remotely close to being able to do anything like this.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnE6dh3nOCM&feature=related

And here is a guy bench pressing 1080 pounds. I think it is safe for me to say without being sexist that it will be impossible for any woman to ever bench press that much, their bodies simply aren't built the way like a man's is.


Here is a guy benching 585 lbs (which is probably more than double his weight) 22 times

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fPaZLJcwQc&feature=related

(doesn't really get the full range of motion, but he still is benching it like it is nothing)
 
  • #39
gravenewworld said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnE6dh3nOCM&feature=related

And here is a guy bench pressing 1080 pounds. I think it is safe for me to say without being sexist that it will be impossible for any woman to ever bench press that much, their bodies simply aren't built the way like a man's is.


Here is a guy benching 585 lbs (which is probably more than double his weight) 22 times

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fPaZLJcwQc&feature=related

(doesn't really get the full range of motion, but he still is benching it like it is nothing)

the first one, that guy is certainly a great athlete and genetically gifted, but he's also full of steroids and using a "bench shirt" that provides a good deal of elastic rebound to get the weight off the chest.

the second one is from the "Arnold" exhibition, and the plates are fake.
 
  • #40
gravenewworld said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnE6dh3nOCM&feature=related

And here is a guy bench pressing 1080 pounds. I think it is safe for me to say without being sexist that it will be impossible for any woman to ever bench press that much, their bodies simply aren't built the way like a man's is.

Oh yeah, no question that men have far greater potential in terms of the absolute poundage they can handle. No worries that some chick is going to outdo Magnús Ver Magnússon or something. (Did anyone see his cameos on The Daily Show? Awesome.)

My thought was more along the lines of, can a woman who is at that peak of physical strength, if you figure that's the top 1% or 2% of all women, and assuming that she knows the basics of wrestling and has the right reflexes, can she be expected to beat something like 70% or 80% or 90% of men? I don't know enough about wrestling and how important strength is to know.
 
  • #41
CaptainQuasar said:
I don't know enough about wrestling and how important strength is to know.

I wonder how much center of gravity would make a difference in wrestling? Perhaps a lower center of gravity would give women a slight advantage?
 
  • #42
CaptainQuasar said:
In regards to strength stuff, here is a woman lifting weight equal to her own body weight for fifteen reps:

Quicktime, Windows Media

I don't know how relevant this kind of strength would be to wrestling but even when I was in better shape (weighed less than I do now and did more weightlifting) I would never have come even remotely close to being able to do anything like this.


She's going to regret those locked elbows some day. If you're going to lift that sort of weight, learn to do it right...and safely.

I could probably lift HER body weight (she looks pretty petite :biggrin:). I'm not sure I could ever lift my own body weight...the stronger I get, the heavier I am, so I don't think I could ever catch up. I can drag my body weight (that's how much the sheep I work with weigh, and I can drag them a few feet), and I can flip over an adult male dead weight (um...really dead), and I know I can lift at least 80 lb bags of feed from the floor to waist height. I'm not sure I could lift that over my head though, nor do I want to try.
 
  • #43
Ah, well, if I ever meet you in person I think I'll refrain from wrestling you. http://www.runemasterstudios.com/graemlins/images/bolt.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #44
Moonbear said:
I wonder how much center of gravity would make a difference in wrestling? Perhaps a lower center of gravity would give women a slight advantage?

It depends on the style of wrestling. There's a pretty huge variety out there.

Superior technique and timing can overcome size and strength advantages in most forms of wrestling. The MMA circuits have a number of 'giant' guys that regularly get beaten by guys that are much smaller than they are. Naturally, other things being equal, size and strength can win out.
 
  • #45
I read your post and decided to experiment myself. I went out and wrestled a 9 year old girl, she didn't stand a chance. If fact last time I checked she's still where I left her.

Thanks,
Neu
 
  • #46
Yes of course and I agree you are not very strong for a male or female but that isn't a bad thing. My boyfriend of almost 2 years is shorter and Far weaker than I am and we find it to be most enjoyable, especially when wrestling or... ;) in bed. If you enjoy it have fun with it there is nothing wrong with it! Please feel free to blush, us strong girls love to make guys blush. ;)
Amy
 
  • #47
hikepoet said:
Hi, I'm interested in hearing honest opinions/experiences on male versus female strength. As a perhaps below-average strength guy (150 lbs, can bench 70 lbs ten times at most) I've often found women stronger than me, and many have pinned me in friendly wrestles. Wondering if men or women on this list have experiences to share, I'm curious if women often surprise their male friends or mates by being stronger. Thanks, Kevin

well if you talk only about wrestling than a more experienced female wrestler(assuming she is the same weight as you are)can pin a you as embarrassing as this may sound but it's true because wrestling is not all about strength as for functional strength women can be stronger than a man if she works out every day,lifts weights and stuff like that but only thing i prefer women to stay in the kitchen only and let the men pump some iron.

But generally speaking men ARE stronger than women not always though.
 
  • #48
heh, feeling kinda dumb here. i just realized the OP probably had a fetish for this.
 
  • #50
edward said:
Women have more muscle attached to the pelvic area than men do.

well..., they should have more muscles in that place if you know what i mean:-p
 
  • #51
FizixFreak said:
well..., they should have more muscles in that place if you know what i mean:-p


They should when that whole structure is flooded with Elastin... and... yeah ouch.

@Proton Soup: JUST?! :wink:

So... if I gather this correctly, we're ignoring joint-locks, vascular and nerve strikes, and that kind of thing right? I mean, if I'm wrestling with a woman who's been learning how to strike my brachial plexus with her pinky toe, I'm doomed even if she's a pixie. By the same token, give her a gun and the same outcome arises. To be meaningful, this would have to be, "of equal size, skill, and cardiovascular fitness", and then gender is really not the issue.
 
  • #52
nismaratwork said:
They should when that whole structure is flooded with Elastin... and... yeah ouch.

@Proton Soup: JUST?! :wink:

So... if I gather this correctly, we're ignoring joint-locks, vascular and nerve strikes, and that kind of thing right? I mean, if I'm wrestling with a woman who's been learning how to strike my brachial plexus with her pinky toe, I'm doomed even if she's a pixie. By the same token, give her a gun and the same outcome arises. To be meaningful, this would have to be, "of equal size, skill, and cardiovascular fitness", and then gender is really not the issue.

well, you know, i think it's fun for its own sake. i just don't remember catching the schmoe aspect of the OP before.

do some bridges, build a neck, protect your nerves.

yeah, women simply never match men on any show of strength, regardless of pelvic surface area. if they did, there would be no need for separate track events.
 
  • #53
Proton Soup said:
well, you know, i think it's fun for its own sake. i just don't remember catching the schmoe aspect of the OP before.

do some bridges, build a neck, protect your nerves.

yeah, women simply never match men on any show of strength, regardless of pelvic surface area. if they did, there would be no need for separate track events.

Agreed... although if anyone ever asks me to bridge again I'll smack 'em! I wrestled in grade and early high school... I've bridged and sprawled so much if you clap the right way I hit the deck. :-p

edit: From that experience, I've been on both sides of about 40 POUNDS weight difference, and not due to muscular fitness. When I was the one with the extra weight, I won, but only because of greater experience. Yeah, it's great to use that weight and smother the other contestant, but if they're lean and quick it's not easy to get INTO that position. When I was the slimmer one, I won again, but ONLY because I'm wide-framed and this guy was the original ectomorph, and it wasn't pretty.
 
  • #54
Have you ever wrestled a two-year-old? When trying to hold on to them, they put up quite a fight. Just ask their Mom or Dad.
 
  • #55
Loren Booda said:
Have you ever wrestled a two-year-old? When trying to hold on to them, they put up quite a fight. Just ask their Mom or Dad.

Yeah, um, I know what you mean... HOWEVER, that could really be taken the wrong way!
:bugeye:
 
  • #56
nismaratwork said:
Yeah, um, I know what you mean... HOWEVER, that could really be taken the wrong way!
:bugeye:

Yikes!
 
  • #57
lisab said:
Yikes!

It's the joy of looking at things from as many angles as possible by habit. :cry: Certainly Booda didn't mean it that way, and I know it!
 
  • #58
nismaratwork said:
It's the joy of looking at things from as many angles as possible by habit. :cry: Certainly Booda didn't mean it that way, and I know it!

:smile:

Actually, more difficult than wrestling a 2-year-old: getting them into their PJs when they don't want to cooperate!
 
  • #59
lisab said:
:smile:

Actually, more difficult than wrestling a 2-year-old: getting them into their PJs when they don't want to cooperate!

:smile:

My mother still delights in reminding me of the time she spent trying to get my shoes/booties/pajamas on. Apparantly I wouldn't wrestle, I'd just flex my feet... man I was a little **** even then!

I have no real experience with clothing kids that young, but I was a camp counselor for 2 years, with the age group being about 6-7. Like herding chickens... fortunately kids and animals seem to like me, and I'm a big tall guy so they ended up using me as jungle-gym. I distinctly remember, through the fog of memory... walking around the "drop-off" area with one kid on each limb with an absolute death-grip. :rolleyes: Good kids though, although as a teen myself it was a little harrowing.

edit: Oh, and they were PLENTY strong. I let them on, but they were the ones who let ME go. :smile:
 
  • #60
Between the ages of 11 and 17 I was assistant and then head of my 11 a.m. church nursery, for an hour or so on Sundays while the parents were in the sanctuary. It was better than listening to a liberal sermon. The kids I oversaw with a helper were anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 years, and boy, could some wriggle!
 

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