fat and leverage

[qbkilla]

I have read some posts on here where people talk about how fat or bloat helps with leverage when lifting heavy weights. How does this work? I have noticed when i was bigger/fatter, I was way stronger than I am now that I haev a leaner and less muscular physique. I also notice at the gym there are alot of big guys with huge waists who I look at and say "if they diet down would they even be any bigger than myself" who lift massive weights.

 

[gettnlarge01]

mine was just an energy difference. Eating clean all the time with a somewhat calorie restricted diet leaves me hungry all the time which hurts training.

 

[repmks]

mine was just an energy difference. Eating clean all the time with a somewhat calorie restricted diet leaves me hungry all the time which hurts training.

i agree i think it comes down to the energy. more food>more energy>more fat but fat doesnt move anything.

i am much leaner than i usually am yet i am the strongest i have ever been so fat loss has not affected my strength negatively.

 

[gelatine]

Intra-abdominal pressure. Fat is hugely more compressible than muscle, and you can get a lot more out of a belt and suit if you have a lot of fat to compress. It's like the difference between squatting with weak abs and strong abs, but even more pronounced with the stability and force generation allowed.

 

[michelin]

I'd be interested to hear what the prep guys, Alex, Phil, Shelby etc's take on this is?

 

[Ehren]

Interesting question. I agree with intra-abdominal pressure being the key (and in part, a shorter stroke for bench).

I was formerly 270lbs while throwing shot-put, now about 225 and the strength difference between the two weights is huge.

 

[Shelby]

A thicker midsection provides more stability for squats.
A thicker midsection also reduces the range of motion on bench press.
More fat / water also provides better cushioning for lifts and also shortens levers a bit, providing a mechanical advantage.

A thicker midsection usually makes it harder to deadlift though - my clients almost always see a strength increase in their deadlift as they lean out.