Black vs. White physique

[Hugh Gellatts]

Yeah, some Russian guys are monsters. I started lifting in the JCC, and they gave all the Russian's who had just moved to the US free membership. One interesting thing I learned was that in the Russian military they had simular pull-up requirments as the US military, but they had to be done with a overhand (not chin grip) with no body-swing at all. This one guy I trained with said in his unit the requirment was 20 strict full ROM pullups. Everyday, regardless of what I was working, this guy would make me do pullups, and only count the ones with no swing from a dead hang. This really sucked, but my back got wide fast.


also I think male members of any minority group tend find a sense of security in improving their bodies. The book "Muscletown USA" by John D. Fair talks about this alot (mainly in the context of York Barbell). I am Filipino and find it funny that a very disproportunate number of Filipino guys I know in the US are either into lifting weights, boxing/martial arts, or owning lots of handguns. It's almost as if there is a universal fear of being powerless or something.

 

[FlexManning]

A lot of interesting stuff in here. I wonder though, if selective breeding has nothing to do with it, then why do American blacks kick so much ass in sprinting events and not Kenyans?

 

[SonnyBlack]

Re: What a load of *&#@!%!!!!!

Wow, I haven't seen a thread this full of old wive's tales and misinformation in a while!

The "selective breeding" theory may have some truth in it, but notice at the Olympics African athletes (not just African Americans) excel in a wide variety of sports. There are, generally speaking, racial differences in muscle fiber make-up which account for the dominance of certain races in certain sports. East Africans, for example, with their high waists, long legs, and plentiful slow-twitch fibers dominate long distance running.

The descendants of most black Americans, however, came from West Africa, where different body types predominate -- this is why the USA doesn't kick ass in long distance running.

The biggest noticeable difference between blacks and whites is the absence in blacks of the subcutaneous fat layer that evolution provided whites (and Asians) to keep them warm in those long northern winters. This accounts for the "six pack" abs you see on black guys who don't even work out. Almost every white boy grows up in the U.S. amazed by the lean muscularity of his black schoolmates, and wondering what to do to look like that. But it isn't that they're more muscular, really. They're just naturally leaner.

That fat layer is especially persistant in Asians -- which is why so few Asians succeed in bodybuilding contests. Whites, having the fat layer as well, have a harder time cutting up than blacks.

Just so you non-black guys won't feel TOO bad, it's worth adding that even black athletes have genetic disadvantages in certain sports, which is easily seen by noticing sports that are NOT dominated by blacks, powerlifting for example.

But ever since the bodybuilding world decided that RIPPED TO THE BONE was the look to strive for, blacks have had a major advantage in contests.

I've heard the major magazine publishers have actually had meetings to figure out how to avoid bodybuilding becoming a sport that looks like it's for BLACKS ONLY. The mags keep an eye out for the next "great white hope" because they don't want white kids to get discouraged looking through the mags and seeing only black guys.

What about the good ole hispanic race..i noticed that you didnt mention them. How do they stand on the subcuntaneous layer of fat theory. Do they have as much as Whites oor Asians or more or less. Just curious

 

[Behemoth]

hmmmmmmm......very interesting....

Most of what I have read has been that those of African descent have better genetics than those that are fairer skinned.....

A little anecdotal information....when i was in jr high and was playing football...i noticed i was the biggest guy on the team ...when i went to high school again i was the biggest guy on the team.....i'm 6'2 296.

I dont think that you can simply make a blanket statement about the genetics of any race....and scientifically say that this is the way it is....

Kids are bigger now......all kids....milk does a body good....we know more about nutrition and exercise than ever before.....I think its up to the individual to make the most out of what's been given him.

I think these opinions about superior genetics are generated by some skinny white kid that does not have the heart to work with what he has and maximize his physique....

I think these opinions are generated by fat white guys sitting on a couch drinking a bud on sunday....they look for an excuse as to why they are watching instead of playing....

I think that these opinions are generated by individuals who should be giving credit to an athlete for his work ethic and the sweat and tears that were expended getting into the professional ranks.....not simply saying "it was his genetics"

It's a lousy explanation to say that its genetics.....I think it is just hard work.....

 

[Ercole]

Samoan strength

On a related note, I worked out in Hawaii once with a guy of Samoan background. He looked flabby and out-of-shape but when he started loading plates on the bench press, I couldn't believe it. Strongest mofo I'd ever seen.

I've read that Polynesians, Samoans, etc. are genetically the strongest race on earth, but since they carry that stubborn fat layer, they don't usually get far in bodybuilding.

One theory for the superior strength of Polynesians is that thousands of years of paddling boats from island to island favored the development of extreme upper body strength. Maybe it's true!

 

[Behemoth]

as far as being cut.....

correct me if im wrong ....if you have a good tan your muscles are more apparent....as opposed to being lily white.....

 

[Ercole]

Flexmanning, the answer to your sensible question about why Kenyans don't kick ass in sprints, is that they're East Africans, whereas nearly all U.S. blacks are descended from West Africans, whose genetics favor sprinting rather than long distance.

Africa's a very big continent; body and racial types there vary as much as they do from northern to southern Europe.

All this discussion, of course, is generalizing about tendencies in various groups. Obviously there are many individuals whose body types are totally different from "the general rule" for their race or background.

And to point out that a bodybuilder is blessed with good genetics doesn't in any way discount the importance of training, diet, rest, etc. The best genetics in the world won't get you anywhere without discipline, intelligence, and hard work.

 

[Ercole]

Hispanic race

Sonny Black, I haven't seen studies comparing Hispanics in this regard. It's probably because Hispanic can mean practically any racial type, if you speak Spanish. Latin Americans come in all sizes and colors, with genetic roots in Africa, Europe, and the New World (American Indian).

So I think it would be prety hard to generalize about Hispanics, since they are not really a race, but a mixture of races united by a common language and/or culture.

"Hispanic", like "American" can mean anything, racially speaking.

 

[ironone1]

Arnold & Franco Columbo still the best ever. I'm tired of Ronnie Coleman. They didn't have Synthol back in the 70's either. Besides it's really not something to debate publicly. Jimmy the Greek got fired rightfully so for opening up his dumb mouth.Do you want me to start a post that says most guys that end up in jail are black, and thats where all the violent crime is.

 

[Ercole]

"Do you want me to start a post that says most guys that end up in jail are black, and thats where all the violent crime is."

Dude, that is a stupid thing to say. Here we've having (by and large) a very respectful, scientific discussion and you have to drag racism into it.

Stating the obvious truth that people of certain backgrounds can have genetic advantages in certain sports IS NOT RACIST. Please.

Norwegians tend to be taller and paler than, say, Guatemalans. In order not to be racist, do we all have to pretend we don't notice things like that?

"Different" does not mean better or worse. God made people in all shapes, colors, and sizes. No one type is better than any other, but some types tend, as a general rule, to be better cut out for certain sports. That isn't racism. It's common sense.