"Gifted" bodybuilders actually inefficient?

[VRider]

Here's a thought for you:

Do the most "genetically gifted" bodybuilders actually have the least efficient muscle bio-mechanics?

The theory is that, in general, our bodies are designed to stay as lightweight as possible (energy efficient) while increasing size and weight only enough to respond to consistent strength demands. This was a big benefit to our neandethal ancestors, since food was harder to come by and speed and agility were more in demand than pure strength. Therefore by maintaining a "small is better" bias, our bodies were minimizing our need for food and increasing our chances of survival.

(Note: the tendency these days for people to be fat is not our "natural" state. It is due to our "civilization", i.e. and overabundance of processed, simple carbohydrates not found in our once natural environment, and lack of the physical demands that once determined our survival)

Therefore, those people who have a pre-disposition to put on a lot of muscle mass (which requires more food/energy to maintain) in response to consistent strength demands are actually "inefficient" (from a purely survival standpoint). Those who had strength, but not as much size (likley due to efficient muscle attachments and muscle/nerve development) were actually the ones who had the best chance at survival.

So, those of us who are "hard-gainers" can take solace in the fact that at one time we are actually the "genetically superior ones.

Then again, maybe not.

 

[The_Eviscerator]

Vrider, In many ways you are correct. Civilization has consistently gone through famines and lean times, so being 4% bodyfat would not be a smart or desirable thing. Only recently do people have an excess of food and optimum nutrition.

A great example of this in action is the Pima Indians of Arizona. These people were perennial desert dwellers and their metabolism is very slow. Now that these people have access to the normal everyday foods of the American Diet we see a huge incedence of diabetes, obesity and general unhealthiness.

One thing I notice too with those who put muscle mass on easily is that for the look of their muscles, their strength is not equal. I see guys with nice bicep peaks and they are horribly weak on curls etc. My biceps are longer and apparently more efficient at lifting a heavier weight. Unfortunately, my arms would look to be the weaker of the two due to the lack of peak.

Oh well, we can't have it all.