# If you can't hold 200 lbs for 30 seconds... **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 24, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261 "2016-06-24T20:03:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Subterraneanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Subterraneanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterraneanus)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/181 "2016-06-26T19:20:32Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > “I think you’re a stupid meathead, so I will respond by threatening physical violence” > > that’s painfully immature, I really wish you could approach this conversation like an adult. I didn’t threaten anything or anyone, you dumb fucking stupid. I just called you an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/182 "2016-06-26T19:58:21Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > You don’t _need_ to carry 200 lbs, but having the musculature to do so is beneficial in everyday life and makes you much less likely to hurt yourself when doing normal day-to-day activities. The world would be a better place if everyone was 12% BF, had a 1400 lb total, and could do a 5k in 15 minutes. > [@elucidator](#): > > Then gym teachers would rule the world. I’m against that. BTW, I seriously doubt whether most gym teachers can run a 5K in 15 min. That’s a 4.8 minute mile for 3.1 miles consecutively. I was easily in the top half of my cross country team in high school and never attained such speeds. To be clear, I was never a top runner either. Ah here’s a cite. Number one state high school cross country team averages as 16:30. [http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-6079510197660163068/the-njcom-boys-cross-country-top-20-for-week-10-nov-17/](http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-6079510197660163068/the-njcom-boys-cross-country-top-20-for-week-10-nov-17/) ---
**Author:** ![elliott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5ac83/32.png) [@elliott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elliott)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/183 "2016-06-26T20:13:00Z")
Most gym teachers also don’t have a 1400lb power lifting total. Those are near elite levels of athleticism. The point was if everyone was an elite athlete the world would be a better place. > [@Subterraneanus](#): > > I didn’t threaten anything or anyone, you dumb fucking stupid. I just called you an idiot. care to explain how > [@Subterraneanus](#): > > I could probably pick you up and throw you across the fucking room. isn’t a threat of violence? ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/184 "2016-06-26T20:13:23Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > So with all my physical problems, I suppose your recommendation would be to just shoot myself . . . Fallacy of the excluded middle. He said the world would be better off if everyone were very fit and healthy. This is probably true; we’d have a lot more money to spend on arts and sciences, that we’re now spending on medical care. Nothing he said implies that sickly people, today, in the real world, should “shoot themselves.” That’s an absurd distortion, and does not follow in any logical way from “The world would be better if everyone were fit and healthy.” I did love the quip about opening coconuts with your husband’s cock! ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/185 "2016-06-26T20:22:46Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > Most gym teachers also don’t have a 1400lb power lifting total. Those are near elite levels of athleticism. The point was if everyone was an elite athlete the world would be a better place. It might be better if everyone was an elite athlete compare to the shape many of us are now. But everyone being “reasonable fit” should be even better, and would take a lot less time and effort. Personally, I’m happy to be approaching “reasonable fit” and have no desire to be at an elite level. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/186 "2016-06-26T20:27:51Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > Most gym teachers also don’t have a 1400lb power lifting total. Those are near elite levels of athleticism. The point was if everyone was an elite athlete the world would be a better place. Allowing for humor and hyperbole, maybe. But that’s a ludicrous argument. Having most people attain near elite levels of athleticism in their 20s would be a waste of time and resources. Having most people maintain that into late middle age would likely be harmful. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/187 "2016-06-26T20:28:27Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > Most gym teachers also don’t have a 1400lb power lifting total.\*\* Those are near elite levels of athleticism.\*\* The point was if everyone was an elite athlete the world would be a better place. > > care to explain how > > isn’t a threat of violence? What you don’t understand is not everyone has the genetics to reach elite levels. Hence the use of the word "elite’. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/188 "2016-06-26T20:33:51Z")
And, from an evolutionary standpoint, that level of combined strength/speed/intelligence is counter-productive. Takes too many calories. We can be perfectly healthy without being that strong and maintain that level while consuming less food. “Survival of the fittest” doesn’t mean the strongest. It means those who can produce the offspring best suited to surviving, which has often meant surviving famines and deprivation, rather than brute force. And there’s some evidence there’s no health benefits (actually, potentially a negative) to that level of development anyway. It serves no purpose but to boost egos. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/189 "2016-06-26T20:43:29Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > What you don’t understand is not everyone has the genetics to reach elite levels. Hence the use of the word "elite’. To be clear, with time, effort, resources, and eventual injury, I opine that lots of folk with middling genetics can reach near elite levels. Doesn’t make it prudent. > [@Great Antibob](#): > > It serves no purpose but to boost egos. To be fair the pursuit of athletic excellence is legitimate. Implying that others should pursue your hobby at a high level of intensity really is not. That said, there’s a reasonable discussion to have about the time-benefit curve to strength training, and its comparison to cardio work. ---
**Author:** ![Subterraneanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Subterraneanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterraneanus)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/190 "2016-06-26T21:15:53Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > Most gym teachers also don’t have a 1400lb power lifting total. Those are near elite levels of athleticism. The point was if everyone was an elite athlete the world would be a better place. > > care to explain how > > isn’t a threat of violence? OK: It’s not a threat of any kind whatsoever. There, I just explained it as simply as possible for you. Hell, I’ll even report my own post and let the mods decide. Reported. ---
**Author:** ![elliott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5ac83/32.png) [@elliott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elliott)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/191 "2016-06-26T21:38:02Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > What you don’t understand is not everyone has the genetics to reach elite levels. Hence the use of the word "elite’. The vast majority of 20 year old guys could total 1400 and hit a 15 minute 5k with proper training and diet. That’s 20 hours a week and obviously not worth it overall, but Elite is far removed from world class. The point was more that if everyone is in peak health, the world would be better. We’re back to arguing overly specific numbers > [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > And, from an evolutionary standpoint, that level of combined strength/speed/intelligence is counter-productive. Takes too many calories. We can be perfectly healthy without being that strong and maintain that level while consuming less food. “Survival of the fittest” doesn’t mean the strongest. It means those who can produce the offspring best suited to surviving, which has often meant surviving famines and deprivation, rather than brute force. > > And there’s some evidence there’s no health benefits (actually, potentially a negative) to that level of development anyway. It serves no purpose but to boost egos. You’re not going to starve to death in the first world because you need an extra 200 calories a day. Most people sit at a way higher TDEE from being obese than if they were athletes. I’d love to see the drawbacks for being in good health though. ---
**Author:** ![elliott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5ac83/32.png) [@elliott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elliott)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/192 "2016-06-26T21:40:10Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > To be clear, with time, effort, resources, and eventual injury, I opine that lots of folk with middling genetics can reach near elite levels. Doesn’t make it prudent. To be fair the pursuit of athletic excellence is legitimate. Implying that others should pursue your hobby at a high level of intensity really is not. That said, there’s a reasonable discussion to have about the time-benefit curve to strength training, and its comparison to cardio work. Yeah, I’m not saying be an elite powerlifter if you need to move. A 200lb deadlift would be around a 500lb total, most people naturally have somewhere between 2 and 400. Part of the benefit of reaching this base level of strength is related to neurological conditioning with how you can use your muscles. You’ll simply be better at lifting things even if you aren’t stronger ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/193 "2016-06-26T21:58:59Z")
I’m a gym rat. I workout - _hard_ - 6 days a week. But, even I have trouble seeing how the world would be a better place in any measurable way if everyone worked out the way I do. Oh, sure - there would be a lot more female (and male) eye candy, but - so what? We live in a technological society. Physical strength and stamina counts for very little. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/194 "2016-06-26T22:10:22Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > The vast majority of 20 year old guys could total 1400 and \*\*hit a 15 minute 5k \*\*with proper training and diet. You have no idea what you’re talking about. That takes a considerable amount of natural talent. ---
**Author:** ![Section\_Maker\_Jupe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/section_maker_jupe/32/1424_2.png) [@Section\_Maker\_Jupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Section_Maker_Jupe)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/195 "2016-06-26T22:43:35Z")
hey Eliot…welcome, hang tough the load gets lighter!! yeah, gotta move it or ya lose it…🆒my dad was a rower/lifeguard/army type, always prescribed weight lifting for all health ailments!! He made it to 94 yrs old. I never had the patience, or the energy to actual try and bulk up!! Ive tried, still have sets lying around…pick them up here and there to move them outa the way!! Of course, surfing in cold water for 45+ years kinda does that, dawn patrol and sunset and everything else. So…iron is HEAVY after a day of getting beat up by the ocean… haha… Now look at me, typing on the dope instead of gettin busy!!! Knock on wood,I’m 6’2" 155lbs…skinny as a rail, never been to the doctor, and wrestling with carpet and concrete sacks is just as miserable as it ever was, …😃 (I think my muscles are powered by irritation):eek: ps working drywall, and doing concrete work are about as demanding as any gym… and tree trimming, which has the extra bonus of “oops you’re dead”.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/196 "2016-06-26T22:44:07Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > “I think you’re a stupid meathead, so I will respond by threatening physical violence” 'roid rage ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/197 "2016-06-26T22:44:22Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Its not that hard, the average couch is almost 200 pounds. Just pick it up under your arm and hold it for the length of an average TV commercial. Yeah, that is the way I vacuum. The only problem with that technique is it takes both arms (one to hold the couch over your head and the other to finesse the vacuum cleaner) so you have to put your beer down first unless you can learn, like I did, to just hold the can with your teeth and drink it that way. ---
**Author:** ![elliott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5ac83/32.png) [@elliott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elliott)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2016, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/198 "2016-06-26T23:49:07Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > I’m a gym rat. > I workout - _hard_ - 6 days a week. > > But, even I have trouble seeing how the world would be a better place in any measurable way if everyone worked out the way I do. Oh, sure - there would be a lot more female (and male) eye candy, but - so what? > We live in a technological society. Physical strength and stamina counts for very little. Try working in the healthcare industry. So much money is spent on curing people who’ve managed to eat and laze themselves into the ICU > [@running\_coach](#): > > You have no idea what you’re talking about. That takes a considerable amount of natural talent. it takes no more natural talent than a 1400 total. Some people will hit it easier than others, but there really is no reason the average guy couldnt if he was dedicated ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2016, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/199 "2016-06-27T00:02:52Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > Try working in the healthcare industry. So much money is spent on curing people who’ve managed to eat and laze themselves into the ICU But, that’s just it. My cardiologist is very much against me putting on more muscle mass. In his book, I’d be better off when I was at my lightest weight. He doesn’t care for raw strength, and his idea of fitness is probably very, very different from yours. I think improving the overall fitness levels in our society is a great goal, but turning everyone into powerlifters is not the point (and probably scares most people). ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2016, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261/200 "2016-06-27T00:22:24Z")
> [@elliott](#): > > Try working in the healthcare industry. So much money is spent on curing people who’ve managed to eat and laze themselves into the ICU > > it takes no more natural talent than a 1400 total. Some people will hit it easier than others, but there really is no reason the average guy couldnt if he was dedicated [Compare my race.](http://www.comparemyrace.com/) You can see the distribution of times of runners, not just the general population. [Athletic.net](http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/Division/Event.aspx?DivID=70513&Event=79&page=9) 2016 season Out of 4,481 reported times, 951 went under 15. 21% of trained college runners in the country. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-cant-hold-200-lbs-for-30-seconds/758261.md?page=11)