# Physically strong women **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 27, 2022, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169 "2022-12-27T16:25:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/21 "2022-12-27T19:04:50Z")
Yeah, no way could I ever achieve that, wouldnt want to. I was thinking more Rousey, and built arms. In both cases, I would be more buff than the men. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/22 "2022-12-27T19:11:01Z")
My ex used to be ripped before he got ill, could knock someone out with one blow. But we could wear each others pants. My now bf, is 5’9" and 130. No way could I fit in his pants. Maybe its a “its not feminine” thing. ---
**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:** [December 27, 2022, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/23 "2022-12-27T19:15:00Z")
Many men are sensitive about their masculinity. They have been indoctrinated their whole lives that men are supposed to be bigger and stronger than women. It takes a confident man to want to be with a woman who is bigger and/or stronger than him. And, many women feel the same. I once dated a woman who was very happy that she had finally met someone who she wasn’t stronger than. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/24 "2022-12-27T19:25:36Z")
A few years ago I stumbled on a regional CrossFit competition taking place in a local city park. Wife & I stopped to watch awhile. Mongo-fit people of both genders and of all ages and sizes. My take-away moment came from a medium-sized fairly ordinary looking guy whose T-shirt said, “My girlfriend is stronger than you are.” If the gal he was mostly talking to was her, that shirt wasn’t kidding. Bravo to her. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/25 "2022-12-27T19:36:34Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > The last 2 guys Ive been with say, Dont get too buff. > Why? I dont plan to get masculine, but Ronda Rousey is my unreachable goal. > Is this a physical attractiveness thing, or a I dont want my woman to be stronger than me? It’s mainly a physical attractiveness thing and I think so long as you avoid the juice you’ll be fine. But to be fair, some of those competitive body builder women look pretty good when they’re not all pumped and oiled up for a meet or photographs. At any rate, I sure as hell wouldn’t consider it my place to tell anyone not to get too buff. You do you. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/26 "2022-12-27T19:48:05Z")
My Wife did a number of Ironman 140.6 mile races. Her work out regimens for 6 months before a race was crazy. Yes, she is in a lot better condition than me. I was her serpa (I carried stuff and generally took care of her and volunteered at the races), and was glad I wasn’t in the race. Now these people aren’t ‘buff’ in the way people think about. But they are tough, and unbelievably physically fit. OP, the guys in the gym where idiots. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/27 "2022-12-27T20:51:02Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > The reality is that look requires good genes, monster 24/7 dedication, and incredible effort. And drugs. Professional bodybuilders use lots and lots of performance enhancing drugs. It’s the biggest joke in the sport. To get to the elite level, you must combine tremendous effort and genetic favoritism with steroids. Yes, even the women. You will simply not get to that level “by accident”, or just because you went a little too far or became a little too zealous. Workout to your heart’s content. You won’t ever look like a professional on stage unless you start to do what the professionals on stage do. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/28 "2022-12-27T21:13:48Z")
And for what it’s worth, if I were intimidated by women who were stronger than me… Well, let’s just say that I’d be intimidated a lot. I’m pretty fit. I’ve got a good back, and what effort I can sustain, I can sustain for a long time. But strong I ain’t. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/29 "2022-12-27T23:12:22Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > But strong I ain’t. > [@SuntanLotion](#): > > Yeah, no way could I ever achieve that, wouldnt want to. Years of regular gym routine will definitely make you stronger. However, not all training is designed to produce enormously swollen muscles; as pointed out, you would need to work quite deliberately to achieve that look. If you find an experienced athlete, they will tell you exactly how to schedule strength/endurance/aerobic workouts, how to warm up, what muscles to work out on which day, which exercises and how many times (3 x 10 reps or whatever), whether or not to drink whey protein or whatever afterwards, etc. But it’s absurd to avoid the gym and the track because you are afraid you might inadvertently win a Mr. or Mrs. Universe competition. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/30 "2022-12-27T23:28:09Z")
I will never avoid the gym. Getting stronger is my goal, and I will not fully reach it, so the goal is always there. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/31 "2022-12-27T23:44:55Z")
I could be stronger, if I made an effort at it. Back in my teens, I went on a two-week canoeing trip, and even just that much, I noticed a big difference in my upper body strength when I got back. I just don’t place a very high priority on it. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/32 "2022-12-27T23:47:57Z")
As a female, I wanted to be able to defend myself, if need be. ---
**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:** [December 28, 2022, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/33 "2022-12-28T00:09:07Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > As a female, I wanted to be able to defend myself, if need be. - Sheer strength is useless unless you can effectively use it. You’re not going to develop self-defense skills in a few weeks, either. Situational awareness and thinking about where you’re going and what you’re doing should keep you out of most potential problem situations. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2022, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/34 "2022-12-28T00:26:01Z")
Yes. I plan to join a self defense class. But I also want to flex and have people say, Look at those biceps! ---
**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:** [December 28, 2022, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/35 "2022-12-28T00:35:35Z")
Bravo! ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2022, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/36 "2022-12-28T00:51:29Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > I joined a gym to get strong, as I was a total weakling. I especially want to build up my arms. > Also self defense is important to me. > The last 2 guys Ive been with say, Dont get too buff. Ignore them, they’re stupid. For one thing, you won’t look less feminine or attractive if you work out. You’ll look MORE attractive. You know all those gorgeous Hollywood stars? They all work out way, way more than most people do. For another, as others have pointed out, to have that weird overmuscular look (which looks weird on men and women) you’d have to make this your full time job and probably take steroids. But more importantly, **it’s your body, dammit.** ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2022, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/37 "2022-12-28T00:53:35Z")
I am glad I started this thread. My ex said it would be weird to have a gf who could beat him up, but anyone probably could what with his illness. Edited to add- I’ve never fought anyone. In a test of strength, I would do bad, but if I were mad, and someone dissed my son, I could do good work. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2022, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/38 "2022-12-28T00:58:38Z")
As a big guy that used to do track and did the 100 yard dash. Even though I’m big, I felt that the 100 yard dash would be my best defense. Luckily, never had to use it. I guess because I’m pretty big. I understand that many don’t have that. My Wife, while short, is a good athlete, but slow. For good or bad the only thing we really have to fear is Black Bear or Cougars. Oh and they are introducing wolves up here. We’ve only run into bear, and moose. They mostly want to be left alone. Don’t surprise them though. Open the door and look around before you go outside. Especially in fall and spring for bear. Moose don’t really care, they aren’t afraid of anything (this is very telling), so will just keep munching your willow trees or grass. Ya roll the dice, and you take your chances. ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2022, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/39 "2022-12-28T02:40:47Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > Dont get too buff. As RickJay says, “they’re stupid”. If you want to see what very fit women look like, check out YouTube footage of female athletes. Look at female competitive divers doing armstand dives - I, a reasonably fit guy, can’t even comprehend the strength, balance and skill required to do that. They certainly don’t look “too buff.” Or professional women bike racers - these are physically powerful women; they don’t look too buff. Or female gymnasts - though generally petite in appearance and very feminine in dress and appearance, they have to be very strong also, as well as any other serious athletes. From my perspective as a guy - and I get that this isn’t supposed to be the point - physically strong, fit (and non-body building IMO) women are very attractive and admirable. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2022, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169/40 "2022-12-28T03:11:25Z")
Another benefit to older women working out is to improve bone density, a concern as women age. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-strong-women/977169.md?page=3)