Some people can't lift heavy or choose not to. Does that mean they shouldn't work out? I guess they should just work out at home.

Yes obviously genetics play a factor, you cannot just take any 5'0 120lb woman and turn her into Melanie Roach, even with all the coaching in the world, but I think this thread is just about general, average people.

The average person and average woman does not push herself, does not eat enough or the right way to gain strength/muscle, or rest/recover enough, use the right programming, etc. So some people may SEEM like they are stronger, genetically predisposed to being more athletic or whatever, truth is that they may or may not be, but since few people make the effort needed, they sort of stand out.

Maybe the OP is just naturally stronger, and that's a great thing. But take 1000 girls her size, with her background, her training, and that's when you really see who is genetically predisposed or not. I'm sure there are skinny and/or weak looking women walking amongst us in daily life that are genetically predisposed to being strong but they simply make no effort to exploit that... so we'll never know.

Bottom line is that she is working hard and benefiting, so in the end, that's all that matters.

If you are interested in that further then let me know, I've been looking into figure for a few years now although it takes many years of training (and a good 10+ years at least for natural BB). I can let you know some good online resources to get started (free free just for your own research). Siouxcountry.com is a good place to start.

I've wondered this too... I've always considered myself a relatively strong woman, but I know I let myself go for many years & am just in the past year getting back to working out regularly... I see these scrawny gals in my Group Power class lifting twice as much as I'm lifting & wonder how can that be... of course, they're probably 25 & I'm 62... that could have something to do with it!..

hugs

Size does not equal strength.

Yeah, I'm beginning to see that!..

hugs

I feel as though I have always had the propensity to be strong if I worked at it. I feel like I am pretty strong now. I love doing my kettlebell workouts as I feel really strong and powerful after I am done with presses. It's only 35lbs, but I am hoping to work up to the 44lb by August and then the 53 after that! I don't know with the loss that I am working toward will sustain much heavier, but if it does then I will definitely be lifting heavier. I can already swing the 53, but it is slightly too heavy for me to use and simultaneously have good form, which is very important in kettlebells.