Most people don’t think about it this way, but it’s true that from a physical performance point of view, there are advantages and disadvantages to having a larger body.
An aside: I say “larger body.” I know there’s still a lot of debate around use of the term “fat.” Personally I’m okay with fat as a self descriptor. However, I know not everyone is. Therefore, I’m going for more neutral language.
For past discussion of this point, see here, here and here to start.
So what’s distinctive about my larger body?
I’m pretty naturally strong. Lots of large people are. There’s a reason there are weight categories in lifting. I put on muscle easily and everyday I walk around carrying a fair bit of weight on my frame.
On the bike, hills are my nemesis, followed by long endurance efforts. Sprinting is my thing. I’ve got the muscles I need for short, all out efforts. You can see that in the Zwift Camp Baseline report on my strengths and weaknesses
Some things are much more difficult for me given my size. That’s true for anything that involves bodyweight moves, like pull ups and push ups. Ditto running. Ditto some yoga positions. Indeed, some yoga moves are pretty much physically impossible in their unmodified versions given my bulk.
There are activities like lifting and sprinting that play to my strengths. Rowing is another sport where size helps.
There are also physical activities that feel good because they assist with moving my body.
Swimming is an obvious example. Really any physical activity that involves the water feels good. It’s very low impact and the water supports my joints. Aquafit is fun for this reason.
The TRX is also my friend. The TRX suspension system allows you to take some weight off your joints.
Lately I’ve been loving anti-gravity yoga. That’s yoga in a silk hammock. It is also known as aerial yoga. It involves performing yoga poses while suspended in a hammock. Anti-gravity yoga can help improve flexibility and do more challenging poses without putting pressure on your joints. My knees love it.
So the TRX, anti-gravity yoga, and anything in the water. They all feel extra good.
How about you? Are you a larger bodied athlete? What feels good for you?
Not about me – I am pretty small – but one of my closest cycling buddies is tall and not very small. We rode up a local hill after a big wind once, and came across a big tree limb blocking about half of the narrow, winding road – on the side descending cyclists would use. We got off to try to clear it and I couldn’t budge it. She got me to step back and without any terribly obvious effort, broke it off and shoved it aside. I always thought I was pretty strong (when I was about 11, I went around asking adults if I could try to lift them up – often, they let me try, and often I succeeded), but that branch showed me my limits and her strength very clearly.
Every body has its inherent strengths and weaknesses. It’s great to be in a place where we all can recognize and appreciate those strengths, ours and everyone else’s!