Why is it????
- Thread starter WD
- Start date
I think it depends how its said
A - Yes, they could be "idiots"
B- they are just interested and curious
C- they want to "out do" your response. You say "I can bench 90" for example, they will say, "I can bench 95"
D-There testing the waters before they try a "pick up" line. There afraid you will deck them if they ask you out
Marion
A - Yes, they could be "idiots"
B- they are just interested and curious
C- they want to "out do" your response. You say "I can bench 90" for example, they will say, "I can bench 95"
D-There testing the waters before they try a "pick up" line. There afraid you will deck them if they ask you out
Marion
CathydsRNA
Cathlete
I never wondered about why they ask that but they do. I always tell them and follow up with "So how much can you squat?".
needsmotivation
Cathlete
That's good Cathe!
wendybdh
Cathlete
I wish someone would ask me that! Then I'd know that it's obvious that I "look" like I work out. Take it as a compliment- you look amazing.
But to answer your question- I think it's a competition thing. I agree with Marion that they probably want to "out do" your response.
I think some men have fragile egos and like to think of women as the "weaker sex".
It could also be a pick up line- most men really suck at that too!
Wendy
But to answer your question- I think it's a competition thing. I agree with Marion that they probably want to "out do" your response.
I think some men have fragile egos and like to think of women as the "weaker sex".
It could also be a pick up line- most men really suck at that too!
Wendy
Connie1
Cathlete
I think it's just the first idle thought because they hear it so often. I don't think it's men in general, just a certain group of "old schoolers" who have not learned that all those heavy benchers are injured, unless they have started working other body parts too (hello).
Many men who are not into fitness just know this line. They don't know what a repeater is, though, or a power scissors...
You can smile and say,"Yeah, what do you bench, ha ha."
If a man is seriously asking, you can let him know you rarely do your one-rep max, instead you simply work out regularly. It's a nice answer, designed to steer the conversation.
Edited to add, I guess I can bench about 70 pounds. That is wimpy compared to what many men can bench, I mean much more than their body weight. I weigh a lot more than 70 pounds but I really haven't tried a one-rep max...
By the way no man has ever asked me. Men have said, though, "You look like you're in good shape." That's nice.
Many men who are not into fitness just know this line. They don't know what a repeater is, though, or a power scissors...
You can smile and say,"Yeah, what do you bench, ha ha."
If a man is seriously asking, you can let him know you rarely do your one-rep max, instead you simply work out regularly. It's a nice answer, designed to steer the conversation.
Edited to add, I guess I can bench about 70 pounds. That is wimpy compared to what many men can bench, I mean much more than their body weight. I weigh a lot more than 70 pounds but I really haven't tried a one-rep max...
By the way no man has ever asked me. Men have said, though, "You look like you're in good shape." That's nice.
mogambo
Cathlete
I have to agree with Connie. I think it's just idle conversation, the first thing they think of. It used to be "What's your sign?" or, "Where did you go to college?". If they see muscles it's "How much do you bench?"
I too can't remember the last time I tried a one-rep max. I work out at home and I'd end up with a very heavy barbell perhaps lying on my chest for a loooooong time until I could move it off!
Women will often say things like, "Where did you get that sweater?"
Small talk, small talk. I've never been very good at it. x(
I too can't remember the last time I tried a one-rep max. I work out at home and I'd end up with a very heavy barbell perhaps lying on my chest for a loooooong time until I could move it off!
Women will often say things like, "Where did you get that sweater?"
Small talk, small talk. I've never been very good at it. x(
WD
Cathlete
Connie, I think you are right. I have never had a man that was really into fitness ask me that question. Now when my nephew got out of the military and stayed here his focus seemed to be on push ups. He kept wanting to challenge me to a push up contest. I never did it as I had a sore elbow and did not want it to develop into something worse. Besides I do pushups, but don't usually go out of my way to see how many I can do I guess sometimes, depending on how it is asked, I feel embarrassed. I also hate answering because I do know most men can out bench press me.
Diane Sue
I guess sometimes, depending on how it is asked, I feel embarrassed. I also hate answering because I do know most men can out bench press me.Diane Sue
Bobbi
Cathlete
I agree with Nancy!
Diane, when they ask you, it's probably because your muscle development is so amazing (and gorgeous!!!). There aren't too many people out there who would assume I could bench very much at all. I can imagine snickering at the sight of me. BUT, while I may not be much to look at, I am strong as an ox and I stride around "as if I own the world". My mother once told me I walk as if I own the world and I loved that! And it's borne of being strong while still waiting for my muscularity to catch up with my strength. Maybe '05 will be the year that happens! LOL!
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
- Mary Oliver
Diane, when they ask you, it's probably because your muscle development is so amazing (and gorgeous!!!). There aren't too many people out there who would assume I could bench very much at all. I can imagine snickering at the sight of me. BUT, while I may not be much to look at, I am strong as an ox and I stride around "as if I own the world".
My mother once told me I walk as if I own the world and I loved that! And it's borne of being strong while still waiting for my muscularity to catch up with my strength. Maybe '05 will be the year that happens! LOL! Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
- Mary Oliver