On this thread the term “hardgainer” is used synonymously with “fast metabolism” by some posters. This is the first time I’ve heard the term narrowly define like that.
In most popular weightlifting literature I’ve come across the term “hardgainer” was used to describe someone who is genetically below average in terms of achieving the bodybuilding “look”.
Causes for this might be that you are below average in multiple categories: Poor skeletal structure for bodybuilding (narrow clavicles and wide hips), poor hormonal profile (low testosterone and high cortisol), poor nervous system (more difficult to recruit fast twitch fibers) etc… All of which makes it more difficult to achieve the “look”.
Again, from popular literature, “Hardgainers” may have a fast metabolism, like they can have a sluggish one, or even an average one. Either way, the issue of metabolism should be the least of anyone’s concern as it is the easiest, of the above concerns, to overcome with some consistent effort.
The reason why I think this topic has gone on for as long as it have is because some seem to think there are only 3 types of people in this world: The genetically elite, the average, or the diseased.
The reality is that there are multiple shades of gray in each of the above categories. Let’s take a look at just the Average bracket. Some people that fit in this category might look like this (in terms of bodybuilding potential):
Type 1 -
Skeletal: Average
Hormonal: Average
Metabolism: Average
Nervous System: Average
But let’s face it, most “average” people have a mixed profile, so you might get something like this:
Skeletal: Below Average
Hormonal: Average
Metabolism: Average
Nervous System: Above Average
Some good, some bad, but overall it averages out when compared to others with average mix of good/bad characteristics. I think most will agree with this.
Now, if you can admit to the above it shouldn’t be a stretch to admit that there are people who are NOT “diseased” that score below average in the majority (doesn’t have to be all, but also note my list isn’t complete) of these categories. Seeing how they are still technically “average” I can almost guarantee that there are more than 5 of these individuals in all of Manhattan.
These people are “hardgainers”. Not “no gainers”, but individuals who will never get as much out of bodybuilding as many others who they themselves are not part of the genetically elite.
So what is the point of anyone acknowledging the existence of these trainees? None really.
I’m aware that these people exist (failing to do so is failing to understand that within the realm of “AVERAGE” we’re not all created perfectly equal and that some may have more good than bad or vise versa), but ultimately it doesn’t matter because no one can control these variables. We can just focus on what we can control, which is our diet, training, effort, consistency, etc…
At least this is how I view the topic.