I refrain from posting in the bodybuilding forum because I have accomplished virtually nothing in the gym, but maybe I can add something to this thread.
I will differ from most people here (and I’m sure get flamed for it) in that I don’t think it’s as simple as “you either have it or you don’t”. I believe you can change. I was going to the gym for a long time and it is really fucking easy to make lifting weights a habit even when you stop making progress.
I made some typical beginner progress, working out became a habit, and those few months of progress prompted my gym visits years on end just because I got used to the process. I was always THINKING I saw a change, etc. etc… then the weeks become months, and the months become years, and you lose track of time. There’s always a reason you’ll be better with your training/diet next week than last week. Well, you just had that one birthday party and a work function, those are one-time things, from here on out you’ll be dedicated!
Also, one thing I think needs to be said to people who started bodybuilding before the internet: the grass is always greener on the other side. Whereas you would’ve killed to have so much information so easily, I can tell you it is WAY TOO EASY to get information now. To someone who doesn’t have any background in lifting, how can they tell what is horsehit and what isn’t? For the longest time, I’d read an article, it wouldn’t give me any results in 6 weeks, and in less than 30 seconds I’d have a brand new plan on my hands.
I did not make progress until I found these forums, where people who aren’t selling shit are saying what worked for them. I could lament the fact that I’ve wasted 4 years and been a fucking idiot for not being honest with myself. I could lament the fact it takes me a fuckload of calories (and therefore money) to grow, even at my undeveloped stage.
Or, I could be thankful I finally had the “no one who worries about getting a little soft ever makes any progress towards building mass” mantra beaten into my head by people like Prof X, be greatful I have put on 25lbs since Sept 1, and be excited that I didn’t waste ANOTHER 4 years in the gym.
To the original point - sometimes people don’t grow because sometimes they aren’t honest with themselves and DO NOT REALIZE they are being dishonest with themselves. I THOUGHT I saw month-to-month improvement. I really did. I was wrong. It takes REAL FUCKING PEOPLE like Prof X, Bonez, etc. etc. telling you that you’re an idiot.
I’d wager most newbs and casual lifters in this day and age get all their info from companies/trainers who are selling something (as opposed to talking to the big guys in your gym), and it is in those people’s best interest to NOT give you a brutally honest assessment of yourself. I don’t begrudge them for that; it’s business.
I now hit the gym 5/6 days a week with no excuses, eat well over 4,000 calories/day and over 350g protein. More importantly, I’m growing. Three years ago I doubt any serious gym-goer would think it possible I would ever be the least bit dedicated. Sometimes it just takes x amount of time with no progress to hit your saturation point.
Sorry for the long post, but obviously this thread hit close to home. Yea I’m pissed I wasted all that time but not much I can do about it now besides look forward.
