This is not really true for natural bodybuilding. No one is really force feeding to where it is a health concern. If you want longevity, your training and your approach will change. Small changes will improve your overall physique. Genetics matter but, they matter in everything.
Using drugged up guys blasting for a few years as examples makes no sense. For them it is a sprint. Bodybuilding is not just about the training.
My mention of drugs kinda ruled that out, haha.
You only mentioned it as part of the ability to genetically tolerate the drugs. I was speaking to using Harris as an example.
I meant:
That is not true. Even in competing the best genetics don’t always win as posing, color/tan, bf% is all considered.
If you are not genetically gifted in certain areas, you can focus on them or accentuate others. If squats do not hit your quads you can try other movements. If you do not tolerate carbs, fats, too much protein, etc. you adjust.
That is bodybuilding. Finding out what works for you to build an aesthetic physique.
I feel we will have to agree to disagree
And many more subtleties, but regardless the competitors with the best genetics put you at a disadvantage. Having to confront this for about 3 contests a year for 3 decades gives my opinion at least a little weight.
Example: I finished ahead of Mike Christian in the 1980 Jr Mr America. By the next year, it would be a tall order to even look like I would belong on the same stage as Mike.
Basically, bodybuilding is a level playing if genetics isn’t considered.
If you got poor genetics you need to find out how to beat that and that means discovering training methods no one else does and even getting laughed at, cough, cough utilizing celery and grapes as an example. Doing the type of volume everyone even the sauce users say is over training or fluff waste of time. Never sticking to some ritual protocol.
I’ve made the best gains in the last year as an older injury prone regular joe than 25 years of this. Doing everything wrong!!!
And again, it does not mean you will lose. So, what is your point? Genetics play a part? That is true for everything. Long distance running, sprinting, powerlifting, pro athletes, PhD holders, Nobel Peace Prize winners.
The genetics component only matters in competition. Bodybuilding does not require competing. A competition just displays the product. The actual bodybuilding was done for an extended period of time. Finding out what works for you. Playing to your strengths, fixing your weaknesses with the goal of building an aesthetic physique.
That is all I was referencing.
My whole point from the beginning is that one does not have to compete to be a bodybuilder and I was pushing back on this idea:
“the less I think bodybuilding is about training and the more I think it’s about genetics and diet. Everyone is making their muscles bigger when they train: some dudes just end up looking awesome when they do it”
I, too, was referring to bodybuilding the competition when I wrote that quote.
As that’s what bodybuilding is.
Did you not read my example? I finished higher than a competitor who obviously has better genetics than I have. I proved your point, but if the genetic superior puts forth the correct protocol, my efforts will fall short.
Once again, I am only addressing competition!
I was responding to
The idea “strength training has infiltrated bodybuilding” is kinda strange. I mean, what were they doing before?
Im still leaning towards the guy was Trolling using a alternate identity.
Or he thought since he had competed 13 years ago he was a authority having a overblown sense of self.
Ive been on here long enough seeing new posters start lecturing others without knowing the resumes of the other members.
Just my 2cents
In both cases he’s got some issues.
Maybe just a little…
Some guys take this shit too serious. Especially online.
If you have never competed in a Bodybuilding contest, you are not a bodybuilder. You are just a guy that goes to the gym.
If you have never entered a race ,then you are not a runner. You are just a guy that runs.
I could go on and on……but I believe you guys get my point.
Additionally: All else being equal; genetics are always the difference, always!
No True Scotsman fallacy.
Sandow is known as the first bodybuilder. He never competed. He just emphasized symmetry, aesthetics, and proportion.
He never claimed to be. He was promoting physical culture.
He certainly wouldn’t be making this stupid argument on the internet.
But he organized and judged the first competition in 1901.
But since judges are arbitrary and don’t count, it really doesn’t matter.