How much does genetics affect bodybuilding results?

bbgonnabe · 02-26-2009, 01:32 AM

[Excerpted from http://wellnessword.com/blog/fat-loss/diets-rip/ ]

Fitness Questions of the Week

Q - How much do genetics affect your possible results. Such as size and proportions. I asked this question to a lot of sites without a reply. Also bone structure size how does this affect your future muscle development. If you can?t answer these questions I will understand. Do small wrists limit overall size?

A - This is a very common question. Genetics play a significant roll in overall muscle size, shape, and strength. Our bodies all physiologically develop muscle in the same manner; however, our inate adaptability to exercise can be different. Therefore, our muscle results vary.

Each individual has a clear genetic blueprint to muscle size, symmetry, and proportion. Lou Ferrigno can?t suddenly turn into Arnold Schwartzenegger by training a different way.

I am not aware of any studies that show small wrists limit muscle growth.

The bottom line is maximize YOUR genetics. Compete against yourself.

If anyone else has any thought on this topic feel free to chime in by commenting below. Good question.

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If you have a fitness related question, post them at http://www.askjimoconnor.com .

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[I especially like this part of his response: "Our bodies all physiologically develop muscle in the same manner; however, our inate adaptability to exercise can be different. Therefore, our muscle results vary." - RL]

ntrllftr · 02-26-2009, 04:32 AM

I have had mental breakdowns due to my poor genetics. (serious)
I've learned to deal with what I have and do the best that I can with it over the years.

.

tonester · 02-26-2009, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbgonnabe

The bottom line is maximize YOUR genetics. Compete against yourself.

Exactly. Aim for increased performance and YOUR body will follow.

Can you imagine how everyone would look like if genetics wasn't a factor in bodybuilding.

http://www.ironaddicts.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12346 my favourite example.

Quote:

Each individual has a clear genetic blueprint to muscle size, symmetry, and proportion. Lou Ferrigno can?t suddenly turn into Arnold Schwartzenegger by training a different way.

That's comparing two people with good genetics. The more troubling scenario for me is when someone who is built, say like a Jack Black is attempting to train their way to a Brad Pitt. Completely different bone structure and muscle layout. The shape of their rib cages alone presents issues.

Not everyone is built to build and I see some weird body developments at the gym as a result.

Nikonguy · 02-26-2009, 06:55 AM

For many people part of the attraction of bodybuilding is finding ways to overcome genetic flaws.

Whiskeyjack · 02-26-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonguy

For many people part of the attraction of bodybuilding is finding ways to overcome genetic flaws.

It's no doubt true that many people do think that. But what they find is, genetics aside, if they stick with it they do make tremendous improvement - and that they can take to the bank. Genetics plays a gigantic role in the case of bodybuilding competition, and a lesser one for personal development, which if followed up will impress 98% of the general population, and, more importantly, the one doing the training...

Old-Time-Lifter · 02-26-2009, 07:03 AM

Well to answer their question about small wrists, tight joints in general will enhance the appearance of size in the muscle belly itself. So whether or not it limits size, it gives the appearance of greater size.

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 08:08 AM

The harder I lift, the better my genetics seem to get

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 08:24 AM

I seem to have genetic disposition for legs, particularly calves, but my upper body, particularly the shoulders, are just not growing.

I don't do any calf work, and my leg days are not as brutal as many people's.

I count myself blessed, because good legs are a gift, some people kill themselves and still can't get them to grow.

ironwill2008 · 02-26-2009, 08:27 AM

Ultimately, genetics are the ceiling of you development. You can optimize every other facet of your training, recovery, and nutrition, but when all is said and done, your individual genetics determine how far you go.

Body type (ecto/meso/endo) plays a significant role also, but I feel there is actually room to make great changes, regardless of which group/groups you fall into. The basics of training/nutrition will change for each individual, dependent on their body type, and their training goals.

IronCamp · 02-26-2009, 08:38 AM

I agree genetics do play a role.

I had to laugh at small wrists though...I have extremely small wrists and have had no problem putting on muscle.

KeepItMoving · 02-26-2009, 08:40 AM

What role do genetics play in becoming the next great scientist, or basketball player, or physicist? Genetics play a huge role. You can't be a top, professional bodybuilder, et. seq. without them. If you are blessed with the genetics for mathematical brilliance, creative genius, or physical superiority, you must also have the work ethic, discipline, drive, etc. which will be necessary to realize your personal potential.

Frankly, it was only AFTER I realized that I did not have the genetics to be a top bodybuilder, powerlifter, or strongman that I actually began truly enjoying my journey through the world of strength training. I began to better understand my actual potential, so that I could be more honest with myself about the results I was capable of acheiving.

I also allowed myself to realize the "genetic" strengths I had in other areas of myself, which exceeded those I had in bodybuilding. I began to pursue those other areas and actually found my life becoming more enriched and exciting. For me, my understanding of my bodybuilding limitations helped me grow more as a person and a professional in other pursuits.

"A man's got to know his limitations." (Remember that movie line?)

Baldiewonkanobi · 02-26-2009, 08:41 AM

Poor geeky genetics is in part WHY I got into Bodybuilding. I did not want to look like my parents in their swim suits. At 12 I was all over that barbell, dumbells and spring "chest expander" Santa left me.

Baldie

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 08:45 AM

If someone can figure out the genetics of the love handles, let me know

TulsaCoker · 02-26-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntrllftr

I have had mental breakdowns due to my poor genetics. (serious)
I've learned to deal with what I have and do the best that I can with it over the years.

.

Man i'll trade you.

DeathtoToasters · 02-26-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonguy

For many people part of the attraction of bodybuilding is finding ways to overcome genetic flaws.

Nice! +1

chodan9 · 02-26-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namtrag

I seem to have genetic disposition for legs, particularly calves, but my upper body, particularly the shoulders, are just not growing.

I don't do any calf work, and my leg days are not as brutal as many people's.

I count myself blessed, because good legs are a gift, some people kill themselves and still can't get them to grow.

I noticed your legs on your new av yesterday,
excellent work on them!
you seem to be leaning out everywhere else also. Good progress!

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 11:48 AM

thanks, chodan. 25 more and I will look pretty good!

Araj · 02-26-2009, 01:50 PM

I must have the genetics of a woman.

Deborah_Lyn · 02-26-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Araj

I must have the genetics of a woman.

Considering how great some of the female lifters look here, you are truly belssed! lol

My calves are modestly cut (visible line) with out working them. My only claim to 'fame' as yet, lol.

I've put on some shoulder mass and my under arm flab is really tightening up with lat raises! I cannot wait to see how I look next year!

I actually started focusing on lower body now, as upper body is pretty good in comparision and most of my extra body weight is in lower. I've gone from apple shape to pear now! w00t!

Baldiewonkanobi · 02-26-2009, 04:31 PM

Trag....was looking at those legs of yours....I hate you.

Baldie

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 04:36 PM

haha. I will sell them to the highest bidder! lol

I would gladly trade them for abs

Here is a typical leg workout:

4 sets of squats 6-8 reps at 185
4 sets of stationary db lunges with a 50lb in each hand
4 sets of plie' squats with a 70lb db
3-4 sets of SLDL with 155-175 lbs

I think I did calf raises last year, once.

As you can see, I don't do much, so I have God to thank for them.

LyingSac · 02-26-2009, 04:39 PM

I Think You Can Always Improve,no Matter What Stage You're At...you Can Always Get An Inch Bigger,a Little Stronger...

fmartin685 · 02-26-2009, 04:46 PM

Hard work and dedication are way more important the genetics, imo. I mean, I could say that I lift and lift and still have a high body fat percentage because of bad genetics. But the truth is that I don't diet and do enough cardio. Genetics have nothing to do with it.

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 04:48 PM

Truer words have never been spoken, but....

It's still a pisser when you go to Hardee's and there are some dudes eating 1/2 lbers, drinking 48 oz of Mountain Dew, and a super size fries who look like they could just get up on stage in 2 weeks of contest dieting.

Taichichuan · 02-26-2009, 05:58 PM

What genetics? They must have been wash out when my mother's water broke! LOL

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taichichuan

I have no genetics! They must have been wash out when my mother's water broke! LOL

lol

I like to say I have great genetics, but 500 years too late. I am built for peasant, hard labor, and hold fat easy. Great for 16th century Ireland, not so good for modern life.

StressMonkey · 02-26-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntrllftr

I have had mental breakdowns due to my poor genetics. (serious)
I've learned to deal with what I have and do the best that I can with it over the years.

.

Recently?

Do you own a mirror?

Taichichuan · 02-26-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namtrag

lol

I like to say I have great genetics, but 500 years too late. I am built for peasant, hard labor, and hold fat easy. Great for 16th century Ireland, not so good for modern life.

Don't write yourself off like that at all. It's there.

namtrag · 02-26-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taichichuan

Don't write yourself off like that at all. You will be amaze at what you could accomplish only if you try.

haha, you are right. I could have said the same thing about your other post.

Oh I know what I am going to do, I can see it in my mind! Being built like a peasant means I have a lot of muscle under there somewhere, and it's coming out in the next couple of months!

Rally Dog · 02-26-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmartin685

Hard work and dedication are way more important the genetics, imo. I mean, I could say that I lift and lift and still have a high body fat percentage because of bad genetics. But the truth is that I don't diet and do enough cardio. Genetics have nothing to do with it.

That's an excellent answer man - your a self realized person that has the frame of mind to get to where you want to go if you really wanted to. You?ve taken away the excuse of ?genetics? for yourself that so many people use.

I consider myself avg. genetics by many measures yet I stay is single bf and bench close to 350 and I?m very happy content with that. I believe many people could see those kind of results if they broke down their mental barriers that they create for themselves.

In terms of bodybuilding look at it this way - there are many excuses not to achieve your goals but there are very few reasons not to.