How much does genetics play a role?

[ncderek]

i feel like it does - sure i've went from 120 lbs to 205 lbs in the last 6-7 yrs, but that prob also had to do with going from 16 yrs old to 22 yrs old. but i have lifted 4-7 times a week, 1-3 hrs a time, without breaks (except sick or vacation or exams), for 9 yrs now, and i'm not that big. i also work my muscles 6-12 sets each 2x a week. perhaps i'm over training, not getting enough protein or other nutriets (been taking protein shakes for 2 yr now), yet all this work, not all that big, most i've ever benched was 305, not that cut either. i think genetics is a big part of it. i've seen guys lift 3 times a week, 3 sets per a muscle 1x per a muscle a week, bit of cardio, lots of fast food, 5% body fat, and lifting 500 lbs, weighing 250 lbs, yes it makes me jealous

[elzachary]

i feel like it does - sure i've went from 120 lbs to 205 lbs in the last 6-7 yrs, but that prob also had to do with going from 16 yrs old to 22 yrs old. but i have lifted 4-7 times a week, 1-3 hrs a time, without breaks (except sick or vacation or exams), for 9 yrs now, and i'm not that big. i also work my muscles 6-12 sets each 2x a week. perhaps i'm over training, not getting enough protein or other nutriets (been taking protein shakes for 2 yr now), yet all this work, not all that big, most i've ever benched was 305, not that cut either. i think genetics is a big part of it. i've seen guys lift 3 times a week, 3 sets per a muscle 1x per a muscle a week, bit of cardio, lots of fast food, 5% body fat, and lifting 500 lbs, weighing 250 lbs, yes it makes me jealous

Can you say steriods?

What are we if we do not chase our dreams. If you make yourself more, than just a man. If you devote yourself to an ideal, you become something else entirely.

[JDkeystone]

I kinda touched on this topic in my "what's your body type" thread, but I think genetics definitely plays a large (though not the only) role in one's ability to lose weight or gain muscle. Thanks to my genes, I'm blessed with horribly bulky legs and very wide hips. I might be able to reduce to my overall body fat to a degree, but I'll never be able to actually lose this general, pre-determined shape I have. I'll always have a thick, "stumpy" appearance, no matter how lean I may manage to get.

And while I'm not opposed to working hard to get the body that I want, I'm also not ashamed to admit it makes me very bitter at times to know people who are a good 10-20lbs lighter than me, can stuff their faces with crap all day long, basically do NO physical activity, and stay stick thin indefinitely. Very bitter...

[ncderek]

yeah, i know people take roids, but i'd be suprised if more than a handful at bodybuilding.com did or tried them. seems most people work really hard here and have a great diet. but there's tons of guys on bb.com that fit that description i posted - lifting 500 lbs, eat fast food, and only do 3-4 sets per a muscle 1x a week. i feel like i train 10x as hard and will never get cut or be able to get to benching 325 like i've wanted to for years

[Dr.FuzzyBallz]

Ok i am not trying to be mean but how Are you possibly 5'8" and 108 lbs?! Are you literally a skeleton? Are you Skeletor?

109 btw... i am very not wide... or broad at all lol... probably the least broad person ive ever seen. Most girls shoulders ad waists are wider then mine like 80% of girls other than that i dont really look like a skeleton... Also i need to weigh my self again.. that was after i been sicka dn atuff had the surgery those 5 months of my life were terrible i was sick all the time.. wasnt eating much and stuff. Then when i felt better i got 109 i had lost about 6lb of something probably muscle and fat sinee i hadnt done anything for a year.

I been back into my normal eatin routine and starting workout again i can already see a very big difference i hope i am atleast 115 again... i will update that soon.. when i get to a weight machine. (mines broken)

[imcomingback]

lulz at people saying genetics dont matter and hard work can ALWAYS overcome genetics.

are you that blind?

nah something like how much myostatin you have WOULDNT effect how much muscle you could put on AT ALL.

or having naturally low test levels wouldnt make it harder to put on muscle?? would your thyroid effect how much fat you put on?

and ive never heard anyone say that to be the best in bodybuilding (ie - competing at the O) that you need to have the BEST genetics. i swear - never heard it once.

yeh hard work is all you need guys

[Dr.FuzzyBallz]

Man everytime someone gives an example of someone that has achieved something through genetics.. peopel come and say steroids or something... why??
You know its true genetics is a part of it.
IT ALWAYS be easier for someone to do something then it will be for others. Doesnt not mean they cant do it. Its just harder. ITS NATURE!!
I DONT GIVE A DANG how hard you WORK Nature will ALWAYS EFFECT YOU!! MAybe it will help you or slow you down.

[martinibluex]

lulz at people saying genetics dont matter and hard work can ALWAYS overcome genetics.

are you that blind?

nah something like how much myostatin you have WOULDNT effect how much muscle you could put on AT ALL.

or having naturally low test levels wouldnt make it harder to put on muscle?? would your thyroid effect how much fat you put on?

and ive never heard anyone say that to be the best in bodybuilding (ie - competing at the O) that you need to have the BEST genetics. i swear - never heard it once.

yeh hard work is all you need guys

Strong post. It is natural for people to have unrealistic expectations.

[Vikingur]

Let's just say 1 out of 100 have the genetics to become a pro bodybuilder. Then 1 out of every 100 of them have what it takes (ambition, work ethic, etcetc)

[IEatPowerRacks]

this is VERY arguable

I agree. Good genetics also allows you to WORK HARDER. I work harder than most people in my school in the weight room, but they're still bigger than me. I've seen kids who are big and ripped and all they do is eat fast food.

[Liverano]

Hard work > genetics....every time.

Not entirely true.

Hard Work + Genetics > Genetics

[Obnoxious123]

Genetics CAN play a role if you let them. Otherwise with sheer dedication and motivation, winning the war against genetics is not even a problem

lol gtfo


genetics are the #1 factor. look at me for instance, i started training at about 235lbs at 30% BF. my family is on the heavier side too. i got down to 210lbs fairly easily, not really watching my calories and everything but still i made a lot better decisions food wise. fast forward 2 years to now, i have been through hell dieting. i have to watch everything i eat or else i will gain weight. i was actually thinking that i was taking in not enough cals - i haven't cheated in 1.5 months out of my diet (which is very strict, cheating is even eating something like say cheerios, or yogurt to me) and i have only dropped about 7lbs. i have been taking in around 1600-1700 cals, and i was thinking that i was taking in not enough since fat loss was slowing, so i slowly over increased my cals. and actually last night i took in 2000 cals (only about 30g more carbs, mostly from protein though) and i gained 1lb.

[Dr.FuzzyBallz]

Not entirely true.

Hard Work + Genetics > Genetics

mm not really its

Genetics > no work.

Hardwork > Genetics

BUT

Genetics + Hardwork > Hardwork

Genetics + Hardwork > Genetics

[mlgray40]

Genetics are huge. hard work on a dude with bad genetics will never overcome a dude with great genetics. guys that beleive they can overcome any obstacle with hard work are fooling themselves.