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Genetic Potential?

gretak911

New member
How many of you believe that their is a "genetic ceiling" to the strenght that someone can produce? Assuming that with good nutrition (not perfect but alot better than the average Joe.) and a solid training program do you think that anyone can become a 400lb bencher and 500lb squatter?
 
I'm a true believer that one can overcome any obstacle he or she wants to if they put the dedication and willpower into it. Most limitations are only mental. TP
 
Of course there's a genetic ceiling...otherwise people would be squatting pickup trucks.

I don't think that everyone has the potential to bench 400 or squat 500, to examine the numbers you use. Drugs of course would help.

edit: changed "anyone" to "everyone"
 
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the one thing that holds most people back is themselves. they arent mentally strong enough, so they accept limitations. im sure somone told dave waddington that squatting 1000 was impossible, but he did it, and now people know it can be done, and many many people have.
 
People preemptively worried about a genetic ceiling will never find their way out of the genetic basement to discover it.
 
Just because you are in denial of your genetic potential, doesn't mean that there isn't one.
 
I don't believe that everyone (male) could bench 400, but I do believe 300 is obtainable for [nearly] everyone, and 350 with considerably more work.
 
Also depends on what kind of training you do. With westside powerlifting it is easier to get to a higher bench press as opposed to started bodybuilding routines and incremental loading.
 
Its interesting. I'd love to get the smallest, skinniest beanpole kid and see what could happen with a couple of years good training and diet.

At first I thought that some people's buiold and frame could never take it, but the more I think about it, Im sure some of the biggest guys started out because they where the skinny kid at school who got picked on.
 
I was once a beanpole....perhaps I have the genetics to grow....perhaps not

frankly, I believe a person can always continue to grow and get stronger naturally, which is why I never get it when people say wait till you have "maxed out" your genetic potential for growth before you experiment with steroids...makes no sense in my opinion.

the difference to me is where they start from - some people are just larger. and how fast they are able to grow - which is partially genetics and partially how dedicated to the cause they are.

I think most men can become 400lb benchers and 500 lb squatters with enough hard work.
 
There is a genetic ceiling of course. However, I doubt 99% of people will ever see that ceiling due to the progression rate that they put themselves through before they get too old and start to detiorate.
 
the term genetics really came into play for bodybuilders and powerlifters to make excuses.

ill never do this or look like that becuase i dont have the genetics to get that big or be that strong............blah blah blah

the human body is an amazing thing. humans on average use like 2% of their brain, so i can see why people want to put limits on such a wonderful creation.

i will stop growing, gaining, getting bigger, and stronger when i quit trying and believing in myself, and that wont happen.

just how my perspective looks.

X
 
I agree with Exodus and Jerkbox. I think people use "genetics" because they're unwilling to keep pushing themselves. Especially well put by Exoduds.

No can deny that genetics matter but they are not what makes or breaks a PL or BB.
 
revexrevex said:
Also depends on what kind of training you do. With westside powerlifting it is easier to get to a higher bench press as opposed to started bodybuilding routines and incremental loading.

then why doesnt everyone use our methods. the methods have improved my strenght vastly since i started using them, but if you think for a fucking minute that if you just start training with a wsb barbell program that its easy to get strong, your wrong. it takes just as much heart, dedication, determination and discipline as anything else. the methods play a large part in the success of the club, but A part does not make a whole. as with anything you get what you put into it.
 
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I don't think he meant it's easier to get stronger, I think he meant that our techniques (using your whole body vs your chest, and using non-linear periodization) will help a person get further...and I agree. Simple fact, you can move more weight in the long run with leg drive, shoulders, tris, lats, and some chest than with your chest alone. Same for squats. It's easier to hit higher numbers when you're using big powerful muscles like your hams, back, glutes/hip than your quads and knees.

It's just about training smarter.
 
I will cross that bridge when I get there.

BTW, im a skinny ass beanpole 6'3" and currently 170 lbs at about 8% bf.

My workouts are on hold right now due to things going on in my life, but when I get back into it, I wouldnt mind being the ginnea pig to show other beanpoles that it CAN be done.

I have no doubts, and nothing will stop me.
 
gretak911 said:
Assuming that with good nutrition (not perfect but alot better than the average Joe.) and a solid training program do you think that anyone can become a 400lb bencher and 500lb squatter?

Yes...

B True
 
I read this somewhere (I think it was hardgainer magazine) and this isn't exactly how the story goes but it's to the best of my recollection...

A man walked into a dojo wanting to learn the martial arts. He spoke to the master, and asked:

"How long, if I applied myself, would it take for me to master this art?"

"Ten years," the master said.

"What?! What if I train twice a day, every day, how long will it take me then?"

"Twenty years," the master said.

"What the hell? Okay what if I train all day, every day?"

"Forty years," said the master.

"But why would it take me that much longer to reach my goal?"

"Because," said the master, "with your eyes fixed on the future you are blind to the present."

---

In other words, don't worry about benching 400. Just work progressively, and apply yourself, setting lots of small goals to achieve. Maybe one day you'll get there. But if all you think about is wanting to get a 400 lb bench, you'll be too eager, add too much weight, break form, get injured, etc.

I'd like to say that a 300 lb bench press is nothing to scoff at. Most of the people who think that it's not much can't even bench it (see above). How many people do you see in the gym that bench that much? I don't think I've seen one yet.
 
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