The Three Big Myths of Bodybuilding?

[Royalty]

^^^

I’m glad that you mentioned Sergio Oliva. I think that we can all agree that Sergio had better genetics than Chris Dickerson. And we can all agree that Lee Haney had better genetics than Rich Gaspari.


At the elite level, genetics is king (especially since they all use the same drugs)

[oldgolds]

Sergio had tremendous symmetry and size but couldn't achieve that 'chiseled' look. He always looked a little soft. Overall, Arnold looked better....There's just something more impressive about muscle that's got a hard, defined texture.

[Powerlift66]

Some people talk about genetics all the time like that's the answer.  Let me tell you where genetics come into play........your response to anabolics. 

For a lifetime natty, genetics is almost irrelevant.  Even with so-called good genetics you are going to look like a skeleton when you cut.  We need to stop the bullshit.

I honestly think that is THE KEY. Genetic response to anabolic drugs. Receptors.
Ive known people who have done (we all  have) cycles for a long time, trained for a long time, look like shit.
Along comes some kid, trains for a year, looks like an NPC bodybuilder.

Drug response is key.

[Powerlift66]

BB's greatest Myth!

[Griffith]

BB's greatest Myth!

He had such long muscle bellies, even the torn triceps on his left arm is still big.

[myt1]

I've seen lots of skinny little dudes get very big with drugs. Definitely drugs are the single biggest factor in building muscle and strength. If one wants to win bodybuilding contests then genetics is important. Symmetry etc.

I don't agree that "drugs are the single biggest factor in building muscle and strength"  Actually training and eating right/enough on a pro-longed and/or consistent basis are the biggest factor.  You can take all the AAS you want, and nothings gonna change without training....not much will change without eating enough of the right stuff.  I'm talking about looking good, not blowing up from Mickey D's...drugs will amplify growth, but the person will likely look like shit. 

Now, if you said single biggest factor needed to turn/be a successful pro...yep, agreed.

The skinny dudes that are able to do what you stated, yeah that's closer to being "all drugs".  They have something going on genetically that makes them hyper-responders that should be studied at some point.  Look at Flex Wheeler as a kid......no one woulda thought that dude would be huge.  Even still though, he had to train hard and eat right to become what he did in pro bbing. 

As I got older, and newbies would come into the gym I worked at it was truly amazing to see some guys that had a good 2-5 years of training and good physiques all of the sudden turn into "holy shit" physiques in less than a year.    I've been around it along time, and that type of response is not the norm.

[Coffeed]

Pro bodybuilding is all nutrient timing and progressive overload.