1. Genetics is number 1.
2. Lots of guys take lots of drugs in good combinations, most of whom we have not will nor will ever hear of.
3. Progressive resistance training with heavy weights builds muscle and swell, up to a point. Period.
4. To be a freak, you need freaky genetics. Add drugs. 5. At 51, having been personally trained by Mentzer. Consulted with Scott, Robinson, Mastorakis, Meeko, Sprague, Etc, this is what I have learned. If it speaks to you or helps, great. If not, fine.
I think genetics do matter. It seems obvious to me. If you locked a dozen guys all age, say 25, and put them on the exact same everything. Each one would have different results. That's why there is only one "Number 1."
BTW, intenseman, what kind of condition are you able to maintain at your age? I think you use to post pics at IronAge. Post a pic here. You know you'll get shit but the majority, the quiet ones, will appreciate it.
RIP Joe Meeko. I still get choked up when I hear his name. We use to communicate a lot when I was on IronAge. Rarely, if ever, about bodybuilding. Just some of the great issues of life. He was a good man. A really good and decent man. Gave me something to aspire to even though I was older than he was.
Now show us what your training has done for you.