Started lifting in 1985 at 15. Was 130 pounds. Except for 14 weeks in the mid-‘90s, I’ve been drug-free.
Never stopped intensely weight training. Heavy squatting, pulling, pressing, etc.
I currently weigh, give or take a few pounds, 290. (Most guess me around 240-ish.)
Been a very gradual build over 35 years.
I’m not “lean”, but I’m not sloppy, either.
Figure if I hopped on some anabolics (for the tissue-sparing benefits, only), I could be in stage condition in about 16 weeks at roughly 220-230 pounds.
Just yapping here.
Steady, brutal resistance training can yield dramatic results, but as described, and drug-free, it takes a heck of a long time.
It’s why I tell young guys, if you don’t LOVE the process, forget it.