Ever notice this?

[Shadowschmadow]

Originally Posted by LtL

Maybe I did contradict myself. It's just that I see the genetics argument used all too often as an excuse. Yes it does make a difference but not as big as many would have us believe.

LtL

I agree, which is exactly why I still deadlift.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by LtL

Maybe I did contradict myself. It's just that I see the genetics argument used all too often as an excuse. Yes it does make a difference but not as big as many would have us believe.

LtL

I agree. The genetics argument is focused on too much. It's like an "out clause". It's not like there are armies of genetically elite lifters out there. Few are genetics-perfect. Those that are still need to use training discipline to reach their goals. <= this is the hardest part of the process.

I am a small-boned, naturally weak twerp. Despite this, I can taste a raw elite 3-lift total. I busted my ass. I might never get there, but I busted my ass.

[Shadowschmadow]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I agree. The genetics argument is focused on too much. It's like an "out clause". It's not like there are armies of genetically elite lifters out there. Few are genetics-perfect. Those that are still need to use training discipline to reach their goals. <= this is the hardest part of the process.

I am a small-boned, naturally weak twerp. Despite this, I can taste a raw elite 3-lift total. I busted my ass. I might never get there, but I busted my ass.

Definitely, and the accomplishments you have made are jaw-dropping. I've seen the pics.

I wasn't saying that genetics are an excuse, so don't take it that way. I'm just saying that they can contribute to the difference between good and exceptional.

[Mr.Silverback]

Im not sure if I fit into that category being that I bench in the low 400s and dead around high 500s-low 600s...but i will say that squats are my downfall, being that i cant train them properly due to a hip flexor injury

[IronManlet]

Some people find that they are better in one lift then another, usually.

I myself am a better deadlifter than anything. I've always found it hard to increase my bench...I'll most likely be pulling 600 before I can bench 315.

[glwanabe]

Bench is overated anyyway.

[Shadowschmadow]

Only to those who aren't that good at it...

[dmaipa]

I've always been a good presser. Squats have been my weak point, i seem to not progress as quickly as i do as with benching. Deadlift wise I progressed huge while doing sumo DL but have gone back to conventional DL'ing and have the same story with squats. but still trying to crush both of them.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Mr. Shadow

I wasn't saying that genetics are an excuse, so don't take it that way.

I'm not pointing this at you specifically. I do think many use genetics as an excuse.

I personally have seen on certain boards things like "I am small boned so I will never...". We also have the "I am a hardgainer..." which is really just a way of saying "I think I have piss poor genetics."

Many do cop out. Instead of trying to succeed they set themselves up for failure. It is often the case that they really don't want to put in the work because they have had a taste of it and know it's too damn much for them.

It's pretty much the same for business, women or sports...if you bust your ass you will succeed. Some degree of success is just luck, but at the end of the day you can only put yourself in the position to succeed.

Either you put yourself in the position to succeed, or you put yourself in the position to fail.

Some guys invest 80 hours a year telling others why they can't gain muscle, strength, squat or deadlift or whatever. Those that succeed will never accept failure as an option. They invest these 80 hours into trying to succeed. They drive into the fire expecting to get burned, but also expecting to get out alive and stronger.

Originally Posted by Mr. Shadow

I'm just saying that they can contribute to the difference between good and exceptional.

I would say the gap isn't as huge as good and exceptional. It is more close than that...exceptional and very exceptional.

[Shadowschmadow]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Some guys invest 80 hours a year telling others why they can't gain muscle, strength, squat or deadlift or whatever. Those that succeed will never accept failure as an option. They invest these 80 hours into trying to succeed. They drive into the fire expecting to get burned, but also expecting to get out alive and stronger.

^^^ Sigging that. Good quote Steve.