How genetics affect bodybuilding physiques and PED usage, explained
When we speak about some of the biggest legends in athletic history, the term “gifted” is often used. There’s another word for that – genetically blessed. Hard work can help accomplish great things but hard work combined with superior genetics creates bonafide unforgettable legends. To what degree does this have an effect in bodybuilding when it comes to nutrition, training, and physique aesthetic & size? And do genetics play a large role in how competitors’ bodies react to PEDs? We partnered with Barbend in our latest GI Exclusive interview to discuss with Jim Stoppani the role of genetics in bodybuilding and PED use.
It’s often said that genetics play a large role in bodybuilding. This can seem on the surface somewhat discouraging to aspiring bodybuilders. What’s the point of putting all of that work in if you simply don’t have the right genetics to compete with the best in the world? However, there have been pro bodybuilders that prove it is possible to break the mold. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger himself has admitted that his genetics were not ideal for the physique he desired (and eventually obtained).
Hard work can make up for less than ideal genetics. You’ll just simply have to work harder than other individuals. Then occasionally there is the rare breed of human who can push harder than anyone else while also having the best genetics of anyone else. Those become iconic untouchable legends – such as Ronnie Coleman.
So the big question is – just how far can genetics affect the outcome of a bodybuilder’s hard work? And in being transparent about the realities of the industry – how much do genetics affect the way PEDs react in a person’s body? We turned to Jim Stoppani to break it down with some of his knowledge.
How genetics affect bodybuilding physiques
Jim Stoppani confirms what many passionate fans and athletes already know – genetics are an unavoidable factor in success for bodybuilding. This actually expands out beyond our sport. Any athlete on the pro level can find improved success if they have “gifted genetics.”
To help explain this in simpler terms, Jim Stoppani uses core genetic traits as an example. Features such as eye color, hair color, and height are not something we can control. They are predetermined via our genetic code. We can’t “train” our eyes to turn blue. This is the same mentality behind bodybuilding physiques.
Some bodybuilders will react to training and diets differently than others. Some will find the simple act of hardcore training easier to bear. The debate of nature vs nurture will be ongoing for all of human existence. So it’s possible as a community we may misattribute genetics to something that is actually simply hard work and life experience (and vice versa).
But overall, Jim Stoppani’s simple example proves that genetics do have a baseline effect. If you give two bodybuilders the same diet, training routine, and supplements – they will not have the exact same physique outcome.
Can genetics make PEDs effect individuals differently?
Jim Stoppani also touches on PEDs such as steroids and how genetics may or may not affect the reaction our bodies have to these drugs. Stoppani explains that, of course, genetics will make drugs react different for each individual. This is actually a big part of the reason drugs like steroids are regulated and banned for athletic use.
In the United States, steroids can only be prescribed by a doctor. That very factor is evidence of how a drug can affect each individual differently. A doctor or medical professional needs to evaluate what your body can handle. It’s different on a case by case basis.
Jim Stoppani uses cigarettes as a more basic example of this concept. There is no doubt that cigarettes cause damage to the body and long term health effects. However, there will always be certain smokers who live to be 90. Conversely, there can be someone who never drank or smoked a day in his or her life who suddenly dies of a health emergency.
We can’t control genetics – but they control us. It’s a factor we must all consider when it comes to not only our ability in a sport like bodybuilding – but our health when taking advice as well.
Wrap Up
You can watch Jim Stoppani go into full detail about genetics in bodybuilding and how they can affect reactions to PEDs in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above. Make sure to swing by every Monday for new Jim Stoppani explainer videos every week!