The other day I got told that the only reason I’ve been able to squat stupid-heavy weights to depth, for close to thirty years, is because of my so-called great genetics.
Me, having great genetics for anything lifting-concerned. That gave me a big ol’ belly laugh.
It is true that I’ve got the lanky build and leverages that suit hitting a full squat. My ankles and hips were always mobile even when I was a chunky fella.
But genetic?
Could it be more that I ignored everyone for the last 30 years who told me that any day now I was going to destroy my knees, back, and adrenal glands by squatting how I do?
It’s only been about 28 years. I guess it’s going to happen any day now.
(Funny how I ignore all these warnings from very serious experts and keep on getting better, ain’t it?)
Is this superpower due to nature, or is it nurture?
Here’s the thing about genetics:
Each of us has real limits.
There is no training, no diet, and no drugs that will make me 6’3 and 250 shredded. Can’t be done.
I know Pacific Islanders who beat that goal before they turned 18 and with little or no training. That’s a different set of genetic potentials.
But within the possibilities contained in your biology, there’s a LOT of space to move around.
Genetics do not work like a fixed set of stat bars like you’re a character in an RPG.
Genetic possibilities concern what you do as much as how you are.
If I hadn’t spent almost my entire training life getting into a rock-bottom squat position, getting comfy with stupid-heavy weights in that position, and thereby strengthening the muscles and limbering up the joints, there’s every chance I’d be as stiff and inflexible as any cubicle-jockey.
If you don’t train for it, of course you won’t have it.
Who ever told you that what you’re good at is due to raw talent?
There are born-naturals for the elite levels of any sport you can name.
But YOU won’t know what YOU can do unless YOU do it.
Which is to say, genetics or no genetics…
If you want it, you gotta practice for it.
Have you ever beaten “bad genetics” before? Tell me about it. Reply here or drop a post in the group.
Matt Perryman