I look at the pictures of John Grimek, Steeve Reeves, Clarence Ross and other greatest bodybuilders of pre-steroid era and it make me wonder.

edit: Of cause now days bodybuilders much leaner in competitive stage, then before, but i think thats cause old time bodybuilders never dieted down as today

Good post.

I do think the limit of muscle mass haven’t changed. The only thing which has changed is the level of conditioning these days. Even natural bodybuilders are demanded a striated glutes and most do have those.

I think the problem with such greater demand for conditioning is that natural bodybuilders look a lot smaller. I think they should relax a bit on the conditioning part.

Talk about training, I don’t if there will be a difference if the current natural bodybuilders train 3 times/week full body workout like Reg Park or Steve Reeves. But then again these guys are probably would have grown on any messed up routine.

Have you looked at Jim Cordova. He is another genetic freak who has a pleasing physique.

anoopbal - 29 May 2010 01:26 PM

Good post.
Have you looked at Jim Cordova. He is another genetic freak who has a pleasing physique.

Thanks.
Just check the guy.
Looks fantastic
Never imagine that natural may reach his level of physique

He is not in his peak though. I think he slacks when it comes to conditioning.

Check out Doug Miller. He won the Yorton cup recently. He has some incredible muscle mass for a natural guy.

I think conditioning is one area that natural competitions should not mimic un-tested organizations in. The loss of mass is way too much IMO. I do like how they usually compete according to height as well. However, back to the original post, I do not see much difference from today. Yet that says alot about the old schoolers and there effort and intuition before all the science.

However, back to the original post, I do not see much difference from today. Yet that says a lot about the old schoolers and there effort and intuition before all the science.

It is probably true.

And I don’t think science hasn’t made much progress in training. Not many studies nor quality studies. Nutrition field on the other hand has tons of basic and application studies.

I still stick to the basics and the philosophy of progression unless some quality studies shows otherwise.

Just check Doug Miller FMMI index
I suppose he has 5-6% fat on competition state, so the index will be around 26, which is more then natural suppose to be (25)

ust check Doug Miller FMMI index
I suppose he has 5-6% fat on competition state, so the index will be around 26, which is more then natural suppose to be (25)

I guess the pre-steroid bodybuilders were slightly above 25 when they look their stats.

And though most say 4-5% contest day body fat, these are usually higher if you do a DEXA or hydrostatic. And there might be some exceptions you know.

Doug Miller on changing exercises:

I am a huge believer in the benefits of variety but I also think if you change things too much you can’t gauge if you are making gains or not. If you are progressing doing what you are doing (increasing weight and reps) I would stick with it (but not longer than 8-12 weeks).

If it aint broke why fix it?

Well, I guess some peoples adapts very quickly to exercise, rep range etc.
And when it happens they hit the wall
Some - not, they can “milk” progression for months