Reality check
I think it’s quite normal to idolize somebody who has an admirable physique. In fact, sometimes print ad models, famous celebrities and certain people icons are the reason alone that inspires us to get “fit.” The problem with this however is that our imaginative expectation exceeds what’s realistic in terms of desired leanness or amount of muscle mass. It doesn’t mean that we are doomed to our current physique progression but we need to realize what is attainable and what isn’t. It is very important to be aware of the reality so that we can avoid frustration in the long run.
You may have encountered an online calculator which “predicts” our potential body weight, body fat and amount of lean body mass based on specific formula but the truth is that it may not apply to you. I used the word “predict” because these calculators simply predict which is not necessarily accurate. I’m talking about realistic genetic potential. For example: an online calculator predicted that you will weigh 200 lbs. with 8% body fat as your maximum genetic potential but this may not be true. Why? Because it depends on many factors. These online calculators are made using certain group of people which may have different genetics and ethnicity to you.
Speaking of genetics and ethnicity, these are the two things that we should look at as a more accurate way of assessing our genetic potential. Try to find your biggest and skinniest relative. Chances are, you’re both running on the same genetic pattern. So, you’re probably reading some fitness magazines or you may be looking at a print ad model and you are aspiring to acquire the same physique that he has. Another way of predicting realistic expectation is to observe the leanest and the most muscular people of your same ethnic origin. How many of those people are lean and muscular? How lean and how muscular are they? Are they natural(not using steroids)? These are the correct questions that we should ask ourselves regarding our realistic genetic potential outside drugs. These people are probably few compared to the majority(of your own race) but they can serve as the basic template to predict our realistic progress in terms of physique enhancement. No one is born with high end muscularity so the amount of training spam should also be considered. Although we shouldn’t use our genetics to hinder your progression. Laziness and poor eating habits aren’t judged by genetics alone. It’s big part of the game but certainly doesn’t end with it.
Many people quit their diet and training program due to lack of seeing desirable results. Genetics play a huge role in terms of how our body will look like but the remaining part of it will be dictated on how we optimize our diet and training. Fitness is a marathon and not a sprint meaning it takes patience and lots of it to see results.
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