Why is training like a "bro" preferred by professional bodybuilders?

[jackmeoff1]

Their is an overwhelming amount of research supporting the optimal training protocol. I won't cite the sources but unless you've been banned from the internet for the past decade, you've seen them discussed ad nauseam. To summarize:
- In regards to frequency. Train each muscle group 2x per week
- In regards to volume . Hit each muscle with 40-60 reps per workout (80-120 per week)
- In regards to rep ranges. Work in the 6-12 rep range for hypertrophy.

But whenever any successful bodybuilder or physique competitor reveals his/her training they do NONE of that. Typically they hit each muscle group once per week with an absurd amount of volume and work in the higher rep ranges.

Advocates of the scientific protocol will conclude that these competitors have success with such suboptimal protocols due to drugs and will often direct their attention to "natty's" .

While it might be true that these guys "get away " with being suboptimal, I have a hard time believing they would leave such a competitive edge on the table.

What gives? Do these guys choose to ignore the science? Or is it that they know something the research doesn't ?

 

[MrRippedZilla]

At that level, growth is all about the drug protocol - not the training programme. So it makes perfect sense to pay less attention to training in comparison to naturals, etc.

That and/or they simply ignore the scientific literature due to a) most of the literature doesn't involve the same subject group (advanced, enhanced, bodybuilders) and b) a deep routed distrust that stems from the decades of bullshit published by the scientific community regarding AAS, its dangers, etc.

In terms of them knowing something we don't...no. In fact if you listen to the vast majority of them talk about training, their knowledge base is pretty weak.

 

[monolith]

I

At that level, growth is all about the drug protocol - not the training programme. So it makes perfect sense to pay less attention to training in comparison to naturals, etc.

That and/or they simply ignore the scientific literature due to a) most of the literature doesn't involve the same subject group (advanced, enhanced, bodybuilders) and b) a deep routed distrust that stems from the decades of bullshit published by the scientific community regarding AAS, its dangers, etc.

In terms of them knowing something we don't...no. In fact if you listen to the vast majority of them talk about training, their knowledge base is pretty weak.

I agree 100% it's all about the drugs doing the work. Just look at some vids of Phil Heath training with no intensity. You can find more average gym rats working with way more intensity than him.

There are exceptions though. Just look at what hard work + drugs did for guys like Dorian or Ronnie. It built freakish monsters.

 

[jackmeoff1]

While Ronnie and Dorian trained in researched rep ranges and used a more reasonable volume, both still did low frequency

Even if drugs are the biggest contributing factor I think everyone agrees they aren't the only contributing factor. I have to wonder if you can implement something that will contribute toward making you better than the competition why you would choose not to.

 

[NovaFlex]

I


I agree 100% it's all about the drugs doing the work. Just look at some vids of Phil Heath training with no intensity. You can find more average gym rats working with way more intensity than him.

There are exceptions though. Just look at what hard work + drugs did for guys like Dorian or Ronnie. It built freakish monsters.

That's completely wrong. Drugs will NOT make a world class athlete, only enhance it to its fullest potential.

You're completely disregarding the mind-muscle connection, and the fact that 99% of Phil's (and most pros) training is off-camera.

The initial post doesn't take into consideration different techniques, such as drop sets, rest pause, FST7 style training, tempo, etc... there's way more to bodybuilding, once you hit the upper echelon, than rep schemes. Those (rep schemes) should be looked at as an outline, not a blueprint to the taj mahal.... look at guys like George Leeman who either trains super low reps -5 or super high 20-30+ with heavy ass weight.... and he's a MONSTER.

Theres way more to this science than reps.

 

[RingMeister01]

These guys do not train they way you see them on YouTube. They are probably hitting routines 2x per day with crazy volume. And you are also forgetting these are the genetic cream of the crop.


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[Boxsquatter]

This is a very well known but of the 90's on drugs and the same body off drugs.

 

[Boxsquatter]

No genetic cream of the crop.. DRUGS DRUGS DRUGS... I can keep posting pictures but I won't.. NOT that I am saying I am against enhancement but that 18 yr old kid pulling 700 is not a genetic cream of the crop. He is a kid who decided to use some drugs and then make a video.. that is not payi g dues. Getting under the bar day in and day out only to have your poundage go up by 15/20 pounds and not giving up is paying dues and that takes years. Not minutes.. just my opinion....

 

[NovaFlex]

No genetic cream of the crop.. DRUGS DRUGS DRUGS... I can keep posting pictures but I won't.. NOT that I am saying I am against enhancement but that 18 yr old kid pulling 700 is not a genetic cream of the crop. He is a kid who decided to use some drugs and then make a video.. that is not payi g dues. Getting under the bar day in and day out only to have your poundage go up by 15/20 pounds and not giving up is paying dues and that takes years. Not minutes.. just my opinion....

Dude, without genetics and/or hard work (or both) no one is pulling 700lbs off the ground... yes, drugs play a part, but I can't just take 2gs of tren and go pull 700.... that kid is naturally strong to begin with.

And your pictures only prove what I said: drugs bring out a person's full potential, IF THEY PUT IN THE WORK. Drugs won't make an athlete, and certainly won't change your genetics... it's absurd to think that more drugs = more gains. That would mean whoever loads up the most wins, and that's certainly not the case

 

[Perrin Aybara]

I think it's a combination of genetics and drugs. I would say a very small percentage of the population could ever pull 700lbs or achieve a physique anything like a pro bodybuilder regardless of drugs, years of training, perfect diet, etc. It's just not in the cards for everyone.

 

[Seven]

View attachment 51944 This is a very well known but of the 90's on drugs and the same body off drugs.

Was this pic take with first digital camera?

 

[Boxsquatter]

It's a classic. AND YES THAT IS MY GIRLFREIND.. you should see her bush

 

[johntt44]

No genetic cream of the crop.. DRUGS DRUGS DRUGS... I can keep posting pictures but I won't.. NOT that I am saying I am against enhancement but that 18 yr old kid pulling 700 is not a genetic cream of the crop. He is a kid who decided to use some drugs and then make a video.. that is not payi g dues. Getting under the bar day in and day out only to have your poundage go up by 15/20 pounds and not giving up is paying dues and that takes years. Not minutes.. just my opinion....

I could deadlift 635lbs. and row 315 x12 at 17yrs old and 6'2 200lbs( no drugs). I just looked like a wiry kid. Genetics are everything for strength and size. Genetics also are everything when it comes to how you react to aas.

 

[Xlgx]

I could deadlift 635lbs. and row 315 x12 at 17yrs old and 6'2 200lbs( no drugs). I just looked like a wiry kid. Genetics are everything for strength and size. Genetics also are everything when it comes to how you react to aas.

That's hard to believe.

 

[johntt44]

That's hard to believe.

It's true, I swear. I've always been strong. I benched 450 before ever touching aas(2yrs ago).

 

[Boxsquatter]

How old are you nowjohntt. Cause I find that sooooo hard to believe and unless I had a video or something I don't think you can sell me on it. 200 pounds at 6'2.. 17yrs old.. I don't know I do t think o am the only one that would have a hard time being sold that one..BUT HEY WHO AM I.

 

[gr8whitetrukker]

I could believe the 635 dead. Deadlift is all about leverage. I seen skinny shits deadlift alot, including myself.
I dont believe the 315x12 bent barbell row. Nope
Some one at 6'2 200 lb undeveloped manboy wouldnt have the bicep drive or lat thickness to handle that properly
I wasnt born yesterday

 

[Spooby]

@gr8whitetrukker

Yeah, not even at my peak (on tren at the time as well) have I ever been able to do that shit lol

 

[NovaFlex]

I could believe the 635 dead. Deadlift is all about leverage. I seen skinny shits deadlift alot, including myself.
I dont believe the 315x12 bent barbell row. Nope
Some one at 6'2 200 lb undeveloped manboy wouldnt have the bicep drive or lat thickness to handle that properly
I wasnt born yesterday

12 is a bit much. Personally, I can do 315 for 5. However, I do them with some body english, as per George Leeman.

 

[benchyourmom]

I think it's a combination of genetics and drugs. I would say a very small percentage of the population could ever pull 700lbs or achieve a physique anything like a pro bodybuilder regardless of drugs, years of training, perfect diet, etc. It's just not in the cards for everyone.

No, It's their supplement lines that give em the edge! Bcaa's and Creatine = Supernatural power! It said so on the commercial!