How *BIG* Can You Get Naturally

[@mountaindog1]

Can You Get Ripped "Naturally" kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYexhZR4hJp-b6s

[@4lc4p0rn]

hey man, as alway's you're one of the best sources of information out there, but you should be very careful with suggesting that working through pain is a good idea, a lot of people dont think for themselves. there's different kinds of pain, and working through muscle pain is usually completely fine, but you should be really really careful with working through sudden sharp stinging pains, or joint pains. im sure you already know all of that, and probably more, i just wish you would have said it out loud for the people who dont.

[@abdu1989]

@6:19 aww dont call yourself a genetics out liar.. you seem pretty honest to me

[@jjwp-ql5rv]

@@abdu1989 "outlier" not "out liar"

[@mountaindog1]

based on how skinny he was...definitely possible with perfect training and eating

[@MayorOfBodybuildingTV]

Education like this is much needed in today's world of endless information. Kids need to realize gear is a serious decision and you can.make nice gains naturally,especially when your young!

[@chrismayfield355]

John looks just like a ripped Mark Hamill. Luke Skysquatter.

[@mountaindog1]

skysquatter..hahahaha

[@christianrobles4580]

U took the words right out of my mouth... I feel like he’s been told that before lmaooo

[@ynots0625]

Luke I am your GymPartner

[@ChaosFetus]

He is Luke Skyquatter. You hear that force theme ring tone. Gosh dang, this is why I love John Meadows!

[@ChaosFetus]

Oh no, for the rest of my life I’m going to be thinking about how Luke is a little b*** version of John Meadows. ...Yoda is a wise old gym goer trying to encourage Luke. He tries to to get Luke to test his 1RM and lift his X wing. Luke tries for a second then gives up and gets all negative. Yoda give him the standard “wise old man pep talk” but Luke just walks away. So Yoda, like any good gym guru shows him how it’s done, then tells Luke, “that is why you’ll always be a gym bro.”

[@reactor4]

"Can you get to IFBB pro level naturally? Absolutely not" Thank you for saying that.

[@Vera-dg3hf]

We also landed on the moon 🌝

[@khazad-]

Ronnie Coleman was natural and he competed, until flex told him the "news"

[@alexanderalfonsokrook2471]

@@khazad- Yes and yao ming is really good in basketball probably without any kind of ergogenic help, CAUSE HE'S A FUCKING GIANT. Let me tell you a story, when i was 16 till probably 21/22 i consumed a lot pf cannabis, a fucking lot, and i, not like my friends (which were the kind of people that got at least b's and i'm talking about the year before college) i was able to devorate books and don't forget or misunderstand a thing. Does that mean than a normal person could do what i did? The answer it's no, it had a genetic cause (due to other causes also linked with expressions of certain genes and all that stuff).

[@BenisColada]

@ryan rogers "the principal of individuality always rules" the dude in the video said. Genetics 🌠

[@AJPuk]

@@alexanderalfonsokrook2471 I've also trained under the same consumption levels... maybe it helps? Are you trying to say that we're therefore anomalies?

[@lonewolf7650]

I hope to get big as Mike O'hearn one day naturally. My favorite natural drug free bodybuilder/pathological liar.

[@rushikeshindalkar5811]

😂😂

[@lj3307]

He just has big wrists and ankles 😂😂

[@SubmissionArmwrestling]

He's just big boned...lol

[@hansgehrkens]

You can but you have to find the special eggs he takes. They're hard to find since the duck which lays these eggs only visits about every 10 years. It nests in the top of the Disneyland castle and is called Alfred dagotren duck.

[@nullvektor9922]

Simeon Panda is way worse than O'Hearn. O'Hearn is so ridiculous that he seems like a massive troll.

[@thetroothhurtz]

John is consistently bringing some of the best content on YT

[@AB-gz9yb]

Eric T I love his shirt

[@Solarmass7-7]

Yep yep. Cool dude with lots of knowledge on bodybuilding

[@bobcharlie2337]

Absolutely!!

[@silenciummortum2193]

No doubt man. I am getting ALL the information and more than I bargained for. Jjst started working out 3 weeks ago. Last two weeks: 3 minute run 20x5 pushups 10x5 dips 10x5 bicep curls 20 lb 10x5 hammer curls 20 lb 10x5 hex press 20 lb 10x5 pinwheel curls 20 lb 10x5 overhead curls (whatever they are called, holding weight above head and lowering to shoulder behind head) 30 lbs 3 minute run 3 days a week, 1 day of rest in between. Any thoughts or feedback?

[@victorbenjamin1177]

Truly spoken brother

[@MarioMartinez-lj7og]

John rest in peace you are still here in everyone's hearts

[@justinhockey9427]

40 seconds in Naturals: yeah we can be IFBB level! John: absolutely not!

[@1fes323]

HE said 99% so those 1% exist

[@justinhockey9427]

@@1fes323 99.9%*

[@Scrapzilla69]

I still have a chance is what your saying then!!

[@Creature1009]

Eric Salazar just turned pro naturally but like John said he is a bantamweight guy

[@CHLM98]

Ifbb is just the federation. Ifbb in general, all over the world, isnt just the olympia and those pro events. Ifbb mostly is countries national competitions, at which most players are naturals because of the drugtested measures.

[@dominionn09]

I love how people on the internet laugh at someone weighting 160-170lbs. Like they are not big or a joke because they are not 200. 160 with a small bone structure and low body fat at 5’8” is going to look like a beast.

[@heftygainz]

Yeah i love that as an excuse when people say "hes definitely natty cuz hes not over 200lbs" lol.

[@T_Fizzle]

I was 5'8" 140lbs and pretty impressive if I wasn't standing next to anyone near 6'.

[@Trenacetate43]

many fatties overestimate their bf. Over 200 lbs natural guys are mostly just fucking fat

[@syria7981]

Trenbolone acetate true

[@wanderlustdetailer]

Truth!! I'm just at 5'7 and compete at a weight between 158-163lbs. (This is me in the little profile pic lol). Currently sitting around 183lbs and 12-14% bf

[@SebastianLarsen]

I miss this man even I haven't met him. I can't believe still that he's not around. Not fair. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

[@NegotiableHemingway]

John is one of the truest guys out there. I absolutely love his content. Most other fitness channels could learn a lot from John. A true gentleman

[@BrndshTV]

I gained like 4 maybe 5 pounds of muscle in 1 year naturally. 90% of my waking life i've spent feeling sore. You're 100% correct about the nutrition intake needing to be excellent. I'm slipping in that department now.

[@BrndshTV]

@KAZ1337x I'm not a beginner. My newbie gains were more significant. I'm up about 20 lbs since this post, about 15 lbs of that is muscle.

[@bradfordmcdermott2063]

Mike Mentzer's heavy duty HIT works. Intensity is necessary in order to stimulate grow anything more is over training counter productive 1 set till failure

[@pierrecohenmusic]

To add, people shouldn't confuse genetic potential with poor mind muscle connection: I lifted for years and, in high school, I got really strong but always had an underdeveloped chest, legs, and calves even when benching 120lb dumbells and squatting 405. It wasnt until my early 30s that I decided to train smart and focus on pure mind muscle connection with lighter weights and my chest other lagging muscles grew like crazy. My point is, you can bodybuild for years and not grow and think you hit your genetic potential... but unless you focus on feeling the muscle, then you may not even be close to your genetic potential. Might be common sense, but I think a lot of people overlook this.

[@1fes323]

Dude I see football players who are sub whatever they jave abs amd ripped at 290. 100% sure they could be ready at 240 and I know them THEY ARE JUST GIFTED

[@kw1213]

To be more specific it's focusing on MAXIMAL MUSCLE CONTRACTION. "Mind muscle connection" is frankly too vague. Another thing is blood volume. A lot of people don't grow because they are focusing on how much weight they can move instead of the contraction, AND they aren't doing enough sets to fill the muscle with blood and stretch the fascia. And of course individual genetics are more important than anything but those 2 things get missed by most people that train.

[@jsmith108]

what rep range do you recommend ??

[@pierrecohenmusic]

JT depends on the movement. As long as you keep it somewhere close to failure. I like 8 reps on heavy compounds and 12 reps on isolation stuff.

[@ordinaryguy815]

Yup. To look like a bodybuilder, train like a bodybuilder. It’s a skill and also wisdom that comes with age

[@Meemeeseecoo]

Thanks again for the great video. This guy is such a genuine & good dude. I’m 6’3 but could only get up to 190 in my 20’s when I was in the gym constantly and in really good shape. Now I’m 34, 6’3 and weigh 230, mostly beer weight haha. Been working out for about 4 weeks straight, just gonna keep on trucking and hope to be in decent shape by summer for the pool. Much love man.

[@weightlifter210]

Don’t forget perfect sleep and lack of stress. Relying on natural test production both are important lifestyle factors.

[@hutchsky33]

Seems like a genuine nice guy and very humble with his knowledge.

[@Bulkingonly]

Pray for us CHAMP! Currently watching for my daily dose of inspiration 🙏🏼

[@symqual1774]

I must call you Professor John!!! This lecture is very useful to know myself and set the goal of gaining the muscle. I'm so gateful to you!

[@robertnaus88]

i cannot stress the importance of proper nutrition enough. I have been virtually training for 26 years while on extremely bad diet, having no clue, that i need protein and be in surplus. I was even vegetarian and vegan some of those years. I was always skinny, i am 6`3 about 160-165lbs was my usual weight. But i did train 4-5x a week, heavy mostly but never grew. I just assumed its genetic and stopped worrying about it at certain point. I finally got my head out of my ass this February and started to eat right. Now 9 months later i am lean at 177lbs and i can see the difference. I just dont know how stupid and ignorant i was all these years. Now at 43 my right knee and shoulder is bad so i cant do what i could before, but thats not gonna stop me. I hope my story will help at least one person, who wonders why they dont grow. P.S great video as always John, keep it up!

[@mountaindog1]

thank you sir!

[@tomspencer3048]

Hi john. First i always enjoy your videos,and try not to miss any. I would like to encourage anyone who does not believe that they can not gain because of age, and past poor medical conditions. I was a monster at 49 years old. At 50 i was hit with bone marrow disease. I was on kemo for many cycles. And i lost a little over 100 pounds. Yes i was wasted. I needed help to even walk. I got very mad. I remembered what i was,and what i had now become. I started back at snap fitness here in Massachusetts. After 6 months i had to under go surgery. Laid up again for mounths. Back to the gym i went in june of 2018. Each workout i hit it with everything i had. Yes i started with 5 and 10 pound dum bells. I have never looked back in 16 months. I am now 59 years old. 1 am 6 ft 3. I now weigh 238 pounds. Starts are shoulders i dont know how wide. Chest is 54 inches. Biceps are 18 1/4 inches waist is round up to 34 inches. I have a small fallowing at the gym now who work our with me, and yes for those who must know at my age i can bench 315. Don,t know why but everyone always ask. So how much can you bench. Yes i have above genetics i have all my like. I have thick bone mass as well. My point is leave you ego at the door, get in the gym and change your life. Its never to late. I am there 4 days a week. Those days you don't want to go i think are the most important days to go. Received some bad news on my last bone marrow biopsy in September. So the battle continues. Ya it bites somedays, but never give up. I don't and if I can still work out so can you. Sorry did not mean to be so long winded. NEVER give up. I plane on a 55 inch chest and 19 inch arms buy next June when i hit 60. Thank you John you inspire in ways you cant imagine. I am living proof of that. Many Thanks Tom S. Ps i am 100% natural. Come to Cape Cod sometime it would be a great honor to work out with you. Oh by the way i first started in 1974. Thanks Again

[@TheFast804]

I’m 26 6’3” 195lbs, I’ve been training since I was 16 and I let my self balloon up to 230 from horrible training and nutrition. I decided to start taking things seriously and started training 6 days a week and tracking everything I eat. I’m bigger and stronger now than I ever was as a teen or in my early 20’s! I still have a long way to go but I believe this video is pretty precise!

[@tonesunia9728]

Im on same boat as you bro keep grinding

[@unizozz]

Dude you and me have the exact same weight/training/age/height . 😂 Cutting down right now to 195 from 230. Trained for 10 years but somewhere in those years I forgot to progress in my training. So now I'm starting to see gains again.

[@ronaldrichardson4451]

my man u r still n your early 20's peace

[@ronaldrichardson4451]

my bad bro read your post wrong peace!

[@TheFast804]

Andy Evans never said I was huge but I’m not a runt either....

[@saturationstation1446]

this has to be the best video about building muscle that i have ever seen. never heard anyone take into account environmental stressors before this. this is truly a comprehensive evaluation of human potential. being in an overly stressful environment is going to produce hormones that will work against growth. coupled with a sub optimal diet and sub optimal sleep routine, even not bathing often enough, will all stunt a persons physical abilities far more than 99% of people want to admit..

[@seang9751]

Realistic answers to everyone’s ultimate fitness/health questions of wonder. Solid!👍💪

[@mountaindog1]

Appreciate it!

[@schuylervanduyne2372]

Another important factor is to decide what are you training for. If you aspire to be big like John, your approach needs to be focused on lifting like a bodybuilder. Making the mind/muscle connection. Find the exercise that works best for you. It is a balancing act between rest, nutrition and training. I learned that only a few really ever get dialed in and make the adjustments to really get results. Hormone levels, calories, recovery, along with getting enough sleep are often overlooked! If anyone could figure out how we ended up with that “perfect workout” we would be famous. Keep on bringing your wisdom John. The calculator is pretty much dead on.

[@lowkeybeatspg]

Your videos consistently demystify the natty vs enhanced ambiguity that is unfortunately so prevalent in this industry, thank you! 🤩

[@jatindersingh9659]

John is the truth. No bs here..The genetics chat is so absolutly true. Some just dont want to believe. A true realist, which I respect.

[@lycanpower6038]

John, I am so grateful for you! This is by far the best video you’ve ever done, IMO. I am 100% natural and I gained 40 pounds in 4 years. I am still pushing. I’m 6’3” and weigh 235. It’s been a struggle many times, but all worth it. I’d love to hit it hard with you one day...maybe you could come to Mississippi one day!!! 👍💪👊🐺

[@SH-Accountant]

This is why I've been following John for over a decade. He's real. No fake BS. I followed John for nutrition and muscle gains, ed coan for deadlift/squat and ryan kennelly bench programs. 218lb, 12% body fat, 5ft 8". Over 20 inch arms, tree trunk legs. 290kg deadlift, 275kg squat, 190kg bench. That was me naturally at 22 years old after 6years of >obsessive< training and nutrition. So to answer the question, you can get massive naturally. Don't do drugs, save your organs and endocrine system.

[@TheBodybuilder57]

Just did mine through Eric's formula, also i am a week out from my 1st natural bodybuilding competition. Went and got a dexa scan last Tuesday. It had me at 7.5% bf weighing 164 I'm 5"10 and I got a score of 21.8..... I would say that's pretty accurate, i've been training seriously for 5 years.

[@carpediem6568]

Steve Reeves dis something like this. He projected maximum muscle size from measurements of wrist, ankle, etc.. I believe it's in a book he wrote. One can also be in a situation where they need to back off the training intensity because there is no way they can get the rest they need, or so I believe.

[@godsbeast.69]

John your absolutely correct. (Big fan by the way👍🏽) I’ve been training over 12 yrs balls to the wall. Huge amounts of quality food. And brutal training. I’m always being accused of using, not that theirs anything wrong with it, It’s a very personal choice. And May indeed plan to at some point. But going back to when you stated bone size, My wrists are 9.2inches I’ve built 21 arms with naturally high peak with double split accused of synthol too. My calves 20.4” & neck at 20 1/2” The mind set in conjunction has been the key factor along with mental & physical genetics. I’m around 12% bf at just over 18st.

[@MrSod3r]

I made this account when I thought I could turn pro naturally lol

[@jeremymetcalf2502]

They only appreciate synthetically GMO'ed walking zombies.

[@nicmunro]

at least guys like us are still above average compared to everyone else maintaining good health

[@Vera-dg3hf]

Natty IFBB Pro LMAO 😂

[@Mecanotech]

Good you woke up

[@noelroga4593]

😆

[@ronaldbohan2720]

Bone and wrist size does make a difference as a Natural Bodybuilder. I have been a trainer or 40 years competing since 1980

[@strenghtsoul0702]

These calculators are awesome and pretty accurate John. My height is 180 cm and I’m 93 kg with 8% bf natural. The calculator shows I’m in the 26,4 range, which indicates I’m at my genetic potential indeed (after 10 years of hard training and good nutrition). Love your content man, keep it up!!

[@MrChriz333]

Strenght&Soul070 are you sure 8% bf is right? 93kg, 8% body fat is insane natural. Most guys cant even reach 80-85 8% bf

[@lugohstsotofitness7817]

Mountain Dog. You are a bad ass and honorable man for this video. WOW how many high profile pros have the balls to actually be honest in this subject. Have not seen many if any in all 6 years of my lifting career. You are a very very high profile pro and seeing this made me give MASSIVE respect to you. By the way, that shirt, Ho Lee Chit.

[@Dennisgoyette]

Holy shit, I just realized why the exercise is called "the Meadow's Row"....from YOU!

[@mountaindog1]

:)

[@catherinecarlson8027]

Someone made a good point saying you should do a natural vs. enhanced video about how the training should differ in volume and good sets per workout. also could do natural vs. enhanced diet differences. huge fan!

[@beetlesstrengthandpower1890]

Great idea!

[@jonmolson7819]

JM: ALWAYS appreciate your integrity in all your videos.

[@mountaindog1]

thank you!

[@michaelolin2219]

All I can say is I'm TRT now, prescribed by a physician. I'm in better shape now than I was in my early twenties. It's a game changer but it has to be respected. Great video.

[@mountaindog1]

Well said!

[@dave_asara]

I’m too old to be laughing at your shirt 😂

[@mountaindog1]

:)

[@furiousfabe9045]

Just realized it 😂😂

[@sketchartphoto8117]

holy shit thats funny!

[@sgtrock2821]

Sum sing wong wiff dat chirt

[@JCMW-hw9jl]

I blow the FFMI out of water & I am natty, no way I am the 0.5%

[@Adam-qh8vf]

Refreshing to see honest and real input from someone with experience and knowledge.

[@jackbrady9738]

congrats on being such a down to earth likeable guy respect

[@adamcolts]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video John. Very well done as always!

[@toddgoogle4387]

John is one of the most honest men in the industry. I don't know him but you can tell he's truly authentic.

[@vikashanand4413]

Thanks you sir . Please keep keep making video on natural .👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jbfitness7658]

Now before i saw this video i believed there was something in wrist size and ankle size that was a good indicator of how much muscle you can hold. My bone structure isn't very big at all. I have small hands, wrists and ankles but also my bones are pretty long in comparison to my muscles. This is made more apparent. For example from the inside of my elbow to the start of where my bicep begins is at least a 6-7 cm gap. So with a t shirt on it looks like I have no bicep as the t shirts would sit on the 6-7 cm gap leaving my bicep high up in the t shirt. That being said i know I train hard as a natural and watching this video really does highlight that genetically the base has to be there to become great at this sport. But it does make me feel a little proud that I really dont have the best body genetically for bodybuilding , but I've done well with what genetics I have. Despite the combination of long bones and short muscles and my clothes hiding my muscles. I know I have them . So to all the natural, less genetically gifted people out there . Let's keep at it and be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Great video. Thank you

[@ccbell1900]

Such an interesting topic. So many factors involved though, which is why I don't like those calculators. You said it yourself, optimizing training and nutrition, genetics and structure, and consistency all play a role. No one is going to have such an ideal life that all of those factors are perfect for muscle growth. Also, some calculators are based on "genetic freaks" and some are based on general populations. I think our definition of a freak keeps changing. Over the years we've learned more about optimizing the entire process so I don't believe we truly know what is possible naturally. I've also heard the argument that, naturally, you'll probably never hit your ceiling of genetic potential. I think most people are lucky to be shredded over 170-180lb naturally but maybe we'll see bigger and bigger freaks on the natural stage. I've got a positive outlook on natural potential.

[@oWMatt]

I can share to you guys my experience. I was and I still am natty, not compiting, amateur, always trained alone. I trained at avarage 4 times per week, no diet plan, working at different and very mixed shifts (a lot of night shifts)... - My first day in the gym was when I was 20 years old (70kg/182cm/around 13% body fat); -I am now almost 24 years old (85kg/182cm/around 10% body fat). I love lifting weights, I don't usually lift really heavy, I have a little bit of scoliosis in my lower back. I like to eat whatever I like but I do add some healthy food here and there. Consistency is what I think it works for me the most.

[@jackbrady9738]

video quality and sound quality are TOP NOTCH John. Awesome

[@mconcepcion752]

I've gained about 15Ibs in 3 years. Only now is everything being optimized. Even so with Eric Helms calculation I am around 20.5. Better than I thought

[@loveamerica3426]

Love this guy ❤ Rest in Peace🕊

[@17vmrivas]

That red hulk in the background is super dope.

[@danwest9900]

Thanks for posting this video, John! I've been lifting on and off for about 20 years. I'll be 50 in summer of 2020. My goal is to compete within the next 2 years on stage as an all natural, amateur bodybuilder. Not to brag, but my body is totally primed for competing: wide chest, thick bones, thick V-shaped back, even muscle distribution, and I love to train hard. I have no illusions of trying for Mr O. not only because of my age, but also because I don't want to ever use growth hormones or testosterone. My only fear is training legs hard especially calves. Lol. You are an inspiration, man, and your videos help me in leaps and bounds every time I watch a video. I hope to meet you some day, Sir!

[@danwest9900]

@ryan rogers Right now it's 36" at around 25% bodyfat. If I'm running low bodyfat (>10%) then I'm 32" waist.

[@patricksaldivia-oliva3964]

You will be missed, I never knew you but you gave me a lot of tips on ow to approach improving myseld, diet and training to stop being a fat fuck. Thanks and R.I.P.

[@ethancate8462]

What on earth are you talking about

[@sageninja7260]

@@ethancate8462 it’s pretty easy to comprehend what he’s saying…

[@ethancate8462]

@@sageninja7260 Seriously? This is how I figured out he passed, leave me alone.

[@CF-fx9eo]

My "FFMI" came back Excellent. This is a huge vote of confidence for me in getting big naturally. Thanks John!

[@OP-xi1hv]

You forgot to mention Mike O'Hearn as a natural.

[@Sandsyy]

🤥

[@Firefalcon88]

All joking aside if you look at his picture of when he was 14, he looked better than a lot of grown men. No doubt he was natural then, being so young but I don’t think he’s on as much as most think. The guy was destined to be a God among men. Absolutely not natural and probably hasn’t been for decades but he was destined for greatness, genetically, from the get-go.

[@liamengram6326]

To me the reason I would believe Bugez if he told me flat out he is natty is his lifting numbers. All of his PR lifts have been done when he is around 250 and a bit huskier. Even when he cuts down to 230 he isn't shredded, he just has mildly visible abs. And when he DOES cut down, his lifts go down proportionately. A major sign of gear - to me - is when someone cuts down like 15-20lbs, and goes below 10% bodyfat but their lifts all stay pretty much the same. That, to me, is pretty much impossible to do as a natty.

[@benstevenson1908]

The amount of quality free info you give out is absolutely insane, Big thanks from ireland

[@yaboijoel517]

Who else is paying tribute, to the goat 😔

[@dwaynecunningham2164]

I am.

[@NoRockinMansLand]

R.I.P

[@Craig-m2l]

Same here!

[@wilsonlee63]

I'm so glad to see you make this video John, you are a beast whether you were natural or not. I'm sure it concerns everyone who ever picked up weights, those 2 guys you mentioned were so exceptional they were probably not from this world. Not only I hear some online coaches /trainers giving false expectations, even some vegan nut cases claim you can be on a vegan diet & still can be an IFBB Pro in top 10 placings & world record breaking powerlifter & strongman too without ever eating animal proteins, then it's for sure you aren't from earth. I'm a natural & well past middle age under 3 years of weight training but who has very narrow wrist & very skinny thighs "most probably small boned" but the rest seems normal for my weight of 130lbs of 5.6''. I train 6 days a week for 2- 2 1/2 hours per day with high reps & moderately heavy & was able to gain decent size with lean muscles & vascularity possibly better conditioned than some bigger but softer looking guys... I definitely lack the size.

[@jimbersmcimbers]

That FFMI is pretty accurate as far as I'm concerned. I've trained for 16 years naturally and came out at 25.3.

[@desertguy1362]

Its the gold standard. Seriously.

[@omegahelix]

Nice straight, quantitative talk about what you can expect. Thank you!

[@stephenjones2892]

Being 43 myself I'd love to have your opinion on getting older while bodybuilding and the things you now need to do to be the best version of you that you can be. Many thanks champ 👌👏

[@Squammish]

I started working out again a year ago, after a long time off, at 5'10 and 130 pounds. I worked all week with poor sleep, barely ate, and I was definitely underweight. 1 year later, I'm now 150 lbs. I feel great now, but to know I can still put on another 20 lbs according to the calculator is very motivational. Have to keep tracking those calories and train harder. Great video, John!

[@carpediem6568]

Love this technical stuff. Steve Reeves developed an intricate system which gave the genetic potential of each body part, based on bone structure. Really neat, for its time.

[@macezillamayfield2882]

Dr Greg, the death star for popular KZbinrs respects you... and I can see why happy to subscribe to your channel

[@mountaindog1]

:)

[@GoteNnick]

It's quite interesting, when I first started to train at the age of 17 i only weight 50kg in the years through untill my 21th birthday I only reached the maximum of 67kg although I'm very light and have indonesian genes which stuck me at a lower weight. My dad told me to be patient because he had the same issue in his younger years. He started to gain weight quick after his 30's and weight a maximum of around 90kg with pure consistancy over the years. So i guess it is possible to overdo this forumula but I also think it is quite accurate as well.. genetics sucks sometimes but I guess i've got to wait hahaha Although a great video, love your content and tips! My dad thought me the exact same tips like you do! Keep it up

[@timbotemon]

John you are so polite, I love how you described Lyle. Respectful but clear. Hope you're well!

[@ethanjames2936]

I don't typically comment on videos.. but I love your plethora of knowledge and good vibes you put out! One of, if not, my favorite bb coaches. Even just went and purchased one of hilarious t-shirts! Hope you stay strong and healthy! Glad you're feeling better, Mr. Meadows!! Keep up the hard work, sir! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@mountaindog1]

thank you very much!

[@louisjwiese5515]

I have known some serious genetic freaks. Who looked fantastic naturally, and huge. But definitely not IFBB huge. I like John's honesty. Really awesome channel.

[@swingforthefences777]

Interesting as always. Thank you John. I am new to the gym only one month in but I’m training really hard six days a week. Your videos help me learn new exercises and not make as many mistakes as a beginner.

[@mustafakozak6128]

Ripped video and this video are both very informative and very professional, fam. No bullshit, that's how it should be.

[@HolyPineCone]

I have a thin bone structure and am a bit Short but recover relatively well. I'm not prone to injuries either. I don't look increadibly muscular with a shirt but have gotten quite strong over the years so my genetic drawbacks have been compensated by my fortunate features. I will never be as big as a troll but after 15 years of training, less injuries is worth more to me.

[@mrexpatjohnny]

Thanks for this... yeah your statements about diet and training are correct. I spent many years eating basically maintenance calories and training hard off and on, started eating better and going into a surplus and suddenly, newbie gains.

[@FranciscoGomez-mo5kf]

It’s crazy how this video popped up on my recommended today 😔 RIP

[@darthv8or]

Bruh...idk how it took me so long to come across your channel but all your videos are gold man. Thank you

[@jamiehay1027]

Always watch John's videos to get hyped up before the gym😄

[@mapyn131]

did that Monday and still have sore arms on Friday

[@ghost95]

I have to say that you sir really motivated me. After a big weight loss (70 kg) and 4 years of Training and working my ass off i had lost alot of fun just showing up and going for the body i really wanna see in the mirror but this was just really refreshing and the funny part is it wasnt even something new every other fitness youtuber is talking about the same things and same formulas but there is something very professional about your content that keeps everything acceptable and for the first time in years i have the feeling of just knowing where this route is taking me. Anyways thank you very much for your Time to just talk some sense into me maybe a few more others here i really appreciate that.

[@UrSturdyWing]

Great video John, as always a source of knowledge and wisdom. As a suggestion I would love for you to elaborate on managing recovery as a natural lifter. For me and a lot of your listeners, diet, training, consistency and mindset have already been drilled in through years of experience. The question that remains is not how much we can train (infinite), but how to balance intense training against recovery to optimise not only gains but quality of life. I've been in many situations where my training has been ruthless and has led to overtraining, or fantastic results but terrible mood/life-balance. It's an extremely fine line between applying stress to force adaptation and compromising your system entirely, and It's been really tough personally for me to manage that dynamic, especially as I love to constantly be improving. How do you approach implementing recovery into your program, and to a wider sense your life?

[@DevonBarrett]

Great comment & question. In the same boat as you mate

[@Biggmofo]

Excellent point.

[@nateknierim7312]

Awesome video man! It was very informative to me because I plan to do my first natural show next year. As a father of two you try to find the right time but you gotta make time. You randomly popped up in my feed. It gave me hope for my first show I just turned 31 and feel I'm in my prime. I have trained very hard for many years staying natural and checking that site out I'm in the 26 range area so I'm stoked as hell about that. Look forward to your other videos brother I'm sure you have plenty of tips I can incorporate into my training. Only way to grow is to learn.

[@tomryan9269]

I gained around 40 pounds naturally over a 5 year span of lifting I was 5’8 140 I’m now 180 plan on getting to 190 this year. Just be consistent with meals and on point with training the gains will come

[@mountaindog1]

great work!

[@MatthewGlenn26196]

Great no bullcrap video John. Love your style of delivery and your expert info.

[@rgk9999]

Everybody seems to know that one 'freak' they point to. But this is the exception, not the rule. I came up in a powerlifting environment, and there was one guy in the gym that was so much smaller in stature than most, but the dude was a beast in strength.

[@GameChameleonChannel]

not gonna lie man, I teared up seeing this 10% - 208.6lbs (94.6kg) Your FFMI: 24.3 this was my goal and I can hit it I now know It's possible for me and I have been killing my self for a few months now (I wasn't expecting this now or soon, but I was getting down thinking of all of the genetic stuff out there in the net saying how no matter how hard you work you can't hit certain things just because of your genetic make up) Thank you for making this video, I just now found it and I am thankful as anyone could be =)

[@serratusband]

Bones and skeletal structure are everything when considering natural potential, when all your limits have been reached, that framework remains. Great video to keep it real when it’s easy to start off in fantasy land.

[@1fes323]

NOPE bone destiny can expand I have done so many times. Farmer's walk and wrist curls. For ankles calf raises and many more. For overall structure compounds. Done

[@serratusband]

1fes Cool just tell me how to make my clavicles longer and gain 3” in spine length then I’m all ears.

[@molehansman247]

@@1fes323 Bone destiny. I'm crying

[@1fes323]

I will bet you are a tooth pick.

[@nonachyourbusiness1164]

@@1fes323 You are a fool in a man's shoes

[@damonm3]

I have a crazy weight gain story. I’m 5’11” and was 90lbs at 16. 110 at 21. Found weightlifting and hit it hard for a little over year and gained 60lbs. Around 10% bf. Unreal growth. And naturally. Now I’m 38 and am around 200 15% bf on trt. I’ve gone up and down depending on activities of course. Went down to 140 at 25-28 for bicycling/climbing. Lifting saved me. I was super insecure and depressed. I have a tiny bone structure. Or just really skinny small bones... Keep up the good work🍻👊

[@charlesrowley1657]

i would say your more like 25% body fat.....no way you went from 140 to 200 in ten years unless it was mostly fat

[@commonsense7057]

I've worked out off and on since high school when I played football and did weightlifting. When I was 29 my father died and I started working out daily as an outlet. I worked out every day for about 3 years before life got in the way. At my most lean I was 6' and 178 lbs at 6% body fat. I had my body fat tested by a trainer at the gym with calipers. I did do a lot of cardio at the time and I was drinking a lot of alcohol so my gains could of been better. I was absolutely shredded though. Goofy as it sounds my dad was a underwear model in his younger days so I kind of lucked out with genetics.

[@zefsamurai1366]

6 percent is not what people walk around at sorry just ain't. Probably more like 10 to 12

[@killakangz5317]

i dont know. i have nuthin against guys who enhance there bodies and to tell the truth, it looks nice. but i think consistency over a very long period of time results would come. watching yur videos help me wanna stay healthy & fit. thanx again for being honest.

[@mountaindog1]

always!

[@TheObicobiHD]

Always appreciate the videos and knowledge John! I am still a thin lad just started my journey though I have been a fan for a while. Found ya through Juji and Tom last year. Finally I decided to take action, only took me almost 22yrs lol

[@Wolfishhippo1]

What a legend. Transparency is so important when you’re taking your health into your own hands.

[@BatmanBoss]

Nice Red Hulk Statue. Sideshow? Always wondered if you had any of those since you wear so many shirts with Super hero’s on them

[@nialljordison4844]

Really honest and seems like a top bloke 🇬🇧

[@wayne3078]

I’ve always been natural and a lot of my mates do the gear. The change in their physiques is unbelievable but it’s just never been for me. I like been the size I am it’s not head turning big but it’s enough to fill a t shirt and jumper and at least look like I lift when I go out and about. The key at been natural is consistency of both food and training.... You may find you need a longer time to recover too.... Great vid as always Jon

[@robertrobertson8575]

I'm 6'8" I've been training consistently for 4 years. I got up to 300 lb fat but I got way way stronger on all barbell lifts. I decide to cut and over the period of 7 months I'm down to 215 lb and I look like a skinny rail fuck that has never been in the gym in his life. Like a total fucking waste of time. And yes the whole time I was cutting I kept my protein intake high (1g per 1lb). Maybe when I start reintroducing more carbs and calories I'll fill up a little bit but right now I feel like I've wasted so much time.

[@TheGnarlyBarbell]

Hell, this was real. I appreciate this so much.

[@mountaindog1]

:)

[@KillianDefaoite]

An important note: at 4:29 Butt's formula predicts maximum LEAN BODY MASS, not body weight. For your curiosity, my measurements are as follows: Wrist: 7 in Ankle: 9.25 in Height: 68 inches Maximum lean body mass: 5% - 169 pounds 10% - 173 pounds 15% - 177 pounds 20% - 181 pounds Maximum arm size : 17.3 inches Maximum thigh circumference : 26.6 inches Maximum forearm circumference: 13.7 inches Currently I'm around 20% bodyfat (estimated using Navy method) with a lean mass of about 160 pounds. So by this formula, I can still put on another 10-20 pounds of mass :)

[@monkeyman41333]

I wish I could give this TWO thumbs up. Excellent video John. I used the various calculators, and they were pretty darn accurate. The one by Casey Butt, to me was the best. When I plugged in my stats, it was almost bang on with my measurements at my last contest. One thing I think needs to be mentioned, is that it is much harder to add muscle as your age, especially if you are not on TRT, due to the reduced Testosterone production as we get older.

[@JDJ1213]

Thumbs up for always telling it how it is. Keep up the great work John!

[@WhatIsItToBurn]

I just hope to improve some of my lifts over time, after enough time, I should be big haha. I am not big though yet, but I have the mindset that no one deadlifting 400+ lbs for 3 sets of 5 is going to be small!

[@ninjajunior4422]

Depends what your looking to achieve. Bodybuilding is all about what you look like you can lift. Wheres powerlifters dont have the best physiques as thier goal is to lift huge weights and not so much about what they look like.

[@WhatIsItToBurn]

@@ninjajunior4422 It depends. Powerlifting in the biggest class are quite fat but the ones in the lower ones are not. If the people in the 80-90kg area get lean, they would look awesome.

[@ninjajunior4422]

@@WhatIsItToBurn yeah for sure. But I mean you wont see a powerlifter sculpting thier arms or anything like that. They focus on bench, squats and deadlifts 90% of the time. No isolation stuff just multi compound.

[@signs80]

@@ninjajunior4422 a lot of them do isolation stuff but it's usually just to get more volume in, i.e. skullcrushers to hit more triceps without tiring you out like another 5 sets of bench

[@shermanchester68]

Lord Chumpington Eddie Hall lost around 80 pounds, I believe, and he definitely looks different (and healthier) but definitely not like a bodybuilder.

[@TedRogers-q1l]

Thanks John , solid information.

[@kellaway-1578]

Meno hensslemans has a fantastic calculator as well. It's even more detailed

[@glynnstrengthaddictlowther6770]

Still watching your videos. A true legend sir, and lovely person ❤️🙏🏻