How Strong Can You Get Without Steroids?

[@AlexanderBromley]

Never doubt your programming again. Learn more at www.BaseStrength.com "Big Dreams, Bad Genes" at www.Barbellapparel.com/Bromley WE'RE ON DISCORD! BromleyHQ discord.gg/CnhSBYb5qy

[@abnurtharn2927]

Due to an Inherited heart condition, I have to train natty, and I enjoy it. Just deadlifted 200 kilos at an age of 56.

[@FordyHunt]

That's awesome

[@abnurtharn2927]

@@FordyHunt Thank you.

[@velinivanov607]

Sir you are a beast

[@shaneberg3653]

Similar here. Not interested in roads at all. Best DL so far has been 215kg at 54. My goal is x3 bw which makes my target 270kg. Not sure if I’ll get there but it’s something to aim for.

[@giiovaani]

Congratz!

[@Andrew_J123]

The enlightened take is that whatever my current PRs are, are obviously the natty limits and anyone who can lift more is on gear

[@trixnhoez2964]

You say that jokingly but that tends to actually be how people's minds actually think on this topic.

[@TheSuperadrian1]

@@trixnhoez2964 and thats also what holds them back.. probably

[@Rubbish_]

I am the peak of mankind and anyone with a lat raise over 2.5lbs is completely juiced up,

[@TomBarber-s6b]

😂

[@TomBarber-s6b]

I’ve been lifting for ten years now. And it’s actually a lot less prevelant than social media would lead me to believe. I go to lots of different gyms. I lift every day. I lift heavy. And I’ve never met a single person that offered me or told me that they were on gear

[@hbriem]

I am a 62 year old powerlifter, lifetime drug-free. I started lifting at 41 and coach in a drug-free powerlifting club and compete tested at M3 in the IPF. Online I often get accused of being a steroid user. I'm glad to see that you don't buy into that "everybody half decent must be on drugs" bullshit. Thanks for the great info.

[@MrLaptopus]

Care to post your weight and lifts?

[@kofiboakye6173]

Lol did he post?​@@MrLaptopus

[@chrisspedling75]

Sure bro

[@hbriem]

@@MrLaptopus Often enough. This year my best in training are 190kg squat, 135kg bench, 220kg deadlift at 95kg-ish. A little less in competition.

[@donaldtrumplover2254]

⁠@@hbriem who’s accusing you of steroid use at those weights? I mean it’s okay to be skeptical but those are realistic. Maybe it has something to do with your age? The only people I accuse are those benching 500 pounds and deadlifting 800. Though if they are like 18-25 years old I’ll be even more skeptical.

[@aaronspratt267]

I’m 46 years old and have been consistently lifting since the age of 16 when I started weight training for high school sports. In over 30 years of training , I’ve set countless PRs and have seen my body weight increase from around 175 lbs to 240 lbs while maintaining a healthy body fat percentage. Also, I’m a natural lifter. I don’t have anything against anyone who uses PEDs or TRT under the care of a physician. I just decided that wasn’t the route for me. I’ve never competed or had any desire to compete. I feel like my competition is against myself. At 46, I’m stronger on the big 3 lifts than I have ever been, and my goal is to maintain that for as long as possible through natural training means. I realize Father Time will eventually catch up with me, but I feel like there’s no reason, barring injury, that I can’t maintain a significant level of strength into my 50s and beyond. I am dedicated to maintaining flexibility and still perform ATG squats on a weekly basis. To sum it up, I agree with much of what you said in this video. I’m not trying to brag, but I outlift many men in my gym who are 20 years my junior, mainly because I have been consistent for many years with training and my diet, and I’ve never been afraid of hard work. Oh, and I acknowledge that I was lucky in the genetics lottery.

[@defeatisfinal]

What are your all time best lifts on big 3?

[@aaronspratt267]

@@defeatisfinal They’re not very good numbers from a powerlifting perspective, but I also don’t train for powerlifting. I typically train in the 8-15 rep range, so more a bodybuilding training style. Having said that, my best one rep max on bench press is 335 lbs, my best deadlift is 455 lbs (my weakest lift), and I haven’t attempted a 1 RM on squat in many years. But my last “heavy” style squat workout about 2 weeks ago culminated with a set of 405 lbs x 4 reps. Any decent powerlifter my size would have much better numbers on the big 3 lifts, but again, that’s not my training style.

[@MagomboCoorperation-d5q]

If you could go back to when you were training at 20 with your current knowledge, what would you have done differently to better prepare yourself for your future lifts?

[@magnusdanielsson2749]

Growing up with a dad whos a farmer and seeing other farmers and manual laborers I know that people can be way stronger than one thinks. At 75kg bw my dad was really strong and with an endurance that makes you question things. In later years he asked my sisters husband whos been training 30 years in the gym for some help. My dad just shook his head ”I thought he would be strong and able to help..” Ive helped my dad with things that for the two of us was almost impossible to just tohear he had done it himself previously! A farmer friend of my dad did a one arm pullup once at 55 years old, never been in a gym.. Then we have those old guys who worked in the logging industry in their youth who at 80 outworked us 20 year olds.. Or the uncle of a workmate who at 92 dug 100m of ditch in 30 deg C heat while the 30 year olds sat discussing how to do it.. People are capable of much more than one can think. Its just that you need to put in the effort..

[@John_winston]

Hey if you don't mind, just what kind of work or things you and your father did at the farm exactly? Figure if I replicate what you did I might be able to attain such physical feats

[@Burton3375]

That’s how we won WW2 all kids from the farm and all the other hard working jobs! I seen a study that our grandfathers had test in the 1000s

[@blastermaster7261]

​@@Burton3375LOL thank you manly men for all the super gay times now. Good work 😂😂😂

[@Sikorsky1111]

@@blastermaster7261 heh

[@gamesong6600]

Well obviously, that's their home turf. A bodybuilder is training for hypertrophy not housework or farm work. Bodybuilder will be better than only the average normie at everyday job. Heck a bodybuilder can't even clean dishes as good as a maid with 5 years experience.

[@eduardoubilla4307]

The end of this video really reminds me of the quote from Mike Metzer: "Potential is only the expression of a possibility, something that can only be assessed accurately in retrospect. In other words, you’ll never know how good you might have become, unless you try."

[@lazur1]

No one attains their full potential. Even Ronnie will tell you that he didn't.

[@eduardoubilla4307]

@@lazur1 i agree. But still the point is that your potential is irrelevant unless you put the effort to reach it. You could think of potential as a granite cube, for some is bigger and for others is smaller, but unless you sculp that granite cube and transform it into a beautiful sculpture you'll only have a stone.

[@lazur1]

@@eduardoubilla4307 All you can do is make progress.

[@mark4lev]

You mean mentzer, ironically a heavy user of steroids

[@EstebanAlmeida-z9b]

PERDON MIKE MENTZER SU HERMANO Y CASEY VIATOR SE PASABAN LAS RECETAS DE DECADURABOLIN DE NANDROLONA DE DIANABOL ETC... QUE HABIA EN AQUEL ENTONCES SOLO QUE NO CHISMEABAN TANTO COMO LOS YUTUBERS DE AHORA QUE NO TRAEN NAFA Y DAN RECETAS ALO TORO VIEJO ANTES NADIE SOLTABA LA SOPA Y PUES LOGICO NO SE METIAN TANTO MUGRERO PORQUE ERA MEDICINA DE PATENTE PARA GERIATRAS EXCLUSIVAMENTE ELLOS LO PRESCRIBIAN😊😊😊

[@samuelbonacorsi2048]

I have worked with lumber crews and I can confirm there are some incredibly strong people who do not use steroids. You might not win a pro level body building competition, but you can get jacked as a natty and you won’t need to worry about about blowing an artery.

[@giorgimishvelidze]

i am natty.training 3 years.overall. my weight was 60kg. now 88kg.body fat was 15% now 12%. i gain 28kg pure meat in 3 years. so its real ) p.s. only push ups.no iron used.

[@LarrySealeArcheryCoach]

I'm 67yrs (all natty, 8000 gym workouts) who had a hemorrhagic stroke at 67.3 yrs and survived ...less than 1\4 survival rate.). Sometimes you just have bad luck... or maybe all the weight work is why I survived and am bouncing back. being in shape is always better than not being in shape.

[@Triangletox]

Best point made in this video is the idea that you train to test yourself, not compare yourself. The REAL benefit of a lifetime of lifting is that you grow into the person who ceases to blame others for your failings. Having that mindset allows you to identify and fix your failings. In college after a quantum mechanics test I noticed most of my classmates said the test was “unfair” and complained. My study partner(who was also a lifter and athlete) said “why would I blame the professor because I couldn’t answer the question?” He and I doubled our study efforts. Many others did not. Lifting is the core of that mentality. I will work harder to overcome challenges. It has stayed with me for my entire life and it serves me very very well.

[@yanivalon4134]

I know these videos are a lot of work, but I do wait in anticipation for them. Thank you for your content

[@PaulRutherford]

Hi Guys I'm a 5ft 6 54 year old NATTY Powerlifter. Training since I was 17yrs old. My Best lifts are 462lbs- 320lbs -485lbs single ply @148lbs I know these aren't very impressive numbers , but I enjoy competing with myself.The more time passes the more I realise that this is NOT an exact science ! There are so many ascending and descending factors that Influence my performance.. What I have learned , is DON'T feel you have to stick to the program exactly - to listen to your body & don't be too proud to switch to the occasional light easy workout , If your CNS tells you to Good luck ...... Remember some times Less IS More!

[@formdoggie5]

At 148 lbs those are quite impressive.

[@PaulRutherford]

@@formdoggie5 Thank you .... I try my best with my limited ectomorph genetics!

[@tempacct5812]

Those numbers are plenty impressive

[@PaulRutherford]

@@tempacct5812 Thats very kind of you to say ... Thank you!

[@millec60]

those numbers are very, very impressive

[@freakied0550]

The biggest issue with "can he/she be natty?" is one can never be proven natty, short of being tested every single day, which isn't feasible. Even lifters passing tests you get the "drug tests are just IQ tests" commentary. But there's always people failing tests year after year, and that just fuels the confirmation bias of "everyone is on gear".

[@Egoliftdaily]

Yep, that's true, boss. No use arguing about it. Just gonna have to take people's words, unfortunately. Even at my modest level, I get PED accusations - which I find funny. I'd imagine moreso for you at elite/world class. People are small-minded and incredulous. They're only hurting their own progress.

[@HerculesFit]

💯

[@discreetman593]

look at the traps and shoulders, when those are so prounounced, they arent natty.

[@salvadorromero9712]

Absolutely true. Natty bodybuilding, which is greatly expanding this year, is all but on the honors system. Think about how much of a joke it is even in the IOC sports, the only place (other than a few like pro tennis) where testing isn't almost openly merely ceremonial. Then consider how they enforce the out-of-competition bans on top competitors with the onerous and expensive "whereabouts" system, and how impossible it is to do anything of the sort in the ridiculously small and niche and cash-poor sport of bodybuilding, even though it's easily the most affected by long term out of competition drug use of any sport.

[@ImHerbert-moon]

Most of these guys ain’t passing an IQ test. Stop acting like passing a legit WADA drug test is so mind blowingly easy, because it’s not.

[@thesynonymist5875]

Natty lifter 20 years. 750 pound DL, 620 pound squat and 475 pound bench. You get get yolked just have to keep at it. If you wanna get stronger eat more, a lot more. And sleep 9 hours a night.

[@nahuelmartinez5271]

Any tips to lift like you? You're a beast man

[@thesynonymist5875]

If your just wanting to up lifts, start with a baseline and add 5 - 10 pounds to your lifts every 1 - 2 weeks. Eat atleast 2700 - 3000 calories a day high emphasis on healthy fats. But most importantly, get atleast 7.5 hours of sleep a night minimum. The heavier you lift the more you sleep. Lastly, all sets should be 5 reps sets no more no less, unless your going for a 1 rep max.

[@nickilcattivo]

@@thesynonymist58753000 calories is absolutely low, what is your bodyweight?

[@esqx0878]

The world record for a bench for a 20 year old is 480 lbs... I doubt you really lift that much.

[@thesynonymist5875]

I've been lifting for 20 years. I'm not 20 years old.

[@VixinityYT]

I‘m 13 rn and just hit a bodyweight benchpress and I‘m pretty happy about that

[@Acheron666]

Benching your own bodyweight at 13 years old is awesome. You’ll be crushing it when your hormones fully kick in.

[@VixinityYT]

@ Thanks that’s probably true because progress is way faster as I get older

[@NickKa2]

9:34 We got pics of OG muscle mommy's before GTA 6

[@BeepBoopBleepBlorp]

Really appreciate Bromley’s approach to the value of developing a skill. That creates good community.

[@jima6545]

I've used Goerner's program. Possible the most satisfying program ive ever used. Only downside is it's time consuming

[@chandansimms9167]

Could you explain his routine please

[@jima6545]

@chandansimms9167 sure. Day 1 Snatch for doubles till you hit near limit Clean and jerk for singles Continental Clean for a few few more singles Barbell curl for triples Day 2 1-arm kettlebell curl and press for doubles Clean and military press for triples One arm kettlebell swings for doubles Deadlift for triples Day 3 Rest Day 4 1-arm kettlebell curl and press (same as day 2) 1 arm snatch 1 arm clean and jerk 1 hand deadlift Squat for sets of 6 Day 5 Clean&Press same as Day 2 One arm kettlebell swings same as Day 2 Muscle snatch with kettlebells higher reps Grip work Day 6 Kettlebell curl and press Snatch Clean&jerk Front squats Barbell curl

[@jima6545]

@@chandansimms9167 look up the tight tan slacks of deszos ban. It's a blog. An amazing resource

[@chandansimms9167]

@@jima6545 thanksss

[@jon040192]

I know I am being "that guy" but that photo on the left for Grimek is George Eiferman

[@jon040192]

p.s. Great video as always.

[@jon040192]

p.p.s Looking ace man. Lean and broad!

[@rubberducky6159]

It’s ok John I don’t think your comment upset him!

[@jon040192]

@@rubberducky6159 Haha yeah, I definitely had an attack of a "this is a needless nitpick...quick...say something nice."

[@seanseanston]

Haven't even got to that part of the video yet, but I already know it's that photo of George Eiferman on the beach that has been bizarrely mislabeled as John Grimek for years for some reason despite them only looking vaguely alike.

[@cliftonsheldon9134]

A 400lb bench in High School is absolutely possible. My friend I knew for years from middle school through high school was a full tilt super hard working farm boy and built like a brick house and just naturally strong as hell. As a senior he was 5'11" and about 240 250lbs of farm yard muscle and put up 400lbs. He of course was a lineman on the football team.

[@BGeezy4sheezy]

There are people, that through the combination of nature and training, can be as strong as enhanced people naturally. Athleticism is not evenly distributed- some people are freaks. Juice probably improves performance like 10-15%, but theres many natural lifters stronger than people on gear

[@JSK_03]

And was on gear to make the NFL

[@cliftonsheldon9134]

@@JSK_03 Not at all. Just a strong guy doing hard work from a young age that was built for it. After high school he got married and continued working the family farm.

[@mamba7160]

genetics are mind blowing. I have a friend that deadlifted 700 beltless at 185 when he was 17, just an animal

[@tapioperala3010]

Outliers, but they do give baseline a thought

[@cglnarcissist5700]

You’re getting very creative with these ideas, keep it up

[@Imnotaniggabruh]

1:27 cool ,me too mate

[@Ripcookiethief]

Classic.

[@talder123]

I've been a natty lifter my whole life. I was sub 20% bodyfat at 6 foot 250lbs Bodyweight and conventional Deadlift 700lbs Beltless my first ever powerlifting meet, 560lbs Raw Squat ass to grass nothing on knees, 405lbs Bench Press in the gym 350lbs in a meet, 480lb Front Squat in sleeves, 600lb Squat in sleeves in the gym, 715lbs Conventional Deadlift in the gym. Gained Bodyweight and got to around 20% bodyfat. Squatted 615lbs back squat, 450lbs Bench Press, 750lb Beltless Conventional Deadlift for 2 reps, 315lbs Seated Military Press, 385lb Incline Bench Press, 515lbs Front Squat in sleeves, 675lbs Snatch Grip Deadlift. These numbers are something most natties or steroid users don't hit especially not being obese and being tall long limbed. I knew natties can't do what steroid lifters do. But I thought we can come close. I just focused on getting better and even using my steroid inspirations to get close and aspire for something even if I knew I wouldn't achieve it. I ended up getting better and I also surpassed what I thought possible. I'm still making progress to this day ups and downs and injured. 18 plus years natural. I have more left naturally. Even if I peak in strength I can find something else to improve naturally.

[@braisedtoast9002]

A hobby like any other.

[@maticsimonic9673]

Awesome numbers, we are practically same height and weight wise and those numbers are pretty much the numbers I aspire to achieve naturally. Did you follow any specific programs, had a coach or simply learned to train by yourself through trial and error?

[@talder123]

@@braisedtoast9002 Lifestyle for me. Passion. That is a hobby

[@talder123]

@@maticsimonic9673 I am self coached this whole time. Still self coached. I'm an online coach.

[@maticsimonic9673]

@@talder123 Good to know. I just started training with Sheiko gold app and I want to see how will it go but I might ask for some coaching in the future if you’ll be willing 🙂. If you’ll be willing and if it’s not too much to ask how much do you charge?

[@andreaskarlsson83]

Marvin Eder in the photo to the right, yes? Absolutely one of the strongest pound for pound guys ever imo. Likely a natty too. Though that's not guaranteed as I think anabolic steroids were invented around his time (but were not widely available yet).

[@saleemisgod]

not natty

[@lazur1]

Eder, b10/22/31, in the only photo@3:52. Turned16 late'47, & 19in'50. Chance of drug use is absurd. Even US Olympic lifters didn't know "roids" existed til '54, & it's just testosterone. There's no commercial production of steroids, (Dianabol), 'til '58. Pros@York got it a couple yrs before that, in limited quantities.

[@alexeidenier4072]

​@@saleemisgodIt's highly likely that he was natural. Plus if you look into him he hated the idea of steroids even existing. Even decades after he quit lifting he called them a disease.

[@magnus263]

He died at +90 years old, he was a beast, that's it, we are not him 😂

[@lazur1]

@@magnus263 Train hard, have goals, fulfill your potential, whatever it might be.

[@MrEmblemWolf]

your videos are thorough and philosophical in a way that doesn't come off as corny or cheesy, love it man!

[@emacliftsalot]

I'm natty squatting 505lbs for 6 on hatfield squats. You are a godsend. Thank you for having the conviction to tackle this topic. You did a great job and are giving a great example for kids and nattys.

[@PJ-hi1gz]

You can bring out all these fun, cool, and interesting videos, but we won't forget about the pull-ups transgression Bromley

[@aidandavis5550]

There are better exercises, you just got some weird fetish for calisthenics

[@skunkapestories4622]

Mr. Rigoulot was also a French resistance member in WW2. He purportedly bent the bars of his holding cell the first time he was captured and was able to escape. Legend.

[@discreetman593]

i lifted 8 beers last night. thats 8 solid sets for my arms, my arms are the size of jay cutlers now.

[@lazur1]

Muscles:Mostly water.Beer:Mostly water.What gyms don't want you to know.

[@discreetman593]

@@lazur1 yep..lol

[@streetsraisedus9501]

Your Testosterone : i must move on this guy nuts

[@hannibalwantsahuggrande3433]

Wow u must have abs of steel and a fast as a whip intellect

[@discreetman593]

@@hannibalwantsahuggrande3433 wow, another snowflake who can't take a joke..lol

[@raizokarmakar2635]

3 Mate, great work. I'm 30 and I pulled 180kg from floor& 200kg from block with bodyweight 57kg.🙏

[@A-A-RonDavis2470]

In Julius Maddox's own words, he said he went on TRT after hitting 600 lbs on bench. Considering he's 800 lbs capable now, I believe that was his natural top end.

[@Ironman4u]

It's about NOT having " comparisonitus," but challenging " yourself!".... getting better and always to be gratified and thankful for " your" progress and accomplishments! Be happy with what you have & satisfied!

[@ChadCilli]

Yeah, guys weren’t using anabolic steroids before the 1930s, but we know from the Tour de France that guys were using things like strychnine and cocaine even in the early 1900s. I’ve never used any drugs, but I would imagine that cocaine probably has a pretty good ergogenic effect.

[@ReDeV7]

I’m a natural powerlifter, 56 years old and just pulled 260k last month in competition ( British record) at 95k bodyweight. Recently squatted 210k and benched 140k. Keep driving on. I want 272.5k/ 600lb Deadlift in the new year and 227.5k/ 500lb squat 👍🏻

[@NuclearLifts]

Hello, How tall are you?

[@ReDeV7]

@@NuclearLifts 5’ 10

[@ReDeV7]

Why?

[@NuclearLifts]

@ReDeV7 I am just curious, I am a little bit taller than you. My current squat is 160, dl is 215, and bench is 135. I am at 97kg now. Anyway, I was just curious for no particular reason. Continue the battle!

[@XanderYTV]

I personally find anything over a 4 plate bench, 5 plate squat, and 6 plate deadlift hard to believe to be done naturally unless they are extremely overweight or have crazy leverages or something

[@defeatisfinal]

Being over weight only really helps the bench and squat. For deadlift, if you are too fat your gut can actually hamper you a lot.

[@mrXanDerFX]

5 plate squat and 6 plate deadlift not that crazy especially for a taller lifter. 4 plate bench : impossible natty for 99% of people unless 30%+ bodyfat or being very tall. I don’t know if John Haack himself hit a 4 plate bench before starting juicing

[@rattlehead999]

It's interesting to consider that men nowadays have about half the testosterone naturally than men did 100 years ago, so can we at least estimate how that has lowered our ease(time) of attaining strength and size, not necessarily potential?

[@duxnlabs]

Another in-depth, well-reasoned and presented video. Thanks, Bromley!

[@kevinstewart1878]

Compete against your self, not others, and you can truly find out what you can do. That was my philosophy

[@RHLW]

"If an actual doctor in 1954 didnt know.." Cmon, the bros always knows before the science based community.

[@AlexanderBromley]

Goddammit you got me there

[@formdoggie5]

Weightlifters knew for about 50 years what doctors denied the entire time.

[@Procharmo]

I’m close to or at the natty limit for a 100kg 5’8” lifetime natural 60 year old bench presser. I’m currently benching 195kg looking to get 200kg soon.

[@zezeti2246]

What training program are you using?!

[@snowsanta7]

60yo what the fuck lmaooo

[@snowsanta7]

What the fuck

[@andreaskarlsson83]

Crazy good!

[@charlieomalley7615]

That's incredible and inspiring, congratulations

[@CelticsCartel]

Vince Gironda looked amazing

[@Grunttamer]

My take from the video is steroids aren’t really moving the possible strength cap up as much as just helping people short cut the way there. The limiting factor is probably tendons/ligaments/skeletal structure and not so much being a absolutely mass god

[@AlexanderBromley]

I tend to agree. Durability is huge; average ass genetics can do a lot if it can survive the meat grinder, but extremely talented people have fallen short because they can't sustain the work.

[@mrXanDerFX]

Very far from the truth. The number 1 factor that will determine how much strenght you can build for a specific sport is how muscular while being as lean as possible (to reasonnable extent) you can be for a specific bodyweight. Steroids can make you add 20kg+ on top of your natty potential. Also some steroids instantly makes you 15 to 20% stronger without increasing muscle mass (like tren, winstrol, anadrol, anavar etc). The reason why you might say that is because your exposed to too many shitty enhanced guys at your local gym half assing their training and just compensating by taking way more drugs that they need to and getting mediocre results with gear.

[@lazur1]

The story: Grimek tried the stuff, got no effect, & stopped. My perception: In post-competition Grimek photos from York's exercise instruction booklets, Grimek's more muscular than he was in his competitive prime.

[@waynedignard-ds7ts]

Great content and presentation/personality. I will definitely check out your site in future updates. Cheers

[@JFatGlentract]

Always the best channel with the most logical arguments delivered in an enjoyable format. Great work!

[@evanderdekoning8735]

Great video! I don’t even lift but the way you told more about every subject kept me interested. 🔥

[@BodyweightBeastFitness]

I'm 38 years old and I just started taking working out seriously and I made my channel to hold myself accountable. I started off at 155lbs I'm currently 167 and my goal is 180-200 lbs. I stand at 6'1. Any encouragement, support and help would be greatly appreciated. I love your channel.

[@azulsimmons1040]

Arnold made almost everyone in my generation want to lift at least a little bit. I was born in 1971 and Arnold changed everything, especially once he went into the movies. He's the reason no one accepts superheroes that aren't muscular and lean. Most action stars had to step up and lift. The two biggest and most impactful stars on American action movies were Arnold and Bruce Lee. Before them, action stars looked like big guys who could throw some movie punches. After Arnold and Bruce Lee, if you weren't buff in and in shape and able to do martial arts, you weren't that impressive.

[@DrAJ_LatinAmerica]

@@azulsimmons1040 for me, it started with Steve Reeves. Black and White TV 📺 in those days

[@FridgemaxxedHybridoreanL-wi6rg]

awesome video. i would like to say, however, i think the greatest goal of all for not caring how others do compared to you, not being worried about this, not wanting to do steroids or anything like that, is to be your best self. to be healthy. then you don't want to be

[@fractalshift]

I think most people's limit is way higher than they think. I started lifting when I was 10, goofed around with Olympic lifting for 5 years, shifted to bodybuilding sucked at that, switched to martial arts and other things, got married, had kids, taught them how to workout (with varying degrees of success) and not I'm 65, injury free (at the moment) and still lifting and learning. Never thought much about competition, don't care about accolades, just trying to stay strong, healthy and alive! Isn't that a goal worthy of my lifelong effort?

[@Biglenny-v9r]

Dave tate says aas gives a 10% boost, I tend to agree for most people. However I think there’s some people who are hyper responders that get a larger boost. My buddy went from a 300-425 bench in 4 weeks on 300 tren, which is absolutely insane. Most guys will Probly get a 20-30 pound increase in that time

[@Moshealthtips]

10-20"% boost

[@Biglenny-v9r]

Yea and some hardly any boost except for shoulder pimples. I’ve seen young guys clearly blasting gear 150 pounds boilers all over their delts and biceps. Only noticeable muscle they have are slightly capped delts. My first cycle of test 500/week. I went from 200-230. My bench went from 225x5 to 275x5 in about 4 months was eating alot. I’d say that’s pretty average for most guys

[@CankleCankle]

I can’t imagine taking tren to boost my 300 bench. Absolute idiocy, to destroy your health for a bench that while is impressive, is just pretty good when comparing to the top powerlifters who are having success.

[@stevenlake5278]

I feel we also have to account for the time we live in. I believe our natural strength Is way lower then the past Genetically. I.E before we became " Urbanized" . When we all lived on farms and homesteaders, hunted, we were way stronger then now. Just how I feel no Proof.

[@batataandshawarmalover]

​@@stevenlake5278This is just nostalgia speaking. We have footage of what the average person looked like all the way back to maybe 1880 or so. The average farmer was not jacked whatsoever. Sure, maybe in better shape than today's office workers who don't exercise, but not in better shape than any serious lifters. I also don't think they had somehow magically higher strength/muscle potential back then. No more than someone today with the same manual labor background. Geoffrey Verity Schofield is a good example I think. Massive base of work capacity from his days as a distance runner, similar to what a manual laborer might have. That allowed him to do more work, and grow bigger. That's as possible today as it was 100 years ago. Likely more because we're richer, can afford more food/protein, have creatine, work less/recover more, have more free time to train, access to better equipment and training information etc.

[@glassofwater281]

While I typically train like a bodybuilder, I recently got back into some classic flat bench and it feels so damn good.

[@MrDjhealth]

Would you say steroids have a greater effect on bodybuilding versus powerlifting and weightlifting ?

[@mediocre9159]

Surprised to see some of the clips used in your AI promo are from my gym, The Works, in SoCal. Is there anywhere I can see more of that event?

[@zyncarla]

Life long natty 40 years old life time PRs. 455 bench - 605 atg high bar squat and a 730lb deadlift. Being 6’3 280lbs helps lol. But I’ve done it consistently for 20+ years and pretty much injury and pain free still maintaining that 455 bench not so much on the squat and deadlift switched to more bjj supportive lifts but I can’t quit bench lol. Eat right a lot, practice good form and proper percentage based loading, don’t let your ego get your injured and enjoy the long more healthy journey.

[@frankjrock]

I’m 30 my max bench so far is 350 and I get accused of using steroids because of my physique. I really like the mindset you preached, it’s a lot healthier than the ultimatums that some people use to rationalize their lack of effort.

[@mediumc6176]

Not trying to act like I'm the strongest guy ever or that I have the biggest muscles ever. But if you told me that one day I would deadlift 600lbs, I wouldn't have believed you. First time I did that I had back pain after 165. During that same time period people around me who were similar size could do wayyyyy more. Imagine what those dudes could do if they went on to be as obsessed with exercise as me. People can do incredible things naturally. Most of the top athletes out there are unknowns who never really got into it. Believe and yourself and have patience to find out what YOU can do. I'm getting stronger and I'm ten years in. Ten! It's slow going at this point but I'm not done.

[@Egoliftdaily]

Awesome - learned perspectives that I didn't consider before. Great vid, Brom.

[@jeffpalmer4640]

Just competed in my first meet at 46 and used base strength AI for prep. I used the bullmastiff program and had a great meet! 9 for 9 and a 1205lb total at 192lb body weight. Trying 70’s powerlifter for my next meet

[@edwardwood3622]

Been lifting for 40 years. I have never seen someone bench 405 clean. I’m not saying it can’t happen but it is extremely rare.

[@haroldfarquad6886]

Where have you been lifting? I'm not saying it's very common, but I saw my high school football coach regularly put up 405 for 1-2 reps. He was really strong, but he wasn't competing for anything or on gear. Just a big country boy who could lift heavy when he wanted. Sounds like at commercial gyms these days, seeing a couple guys put up 405 is pretty common.

[@edwardwood3622]

@@haroldfarquad6886 PEDS are more common than you are aware of.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Early on they did more pulls off the floor and overhead lifting. It resulted in better/stronger physiques for the average lifter. No big mystery really. John Grimek never did triceps extensions. The press and pullover took care of everything. Nobody wants to hear that today.

[@zHop3]

Yep, people see machines+cables and free weights are equal for “hypertrophy” in short studies. But what about strength? And what about the correlation between building immense strength that then translates into size? They never mention that

[@lazur1]

You don't need triceps extensions when you can do 'Tiger' pushups from a handstand:^)

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

@@lazur1you don’t need face pulls if you can do a 1 arm snatch with 200 pounds.

[@lazur1]

Cyr&Anderson had Bright's, old name for any kidney disease. Kidneys balance water, salt, urea, creatinine, uric acid, & nitrogen, much of this from protein. Excess protein won't hurt healthy kidneys, but I wonder: How much protein's consumed before that's not true?, &, do massive portions have drug-effects?

[@mark4lev]

Absolutely not. In the absence of extraneous testosterone (peds), the body can only synthesise a small amount of protein. Hence why drug use has completely transformed every single aspect of sport/ entertainment etc

[@lazur1]

@@mark4lev Thanks. Still leaves the question of possible kidney problems from massive quantities of protein, (Sorry, I know that's not the topic.), which the giant strongmen may well have consumed, & adds a question: Could these anomalies have insane levels of natural testosterone?

[@mark4lev]

@@lazur1 the protein will go somewhere else. Urine I guess. It’s not necessary for anyone to be investing massive amounts anyway

[@jabroni982]

I've been on and off with lifting for the past decade. Mostly off. 34 Male. Have a squat rack and adjustable bench. Back into the swing of things getting up at 5am and getting my 30 min to hour session before I get the kids to school and I'm off to work. Honestly for the first time in my life I'm lifting because of the endorphins I get from it. Normally I have an ego based reason, I want to get jacked, want to lose weight, want to get stronger.. all I'm doing now is lifting to get high and keep my body from deteriorating and my results in the past 2 months have been better than ever in the past..

[@lazur1]

It's most important for seniors to train. While teens & young adults train for improved appearance & athletic success, seniors must train to survive. It's ironic that so many bodybuilders don't live to be seniors.

[@aubrey-g9d]

I think the factor that most people miss when it comes to the natty vs PED debate is the boost in recovery offered by the use of PED's. To me recovery is one of the biggest barriers to progress. If you can train more frequently without breaking your body down it means you can not only see more rapid gains but you can do so while more easily carrying on with everyday life, whereas someone not taking them wont be able to keep up that pace and they will struggle to even keep up with the lessor pace and effectively function as well in their day to day life with the normal stressors that we all face day in and day out. To me this is a huge factor when it comes to sticking with the discipline and commitment it takes to make those incredible gains. When you combine that with the added strength development and fat control which allows you to eat more without the side effects and the use of PED'S is a massive advantage and I doubt we would see the records we do today or even close. It's not because of a lack of potential in the athletes themselves but because the level of discipline it takes to get to that level without the use of PED's creates a tremendous barrier to getting there that it makes most men, even the best among us, second guess the commitment to reward ratio. If a man puts his mind to something he's likely to achieve it given the human potential to do so but that's just it. Does he have the mental fortitude to reach that goal. The more difficult the goal the amount of men who will attempt it and even stay committed to it to realize the goal greatly diminishes even in light of their potential to do so. That's the amazing thing about strength. You're either strong enough to lift it or you're not. There's nothing that will allow you to cheat to get the bar up. That means the differentiating factor to success is the genetic potential and the will and discipline to achieve. Even if you have the potential it's the willingness to discipline yourself to reach the goal that is the deciding factor at the end of the day.

[@EvanAguilar-c4f]

Bro, the world needed this video. Thank you!!!

[@OogBoogy]

Damn, we have SO many people in their 50s doing INSANE feats! That's so awesome! Glad people are working out and staying healthy!

[@FadedStreet]

Im 28, ive been lifting weights off and on since i was 14. I always took pride in being natural. My best bench was 320 at around 185 pounds BW. I could easily rep 50's in each hand curling. Deadlift 315 for reps narrow stance, max was 455 but rarely ever did deadlifts. I was always happy with my body and strength being what it was naturally. Won three state arm wrestling tournaments etc.. again never touched steroids. We really are capable of being pretty damn strong without any help. Plus who wants to deal with the side effects of roids? If working out to you is about longevity and staying healthy, stay away from the sauce.

[@THE_ORGINAL_SILVERBACK]

I had a good friend that was a farm boy with awesome genetics. He grew up on steak and potatoes and naturally had no neck. He was a thick boy. We got him into the gym for about 3 months of his life and he pulled over 700 in a deadlift. Its insane what some guys can do with good genetics.

[@Jake-pu8yp]

Bro! Poignant and well articulated. Thanks

[@FavourJaiyeola]

This is a very timely video. I think the biggest pitfall early natty lifters fall into is too much self comparison. To untested lifters or to natty lifters who've put up exponential more time into lifting. I recently had that paradigm shift, that comparing myself to lifters who've put in a decade or even two decades of lifting while I have barely three years of consistent good training is senseless. And you wouldn't do that in any other avenue of life, so why lifting? As a young natty lifter, just put your head down, train smart and train hard, eat well, sleep well and do that consistently for at least a decade before you can even start talking about a genetic limit for you.

[@mattsinkovich4374]

Thank you for this video gave me a new perspective. Thanks I will just keep doing the work.

[@David-we2oy]

There is a specimen from the UK, won britisgh, european, and world titles in three different powerlifting feds(the only tested feds in the UK at the time). Also holds the most all round lifting records in the only drug tested(which doesn't always mean drug-free) all round weight-lifting fed. Appox 5ft 10 and 130kg in his prime, in competition squatted 305kg(no knee wraps), benched 172.5kg, and deadlifted 332.5kg. Some of his PR's in all round lifting include, trap-bar(low handles) deadlift 342.5kg, 118kg clean and press(old olympic lift), holder of dinne stone records and 210kg front squat. Late forties now and still pulls over 300kg at 110kg b/w. A man who I really believe is life time drug free and certainly overall strength, is around the limit of what is achievable natural.....

[@rick942net]

Well put and simple! Most spend more work skipping the actual work required for results. I have my story which revolved around never skipping workouts and constantly improving. I wonder about steroids but am very healthy and strong without. (imo)

[@Abettergrappler]

Before getting on trt i was a near 700 deadlift and could of gone higher but i didnt want to sacrifice cardio for bjj. Now im on trt and lift moderate for athleticism. Technically test lowered my lifts

[@nikxohs3925]

human body is incredible. i am 70, never train. last year i start bench press( hardly 40 kilos at a sum of 30 reps)in a year i do over 20000 tons every second day and i can do 10-12 sets of 10 reps with 105 kilos, without any meds or special food. and all this after 2 years hard diet, loosing 90 kilos, from 205 to 115 kilos

[@musclebone7875]

At 200 pounds of body weight my best lifts are 342 pound bench press, 502 pound squat, 460 pound deadlift, and I pulled 405 pounds for 11 reps with straps.

[@jumpintheairxd]

its possible, i know cause my cousin did it. However, he is suffering from genetic hypergonadism so idk if we should count it. And yes hes suffering cause was norwood infinity at age 16 and they have heart issues at age 30.

[@ImperialFool]

I have a question would someone with a benign pituitary tumor that produced hgh be natural. Its not technically their bodies fault they produce so much.

[@BGeezy4sheezy]

I’d say yes. Anything that isn’t an external source is natural. If I had giant nards that put my testosterone levels through the roof, I’d still be natural, because it’s not exogenous. Gigantism is natural

[@silentpoet75]

Most people, natty or not, never reach anywhere near their limits for any number of factors. I am 49 and I am in PR territory on the bench. If I had pushed to my potential when I was younger I don't think my strength peak would be at 49. But the point is at 49 there is still room for me to progress closer to my potential.

[@rogerrichey8807]

Agreed. It takes lots of the right foods. Rest and sleep. Great genetics and really taking your lifting seriously. And know what your goals are. Are you body building, power lifting or just trying to be more lean. Without drugs no your not gonna be enormously jacked and lean as f#@k at the same time.

[@kylecollins3755]

Do you think Follistatin or something else will ever eventually replace steroids as the go to for maximal strength/athletic/size? My optimism just thinks steroids can’t be the peak.

[@JohnJones-m8s]

Lifetime natty. I don’t use any supplements either. Other than a multivitamin in the morning. At 25, I can bench 365 for 4, squat 495 for 5, and deadlift 600 for 1. Been training since I was 14. Only time I’ve really ever taken extended time off was when I broke my leg during my junior year of college football. Feel like the key to being strong… is just being strong tbh. You either are or aren’t.

[@saifullahabdou5966]

Im 170lb at 6ft 3 and I deadlifted 430lb benched 205lb pause and squated 308lb ive only been training for just over a year. I believe a 400lb bench, 800lb deadlift and 700lb squat is achievable with 10 years of training at around 240lb bodyweight.

[@Strongestkrakenenjoyer]

Bromley I don't know if you've done a video on it yet but I think it would be sick to do a video for blue collar lifters the Mark felix video briefly touched on it and it got me hyped!

[@mustangdrakesps4videos758]

How long does it take to gain muscle, I ben stuck not being able to do but the kitchen and 1 to 2 other things a day sence I was 20 I got fat 270 I used to walk 3miles a day. I'm now 27years old can't gain muscle at all ben trying for over a year my daily limit of what I can do is not that much. any advice

[@ronbackal]

I loved the sentence "close that goddamn Pub Med browser and go get your fu***** hands dirty". Thanks Alexander, that was greatly informative and motivating.

[@cwstreeper]

This is fantastic content! Informative & inspiring. Thank you.

[@dwaynecunningham2164]

Dude. You make all the Breaking Bad references you want. Best. Series. Ever.

[@Hustlenem]

no one should be weak enough to really start questioning themselves… if you are get off social media and learn yourself and what you can do… not even you know what you can do i dont want to hear nun about human limitations when they are broken all the time.. stop being mentally weak get better and stronger push your limits and past them… even for me im short but ik i will

[@yvngbol9584]

25 years old 5’9 170lbs been lifting 9 years or so bench 315, squat 415 & deadlift 520. So id assume about mid for strength & genetics

[@jaxrammus9165]

the limit is for sure higher than most think, everyone i talk to that goes to a gym semi frequently is seemingly obsessed with having comfortable workouts instead of actually doing more

[@CharlesOffdensen]

3:51 you are 200% correct.

[@HoundStuff]

The natty limit is extremely high! People may not want to believe that but it is definitely true. Sucks when your own limit is much below that (real or perceived). Nice video!

[@alexm8662]

Very strong, I had a great great grandfather who lived in a village in Ukraine that my grandma told me stories of how he built the “cold house” he was a little taller than 6 foot, they didn’t exactly measure their height back then but each boulder on average was easily over 100kg and some way more than that. Anyway she told me of how he lifted them over his head and would get huge nose bleeds. Never worked out other than hard labor on the property and farm work, diet wasn’t the greatest either mostly potatoes and other veggies and some eggs. However this was long before pesticides and other chemicals used on food and toxic cookware so he was generally healthy. I’m sure if he had the opportunity to do some gym work he could probably pull off some impressive lifts. Go try to lift an awkwardly shaped rock over 200lbs over your head, even if you can rep 2 plates for barbell shoulder press, not an easy thing to do.

[@recardobrown]

I started power lifting at age 20 and did some bodybuilding training also , I dead lifted 300kg at age 28 and again at age 40, what used to get to me was when people would assume I was on drugs, never tried it wasn't interested, hard training and very good genetics, I'm 62 now still training to keep fit and strong I don't deadlift or squat anymore but can do all other exercises, the good old days and boy do they pass quickly 😊

[@StandStrength]

A bit semantic but “I love to win” or “I play to win” are completely valid mindsets. “I only play if I know I will win” are shit heads.

[@JSGypsum]

i have a less than 1 ape index, i am 6'3 and I have long femurs, I am genetically screwed for powerlifting, but I have pretty great genetics for bodybuilding, i have gained 60lbs over the last 3 years, and only gained 5% bodyfat, I don't bodybuild because I don't enjoy how it works, I powerlift because despite my limbs being terrible for it, I enjoy pushing heavy weight, i can bench press 345lbs at 210lbs bw, yeah i am not gonna be a champion with that, but I am the strongest in my group of lifters coached by my coach, and that makes me happy

[@giorgimishvelidze]

i am natty.training 3 years.overall. my weight was 60kg. now 88kg.body fat was 15% now 12%. i gain 28kg pure meat in 3 years. so its real ) 6'3 too. pure bodybuilder.only push ups.no iron.

[@JSGypsum]

@@giorgimishvelidze that is also newbie gains, I have been lifting for 7 years straight, I had been training for 4 years at the time which makes muscle growth a lot slower

[@samdurfee6093]

12:40 Wait what did AthlenX do?

[@sethmaki1333]

Well, at 6'3" and 240 lbs, I was routinely able to lift objects in excess of 400 lbs, though that was long ago, round the turn of the century as I was in my early 20s. After my athletic career ended alongside my high school career, I rarely ever worked out so that I could keep my weight down. My body naturally produces higher than average amounts of androgesterone. In fact, I had a full beard at the age of 12 and began losing my hair when I hit 16.

[@ugenegareth9339]

I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, show this also to thy servant: whether after death, as soon as every one of us yields up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when thou wilt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?" 76 He answered me and said, "I will show you that also, but do not be associated with those who have shown scorn, nor number yourself among those who are tormented. 77 For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High; but it will not be shown to you until the last times. 78 Now, concerning death, the teaching is: When the decisive decree has gone forth from the Most High that a man shall die, as the spirit leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, first of all it adores the glory of the Most High. 79 And if it is one of those who have shown scorn and have not kept the way of the Most High, and who have despised his law, and who have hated those who fear the Most High -- 80 such spirits shall not enter into habitations, but shall immediately wander about in torments, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways. 81 The first way, because they have scorned the law of the Most High. 82 The second way, because they cannot now make a good repentance that they may live. 83 The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for those who have trusted the covenants of the Most High. 84 The fourth way, they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days. 85 The fifth way, they shall see how the habitations of the others are guarded by angels in profound quiet. 86 The sixth way, they shall see how some of them will pass over into torments. 87 The seventh way, which is worse than all the ways that have been mentioned, because they shall utterly waste away in confusion and be consumed with shame, and shall wither with fear at seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they sinned while they were alive, and before whom they are to be judged in the last times. 88 "Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they shall be separated from their mortal body. 89 During the time that they lived in it, they laboriously served the Most High, and withstood danger every hour, that they might keep the law of the Lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore this is the teaching concerning them: 91 First of all, they shall see with great joy the glory of him who receives them, for they shall have rest in seven orders. 92 The first order, because they have striven with great effort to overcome the evil thought which was formed with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death. 93 The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the unrighteous wander, and the punishment that awaits them. 94 The third order, they see the witness which he who formed them bears concerning them, that while they were alive they kept the law which was given them in trust. 95 The fourth order, they understand the rest which they now enjoy, being gathered into their chambers and guarded by angels in profound quiet, and the glory which awaits them in the last days. 96 The fifth order, they rejoice that they have now escaped what is corruptible, and shall inherit what is to come; and besides they see the straits and toil from which they have been delivered, and the spacious liberty which they are to receive and enjoy in immortality. 97 The sixth order, when it is shown to them how their face is to shine like the sun, and how they are to be made like the light of the stars, being incorruptible from then on. 98 The seventh order, which is greater than all that have been mentioned, because they shall rejoice with boldness, and shall be confident without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they hasten to behold the face of him whom they served in life and from whom they are to receive their reward when glorified. 99 This is the order of the souls of the righteous, as henceforth is announced; and the aforesaid are the ways of torment which those who would not give heed shall suffer hereafter." 100 I answered and said, "Will time therefore be given to the souls, after they have been separated from the bodies, to see what you have described to me?" 101 He said to me, "They shall have freedom for seven days, so that during these seven days they may see the things of which you have been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered in their habitations." 102 I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, show further to me, thy servant, whether on the day of judgment the righteous will be able to intercede for the unrighteous or to entreat the Most High for them, 103 fathers for sons or sons for parents, brothers for brothers, relatives for their kinsmen, or friends for those who are most dear." 104 He answered me and said, "Since you have found favor in my sight, I will show you this also. The day of judgment is decisive and displays to all the seal of truth. Just as now a father does not send his son, or a son his father, or a master his servant, or a friend his dearest friend, to be ill or sleep or eat or be healed in his stead, 105 so no one shall ever pray for another on that day, neither shall any one lay a burden on another; for then every one shall bear his own righteousness and unrighteousness." .....2 Esdras 7:75 //////////

[@alias5281]

5'9" is far from 179cm, ideally convert from inches and feet to centimeters since people are horribly confused by the `0.9 feet` not meaning 9 inches, but actually almost 11 inches.