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Maximum Drug-Free Bodybuilding Potential, ed. 1.0
by Casey Butt, Ph.D.
When I wrote my first article dealing with muscular potential almost five years ago I had no idea the interest, opposition and even anger it would spark [1]. As a friend of mine once said, "Reality is an animal few want to face, so we have to call it a negative, to be avoided at all costs." On the other hand, quite a few people have expressed relief at what they've described as a "breath of fresh air". In any case, I'm surprised at how much interest the subject of muscular potential has sparked.
Actually, no one can claim to be able to predict a person's muscular potential by simply looking at them or taking a few measurements. There are far too many variables to consider, many of which are unknown, to allow such an assessment. However, statistically, it is possible to predict the point which you are likely never to surpass. That may or may not be your personal potential limit, but it is infinitely more likely that your potential is less than this prediction than it is greater.
How many times do we hear of someone claiming to have surpassed the development of the world's greatest drug-free bodybuilders? Of course, they seldom word it like that, but they make the claim nonetheless. You know the type: The internet guy who has 19.5" arms but won't show his picture or tell his real name. And if you do see a photo it's always of some guy with over 20% body fat (sorry, but a fat 18+" arm doesn't count) and/or an obvious "chemical dependency" that you won't satisfy at GNC. Or how about the friend someone knows who bench presses over 500 pounds and squats 900 in his basement. Of course, you'll never see him do it but you're supposed to believe it nonetheless.
Reg Park
Maximum Drug-Free Bodybuilding Potential, ed. 1.0
by Casey Butt, Ph.D.
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Author's Note: This article is a sister article to Your Maximum Muscular Bodyweight and Measurements. The equations presented in this article outline a level of development beyond the capabilities of the vast majority of trainees, including most champions.
When I wrote my first article dealing with muscular potential almost five years ago I had no idea the interest, opposition and even anger it would spark [1]. As a friend of mine once said, "Reality is an animal few want to face, so we have to call it a negative, to be avoided at all costs." On the other hand, quite a few people have expressed relief at what they've described as a "breath of fresh air". In any case, I'm surprised at how much interest the subject of muscular potential has sparked.
Actually, no one can claim to be able to predict a person's muscular potential by simply looking at them or taking a few measurements. There are far too many variables to consider, many of which are unknown, to allow such an assessment. However, statistically, it is possible to predict the point which you are likely never to surpass. That may or may not be your personal potential limit, but it is infinitely more likely that your potential is less than this prediction than it is greater.
How many times do we hear of someone claiming to have surpassed the development of the world's greatest drug-free bodybuilders? Of course, they seldom word it like that, but they make the claim nonetheless. You know the type: The internet guy who has 19.5" arms but won't show his picture or tell his real name. And if you do see a photo it's always of some guy with over 20% body fat (sorry, but a fat 18+" arm doesn't count) and/or an obvious "chemical dependency" that you won't satisfy at GNC. Or how about the friend someone knows who bench presses over 500 pounds and squats 900 in his basement. Of course, you'll never see him do it but you're supposed to believe it nonetheless.
Reg Park