The Natural Limits to Hypertrophy

In this video we look at Bronze Era Bodybuilders and discuss the Natural Limits of Hypertrophy. Enjoy!

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[johnkelley]

2000 years ago when the Greeks carved out their statue's of muscular unbelievably large humans there had to be models to copy from . This goes to show you that there have been muscular people throughout history like the lifters which were presented in today's great video!

[davidbrianwells]

68 years old, trained for 43 years, recently did a 300lb bench or so I thought, turned out to be 299.2 lb 136kilos.

[NattyLifeYT]

Great message brother! We are capable of so much more than people want to believe. It certainly seems quite foolish to just slap an ffmi limit on everyone and call anyone above that enhanced

[HeatherSpoonheim]

It seems to me that the age at which a man starts training makes a big difference on how muscular and low-fat he can be. I've lived in places where there were a lot of farms, and there were plenty of young lads who had been throwing bales since they were like 12 or 13 and their builds were crazy even without having access to a gym. Maybe hard physical work from the onset of puberty boosts their testosterone.

[JosephMichaels]

Seeing this makes me feel significantly better about myself. I currently look shockingly similar to alot of these guys and hit a hard wall about a year ago with about 7 years of lifting under my belt. It's a bittersweet moment to realize that I'm probably at my genetic limit but atleast I no longer feel like I wasted the last year. All about maintaining what I have earned at this point.

This comments section is a wonderful place and I (and everyone reading) appreciates it. There was no one saying, "bullshit", there were no derogatory comments, just warranted and honest advice. I appreciate all of you. Keep pushing and always strive for more!

[katsikadh]

The main issue with this formula is the inaccuracies of bodyfat estimations or even measurements. Especially looking at low levels of bodyfat like 5%-10% can definitely mess up the end results making someone be outside the "natty range"

[pclathrop]

I had to rehab my knees when I was a kid and the doc suggested 10 lb ankle weights to do leg lifts. I did those leg lifts every night in front of the TV my quads got huge after a year. It was all just high reps and multiple sets. A year later the doc suggested I go to higher weights and the results were far less impressive. I think low weight and high reps are the way to go.

[jonahanderson]

One of the best videos you’ve made, so short and simple and to the point. This channel only gets better, Golden era bookworm is probably one of the best resources for bodybuilding training and practical knowledge that I’ve ever come across. Can’t tell you how much I respect and appreciate your work

[vonscharf]

This guys arms were incredible for any era ! In my opinion… these guys were the real deal ! Improved health and vitality along with a great physical stature .

[Bleachedhambone]

This video is incredibly inspiring. Thank you for all of your hard work carlos.

[atlaspowershrugged]

Great video, most people severely lowball what is possible naturally.

One quibble:
Goerner's peak shape was a lean 242, the 260 figure is from later when he was not as lean, those pictures are probably ~242. However, that still gives him an FFMI comparable to Arnold in his prime. And it is very likely that he never hit his full potential due to shrapnel in his leg making it difficult for him to squat.

[biosphere]

I saw your conversation with Natty life and it was good. You are very articulate and I'm impressed with the diligence and effort both you guys put into your research. I'm enjoying the content!

[MaverickChristian]

While not a bodybuilder, Louis Cyr was also incredibly strong, possessing the strength that one might think could only be achieved with the help of steroids.

[orcslash]

Thank you for these kinds of videos, currently switched from powerlifting to bodybuilding. Bronze era physiques are most inspiring to me and something I want to achieve as much as I can with my own body.

[fariwah]

Outstanding info as always Carlos!! I love to watch right away

[justinweber]

Good ol' Hackenschmidt. It would have been a heckuva thing to see that man wrestle.

[stevepick]

Really great discussion and observations. I believe you nailed it when discussing genetics plus intense training. There will always be those few very few) that obtained the results some of these bronze era men got. Obviously there were no steroids involved, that is the key point here.

[lovingmylifeasIage]

I'm 69 and have been naturally resistance training for 46 years. I have often been accused of not being natural. My videos will explain that.

[billymartin]

I'm 65 and have been working out for 47 years now. Wasn't always doing the right things, exercises or diet but I've really been growing in the last 4 months. Eating 15 eggs a day. But I'm still gaining muscle!

[HerculesFit]

Facts! The Bronze Era demonstrates it's truly impossible to know what the natural limit is. Hard work & discipline can't be put into an equation 💪