You're talking about an IFBB Pro who yes, as you said, has top tier genetics and is using enormous amounts of PEDs (which are also known to increase androgen receptor sensitivity). All top pro bodybuilders have incredible genetics that respond well to steroids, this is why they're not average people. It is also not only ones genetics at play here, but the combination between steroids and genetics and well they intermix/respond to one another, this is why you will never see a natural bodybuilder (even one with a genetically lower myostatin count) outclass a geared up BB (not sure how much this matters because most pro bodybuilders have started taking myostatin inhibitors, especially those out in Camel Land).
You should not be comparing genetic steroid abusing freaks like Flex Wheeler to average people.
Anybody can get ripped, especially with the proper nutrition protocol (this doesn't mean that you'll look good, just better than the average person for a few days, most Natural BB look like shit when they hit the stage but still better than average). I also don't understand why you felt the need to experiment with so many different diet and training protocols. We know what works, most natural pro bodybuilders and coaches, would not have you on a low carb diet and in regards to training, proper programming shouldn't be something that's confusing or too variant across individuals. I've worked with certain top level coaches that maintain the same level of respect as the 3DMJ team (Dr. Eric Helms, Alberto Nunez, Jeff Alberts, etc.) and when say that you were 15% @ 147lbs, I feel as if you must have done something very wrong.
But YES, you're right, genetics play a huge role but are not the end all be all, even for naturals. I'm stronger than 99% of commerical gym goers, does this mean my genetics are better than 99% of people, nope but it does mean that my training and diet are in check. I can guarantee that if I were to cut down to 160-170 and step on a BB stage I'd look better than the large majority of people with better genetics that have never trained.
If the average person trains seriously, they can achieve something along the lines of Eric Helms physique, this is the average max potential. Which is better than being skinny, fat, or a combo of the two. Now compare Eric Helms to Joshua Kenyon (19 year old genetic freak) and we can observe the disparity between 2 people who both train seriously and are natty. I'll post some pictures below take the 3rd guy from the right, bad frame but still ripped and looking better than the average person (with superior genetics) just because his diet/training is optimized.
I believe that most of the guys below are natural and vary greatly in regards to their genetic potential.
I lifted for years and received almost nothing in terms of strength gains. Meanwhile Chad thunderarms benches my max for warmups on his first day.
It's all genetics, every bit of it. My parents constantly nag me to go back to the gym. I keep telling them it's pointless, though I still exercise.
Then your programming was probably shit; chads don't know how to train right. I see Chad's struggling to squat 185 and deadlift 225 almost every single day at the gym. I never see Chads bench without the spotter lifting the bar up on every rep. I've been going to a commercial gym for years and have met maybe 6 people that know something about programming (and not one of them have been Chad) and have a decent total.
