You're one of the few guys who actually gets me Geoffrey, thank you for making this awesome video. I was smiling the whole time and found it fascinating how your experiences are so comparable to mine. That speaks volumes on what actually works for naturals and as you said, we're literally showing what we're doing. Collectively learning from one another, embracing "slow" but sure gains, rejecting low standards, and having maximum accountability instead of choice-related excuses. 🔥💯💪
Can confirm that trying to recomp/"maingain" at low BF%/bodyweights will simply result in you spinning your wheels for 0 gains. Interestingly enough, I was "forced" into a maintenance phase because I severely messed up a previous bulk (+60lbs in 3 years); Unless you fall for the "bulking/cutting" meme of just gaining and losing the same 20lbs each year, this won't happen to you. Focus on progression (NOT just weight on the bar) and you'll make great progress, Geoff and Alex being good examples.
Doing the thing is definetely better than not doing the thing. The things done cannot be undone, but not things done will lead to noThing. So always do things.
@@croissantrophy.channel I actually spoke with the CEO of things and he assured me that doing them is very good. possibly the best. I know it. You know it. Everyone knows it.
@@mickael_dintimilleeoretically, imo, the natural limit is like an horizontal assymptote and your gains are like a logarithmic curve. So you get diminishing returns and u keep reaching ever so close to it, but never truly attaining it. (It being the natural limit) Practically, it's better if most people assume there's no natural limit. Because 1) It keeps people away from PEDs when they plateau 2) Because no one is really optimal in terms of all training parameters
@Mickael Dintimille but gaining muscle tissue isn't a sport of any kind lol. Of coarse age will get you some day, but apart from it there's no such thing as a limit when you stop putting on mass, prove me wrong
Technically it's not possible to really reach absolute natural limit, there are always some gains to be made even if it's just 0,2 kg of muscle after 1 year of giving your best. The gains unfortunately slow down quite significantly after your first years of training, but there is always some room for improvements, even if it's very small
No, it's age. I'm continually surprised that I'm twice as old as many youtube fitness guys and definitely older than 90% of the audience. I'm even older than almost of the "old guys". If you have been training since you were a teenager you will be weaker and have less muscle mass in your 50's compared to your peak. This cannot be avoided without PEDs.
@@claybutler I think everyone agrees age will matter at a certain point. But not as early as some would have you believe as long as you live a healthy lifestyle. The point is that as long as you're young and healthy, there isn't an absolute ceiling to the progress one can make
@@UncommonSense True, if your under 30 it's still wide open. 30's will largely be maintenance and mini gains. In your 40's the only time you see improvement is just by switching sports. Someone who has never road biked with see very noticeable gains in endurance and power in the beginning. But because of age, they will hit the ceiling pretty fast. To get the thrill of quick improvement, in your 40's and beyond, you have to try something completely new.
I’m almost 67 now and still making gains after 40 years of very intense training, my young training buddies are amazed and inspired. You never know your full potential!
Totally agree. Aside from the obvious stuff we’ve all said before, the biggest reasons most people fail to progress are lack of CONSISTENCY, lack of enough EFFORT, & being closed minded or too proud to KEEP LEARNING something new every single day. 💪
Biggest change was me stopping with that maingain bullshit. Was stalled at 82kg for a year. Back on bulking now at 93 and my all lifts exploded, progression is crazy
I TOTALLY agree with what you said about consistency. “Just showing up” is a good mentality for someone new and struggling with adherence. It’s even a focus I have on clients who are still getting used to training: just making them actually get to the gym. But at some point, it’s time to progress that mindset. When you reach a point where “showing up” is second nature, you have to step up your standards.
I'm so glad that Mr. Train harder than last time maingainner went after you guys 2-3 years ago. Brought me down the best information rabbit hole of RUclips and learn so much more. Arms have increased roughly 1.5" both side in the last 1.5 years at lower body weight (13.5" @79-80kgs - 15" @76-77 kgs).Keep spreading the anti black pill message!!
This is so true. I've been doing this for 46 years. I'm 69 now and I'm still learning, pushing myself hard and making gains. My videos will show my progress. I've gained about 5 lbs. this winter and now I have dropped just 3 lbs. and feel stronger and look larger then 150 lbs where I started even though I'm 2 lbs heavier.
You look incredible at that age. I'm going to show your videos to my 75 year old dad to show him what he could've been if he wasn't such a lazy ass that let his body dwindle away. I will never stop lifting and natural body building. Whenever I die I will be less than 2 days away from the last time I lifted weights.
Props to you mate, as DC said, you are in great shape especially when most people in their later years make out like it's just impossible to be anything other than obese, crippled or both.
Your smile and beard remind me of my big brother :) he wasn't as big of a bear as you are but he was always there for me during the hardest times. Even though I found your videos when i was searching for gym content i've been watching you for the nostalgia. I am an adult though so maybe I should stop dreaming and acknowledge that I never had a big brother and I just made him up as a kid to comfort myself when I cried myself to sleep after my dad had beaten me for hours. Anyways. Good video.
You two have been a big part of my new founded gains. I went from 115 to 160 in 1 year. My recent bulk has been amazing in regards to muscle growth and I’m going to continue to bulk 💪 thank you 🙏
As far as I’m concerned, the natural limit is almost always a self imposed excuse by beginner to early intermediate levels, & their plateaus are almost always due to them not doing the key foundational things properly, or at all. After 29 years invested in the gym consistently, I’m one of many examples out there that prove there is almost no natural limit (or at least one that you’re not likely to reach for a very, VERY long time)…..Keep at it noble natty gang! 💪
I like how Alex's vid was just simple as fuck. The basics, progressive overload, consistently getting better and never setting limits. The guys who do set a limit are by no coincidence the ones who don't get anywhere near it...
"You don't see to believe you believe to see" A relatable quote surrounding the infamous 1 mile dash run which was once deemed an impossible record, however, once a person broke they showed others that it was possible. That "new" world record of 1 miles dash was broken in less than 40 days from then with countless others breaking it as well. Once people saw what was possible they started to believe in themselves that they could do it too leading to what was once seen as an impossible and unordinary, now turned something ordinary. I believe the same thing is happening with natty RUclips fitness and lifting in a whole. Men like you and Alex showing people what truly is possible to achieve when you believe and put in the work.
The amount of knowledge I learned from watching your videos, is almost unbelievable thank you. I bought your book & watched a lot of your videos. The attribute I admire the most from you is your honesty and integrity. I’ve really opened my eyes. I’ve only been training for one year and I made a tremendous amount of progress from just listening to you. & experimenting and training hard in my own right.
I'm 36 and I put on nearly 10 pounds of muscle naturally in the last 8 months. I did not think that was possible, so many people I watch on RUclips say that's not a thing. If you are really focused on doing everything as correctly as possible, mixed with some decent genetics and doing what works with those genetics most optimally, you'll experience gains.
There is such comfort in knowing that your passion can take you places others dare not go (because they lack the passion). *Consistency is key* is such a cliche, but it’s one of the truer statements in regards to many concepts 💪
I mean, just watch one of Alex's videos from 5 years ago and then one of his recent videos. His approach is so much more fine tuned and so much better informed. Is it really a shock that he's continued to see results?
Maingaining is definitely possible as a natty, but really it's more like slight surplus for a really long time. It's not like recomping where you're in a slight deficit. I've had to reside in a higher body fat range, around 18-20%, to make this doable. When I was younger made very little progress in the 13-15% range. If you're into aesthetics as #1, bulking and cutting might be a better choice. If you're into strength and aesthetics, maingaining is a better way to make year-round progress in strength.
the part with the PRs is really what I'm feeling right now. It doesn't even have to be full reps, but I'm still seeing big progress. e.g. this week I hit a very solid 6rep set on Bench, which wasn't a rep PR - I already hit that pr on an amrap a few months ago. However, back then it was my first set followed by backup sets -> this time I did 5x4 sets on the same weight beforehand, so hitting the same reps after that is actually a solid indicator of progress to me that keeps me motivated as well.
I’ve been lifting naturally for 15 years with a FFMI of 24. Everything Geoffrey and Alex (alpha destiny) speak about is 100% true. If you want to build an unrivalled physique then Listen and apply everything these guys tell you. Anyone can hop on gear and put 20/25 lbs of tissue on in a few months but doing it naturally will be so much better for you in ways you can’t even imagine. In all areas of your life for that matter. Relationships, work, financial. The pursuit of arête.
Funny thing is, the natural limit often gets broken through once you get new training knowledge you’ve never applied. Never stop learning or start believing you know all there is to know.
100% learned this from experience i made more gains after 7 yrs into training then the first 5 because of proper information, experimentation and efficient implementation. Training approx 9 1/2 years now.
Good video, man! Alex's video was really really good. I've been struggling with impatience lately, and I'm trying to stop myself from being like that. I have to see it for what it is: I'm in the same position I was when I wasn't even deadlifting 220 lbs yet. I'm bigger and stronger than I was, I've pulled 400, sure, but I'm not done yet. There's so much progress to be made. I have to keep up the patience, keep tweaking things, putting in the time, doing the workouts, and trusting the process. It doesn't matter what I'm lifting right now.
This is literally what I've been doing the past couple of years and 2 years of this is making a huge difference, i look completely different I'm just not as big as I like but, especially if your natural bodybuilding takes years, a lifetime.
Alex is the fucking man. What has helped me tons is following quality fitness people on Instagram and RUclips consistently, if they're getting after it, it is almost a daily reminder that I too, need to get the fuck after it. It has made for consistency and progress for the last 3 years, and I've been training on and off for almost 8 years, which is a fucking shame.
Geoff is goals but good luck getting arms like that, dudes got a wingspan that'll make an albatross blush. We all Just have to keep training forever, not like any of us are going to be content anyway so no reason to ever stop :) can't wait to see what I can do in 5+ years just like I can't wait to see how much Geoff and Alex improve in that same timespan. So glad we have these guys showing us what's possible.
Don’t know what it is Geoffrey, but you are truly one of the most aesthetic looking naturals with serious size I’ve ever seen. 🔥 I mean, look at this man doing rows at 7:30. JACKED!
Nice work dude. Glad you made a video. I just can't get through one of Alex's videos these days , his delivery really irritates me ! Maybe its just me . Yours is always good tho 👌
Wow! I haven't been on this channel (or any other fitness channel) for almost a year. Geoff, you grew tremendously! Both physically and RUclips-ly. I'm very happy for your success! You worked hard for it. 👍👍
What I always find hilarious is people shouting that after the first few years, you gain almost nothing anymore. My first few years i had no clue what i was doing so i made very few noobie gains. Those came later. With more and more knowledge. Now after ten years of training, I might be halfway to my natural limit. Not after 2 years, after ten years! Nobody trains perfectly from the start. Absolute rubbish that people still fixate on the first few years.
I’ve been loving that all my favorite no bs RUclipss started to post videos about each other I knew I was doing good when everyone I watch respected one another for no bs fitness facts and skinny dudes who got built
As an "older" lifter... The genetic limit happens naturally with age... and hopefully not with age and injuries. Not going to be stronger at 45 than 25-30 Natty.
I kinda wondering - why would you want to be as huge as possible, even as a natural? I was there, i was bulking to 205-210 pounds, for many years. But now i settled at 180-183 year round, and i never felt better.
Personal preference I guess. Even at 202 I'm around 11-12% bodyfat. I don't think I could get to 180 unless I lost muscle which is my goal, so that wouldn't make sense for me.
Sure, but life also happens. Get your gains in while you're young (under 40), life ain't no dressed rehearsal and sure doesn't slow down as it goes by.
I remember when you got told by people you're small. It is crazy that people do not understand that to determine if your genetics are good, you first have to realize the full potential. How could you possibly know what your genetics are when you do not find out?
I don't know where I heard it but it stuck with me "Weight lifting is a skill" it's soo true and like every other skill it takes time and practice to perfect it and even then it dosent stop there
Great video. Try using more thoracic extension on your seated cable rows, and sit back more, I find it helps me get more lower mid trap and lay activation.
Geoff your bench press is likely higher than 250 lbs now, you do a lot of accessory exercises. Like in November my hex bar deadlift was 403 lbs, if I tried a 1RM this month I could likely do 433 lbs.
The most important things he talks about, to me based on my mistakes and experience, is that he does dedicated bulk and cuts. For a while, I have been around the same bodyweight plus or minus 5 lbs even tho I have more than enough fat stores (unfortunately lol) to do great recomps. But dedicated bulks seem to be godly. I have also been afraid about losing size and strength when cutting, but I am surprised pleasantly by how much I can hold on to them when cutting. So I know when I bulk it will be insane. That is super underrated. And of course time is super important and training hard, but that's something I and most of us knew already.
Rep PRs over Weight PRs. once i shifted my mindset over to that, all of a sudden it didnt feel like i was fighting against the weight and ending up frustrated
Great videos from both you and Alex! This is the beauty of documenting and sharing our journeys on RUclips. Although there will always be individual differences, we get a great picture of realistic natural muscle building expectations at different stages of the process. I'm really looking forward to the video where you share your thoughts on genetic limits. Too many lifters get caught up in those numbers when what we should be focused on is putting in our best possible effort and allow the cards to fall where they do. By the way, how old are you Geoffrey?
Alex improved a lot lately, it's very suspicious if you ask me. I train for 15 years already and NOTHING could ever make me progress that fast in a short time, especially after first couple of years training.. It's just my opinion..
@@rooster555555yes it is. Especially if you haven’t been doing things optimally. “Not possible” = close minded which leads to stagnation and never pushing boundaries
@@rooster555555 nah some movement patterns aren’t as good for certain peoples body mechanics than others but if those movement patters are deemed the A1 then you’re likely to disregard others as a beginner.
yeah and it's off topic, but I think it's worth mentioning how much this approach works in other things. take diet for example, there's all kinds of healthy habits you can have and particularly beneficial foods (and even supplements) in terms of micronutrients, but adopting any one of them won't make a huge difference. But adopting 10 or 20 of them will.
I'm at a loss because I want to feel inspired, but I feel more envious than anything for those of you who can achieve such great physiques. My progress has always been incredibly slow, and it's been discouraging, to say the least. Whether it's health problems or just having bottom of the barrel muscle building genetics, I have a hard time believing there is no natural limit when it seems like my body refuses to grow bigger or stronger (minus the bit of strength from fat gain) no matter what variables I change up. But I don't want to believe anyone is stuck in DYEL territory for life; it's just difficult to feel encouraged when your progression feels so incredibly stale while others around you get jacked and hit those 3-5 plate PRs you've only dreamed about since your teens. Maybe one day, I'll figure it all out, but something definitely seems to be missing in my response to training.
How long you been lifting, man? Do you sleep 8+ hours a night? Eating in a surplus (unless you're overweight, then it's not necessary)? Progressively overloading some solid lifts? Running a reasonable program with moderate volume? Not skipping workouts? It's definitely possible you have some underlying condition or something, but it's overwhelmingly more likely that you CAN gain muscle--you just have to dial things in a bit more. Consider signing up for Geoff's coaching! Maybe that could help! It might also be worth playing around with diet, since some people need more or less protein/carbs/fats than others. Peace, brother!
Oh also, it's possible you just aren't pushing hard enough on your sets. (not an accusation, I don't even know you, just a thought about what could be the problem). Geoff's coaching would help with that too, since he can assess your bar speed and so forth.
@LifeisLearning Been at it for about 12 years total, on and off. I've always had trouble gaining weight in general, but I've made progress regardless. I've always been the type to train intensely and push at least my last set to failure because I was always taught that was the best way to gauge intensity. Recovery has always been an issue for me, but I do my best to at least do something even when I'm sore. I wouldn't say I've always had a perfect adherence by any means, but watching peers who put in far less effort surpass me in strength and size while I'm over here looking like a skinnyfat dweeb in an attempt to bulk can suck. I have been dealing with gut issues and low test for the past 5 years at least, so that could be a factor.
@@BasedChadman "on and off" is probably your biggest problem. This lifting thing requires very strict consistency to actually work. But I agree with LifeisLearning. It might be worth investing in an online coach like Geoff. He'll be able to look at the ins and outs of your training and identify exactly what might be holding you back. I've had Geoff as a coach for a little while now, and it's been the best investment I've made in a while. I'm about 6 years into training myself, and with Geoff's help, I've already been seeing new progress. If you're really serious about training, a few hundred dollars a month for a short period of time is more than worth it imo. No matter how advanced you think you are, you can always benefit from having the perspective and feedback from an expert.
I see the same guys doing the same exercise with the same intensity every day, and they do not change. I even spoke to one of them, asking him why he doesn't track his progress. I showed him a free app I use that even tells you what to do (basecamp) and he said he just does what he wants and doesn't like writing it down. I pointed out that you can't change what you don't measure. Oh welll.
He’s always been a strange dude especially back when he first started out but he’s really done SO much consistent improvements over the years at this point he’s natty Gironda
![Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (feat. RM) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpYTyAaTRts/mqdefault.jpg)
If you aren't subscribed to Alex for some reason, definitely do so!
www.youtube.com/@AlexLeonidas
No thank you. You have more entertaining content
@@ranjansapkota7572 I WASN'T ASKING.
Entertainment does not matter here bro
@@GVS Sir Yes Sir
@@ranjansapkota7572 do you even lift
You're one of the few guys who actually gets me Geoffrey, thank you for making this awesome video. I was smiling the whole time and found it fascinating how your experiences are so comparable to mine. That speaks volumes on what actually works for naturals and as you said, we're literally showing what we're doing. Collectively learning from one another, embracing "slow" but sure gains, rejecting low standards, and having maximum accountability instead of choice-related excuses. 🔥💯💪
that comment deserves one cool sipping of lemonade
ur da man
@@andrewstachowski3375 need…..I NEED MORE THAN ONE SIP
"Naturals" that take creatine and preworkout. What a joke. Nobody is natural in 2023.
@@muayad1197 is that why you cheat on your boyfriends for guys like me?
Can confirm that trying to recomp/"maingain" at low BF%/bodyweights will simply result in you spinning your wheels for 0 gains. Interestingly enough, I was "forced" into a maintenance phase because I severely messed up a previous bulk (+60lbs in 3 years); Unless you fall for the "bulking/cutting" meme of just gaining and losing the same 20lbs each year, this won't happen to you. Focus on progression (NOT just weight on the bar) and you'll make great progress, Geoff and Alex being good examples.
Love your content ❤
NH means Natty Hero
Facts! 💪
I don't get the bulking cutting meme, that's wat Gvs essentially does? Successfully too I might add
@@vulturesiii6450 it's a meme if you do it wrong
just gotta keep doin the thing
Doing the thing is definetely better than not doing the thing. The things done cannot be undone, but not things done will lead to noThing. So always do things.
some things must be thongs sometimes right
I too have noticed that doing the thing is effective.
eloquent af
@@croissantrophy.channel I actually spoke with the CEO of things and he assured me that doing them is very good. possibly the best. I know it. You know it. Everyone knows it.
You and Alex have solidified in my brain that there is no natural limit.
Also Natural Hypertrophy
What he means is that nobody actually hits their natural limit if they do everything right.
@@mickael_dintimilleeoretically, imo, the natural limit is like an horizontal assymptote and your gains are like a logarithmic curve.
So you get diminishing returns and u keep reaching ever so close to it, but never truly attaining it. (It being the natural limit)
Practically, it's better if most people assume there's no natural limit. Because
1) It keeps people away from PEDs when they plateau
2) Because no one is really optimal in terms of all training parameters
@Mickael Dintimille but gaining muscle tissue isn't a sport of any kind lol. Of coarse age will get you some day, but apart from it there's no such thing as a limit when you stop putting on mass, prove me wrong
Technically it's not possible to really reach absolute natural limit, there are always some gains to be made even if it's just 0,2 kg of muscle after 1 year of giving your best. The gains unfortunately slow down quite significantly after your first years of training, but there is always some room for improvements, even if it's very small
Like I said on Alex video, the natural limit is reached when you stop trying
Man, I like that!
Could not agree more with this.
No, it's age. I'm continually surprised that I'm twice as old as many youtube fitness guys and definitely older than 90% of the audience. I'm even older than almost of the "old guys". If you have been training since you were a teenager you will be weaker and have less muscle mass in your 50's compared to your peak. This cannot be avoided without PEDs.
@@claybutler I think everyone agrees age will matter at a certain point. But not as early as some would have you believe as long as you live a healthy lifestyle. The point is that as long as you're young and healthy, there isn't an absolute ceiling to the progress one can make
@@UncommonSense True, if your under 30 it's still wide open. 30's will largely be maintenance and mini gains. In your 40's the only time you see improvement is just by switching sports. Someone who has never road biked with see very noticeable gains in endurance and power in the beginning. But because of age, they will hit the ceiling pretty fast. To get the thrill of quick improvement, in your 40's and beyond, you have to try something completely new.
I’m almost 67 now and still making gains after 40 years of very intense training, my young training buddies are amazed and inspired. You never know your full potential!
I'm 39. Been lifting since I was 16. I hit a new pr for my squat two weeks ago. It was one rep more than i could do in 2020. Just keep at it boys.
Totally agree. Aside from the obvious stuff we’ve all said before, the biggest reasons most people fail to progress are lack of CONSISTENCY, lack of enough EFFORT, & being closed minded or too proud to KEEP LEARNING something new every single day. 💪
All the reasons people failed in lifting summed up in one comment
Agreed! 💪
Biggest change was me stopping with that maingain bullshit. Was stalled at 82kg for a year. Back on bulking now at 93 and my all lifts exploded, progression is crazy
I TOTALLY agree with what you said about consistency. “Just showing up” is a good mentality for someone new and struggling with adherence. It’s even a focus I have on clients who are still getting used to training: just making them actually get to the gym.
But at some point, it’s time to progress that mindset. When you reach a point where “showing up” is second nature, you have to step up your standards.
I'm so glad that Mr. Train harder than last time maingainner went after you guys 2-3 years ago. Brought me down the best information rabbit hole of RUclips and learn so much more. Arms have increased roughly 1.5" both side in the last 1.5 years at lower body weight (13.5" @79-80kgs - 15" @76-77 kgs).Keep spreading the anti black pill message!!
Doucette is a moron
What is the anti blackpill message?
@@SUPREMELEGEND "Natural cannot get big"
Something like that
A very negative perspective
@@mr.luketa7578 natural cannot look like steroid user. And everyone on RUclips and instagram is on steroids. So you will never look good.
Cookbook!!
This is so true. I've been doing this for 46 years. I'm 69 now and I'm still learning, pushing myself hard and making gains. My videos will show my progress. I've gained about 5 lbs. this winter and now I have dropped just 3 lbs. and feel stronger and look larger then 150 lbs where I started even though I'm 2 lbs heavier.
You look incredible at that age. I'm going to show your videos to my 75 year old dad to show him what he could've been if he wasn't such a lazy ass that let his body dwindle away. I will never stop lifting and natural body building. Whenever I die I will be less than 2 days away from the last time I lifted weights.
Props to you mate, as DC said, you are in great shape especially when most people in their later years make out like it's just impossible to be anything other than obese, crippled or both.
Awesome stuff 💪🏽
@@Jim-yk9zw Thank you.
你的训练视频总是非常启发人，我想感谢你的辛勤工作！
Hey , just bought your new book,
Resurrecting Your Gains
I want to be as jacked as possible as a natural and I believe in you
Your smile and beard remind me of my big brother :) he wasn't as big of a bear as you are but he was always there for me during the hardest times. Even though I found your videos when i was searching for gym content i've been watching you for the nostalgia. I am an adult though so maybe I should stop dreaming and acknowledge that I never had a big brother and I just made him up as a kid to comfort myself when I cried myself to sleep after my dad had beaten me for hours. Anyways. Good video.
s'deeper
I’m interested in hearing more about your older brother
@@fuaadmohamed7926 yes he should start a podcast about it
Did you make up Geoff too?
You two have been a big part of my new founded gains. I went from 115 to 160 in 1 year. My recent bulk has been amazing in regards to muscle growth and I’m going to continue to bulk 💪 thank you 🙏
Damn! That’s awesome! Really taking advantage of those newbie gains, which SO many people don’t do. Keep going 💪🏾
As far as I’m concerned, the natural limit is almost always a self imposed excuse by beginner to early intermediate levels, & their plateaus are almost always due to them not doing the key foundational things properly, or at all.
After 29 years invested in the gym consistently, I’m one of many examples out there that prove there is almost no natural limit (or at least one that you’re not likely to reach for a very, VERY long time)…..Keep at it noble natty gang! 💪
You and Alex are two of my favorite fitness RUclipsrs. Always relatable & straight to point 💪
Hey Geoffrey, the _natural limit_ is a marketing strategy, just like _low testosterone_ its great for selling stuff people don't need.
I like this guy because he tells the truth...he says he only benches 250lbs even though he looks much stronger. I respect people who are real.
I was so surprised he doesn't bench at least 315. Dude is swole
I like how Alex's vid was just simple as fuck. The basics, progressive overload, consistently getting better and never setting limits.
The guys who do set a limit are by no coincidence the ones who don't get anywhere near it...
Off topic but those are seriously great triceps lol Great vid as always and super motivating, keep breaking your limits!
a “stable stable of staple exercises” caught me off guard 😂
Nice video, and wordplay!
"You don't see to believe you believe to see"
A relatable quote surrounding the infamous 1 mile dash run which was once deemed an impossible record, however, once a person broke they showed others that it was possible.
That "new" world record of 1 miles dash was broken in less than 40 days from then with countless others breaking it as well.
Once people saw what was possible they started to believe in themselves that they could do it too leading to what was once seen as an impossible and unordinary, now turned something ordinary.
I believe the same thing is happening with natty RUclips fitness and lifting in a whole.
Men like you and Alex showing people what truly is possible to achieve when you believe and put in the work.
The amount of knowledge I learned from watching your videos, is almost unbelievable thank you. I bought your book & watched a lot of your videos. The attribute I admire the most from you is your honesty and integrity. I’ve really opened my eyes. I’ve only been training for one year and I made a tremendous amount of progress from just listening to you. & experimenting and training hard in my own right.
I'm 36 and I put on nearly 10 pounds of muscle naturally in the last 8 months. I did not think that was possible, so many people I watch on RUclips say that's not a thing.
If you are really focused on doing everything as correctly as possible, mixed with some decent genetics and doing what works with those genetics most optimally, you'll experience gains.
There is such comfort in knowing that your passion can take you places others dare not go (because they lack the passion). *Consistency is key* is such a cliche, but it’s one of the truer statements in regards to many concepts 💪
I mean, just watch one of Alex's videos from 5 years ago and then one of his recent videos. His approach is so much more fine tuned and so much better informed. Is it really a shock that he's continued to see results?
Maingaining is definitely possible as a natty, but really it's more like slight surplus for a really long time. It's not like recomping where you're in a slight deficit.
I've had to reside in a higher body fat range, around 18-20%, to make this doable. When I was younger made very little progress in the 13-15% range. If you're into aesthetics as #1, bulking and cutting might be a better choice. If you're into strength and aesthetics, maingaining is a better way to make year-round progress in strength.
the part with the PRs is really what I'm feeling right now. It doesn't even have to be full reps, but I'm still seeing big progress. e.g. this week I hit a very solid 6rep set on Bench, which wasn't a rep PR - I already hit that pr on an amrap a few months ago. However, back then it was my first set followed by backup sets -> this time I did 5x4 sets on the same weight beforehand, so hitting the same reps after that is actually a solid indicator of progress to me that keeps me motivated as well.
Geoff shouting out Coffeezilla, responding to Alpha Destiny and showcasing Natural Hypertrophy. What a gift to the gym community
Ngl I am a pure genetics guy. I started 185 lean at 5'9". I watch you because I know you train intelligently.
I’ve been lifting naturally for 15 years with a FFMI of 24. Everything Geoffrey and Alex (alpha destiny) speak about is 100% true.
If you want to build an unrivalled physique then Listen and apply everything these guys tell you.
Anyone can hop on gear and put 20/25 lbs of tissue on in a few months but doing it naturally will be so much better for you in ways you can’t even imagine.
In all areas of your life for that matter. Relationships, work, financial. The pursuit of arête.
That comparison Clip is really good. You got big as hell man
Funny thing is, the natural limit often gets broken through once you get new training knowledge you’ve never applied. Never stop learning or start believing you know all there is to know.
100% learned this from experience i made more gains after 7 yrs into training then the first 5 because of proper information, experimentation and efficient implementation. Training approx 9 1/2 years now.
I had one of those star wars coffee shirts in a size small when i was like 10. It feels bizarre seeing one on a massive bearded fella.
Good video, man! Alex's video was really really good. I've been struggling with impatience lately, and I'm trying to stop myself from being like that. I have to see it for what it is: I'm in the same position I was when I wasn't even deadlifting 220 lbs yet. I'm bigger and stronger than I was, I've pulled 400, sure, but I'm not done yet. There's so much progress to be made. I have to keep up the patience, keep tweaking things, putting in the time, doing the workouts, and trusting the process. It doesn't matter what I'm lifting right now.
You have the best hair and beard cut now that you've had in years
This is literally what I've been doing the past couple of years and 2 years of this is making a huge difference, i look completely different I'm just not as big as I like but, especially if your natural bodybuilding takes years, a lifetime.
Been following Alex for a long time already! 🙏 The man’s arms have blown up, bro! 😱
Dave Draper said it: no secrets, just hard work
I really like your face when you grind through the reps hilarious and inspiring 😂😂
I hear ya! I’m not that guy either. It takes hard work and dedication and the gains are still slow, BUT THEY’RE THERE!
Alex is the fucking man. What has helped me tons is following quality fitness people on Instagram and RUclips consistently, if they're getting after it, it is almost a daily reminder that I too, need to get the fuck after it. It has made for consistency and progress for the last 3 years, and I've been training on and off for almost 8 years, which is a fucking shame.
Geoff is goals but good luck getting arms like that, dudes got a wingspan that'll make an albatross blush. We all Just have to keep training forever, not like any of us are going to be content anyway so no reason to ever stop :) can't wait to see what I can do in 5+ years just like I can't wait to see how much Geoff and Alex improve in that same timespan. So glad we have these guys showing us what's possible.
Possible with great genetics, yes. The rest of us will likely have to juice ventually to catch up tho lol
@@figmentcocktail3607 weird mindset. How does juicing even come into play "catching up" lol like it's a race or something.
You gotta fight... for your right... to GAAAINS!
Don’t know what it is Geoffrey, but you are truly one of the most aesthetic looking naturals with serious size I’ve ever seen. 🔥 I mean, look at this man doing rows at 7:30. JACKED!
Teach a man to bench he'll lift for a day
Give a man body dysmorphia, he'll life for life
Amen
Nice work dude. Glad you made a video. I just can't get through one of Alex's videos these days , his delivery really irritates me ! Maybe its just me . Yours is always good tho 👌
Consistency is key!working hard every single time!you said it all Geoffrey 💪🏽
Glad to see Geoff's channel growing
From one Star Wars garbed man to another, may the force production be with you!
Wow! I haven't been on this channel (or any other fitness channel) for almost a year. Geoff, you grew tremendously! Both physically and RUclips-ly. I'm very happy for your success! You worked hard for it. 👍👍
What I always find hilarious is people shouting that after the first few years, you gain almost nothing anymore. My first few years i had no clue what i was doing so i made very few noobie gains. Those came later. With more and more knowledge. Now after ten years of training, I might be halfway to my natural limit. Not after 2 years, after ten years! Nobody trains perfectly from the start. Absolute rubbish that people still fixate on the first few years.
I always hit new PRs in something when I am consistent and disciplined.
Be consistent on everything, especially eating enough to grow.
I’ve been loving that all my favorite no bs RUclipss started to post videos about each other I knew I was doing good when everyone I watch respected one another for no bs fitness facts and skinny dudes who got built
I can’t wait to see u guys compete
great wordplay my man
dude this stuff is inspirational
crossovers anybody asked for, but everybody needed
Very pragmatic and honest video, thanks boss!
I would love a video on how you chart your progress. The formatting and formulas you use to chart your data and have it graphed!
As an "older" lifter... The genetic limit happens naturally with age... and hopefully not with age and injuries. Not going to be stronger at 45 than 25-30 Natty.
You’re the best lifting youtuber in the space.
This is me for the last 7 years! Slow and steady wins the race.
I kinda wondering - why would you want to be as huge as possible, even as a natural? I was there, i was bulking to 205-210 pounds, for many years. But now i settled at 180-183 year round, and i never felt better.
Personal preference I guess. Even at 202 I'm around 11-12% bodyfat. I don't think I could get to 180 unless I lost muscle which is my goal, so that wouldn't make sense for me.
Passion is the biggest factor
Sure, but life also happens. Get your gains in while you're young (under 40), life ain't no dressed rehearsal and sure doesn't slow down as it goes by.
I have the highest respect for you GVS.
Both of you are a good example that you can make great progress even after years of lifting. Consistent intensity, it's rare to see/achieve.
I remember when you got told by people you're small. It is crazy that people do not understand that to determine if your genetics are good, you first have to realize the full potential. How could you possibly know what your genetics are when you do not find out?
So true and yet those same people if they saw him in person wouldn’t think the same. Internet really screws with reality
I don't know where I heard it but it stuck with me "Weight lifting is a skill" it's soo true and like every other skill it takes time and practice to perfect it and even then it dosent stop there
Geoffrey, that haircut is on point 👌
Great video. Try using more thoracic extension on your seated cable rows, and sit back more, I find it helps me get more lower mid trap and lay activation.
Thanks brother for all your content and all tips 🙏🏻💛💪🏻
Your triceps are looking insane man jeez
Excellent video
Geoff your bench press is likely higher than 250 lbs now, you do a lot of accessory exercises. Like in November my hex bar deadlift was 403 lbs, if I tried a 1RM this month I could likely do 433 lbs.
great message
The most important things he talks about, to me based on my mistakes and experience, is that he does dedicated bulk and cuts. For a while, I have been around the same bodyweight plus or minus 5 lbs even tho I have more than enough fat stores (unfortunately lol) to do great recomps. But dedicated bulks seem to be godly. I have also been afraid about losing size and strength when cutting, but I am surprised pleasantly by how much I can hold on to them when cutting. So I know when I bulk it will be insane. That is super underrated.
And of course time is super important and training hard, but that's something I and most of us knew already.
Rep PRs over Weight PRs. once i shifted my mindset over to that, all of a sudden it didnt feel like i was fighting against the weight and ending up frustrated
Great video
Great videos from both you and Alex! This is the beauty of documenting and sharing our journeys on RUclips. Although there will always be individual differences, we get a great picture of realistic natural muscle building expectations at different stages of the process. I'm really looking forward to the video where you share your thoughts on genetic limits. Too many lifters get caught up in those numbers when what we should be focused on is putting in our best possible effort and allow the cards to fall where they do. By the way, how old are you Geoffrey?
Alex improved a lot lately, it's very suspicious if you ask me. I train for 15 years already and NOTHING could ever make me progress that fast in a short time, especially after first couple of years training.. It's just my opinion..
I don't find it particularly suspicious. It's 5lbs in a year, and he had been training legs, arms AND delts in a fashion that had room to optimize.
5lbs lean muscle is not possible after years of training already
@@rooster555555yes it is. Especially if you haven’t been doing things optimally. “Not possible” = close minded which leads to stagnation and never pushing boundaries
@@JohnSmith-gh3kp maybe if you trained like a bum before
@@rooster555555 nah some movement patterns aren’t as good for certain peoples body mechanics than others but if those movement patters are deemed the A1 then you’re likely to disregard others as a beginner.
Bro the bulk beard looks even better on the cut!!
"miniscule PRs add up", no matter how small or fast the progression, progression is still progression.
yeah and it's off topic, but I think it's worth mentioning how much this approach works in other things. take diet for example, there's all kinds of healthy habits you can have and particularly beneficial foods (and even supplements) in terms of micronutrients, but adopting any one of them won't make a huge difference. But adopting 10 or 20 of them will.
This is a GREAT video.
Definitely gotta fight for the gainz 😤
I'm at a loss because I want to feel inspired, but I feel more envious than anything for those of you who can achieve such great physiques. My progress has always been incredibly slow, and it's been discouraging, to say the least. Whether it's health problems or just having bottom of the barrel muscle building genetics, I have a hard time believing there is no natural limit when it seems like my body refuses to grow bigger or stronger (minus the bit of strength from fat gain) no matter what variables I change up.
But I don't want to believe anyone is stuck in DYEL territory for life; it's just difficult to feel encouraged when your progression feels so incredibly stale while others around you get jacked and hit those 3-5 plate PRs you've only dreamed about since your teens.
Maybe one day, I'll figure it all out, but something definitely seems to be missing in my response to training.
Progress is incredibly slow for pretty much everyone.
How long you been lifting, man? Do you sleep 8+ hours a night? Eating in a surplus (unless you're overweight, then it's not necessary)? Progressively overloading some solid lifts? Running a reasonable program with moderate volume? Not skipping workouts? It's definitely possible you have some underlying condition or something, but it's overwhelmingly more likely that you CAN gain muscle--you just have to dial things in a bit more. Consider signing up for Geoff's coaching! Maybe that could help! It might also be worth playing around with diet, since some people need more or less protein/carbs/fats than others. Peace, brother!
Oh also, it's possible you just aren't pushing hard enough on your sets. (not an accusation, I don't even know you, just a thought about what could be the problem). Geoff's coaching would help with that too, since he can assess your bar speed and so forth.
@LifeisLearning Been at it for about 12 years total, on and off. I've always had trouble gaining weight in general, but I've made progress regardless. I've always been the type to train intensely and push at least my last set to failure because I was always taught that was the best way to gauge intensity. Recovery has always been an issue for me, but I do my best to at least do something even when I'm sore.
I wouldn't say I've always had a perfect adherence by any means, but watching peers who put in far less effort surpass me in strength and size while I'm over here looking like a skinnyfat dweeb in an attempt to bulk can suck.
I have been dealing with gut issues and low test for the past 5 years at least, so that could be a factor.
@@BasedChadman "on and off" is probably your biggest problem. This lifting thing requires very strict consistency to actually work.
But I agree with LifeisLearning. It might be worth investing in an online coach like Geoff. He'll be able to look at the ins and outs of your training and identify exactly what might be holding you back. I've had Geoff as a coach for a little while now, and it's been the best investment I've made in a while. I'm about 6 years into training myself, and with Geoff's help, I've already been seeing new progress. If you're really serious about training, a few hundred dollars a month for a short period of time is more than worth it imo. No matter how advanced you think you are, you can always benefit from having the perspective and feedback from an expert.
If these guys were able to build great natural physiques then we all can. Don't give up!
great advice!
Damn I’m excited. Gotta put in the work on this next bulk
2 of my faves. I love it.
4:23 u could say, ITS A MINDSET
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I see the same guys doing the same exercise with the same intensity every day, and they do not change. I even spoke to one of them, asking him why he doesn't track his progress. I showed him a free app I use that even tells you what to do (basecamp) and he said he just does what he wants and doesn't like writing it down. I pointed out that you can't change what you don't measure. Oh welll.
Good man .thanks very reassuring
He’s always been a strange dude especially back when he first started out but he’s really done SO much consistent improvements over the years at this point he’s natty Gironda
Please make video on forearms exercise.....
It’s crazy how much natural lifting is never talked about because everyone’s on peds