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Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by ardit33 on Friday July 29, 2016 @05:22PM (#12190126)
Congrats, but there is no fricking way you are natty. At 235lb 15% body fat, and perhaps 5'11" - ish?

Whoever is readying this, don't think you can get that amount of muscle in a natural way so fast. Only Testosterone, trenbolone and other stuff will make you that large.

According to a simple calculator, if you cut down below 8% fat (which is pro body builder territory), you'd still be at above 205lbs, which is no way achievable with normal/simple workouts.

I don't want to chastise you, but to whoever is reading this, make sure to have realistic expectations once you get into weightlifting. Getting below 15% while body fat, while having some decent muscle definition is a goal achievable by everyone. It might take a couple of years for some, but it is realistic. Trying to looking like the models in the fitness magazines, unfortunately is not, as 99% of them take hormones and other performance enhancing drugs.

Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by aaachilless on Friday July 29, 2016 @05:58PM (#12190351)
I'm 5' 11", ~230 lbs, with ~20% body fat and I work out 4x/week at moderate/high intensity and don't eat very well. I ran cross country and played varsity soccer in high school. When I graduated I was 195 lbs and 6-7% body fat. I've never taken any supplements except for the occasional protein shake.

Also, 2 years is a very long time if you consistently behave according to some goal.

In my opinion, there's no need to publicly accuse rdegges of anything but hard work and discipline.

Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by Xcelerate on Friday July 29, 2016 @05:58PM (#12190354)
That's easily possible all natural. I have a few friends who look like that, and these people would never experiment with testosterone, etc. I'll add that having good genetics does seem to be a strong component for how quickly one can bulk up though.
Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by lanius on Friday July 29, 2016 @07:08PM (#12190732)
>That's easily possible all natural.

I disagree. Research has shown that it is extremely rare for natural bodybuilders to achieve an FFMI (fat-free mass index) of 28 or higher. Based on OP's stats, his FFMI is 27.94. So either OP has godly genetics rivaling those of Mr. America winners, or he is using PEDs. I have no problems with PEDs, but it is disingenuous to claim that his results are purely from diet and exercise.

So sure, OP's physique is possible to achieve naturally, but it is by no means easy (requires winning the genetic lottery).

Source: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/natural_bodybuilding.htm

Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by jc4p on Friday July 29, 2016 @05:32PM (#12190189)
Uh I went from 305lb to 205lb in a year and at my lowest was around 17% body fat at 205lb 6'1" -- I really think you're overthinking this, it's very possible to look what he looks like in that last photo by just being consistent and caring about what you do.
Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by bhandziuk on Friday July 29, 2016 @05:39PM (#12190229)
Nature's on his side too. I do believe if you are prone to gaining a lot of fat you can turn that tendency into muscle instead.
Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by fdsaaf on Friday July 29, 2016 @11:56PM (#12191554)
Really? I'd love to learn more.
Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by mod on Sunday July 31, 2016 @05:09PM (#12198881)
That simply means he ate a lot of food.

Nobody is prone to it.

Re:Ask HN: What was your “why didn't I start doing this soon... by lanius on Friday July 29, 2016 @07:11PM (#12190754)
I agree. I explain my reasoning which is backed up by research in a separate comment: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12190732