LAST SET
JUDGE’S TABLE
INHERITED
FATE
CAN GENETICS (OR AN
OLD INJURY) DERAIL YOUR
CONTEST CHANCES?
Symmetry like
Bob Paris’ are
largely genetic,
but you can
make the most
of yours with
diligent training.
STEVE WEINBERGER
HOW
DAMAGING
TO A SCORE
ARE GENETIC
DEFECTS OR OBVIOUS
INJURIES THAT AFFECT
SYMMETRY? FOR
INSTANCE, I’M NOT
PREDISPOSED TO A
HIGH, BULGING PEAK
IN MY BICEPS—MY
MUSCLE BELLIES ARE
LONGER. I ALSO HAVE
AN OLD PEC TEAR
THAT HAS LEFT ONE
SIDE OF MY CHEST
WITH A DEFORMATION.
AM I DOOMED, OR CAN
THESE THINGS BE
OVERLOOKED IF I NAIL
MY OVERALL MASS
AND CONDITIONING?
Genetic structure
is important in
bodybuilding since
it’s a visual sport. A
person who is born
with wide shoulders,
a full rib cage, small
waist and joints, and
proportionate torso-
to-leg length will have
a natural advantage to
the person not blessed
with these features.
That said, genetic
flaws can be overcome
with many years of
intelligent, dedicated
training. This is true in
all sports, where
128
FLEX | JANUARY 2018