Did i reach my genetic potential after 12 months training?

[Lawrie Abbott]

Hi Andy

Completed 4th comp on Saturday and again, only managed a 182.5kg squat (again).

55 yo male, 91.5 kg 5ft 9, 16% bodyfat (dexa scan)

In the three years competing my squats have all been 180kg, despite losing or gaining weight, changing programs etc.


My question: Is this my genetic potential or has it been a programming issue?


My goal always has been 200kg squat and I am happy to pay for an individual program to get there, but do you think it is realistic in the next 12 months given the history (without doubling the workload)?

Training history:
2014 June - Lp & Dec -TM
2015 1 st comp - 180/100/185 - 90kg
2016 2nd comp - 180/105/210 (had attended SS seminar in Australia and fixed some DL issues) 93kg, still running 4 day TM.
2017 May 3rd - 180/110/195 ( had dropped weight to 85kg) running program developed by local coach, lots of lower volume, assistance etc.
2017 Dec 182.5/110/205 - weight back up to 91.5 - followed your advice on 3 week cycles of volume and intensity 5x5, 5x4, 5x3 @ 75/80/85% and 1x5,3,1 @ 85/90/95%

Cheers!

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I kinda doubt that you have it your ceiling, but maybe close to it. That's a nearly impossible question to answer. All I can say is that if you have been STUCK in the same spot for a number of years it's an issue of needing more work, not less work. So some element of your programming needs to be adjusted upward. Probably more volume overall.