I’m 44, and there’s this 21-year-old college kid at my gym that I’ve been watching for a couple of years now. His "programming" is honestly pure chaos. He just shows up and hits a total body routine that feels completely random every single time - he’ll jump from a plate-loaded shoulder press straight into curls, and then decide it’s time for deadlifts. It makes zero sense on paper.
The thing is, the kid is absolutely shredded and, without a doubt, the strongest person in the building. I spotted him the other day and he repped out 500 lbs on squats for 10. He’s pulling nearly 600 lbs for 6 on deadlifts and doing 495 on stiff legs like it’s nothing. He isn't even a competitive powerlifter or anything.
Look, I’m probably just a bit jealous, and I definitely suspect he’s on some "extra" supplements, but even with PEDs that kind of strength is just insane. Seeing him succeed by basically doing whatever he feels like makes me wonder if we overthink routines way too much. Is strict programming actually that big of a deal, or is just moving heavy weight however you want enough?
Man, some guys just have those elite genetics. It’s wild to see the "chaos" method actually work, but honestly at 21 his recovery is probably peaking too. Definitely makes me feel like a clown for tracking every single set in my spreadsheet lol.
honestly that sounds like pure "main character" energy haha. i spent 6 months perfecting my RPE and deload weeks just to get out-lifted by a kid who probably eats cereal for dinner and doesnt know what a mesocycle is. super humbling.
The "supplements" might be doing some heavy lifting (literally) but repping 500 for 10 is insane no matter what you're on. Some people are just built different- i think for us mere mortals the strict programming is the only thing keeping us from injury!
I think we definitely overthink it. Like yeah, structure is good, but if you’re consistent and pushing to failure every day like this kid seems to be, you’re gonna grow. Plus being 21 is basically a superpower by itself lol. i miss those recovery times.
495 on stiff legs?? my back snapped just reading that. i feel you on the jealousy though... it's annoying when the "wrong" way produces the best results. just goes to show that intensity beats a perfect plan every time.
man 500 for 10 is insane i dont care what ur taking. that kid just has the "it" factor. some people are just built to move heavy weight and it doesnt matter if their program is written in crayon or not
honestly we definitely overthink it. i spend 2 hours a week just tweaking my spreadsheet while this kid is out there probably eating pizza and pulling 6 plates. makes u wanna quit sometimes lol
495 on stiff legs for reps? my lower back literally exploded just reading that. kid is gonna be a monster if he ever actually follows a real peak program.
i think at 21 your recovery is just so high u can get away with "chaos" training. his testosterone is probably naturally through the roof anyway plus whatever else hes on. enjoy the show while it lasts!
dude sounds like he has those "gorilla genes" where he just grows from looking at a dumbbell. strict programming is mostly for us mortals who actually have to fight for every pound on the bar.
44 is a tough age to be watching 21 year olds do that haha. i feel u on the jealousy bit. but hey if it works it works- maybe throw some random curls in your leg day and see what happens?
dont beat yourself up man. 600 for 6 is elite level strength. hes probably on some gear but u still gotta lift the weight. u cant just pin and suddenly squat 500 for 10. kid is a worker.
i've seen guys like that- they usually burn out or get hurt by 30 because the "chaos" catches up to them. but man is it impressive to watch while they’re young and indestructible.
honestly its probably 80% genetics 20% hard work. some people just respond to anything. i bet if he did a "proper" routine he might actually get weaker because he'd overthink it lol
