Q: In your opinion what classifies a person as having 'superior genetics'?

A: I'm using the term 'superior genetics' in the way it's used in the bodybuilding community. It means somebody who is naturally predisposed to being lean, and/or who can put on muscle easily without gaining much fat. It is a term that's thrown about a little too liberally and I may well be guilty of that too. But it is undeniable that certain people are able to stay much leaner or lose fat faster than their peers despite similar diets and lifestyles. It's equally undeniable that some people (often the same ones who can stay lean easily) will gain muscle at much faster rate and for longer than their peers following the same exercise routine.

By no means is the term meant to signify somebody's superiority in any other respect than being able to keep fat off and/or put muscle on. Similarly by no means should this term be used as any kind of reason or excuse for lack of progress except, perhaps, by those who've put in a dozen years of hard diet and workouts. Absolutely all people who have less than 6-8 years of fitness and diet experience can make progress in their body composition and strength if they put their minds to it. 'I have bad genetics' is no excuse.