What are the key factors that determine how jacked you can get? Do you know? I would bet not, otherwise, why did you click here?
Stepping into a gym can often feel like entering a different world, especially when you notice the wide range of fitness levels present. There are those who seem effortlessly fit, exhibiting sculpted muscles or showcasing their ability to run miles without a hint of fatigue. Then, there might be others who are just embarking on their fitness journeys, each step on the treadmill or lift of the dumbbell a testament to their commitment to change.
This diversity in fitness can lead to an inevitable comparison: “Why am I not as fit as them?” or “What do they have that I don’t?” Such questions are not merely reflections of envy but genuine inquiries into the nature of physical fitness.
In today’s discussion, we aim to explore the underlying factors that contribute to why some people appear significantly fitter than others and how understanding these can help us on our own paths to personal fitness goals. The information for this article was based on a video released by Mike Israetel – more of that at the end of the page.
Dr Mike Israetel, PhD in Sport Physiology and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, is a well-respected professor in the bodybuilding community. He doesn’t only talk about workouts and fitness tips, he often dives deep into health and nutrition. All the info can be seen in a video shared by RP YouTube page.
So let’s see what are the key factors that determine how jacked you can get.
Read Also: 12 Must-Have Exercises In Your Training Program

The Key Factors That Determine How Jacked You Can Get
1. Genetics and Biological Factors
Genetics play a crucial role in determining an individual’s propensity for fitness. Certain genetic markers influence muscle fiber types, hormone levels, and the efficiency of oxygen utilization in the body, which can all contribute to athletic prowess. While you cannot change your genetic makeup, understanding that it plays a role can help tailor your expectations and training methods.
2. Training and Exercise History
Consistency and history in training are significant factors. Individuals who have been engaging in physical training for years usually have better-developed musculature and cardiovascular fitness than those who have started recently. Time and consistent effort are key. Incremental increases in training intensity and volume can lead to substantial improvements over time.
5 Methods of Progressive Overload to Force Muscle Growth
3. Diet and Nutrition
Fitness isn’t just about how much you train, but also about what fuels the body. High-protein diets, adequate caloric intake, and nutrient timing are pivotal for muscle repair and growth. Observing and perhaps adopting the dietary habits of those you aspire to be like, without neglecting nutritional balance, can be beneficial.

How to Enhance Your Fitness Level
Mastering the Basics
Before delving into complex training regimens, mastering the basics of any exercise is essential. This includes proper form and technique, which ensure effective muscle targeting and reduce the risk of injury.
Consistent and Progressive Training
Consistency is the bedrock of improving fitness. Regularly engaging in both strength and cardiovascular training, and progressively increasing the intensity, can lead to substantial fitness improvements.
Nutritional Adjustments
Aligning your diet with your fitness goals is crucial. This involves consuming sufficient proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to support muscle growth and recovery. Consulting a nutritionist to tailor a diet plan can provide structure and measurable results.
Rest and Recovery

Often overlooked, rest and recovery are as important as the workouts themselves. Allowing adequate time for muscles to recover and ensuring sufficient sleep each night are fundamental for muscle growth and overall health.
In the quest for fitness, it’s crucial to remember that while the starting points may vary due to factors like genetics and long-standing habits, each individual’s journey is unique. The real challenge and beauty of fitness lie not in achieving a specific look or emulating someone else’s success but in continually striving to better oneself according to personal capabilities and circumstances.
By focusing on mastering fundamental exercises, committing to consistent and progressive training, fine-tuning our diets, and ensuring proper rest and recovery, we can all advance towards our fitness aspirations. It’s important to celebrate small victories along the way and maintain a balanced approach, as these are the true markers of lasting change. Thus, as we continue to push forward, let’s shift our focus from comparison to personal progress, where the real transformation occurs both physically and mentally.
Watch the video below from Mike Israetel to fully understand the key factors that determine how jacked you can get and what you can do to optimise your looks.
Read More: The Best Training Technique to Build Muscle in Half the Time