Former pro bodybuilder and nutritionist Neil Hill cut straight to the most uncomfortable topic of bodybuilding in his latest comments.

Speaking candidly on the Overcome Cast Podcast on January 28, 2026, Yoda said: “You have to work just as hard in order to create a positive environment for muscle growth." However, he also believes that discipline can only take you so far in bodybuilding.

“Unfortunately, yes, genetics play a big part and a big role in a lot of the champions or the final decisions... Some people have just got that ability to build that muscle tissue. They’ve got a hyper-responsive ability to build muscle groups, to build all muscle groups relatively evenly," said Neil Hill.

However, the Hill doesn't believe that the genetic advantage is the be-all and end-all of competitive bodybuilding. In fact, he finds joy in defying genetic limitations.

"The excitement to me is when you have a muscle group which needs further development. That’s the exciting part…. And the excitement of it is, let’s see what we can do to create a positive environment to see a higher sense of stimulus and muscle tissue," he added.

That being said, Neil Hill is not the only one who thinks that genetics plays a vital role in the sport; discipline is also essential.

Genetics vs. Discipline

Legendary bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman once admitted that genetics is the best thing to have. However, he also admitted that he wouldn't have won eight Olympics without giving it his all in the gym.

Talking about his rival Flex Wheeler, Coleman said, "I think Flex had the best genetics in the world, but I kinda outworked him. When I went to the gym, you know? I'd lift hard and I'd lift heavy," Coleman told Generation Iron in 2020.

Golden era legend Mike Mentzer said something similar. "Training can enable the individual to reach the upper limits of his/her potential. Even those chosen few, the genetic f*****, who possess a super abundance of the required traits will improve faster," Mentzer once said.

So, what do you think, is it genetics or hard work that matters the most?

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi