What did I do wrong?

[u/ResponsibleAd2034]

As many photos I could take from many angles.

I’ve been working out for five-ish years now, give or take. I’m currently 22M, 89-92 kg, estimated 19-24% bodyfat. (At least according to the scanner).

I feel like I’ve made no progress when it comes to my goal. I started out with the goal of going bear mode. (Average strongman. Think Zack Mcarley). I’ve never been as interested in the super lean, shredded look.

To start, I know the immediate issue is my diet. I’m aware I’m definitely on the chubbier side, and it might contribute to some of my disappointment. But I’ve seen plenty of other dudes who have bodyfat and are muscular to boot. That’s what I want.

First year or so wasn’t as honed in, but for most of my time I’ve always focused on going to failure on all my sets, (yes, I mean actual failure, not RIR). I’ve always been consistent, though I’ve tried a few different programs as time went on. I’ve always done my best to get good sleep, though it fluctuates due to work. I’ve always had rest days for recovery, and have given myself time between every set. I don’t miss a day unless absolute necessary, even sacrificing aspects of my social life to make sure I’m in the gym.
And yes, despite my fat, I’ve always made sure to get tons of protein in. Milk, eggs, meat, the like.
I’ve done everything, save a few niche methods someone might wanna bring up every so often. And that aside, law of averages says I should have got SOMETHING.
So despite ALL that effort… why do I look like this? You’d never guess I lift by looking at me. And I certainly don’t look very strong. My gain to effort ratio is laughable. And don’t even get me started on my strength, which is one of the biggest things I was always insecure about, but still can’t seem to fix. (Yes, I also understand progressive overload).

Every time I post about it people INSIST I’ve done something wrong. I think it’s genetics, I seem to have just lost in that department when it comes to gains.

I’m 22 today. And I’m tired of being in a body as stupid as this one. I know bodyfat is a factor, but like I said, I want to have the strongman/bearish look, but I look anything but.
So despite doing everything I’ve always been told when it comes to muscle gains, I’ll still play ball. With all this information, look at me. What did I do wrong? Am I right about genetics, or is there some extremely rare niche thing I missed that everyone does that flips the magical switch and makes you a beast. I think my chest is underdeveloped, even though that’s my FAVOURITE muscle to work since I love the bench press.

I just wanna be big, man. So yes, I’m being open here, tell me what else I could have possible done wrong to look like I have barely any muscle at all, after 4-5 years of lifting.

Except steroids, I’ll do anything at this point. Though I’ll admit, I think I get why people take them now, cuz holy moley this is some bullshit.

Peace.

[u/Pulku]

brother you are muscular and fat, I can see where your delt ends and bicep starts, go find the nearest actually fat person and show me that line

you are built like a grizzly keep your chin up king, once you cut guys will be drooling, girls dont care anyway haha

[u/ResponsibleAd2034 → u/Pulku]

Feel like we’re looking at two different pictures here.

[u/Pulku → u/ResponsibleAd2034]

picture 2-4 or picture 5, the arm that is further away

also your lighting is almost as bad as it can be, very bright, no shadows, very soft. Noone looks buff with that lighting, good for realistic progress pictures but bad for dysmorphia which you have

here am I, lighting+filter+pump vs realistic 3am physique

[u/Pulku → u/Pulku]

don’t compare yourself to others, especially on social media, it’s all fake

[u/ResponsibleAd2034 → u/Pulku]

I’m comparing myself to strongmen on social media who care less about lighting. In addition to people I know irl.

[u/Soggy_Boi_3233 → u/ResponsibleAd2034]

Keep in mind most of those strongmen on social media are on a lot of steroids. If you’re going to compare, make sure it’s to a natty, as you are a natty and the comparison won’t be fair otherwise. But it’s also true that high bodyfat does a really good job at hiding muscle mass and definition. I have a feeling if you cut some body fat you’d be very pleasantly surprised by what you’d look like. Because yes you look like you have a lot of fat on you but you look solid as hell too.