Daniel Vadnal is one of the famous people in the online world of bodyweight training thanks to his muscular body, tutorials, skills, and strength. For many, acquiring a physique similar to his would be better than winning the lottery. But can you have a body like that naturally (without steroids)? Is bodyweight training all you need? Let’s see.
source: youtube.com
How big is Daniel Vadnal?
A Facebook photo uploaded on Vadnal’s official page revealed that his body stats in November 2014 were as follows:
Height: 6′ (183cm)
Weight: 187lbs (85kg)
Bodyfat: 6.3%
This fits into nattyornot.com’s guide for natural bodybuilders according to which a 6′ tall man can max out at 185lbs in competition condition (5-8% body fat). This means that in theory, Daniel Vadnal is not over the stats for a true natural with exceptional genetics.
At 187lbs and about 6% body fat, Daniel Vadnal showcases the natural max for his height. However, that does not conclude that Daniel Vadnal is 100% natural by default. It just means that there are people with elite genetics who can touch those numbers.
Let’s not forget that Serge Nubret was “only” 200lbs at the same height as Daniel Vadnal. {source} Being only 15 pounds away from one of the greats is certainly not an easy task.
Are advanced bodyweight exercises like planches and front levers the key to Daniel Vadnal’s body?
Not really. Those movements take a lot of effort and dedication to achieve, but they are certainly not magical when it comes to muscle growth.
Advanced bodyweight exercises are fine, especially for the upper body, but there is no evidence that they cause more muscle growth than basic bodybuilding. The main advantage of bodyweight training is convenience. There are no mysterious growth processes that only planches and front levers can stimulate.
So, is Daniel Vadnal natural or not?
You can never know whether somebody is 100% natural even if the data suggest so. After all, there are everyday gym rats who take steroids and don’t look super impressive. Therefore, we can never conclude with certainty that someone is natural. Sometimes even the family of the person in question could be part of the uninformed group.
Technically, he is at the natty limits for people with good potential for growth.
You also have to keep in mind that those numbers are reserved for lifters actively seeking hypertrophy – not just “training for skill”. Average people will never get to that level naturally.
Yo digo que no es natural, por que el posee una muy buena mada de calidad a bajos niveles de grasa corporal(photoshop aspect) . Sin mencionar que entrena con otros usuarios de esteroides.
I dont put hands on fire that he is on steroids or not. But advanced bodyweight excercises can build muscle. Take a look at olympic gymnast bodies, with static holds like you stimulate muscle in different way that lifting weights.