Why You Aren't Building Muscle (Not Genetics)

21 Jan 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:00

In this short fitness monologue, Eric Roberts argues that a lack of visible muscle growth is not due to genetics but to three common training errors. First, he warns against exercising on an empty stomach, explaining that high‑intensity muscle work needs readily available carbs and suggests eating a banana or a quick‑cereal like Rice Krispies about 30 minutes before training. Second, he critiques the habit of only pushing the final set of an exercise to failure, insisting that if a program prescribes three sets, all three should be performed with heavy weight and effort. Third, he advises against doing cardio before weightlifting, likening it to draining a phone battery, and recommends performing cardio after the strength session or on rest days. The overall message is that correcting these mistakes can unlock muscle growth without blaming genetics.

Chapters

If you've been lifting weights for months but still look exactly the same, it's not your genetics. It's likely these 3 mistakes. First, stop working out on an empty stomach. That's like trying to drive a Lamborghini with no gas. You need carbs to fuel high-intensity muscle contraction. So eat a banana or Rice Krispies 30 minutes before you work out. Second, if you're doing 3 sets of an exercise, Stop only going to failure on the last set. That's like ordering 3 tacos and throwing 2 in the trash. If the workout calls for 3 sets, that means all 3 sets. You should be pushing yourself with heavy weight. Third, stop doing cardio at the wrong time. You wouldn't let your phone drain to 10% battery and then leave your house for the day. So stop doing cardio before you lift weights and save it for after or on your rest days.