Enhance your natural bodybuilding journey with the best supplements for natural bodybuilding. Explore our blog for top recommendations.

Natural bodybuilding is an approach to building muscle mass and achieving a toned physique without the use of synthetic substances or performance-enhancing drugs.

In this blog, we will explore the benefits of natural bodybuilding, how to compete as a natural bodybuilder, the banned substances in natural bodybuilding competitions, and the top three best supplements for natural bodybuilding.

What Is Natural Bodybuilding?

Natural bodybuilding is a fitness discipline that emphasizes muscle growth using natural means and techniques. It involves resistance training, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis and promotes muscle growth. The focus of natural bodybuilding is to build lean muscle mass, improve body composition, and enhance athletic performance, all without the use of anabolic steroids or other banned substances.

By following a balanced diet, engaging in resistance training, and incorporating natural supplements, natural bodybuilders can achieve their fitness goals in a healthy and sustainable manner.

How to Compete as a Natural Bodybuilder?

Competing as a natural bodybuilder requires strict adherence to natural bodybuilding guidelines, which include drug-free training, diet, and overall lifestyle. Natural bodybuilding competitions have rigorous drug testing protocols in place to ensure that all competitors are free from performance-enhancing substances. Athletes must prioritize natural bodybuilding supplements, such as protein powder, creatine, and amino acids, along with whole foods, to support muscle growth, athletic performance, and exercise recovery. Competing as a natural bodybuilder requires dedication, discipline, and a commitment to health.

As with all bodybuilding competitions, how you prepare varies according on the event you participate.

For example, the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF or INBF) requires athletes who win an award to undergo polygraph testing, urine drug testing, and a follow-up urine drug test soon after the competition.

On the contrary, the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) and the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition are relatively permissive in terms of supplementation.

In addition, the WNBF demands participants to remain drug-free for ten years before competing. In other words, past steroid users would have to wait a decade before being eligible to compete in WNBF events.

Banned Substances in Natural Bodybuilding Competitions

Natural bodybuilding competitions prohibit the use of anabolic steroids, synthetic hormones, and other performance-enhancing drugs. Organizations such as the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) and the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) have strict regulations in place to ensure fair competition.

We cannot stress this enough: the list of prohibited substances will differ based on the competition you enter.

For the purpose of simplicity, we will focus on the WNBF’s banned drugs list, as it is widely regarded as the strictest natural bodybuilding organization in the business. As a result, if you follow their rules, you are very likely to stay inside the boundaries given by other natural bodybuilding competitions.

There are about 200 substances now banned from WNBF contests, including:

• Every anabolic steroid: Notable examples include androstenediol, trenbolone, nandrolone (deca-durabolin), mesterolone, boldenone, drostanolone, and stanozolol (Winstrol).
• Testosterone is prohibited: In practically every form, including lotions, gels, patches, and injections. The testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio is used to assess high testosterone levels in the body. If your ratio exceeds six to one (the same ratio used by the NCAA), it is classified as a failed drug test.
• Human growth hormone (HGH): Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), erythropoietin (EPO), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and the majority of “designer” peptides are prohibited.
• All prohormones and precursors of steroid hormones: Prohormones and precursors of hormones, such as DHEA, which the body uses to produce testosterone, are outright prohibited.
• Every prescribed diuretic: Diuretics aid in the body’s elimination of water and salt. These are prohibited even if prescribed by a physician.
• All muscle implants are prohibited.
• Most stimulants, ephedra, and ephedrine: While many other stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are prohibited, caffeine and its derivatives, such as theobromine, are acceptable. Make careful to read the label on your pre-workout powder to avoid accidentally ingesting an illegal stimulant.
• Hallucinogens, opioids, and cannabinoids—including CBD: Are all illegal narcotics. If you’ve been using CBD oil, proceed with caution.

Top 3 Best Supplements for Natural Bodybuilding

When it comes to the best supplements for natural bodybuilding, certain supplements can aid in muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance. Here are the top three best supplements for natural bodybuilding:

No.1: CREATINE

Naturally occurring in many cells, particularly skeletal muscle cells, creatine is the best supplement for both muscle growth and sports performance. It has been clinically demonstrated to help increase muscle mass, enhance exercise performance, and lessen fatigue during training.

Moreover, one of the safest sports supplements available is creatine. The International Society of Sports Nutrition recently reviewed the literature and found that creatine is safe and can help avoid injuries caused by exercise. Furthermore, there isn’t any scientific proof that using creatine, either short- or long-term, has harmful negative impacts on physically active individuals.

Due to its ability to draw water into muscle tissue, creatine may cause you to urinate a little more frequently.

Check out the best Creatine in USA.

No.2: WHEY PROTEIN

Since whey contains all nine necessary amino acids—amino acids your body cannot manufacture on its own—it is considered a complete protein.

Whey supports muscle protein synthesis and is easily digested and absorbed amino acid supply. It is one of the most well-researched supplements available, with a strong track record of maintaining lean mass and promoting muscle growth during fat loss stages.

Furthermore, whey protein has been scientifically shown to promote muscle growth more successfully than other protein powder varieties, like soy. Additionally, producers are placing a greater emphasis on improving the flavor profiles of protein powders as they understand that taste plays a significant role in customer satisfaction and preference.

Check out the best whey protein in USA.

No.3: BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS (BCAA)

BCAAs are a class of three essential amino acids that include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are present in protein-rich foods including meat, dairy, and eggs, but they can also be taken as a supplement.

According to research, BCAAs can assist grow muscle mass by stimulating muscle protein synthesis (the production of new muscle tissue). They have also been proven to minimize muscular soreness following rigorous exercise, which can assist athletes and bodybuilders stick to their workout schedule.

Check out the best BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS in USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of natural supplements for bodybuilding?

Natural supplements offer several benefits for bodybuilders. They support muscle growth and recovery, provide essential nutrients for overall health, and are typically free from harmful additives. When combined with a balanced diet and exercise, these supplements can optimize your bodybuilding results.

What is the recommended dosage for natural supplements for bodybuilding?

The recommended dosage for natural supplements in bodybuilding varies depending on the specific supplement. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage to prevent negative side effects. Consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

What are you allowed to take as a natural bodybuilder?

As a natural bodybuilder, you have to steer clear of performance-enhancing drugs like steroids. However, there are permissible options in the form of natural supplements. Protein powder, creatine, and BCAAs can assist with muscle growth and recovery post-workout. Always consult with a healthcare professional and check the ingredients before taking any supplements.

How can I get bigger naturally fast?

Follow this:

• Train: Heavy weights, progressive overload, compound exercises (squats, deadlifts), bodyweight exercises.
• Eat: Calorie surplus, high protein (1.5-2g/kg), complex carbs, healthy fats.
• Rest: 7-8 hours of sleep, rest days between workouts.

Let’s Sum Up

In conclusion, best supplements for natural bodybuilding can be a valuable addition to your bodybuilding routine. They provide the necessary nutrients and support to aid in muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance. However, it’s important to remember that supplements should not be relied upon as a substitute for a well-balanced diet and consistent training.

With the right combination of natural supplements, proper nutrition, and hard work in the gym, you can achieve your bodybuilding goals in a safe and effective manner.