There’s a growing body of natural bodybuilders in the fitness industry right now. These bodybuilders follow an extensive workout routine, eat a clean diet, and use supplements to push their bodies to their natural limits.

However, many people still believe that natural bodybuilding is just an oxymoron. That it’s not possible to build muscle mass naturally or that natural bodybuilders have to take steroids and other harmful chemicals. In this blog, we’ll get into the details of natural bodybuilding and debunk some of the most common myths about it.

What is Natural Bodybuilding?

Natural bodybuilding is a way of bodybuilding that does not involve the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This style of bodybuilding aims to promote health and well-being by encouraging athletes to focus on certain dietary practices, exercise, and lifestyles that are natural and healthy.

In natural bodybuilding, athletes are judged on size, symmetry, and overall physique instead of how much muscle they can bench or how much fat they can show on their bodies. To be deemed a natural bodybuilder, an athlete must adhere to prescribed dietary practices (such as consuming natural foods), exercise routines (such as strength training), and lifestyle habits (such as sleeping well).

To be a natural bodybuilder in today’s world means having high standards for yourself but being open to evolving with the times without losing sight of your goals.

#1 Do Natural Bodybuilders Take Supplements?

Natural bodybuilding does not involve the use of anabolic steroids, hormones, testosterone, or drugs such as cannabinoids and CBD. However, natural bodybuilding does allow for the use of pro-hormones and natural supplements. Some natural bodybuilding federations approve natural supplements and pro-hormones that contain so-called illegal substances. These substances may include creatine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), and whey protein.

In terms of men and women competing in a natural show, they can come up clean on drug tests just a few months after finishing a hard cycle. This is because drug testing for natural bodybuilding is done by each federation individually. To ensure fair competition, all natural bodybuilders must follow the rules of each federation.

#2 Are Natural Bodybuilders Weak?

– Natural bodybuilding doesn’t involve steroids, but instead focuses on natural and healthy nutrition, hard work, and progressive muscle growth.

– When compared to competitive weight lifters and non-competitive weight trainers, natural bodybuilders may have higher levels of physique satisfaction due to the mental and physical challenges involved in the sport.

– Although there is a greater risk for eating disturbances and psychological investment in physical appearance, natural bodybuilders may have higher levels of physique satisfaction than non-competitive weight lifters and athletically active men.

No, natural bodybuilders are not necessarily weak. In fact, natural bodybuilders can build impressive amounts of muscle and strength through consistent training, proper nutrition, and rest.

It is a common misconception that natural bodybuilders are weaker than those who use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), but this is not necessarily true. While PEDs can enhance muscle growth and recovery, they do not necessarily make someone stronger. Strength is primarily a result of training and proper technique, not just muscle size.

Additionally, natural bodybuilders often prioritize overall health and fitness rather than just appearance, which can lead to a well-rounded level of strength and fitness.

Overall, whether or not someone is weak or strong depends on their individual training, nutrition, and rest habits, and the use of PEDs is just one factor that can influence strength and muscle growth.

#3Does Natural Bodybuilding Take Longer?

– The natural bodybuilding community is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and bodybuilding without relying on drugs.

– A well-structured training plan and rest periods can help natural bodybuilders achieve the size, strength, and appearance they desire.

– Professional athletes have an array of drugs they rely on to achieve the same results, so natural bodybuilding isn’t any less effective. In fact, it’s a proven way to build muscle and improve overall health and physique.

Yes, natural bodybuilding typically takes longer to see significant results compared to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). This is because PEDs can accelerate muscle growth and recovery, leading to faster results.

However, natural bodybuilding can still yield impressive results over time with consistent training, proper nutrition, and rest. Natural bodybuilders often have to be more patient and disciplined in their approach, as they cannot rely on PEDs to achieve rapid gains.

It is important to note that everyone’s body is different and results may vary based on factors such as genetics, training intensity, and nutrition. Some individuals may see faster progress in natural bodybuilding than others, while others may see slower progress.

In the end, the key to success in natural bodybuilding is to stay consistent, patient, and committed to a healthy lifestyle. While the journey may take longer, the results can be just as rewarding, if not more so, as the achievement is a result of one’s hard work and dedication.

#4 Does Natural Bodybuilding Require Long Workouts?

Anyone can achieve great results with natural bodybuilding without spending hours in the gym. Yes, working out for too long or with too much intensity can have a negative effect on progress, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your body’s needs during training.

Rest periods between training sessions are an essential part of natural bodybuilding, as they allow muscles to recover and grow stronger. It is recommended to have 3 or 4 day split programs with different muscle groups being the focus of each workout.

It is important to have enough sleep and reduce stress levels to promote recovery. Avoiding unnecessary stress and getting enough sleep will help you recover from your workouts and be able to get a better result in the long run.

#5 Is Natural Bodybuilding Only for Men?

– Natural bodybuilding is a sport open to both men and women, with some organizations specifically catering to natural female bodybuilders.

– The International Natural Bodybuilding Association (GNBF) states that natural bodybuilding is based on a holistic approach, and is open to both genders.

– Natural bodybuilding competitions are open to anyone who does not use performance enhancing substances.

– The core goal of natural bodybuilding is to challenge and support yourself physically and mentally, regardless of gender.

– Organizations such as the IFBB Pro League do not discriminate against gender in natural bodybuilding competitions.

– In general, natural bodybuilding can be an effective way for individuals of any age or gender to improve their overall health and well-being.

– It’s vital to avoid performance enhancing substances when participating in natural bodybuilding competitions, as it can have a negative effect on your overall results.

#6Does Natural Bodybuilding Require Steroids?

No, natural bodybuilding does not require steroids. In fact, natural bodybuilding is a form of bodybuilding that emphasizes building muscle and strength without the use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids.

Natural bodybuilding involves a combination of resistance training, a healthy diet, and adequate rest and recovery. By using proper training techniques and focusing on the use of natural supplements and whole foods, natural bodybuilders can build impressive physiques without resorting to steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

While steroids can help build muscle mass quickly, they come with significant health risks and can have long-term negative effects on the body. Natural bodybuilding, on the other hand, focuses on building muscle mass through safe and sustainable methods, which can lead to better long-term health and fitness outcomes.

#7 Is Natural Bodybuilding Safe?

There is a lot of confusion surrounding natural bodybuilding and its safety. Many people believe that natural bodybuilding is harmful to an athlete’s health and well-being. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Natural bodybuilding, when done properly and with the guidance of a qualified trainer, can be a safe and effective way to build muscle and improve overall health and fitness. However, as with any physical activity, there is always a risk of injury, especially if proper form and technique are not followed.

In addition to the risk of injury, natural bodybuilding can also put a strain on the body, especially if the individual is not consuming enough calories or nutrients to support muscle growth and recovery. It is important for natural bodybuilders to follow a balanced diet that includes adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support muscle growth and recovery.

It is also important for natural bodybuilders to avoid overtraining, as this can lead to fatigue, muscle soreness, and other health issues. Rest and recovery are crucial components of natural bodybuilding, as they allow the body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.

Finally, it is important to note that natural bodybuilding does not involve the use of performance-enhancing drugs or steroids, which can have significant health risks and negative long-term effects on the body. Natural bodybuilding emphasizes building muscle through safe and sustainable methods, which can lead to better long-term health outcomes.

Let’s Sum Up

Natural bodybuilding is a way of exercising that allows you to build muscle mass and strength while avoiding the use of steroids and other artificial supplements. It focuses on natural supplements, including bodybuilding foods, such as chicken, eggs, and oats. The process of bodybuilding involves weight-lifting workouts that target specific muscle groups and performing cardio exercises, such as running or swimming.

Natural bodybuilding allows participants to build muscle mass by manipulating weight, repetitions, and sets. It’s an effective way of building muscle mass and improving overall health. However, natural bodybuilding can be challenging if you’re not consistent with your workout routine.