What’s it like Being A Natural Bodybuilder? Well, first of all, I would say that there are more natural bodybuilders than you might think. Despite all the sensationalism in the media, most likely there are not as many drug-using bodybuilders as the media would have you believe. That said, let’s take a look at what being a natural bodybuilder is all about!
You Can Get Great Gains Being Natural
The truth is, far too many lifters go to the gym thinking they can get the same results the drug users get. When that doesn’t happen, many of these lifters end up frustrated and disillusioned. That’s because they are not willing to start using steroids or other drugs. It’s true you won’t build the same physique without drugs, but you can build one you are proud of. Let’s take a closer look.
1) Don’t Try And Match Up To The Drug Users!
Before we go any further, let me be clear: if you want to use steroids, then by all means go ahead. It’s your choice, and you’re welcome to make it. I support whichever way you decide to go.
Now, with that said, I know all about this one firsthand. I used to beat myself up mentally every time I saw one of the “big guys” in the gym. I did this to the point where it was ruining my workouts and my perspective on bodybuilding. Then I decided to stop and look around. It was then I realized that for a drug-free bodybuilder, I didn’t look bad. The bottom line is this: the only person you should compare yourself to is you. That goes for every facet of life but especially your physique. The only person you should be trying to best is yourself.
2) Train And Eat Correctly
You will often see lifters that complain they aren’t gaining because they’re natural. That’s an excuse. These are the lifters that are unfocused and sloppy in their workouts. Every gym has lifters like this. They don’t follow a set routine, or even worse, only work arms and maybe chest. They do half reps or even quarter reps, and do not use anywhere near enough weight. Yet they act like they’re working hard.
If you want to make progress, use perfect form, use a full range of motion, and don’t rush your reps. Plus, use enough weight to fail within your predetermined rep range, and strive to add weight to the bar every other week. This is the approach you have to take to succeed.
What About Nutrition?
As for nutrition, if you don’t eat enough, you’ll never get really big. To grow without chemical help means you have to be smart. Understand what you’re doing and why. That’s true for both in the gym and in the kitchen. It begins with eating five to six high-protein, moderate to high carb meals a day, every day.
And no, you can’t go out multiple times a week and throw back a case of beer. Binges like that undermine all of your training. What you do in the gym is only one component of making gains. If you’re out getting sloshed, not eating properly and getting plenty of sleep, you might as well stay home and forget about ever having a decent physique. Put the beer bottle down and hit the gym.
What About Supplements
What about supplements? I’m glad you asked. One of the best ways to meet your higher protein needs is by adding a protein powder to your program. I suggest Hi-Tech Precision Protein. From there, you should be using a good pre-workout, such as GAT Nitraflex Ultra or Alpha Supps PRE. Finally, don’t forget creatine monohydrate and a good multi. Remember, these products are not drugs. But, you will make better gains with them than you will without them. So stop by illpumpyouup.com, and stock up!
3) Train Hard
If you’re eating high protein, high carb (around your training days) meals, recovering properly, and using supplements that actually work, you should be able to walk into the gym and dominate your workouts.
The Tempo For Growth
As noted, lift heavy in good form at all times. Use this tempo: 2 seconds up, no pause, 4 seconds down, a 3 second pause in the fully stretched position. Don’t just end your set when you hit a goal rep number. End it when you can’t complete another rep – and if that’s higher than your rep goal, add weight. Finally, you must have a relentless, hungry attitude. Your success is dependent on it
Ask Yourself These Questions
Will you undergo the pain of a heavy set of full squats? Are you willing to eat every 2 ½-3 hours if that’s what it takes to meet your macronutrient goals? Will you invest in supplements that can make a difference in your progress, as noted above? Are you going to skip beer night(s) and hit the gym for your scheduled workouts? This is what it takes if you want to reach your natural potential. You won’t know how big you can get until you get there.
4) If You Compete, Compete In Natural Contests.
Unless you’re a genetic superhuman, you shouldn’t compete against drug users. You’ll just be setting yourself up to lose. Compete in a natural contest where you actually have a chance at winning,or at least placing high. And if you do win, it was your own efforts that helped you do it, not something out of a syringe or a bottle.
5) See Your Success In Your Mind
If you don’t believe that you can gain muscle mass, you will have a near-impossible time making it happen.You have to have a positive, I know-I-can-do-it attitude. Arnold was and is a huge believer in the power of the mind. No, he was not natural, but nevertheless, his mental strength is a big reason for his success. Follow his example.
Summary
In Being A Natural Bodybuilder, we looked at these concepts: don’t compare yourself to drug users, eat and train correctly, train hard, get your supplementation right, compete in natural contests and see your success. If you consistently implement these concepts, you will achieve a physique that you can be proud of. Now get out there and make it happen!