18th February 2009
Natural Bodybuilding
Natural Bodybuilding simply refers to a special type of bodybuilding regimen.
It’s one of the many different approaches that an individual can take when competing
in the sport of bodybuilding. Natural Bodybuilding is the most commonly used term when
performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids, human growth hormones or other
restricted drugs, are not used to aid in the building of muscles by a bodybuilder.
Prohormone and diuretics are also substances that are illegal in the sport of Natural Bodybuilding.
There are governing bodies that regulate and compose the rules on Natural Bodybuilding.
Such organizations include NANBF (North American Bodybuilding Federation and NPA (Natural
Physique Association). On the professional front, organizations such as the WBNF (World
Natural Bodybuilding Federation), INBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association)
and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders) look over and govern the sport. These
organizations state that the natural bodybuilding method is more centered on competition
and healthy lifestyle.
Drug testing bodies also work hand in hand with Natural Bodybuilding organizations.
All of the different local and national drug/anti-doping bodies are organized under
the jurisdiction of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The agency includes such
anti-doping agencies as Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) and New Zealand
Sports Drug Agency (NZSDA). These anti-doping organizations work closely with the
different Natural Bodybuilding organizations. They help each other implement and test
the rules to keep different competitions safe, legitimate, and within the bounds and
rules of Natural Bodybuilding.
Natural Bodybuilders are just as strong and big as bodybuilders who take performance-enhancing
drugs. They might even be healthier than their “unnatural” counterparts since they do not take
in any damaging chemicals in the process of training. Some studies have shown that bodybuilders
who have admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs grow older more quickly – their internal
organs, such as the heart, kidney, and liver, tend to show signs of premature aging or damage.
This is a heavy price to pay for taking a shortcut to a good physique!
Natural bodybuilders tend to be less bulky than bodybuilders who use performance-enhancing drugs.
This is because the natural size or development of the body is not overextended or overexerted.
Natural Bodybuilding takes time, passion and discipline to achieve. There is no shortcut to
achieving this, nor should there be. Consistency is the key in achieving the desired strength,
size and physique. Natural Bodybuilding involves a well-balanced diet, enough sleep, and regular
and vigorous exercise. Some people tend to build muscles quickly while others need a little more
time and effort to see or notice any results at all. While results may vary from case to case,
virtually everyone agrees that Natural Bodybuilding is the only way to go to achieve muscle gain.
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