Bodybuilding

How Can You Tell The Difference Between a Bodybuilder Who’s on Steroids and a Natural One?

Published

6 years ago

December 12, 2018

Paul

The Difference Between Natural Bodybuilders vs. Steroid Bodybuilders :

FFMI Scale:

FFMI is the scientific method that determines the muscle mass of your body. It indicates the size of the trap of a weightlifter. FFMI scale is similar to BMI, but it encounters muscle mass and accurately estimates body fat and assign you a number accordingly. Humans have an FFMI limit that is the natural phenomenon. The number 25 is the FFMI upper limit where the average is 19 for a male. FFMI thus facilitates the indication without lab tests.

Steroids vs natural bodybuilding

Steroids Description:

No doubt, steroids help in gaining strength and muscle mass that is difficult to maintain throughout their life. While Natural bodybuilding is about the natural process of muscle gaining without using drugs.

Olympia history clearly depicts the notion of “Be bigger to be the Winner”. The visual difference is massive for the drug user, as their profession requires profound and unique looks. So, to maintain their career they need to maintain their best body appearance for the winning position.

Steroid User:

The below picture shows the look before and after the steroids use:

Steroid use gives an extraordinary look that you cannot achieve without steroid usage.

Guzman has 22–24FFMI and he appears like this.

He managed a hard diet plan and work out for 6 days/ week. This guy thus worked himself for his muscle gains. A person with abs of six-pack and 400+ pounds will be a confirm steroids user.

Signs That You are on Steroids:

We can identify either the person is on steroids or not by considering the following signs.

Bad skin is the sign that the person is on the steroids.
Disproportionately seems obvious, for instance, a person has large shoulder and trap muscles because these body areas are enriched with androgen receptors so they respond first.
These also cause extreme vascularity due to fat burning and high BP that steroids result.
Users have huge shoulders in comparison with natural muscle developer.
Steroid user has 3D muscles look – outward chest and heavy six-packs.
They have a lower level of body fat and also have thicker hair on the body.

Exercise gives you even skin tone, and no acne problem, moreover, it does not have associated side effects while it has a number of long-lasting positive effects on your body. You cannot get the actual mass without the steroid use. Natural bodybuilders can also develop huge physiques. Natural athletes may have god gifted genetics that can retain such high body mass.

Mr. Olympia, a natural bodybuilder had the arm size of 19 inches. During untested Olympia, arm sizes above 22 inches and 285+ pounds weighted athletes are seen.

Bodybuilding Trend:

Bodybuilders of 1940s to the 50s were natural bodybuilders, the trend has changed. Bodybuilders now use steroid drugs to win big in the competition. Steroids takers look bigger as compared to the natural builders. Natural steroids are now available and scientific research has revealed the benefits of natural bodybuilding. So these can help the athlete to maintain or gain his natural heavy look.

The current trend is toward steroid use which means you grow artificially. Oral steroids lead to liver problems and need your tremendous attention toward treatment. Many other problems also result from drug use that changes your body shape in such a way that you cannot get a normal look back even if you want and you may need then cosmetic surgery.

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Appearance Differences:

The basic difference is the body shape between natural and steroid bodybuilders. Body proportion variation seems clear for steroid and real bodybuilders as the basic objective of bodybuilding is bulk gaining and strength.

Bodybuilding now also involves aesthetics. People like monsters big looks that can compel the viewer to stop for looking. As audience preferences have been changed, and bodybuilding brings for your body what you like. Natural bodybuilder performs high-level exercises and these exercises keep you fit and healthy.

Individual Response to Steroids:

A comparison can be made between natural and on-steroid bodybuilders. Different types of steroids have been developed and to different steroids, individual responses vary that depends on individual genetics, steroid cycles, and doses.

The research revealed that steroid drug dependence is not beneficial in the long run for the user and leads to rapid aging along with many other side effects. History of athletes shows that quitting of steroids results in smaller and weaker structures.

Internal Changes in Natural and Steroid Bodybuilders:

The changes are not limited to appearance, but internal changes are also immense in terms of side effects such as fluid retention, heart failure, testicles shrinking, infertility, breasts enlarging and many others.

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Steroid use causes a higher gain in weight. Skin changes also appear and skin may become dark and spots also appear. Natural bodybuilders perform weight lifting on daily bases and with descriptive patterns. They always seem fresh and healthy because natural mode increases the blood flow to heart and brain and they naturally grow healthy during every phase of their life.
Steroids use effects are always significant and their user can build more body muscles and heavyweight than natural bodybuilding. It gives the advantage to steroid user as they can easily attain what they want and it helps them to reach to the desired position.
Natural bodybuilders of current age seem conscious about diet, hard training, and they use supplements and other necessary products.
Heavy physical activity makes the natural bodybuilders the really strong people. They have natural look and they do not have pressure on their body organs and brain as well. Natural bodybuilders cannot gain weight above than 210 lb and it is only possible with steroids.

Other Indicators:

Steroid users have "3D" looked shoulders. They quickly gain mass relatively than natural bodybuilders. Their abs look thin just like paper and the natural way would need planned diet programs to reach that level of body fat without using supplements and enhancements. It will be impossible to maintain that look without steroids.

Bradley with 30lbs was the greatest bodybuilder. His natural bodybuilding look and his physical modification prove that he used steroids. Bradley Martyn has the tall body of six feet and his shoulders were already bigger than other wrestlers of history. His proportionate huge body from the upper side and his thick muscles are also proof of steroid use.

Is it Possible to Grow Without Steroids!

Yes, it mostly will depend on your genetics, your diet preferences and finally work out, the effort you will make in the gym. It can build high strength without steroids but you must be very regular for workouts and exercises. You need to increase the muscle potential.

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Indian Yogi and Tibetian monk have grown from average size to giant size because steroids have associated potential harms and shortcut success is not the real success. But naturally, it is very tough to become much bigger. Steroid use does not save and you need to follow many other things otherwise it will even cause death.

Natural Bodybuilder:

He requires a proper workout and enough rest for high stimulate of muscles. Protein synthesis requires 48 hours, thus you can manage work out three times per week in this way to get bigger than others. Compound exercises are considered better for higher gains. Steroid bodybuilders also use steroid compounds for recovery; during that duration, they need training according to the proper training plan.

Natural bodybuilders can apply workout split mechanism of training during which particular body parts are trained in every session that gives high energy stimulus for muscle build-up.

Critical Considerations For Natural Bodybuilding:

Both the phenomenon has opposing arguments in favor of natural and steroid bodybuilding. Natural bodybuilders use supplements and resistance training with a proper diet that have lasting health benefits. Natural bodybuilders have comparatively lower BP, cholesterol, and better bone density. They have fewer chances to develop cardiovascular problems and have a strong and functioning immune system. It boosts mood and give a pleasant feeling. Resistance training is the most critical part of natural bodybuilding.

Concluding Note:

We can identify steroids user by checking the following conditions

Quick weight increase and fast muscle gain
The appearance of purple or other colored marks on body parts
Feet and legs swelling
Trembling condition
Skin darkening
Bad breath
Aggressive behavior and mood swings
Personality changes may be observed.

Facts:

Yes, 99%+ bodybuilders use fitness drugs. Christian Boeving always talked about natural bodybuilding and supplement use, but later he admitted using steroids. Supplement companies hire the fitness models to promote the company products to show the viewers that by using the natural supplements they can attain heavy looks. That improves sales while their models are the secret users of drugs. They need high earning and thus their physique highly matters for drug companies.

Useful Tips:

Steroid use may compel you for hormone replacement therapy, and many other issues affect your inner. The natural mode of bodybuilding does not allow the use of anabolic steroids however, you can use supplements in the tablet forms to get protein, and other nutrients depending on body nutrition requirements.

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Bodybuilding

Mastering Bodybuilding in 2025: Top Fitness Tips for Success

Published

2 weeks ago

March 1, 2025

Sane

Bodybuilding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle that requires dedication, discipline, and a thorough understanding of fitness principles. As the world of fitness continues to evolve, bodybuilders must stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and scientific advancements to achieve their goals. In 2025, several innovative approaches are redefining bodybuilding. Here are essential fitness tips for bodybuilders to excel this year.

Embrace Technology-Driven Workouts

In 2025, technology plays a significant role in bodybuilding. Wearable devices, fitness apps, and virtual reality (VR) training are now integral components of an effective workout regimen.

Wearable Devices

Modern wearables track everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to muscle activation and caloric expenditure. Utilize these devices to monitor your progress and make data-driven adjustments to your training and nutrition plans.

Fitness Apps

Leverage fitness apps for customized workout plans, progress tracking, and virtual coaching. Many apps now incorporate artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and recommendations.

Virtual Reality Training

VR technology offers immersive workout experiences, allowing bodybuilders to simulate different training environments and scenarios. This can enhance motivation and add variety to your routine.

Focus on Functional Strength

While hypertrophy (muscle growth) remains a primary goal, functional strength is gaining importance. Functional strength training improves overall performance, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances daily activities.

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Compound Movements

Incorporate compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and joints, promoting balanced strength development.

Core Stability

Prioritize exercises that strengthen the core, such as planks, Russian twists, and leg raises. A strong core supports better lifting mechanics and reduces the risk of lower back injuries.

Optimize Nutrition for Muscle Growth and Recovery

Nutrition is the cornerstone of successful bodybuilding. In 2025, the focus is on personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and goals.

Protein Intake

Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on your training intensity and goals.

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Nutrient Timing

Pay attention to nutrient timing to maximize muscle recovery and growth. Consume protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes post-workout to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle repair.

Supplements

Utilize supplements wisely. Creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and omega-3 fatty acids are popular choices for enhancing performance and recovery.

Prioritize Mental Health and Mindfulness

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall fitness. Incorporating mindfulness practices can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance performance.

Meditation

Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation can enhance your mind-muscle connection during workouts.

Visualization

Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse your workouts. Visualizing successful lifts and achieving your goals can boost confidence and motivation.

Rest and Recovery

Prioritize rest and recovery to prevent burnout and overtraining. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate rest days into your training schedule.

Leverage Advanced Training Techniques

Advanced training techniques can help break through plateaus and stimulate muscle growth. In 2025, several methods are gaining popularity among bodybuilders.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training: BFR involves restricting blood flow to the muscles during low-intensity exercises. This technique can enhance muscle growth and strength without the need for heavy weights.

Eccentric Training: Focus on the eccentric (lowering) phase of exercises. Eccentric training can stimulate greater muscle damage and growth compared to traditional concentric movements.

Periodization: Implement periodization into your training plan. Varying the intensity, volume, and type of exercises can prevent plateaus and ensure continuous progress.

Incorporate Recovery and Mobility Work

Recovery and mobility are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining optimal performance. In 2025, bodybuilders are paying more attention to these aspects of training.

Foam Rolling and Myofascial Release: Use foam rollers and massage balls to release muscle tightness and improve flexibility. Regular myofascial release can reduce soreness and enhance recovery.

Stretching: Incorporate dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching after workouts. Stretching improves range of motion and prevents muscle imbalances.

Cryotherapy and Hydrotherapy: Explore recovery techniques like cryotherapy (cold therapy) and hydrotherapy (water therapy) to reduce inflammation and accelerate muscle recovery.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Community Building

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for success. Engage in continuous learning and connect with the bodybuilding community for support and motivation.

Educational Resources: Read books, watch videos, and attend seminars to stay updated on the latest research and trends in bodybuilding.

Community Engagement: Join online forums, social media groups, and local bodybuilding clubs. Sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow bodybuilders can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with a certified personal trainer or coach. Professional guidance can help you optimize your training and nutrition plans, ensuring you're on the right track.

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We've also introduced a new feature that many of you have requested. To assist you in choosing your next program, you can now preview each day of any program from its detail view. This feature lets you see all the included workout videos and content before you schedule it, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

In 2025, bodybuilding is more than just lifting weights; it's a holistic approach to fitness that encompasses technology, nutrition, mental health, and advanced training techniques. By embracing these fitness tips, bodybuilders can achieve their goals, stay injury-free, and enjoy a fulfilling fitness journey. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success in bodybuilding. Stay committed, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun on your path to becoming the best version of yourself.

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Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

6 months ago

September 5, 2024

Zizou

Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

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Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

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Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50).

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

Related Article: T3 Application in Building Muscle Mass

Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

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