THE ARTICLE
Sit back and think about the term ‘natural’ for a minute. Now I am a natural lifetime athlete so don’t get me wrong, but just humour me for a second. When I think of natural bodybuilding I think of all the reasons I love the sport so much:
- teaches you discipline, determination and tenacity
- keeps you fit, healthy and active
- lets you have the physique you have always wanted to have
- if you compete, you get to share your passion with people who feel the same way about bodybuilding you do.
- It’s just so much fun
Now on the flip side, think about it in regards to the more ‘reckless’ aspects of bodybuilding that some follow:
- I’ll never be that big
- I’ll never be that cut
- I’ll never be that big (I know, that’s important)
As a result, many natural competitors take this to heart and therefore use being natural as an excuse. I get so frustrated by this, because now they are the ones who are limiting their progress, not the ‘gear freak’ in the corner doing sissy squats to build his 33 inch thighs.
Look at any natural contest and there are competitors who should not be on stage. Not because they do not have what it takes – no way. No, simply because they failed to apply themselves. Even though the natural federations now pull the big crowds, some competitors simply do not step up to the plate and present their best package. Why? I believe because deep down they do not believe that they can be big, hard, ripped, lean etc as a natural.
I enjoyed reading the article in last issue of Australian Natural Body on Aaron Smith and Clifford Barnes. I was blown away at last years Musclemania Australia by these guys! Not only because of their age, but by obviously what they have accomplished in only a short career so far. Now I ask you, do you think these guys are caught up on the whole natural moniker? Do you think they go into the gym thinking ‘I am natural, so I can only accomplished so much'’ or when it comes to competition, “I’m natural so they is no way I can be shredded”. I highly doubt it.
I remember when I was 20. I was in the Army, had just met my wife, and every time I had a protein shake I followed it with a Peter Jackson Super Mild chaser. I hit the gym a couple times a week, never seemed to accomplish much, and cardio constituted of running to the ATM on a Saturday night for more Southern Comfort. I only wish that I had been so dedicated at 20!
The first step to become truly outstanding is to have an inferno of self-belief burning inside you. Never let the fact that you train naturally dictate the level of results you can achieve. Do you really want to know how much the drug influence can affect you? You might weigh 20kgs more, but is that solely what the bodybuilding lifestyle is all about? Drugs do not create symmetry, definition, a high work ethic, or most importantly – knowledge.
I was at the NABBA worlds recently on the Gold Coast, and even though I only managed to see the pre-judging of Mens Class 1, I left disappointed. Why? This was a world title competition, and what I saw (apart from 3) were not world class athletes. I personally think that some of the Champions Division competitors from MMAUST2003 would have done extremely well. Even though they were big boys, some lacked shape, some were smooth, and some couldn’t even get their tans and posing all squared away.
Remember, it takes more then extreme size to be an outstanding competitor. Size is only one very small aspect of the complete bodybuilder, yet what we seem to be hung up on the most. Unreal size is the only aspect of the bodybuilding lifestyle that is directly related to drug use.
For me, natural is the only way to go. I can achieve everything I want from my high expectations (and then some) by remaining natural. I never though, use the excuse that being natural will limit my progress. I know want I want to achieve and go after it – it’s that simple. If I am chasing big weights in the gym, I know my mental tenacity will see me through. I know if I am training for competition, I have the skills necessary to obtain tip top shape.
Stand up, take responsibility for your own actions. We are all bodybuilders first and foremost. Don’t place limitations on yourself because you simply follow the natural lifestyle. In my books, that’s just an excuse for lack of responsibility.
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