What does Natty mean in Bodybuilding: The Ultimate Guide to Natural Fitness

When you enter the world of bodybuilding you often hear the term “natty”. But what does “natty” mean in bodybuilding? Why is it important and how does it impact the fitness industry? This guide will break down the term and what it really means to be a “natty” athlete.

What does Natty mean

“Natty” is short for “natural”. In bodybuilding it means athletes who don’t use performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as anabolic steroids, human growth hormone (HGH) and other banned substances. To be a “natty” you must only use natural methods, diet, exercise and legally allowed supplements.

The Natural Movement in Bodybuilding

The natural bodybuilding movement is growing, driven by ethics, health and long term sustainability. Natural bodybuilding has many competitions and federations, including the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) and the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF). These organizations have strict testing protocols to ensure a level playing field for all athletes.

What does it mean to be Natty

A bodybuilder can be considered natty by following certain guidelines, usually set by natural bodybuilding organizations:

• No Anabolic Steroids: No steroids.

• No HGH or Other Illicit Enhancers: No HGH and other performance enhancers.

• Strict Testing: Polygraph and urinalysis tests to confirm compliance.

• Legal Supplements Only: Using supplements like protein powder, creatine and BCAAs that are legal.

Why be Natty

Being natty has many benefits, from avoiding the negative side effects of PEDs to long term health. Here are some:

• Healthier Living: Avoiding the side effects of steroids like liver damage, cardiovascular problems and hormonal imbalances.

• Sustainable Physique: Going natural often means a sustainable lifestyle so athletes can maintain their physique for longer.

• Ethical Competition: Competing on a level playing field means achievements are based on real merit and hard work.

Being Natty is Hard

Going natural has its own challenges:

• Slower Progress: Natural athletes will progress slower than those who use PEDs.

• Stereotypes: Natty bodybuilders have to work harder to prove themselves.

• Strict Diet and Training: To get optimal results you need to be strict with diet and training.

Training and Nutrition for Natty Bodybuilders

For those who are natty a disciplined approach to training and nutrition is key.

Training

• Periodization: Different training phases to ensure progress and avoid plateaus.

• Compound Exercises: Multi-joint exercises like squats, deadlifts and bench press to engage more muscle.

• Recovery: Rest and recovery periods to avoid overtraining and muscle growth.

Nutritional Guidelines

• Balanced Macronutrients: Protein, carbs and fat in balance to support muscle growth and energy needs.

• Caloric Management: Adjust calorie intake depending on your goals, bulking or cutting.

• Micronutrient Intake: Vitamins and minerals for overall health and performance.

Supplements for Natty Bodybuilders

While avoiding illegal substances, natty bodybuilders can still use legal and safe supplements:

• Protein Powders: For muscle repair and growth.

• Creatine: For strength and muscle mass.

• Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): For muscle recovery and to prevent muscle breakdown.

• Multivitamins: To ensure you get all the essential nutrients.

Natty Success Stories

Many athletes have achieved great success going natural. Bodybuilders like Mike O'Hearn and Ulisses Jr. show you can get ripped without PEDs and are a inspiration for all natty athletes.

How to be Natty

Being natty can be hard to prove but there are ways to do it:

• Drug Testing: Using different testing methods, urine and blood tests to detect PED use.

• Polygraph Tests: Testing athletes honesty about their PED use.

• Transparency: Athletes often share their training and diet plans to build and maintain credibility.

Conclusion

The natural vs enhanced bodybuilding debate will never go away but the benefits of going natty are obvious. From health and ethical competition to sustainable fitness, going natural is the way to go. If you're thinking of getting into bodybuilding, going natty might be the way to go.