The use of performance-enhancing medications like anabolic steroids has come to be associated with the world of bodybuilding. The majority of aspiring bodybuilders who admire legends like Phil Heath and other famous ones in the industry realize that using steroids and growth hormones is often necessary to help them achieve their goals.
Steroids may not necessarily be associated with great health, though. Natural bodybuilding is the wise man’s road to take if your goal in the realm of bodybuilding is to become the best and healthiest version of yourself.
Steroids increase muscle protein synthesis while reducing muscular breakdown. Therefore, a person utilizing steroids will be able to train harder, with greater volume and intensity, and more frequently than a person who is not using any assistance. Thus, compared to someone who is doing it naturally, he or she will be able to advance much more quickly and far. Using anabolic steroids has a number of negative consequences and downsides.
They are unlawful to begin with. They can also cause fluid retention, acne, gynecomastia which is male breast tissue growth, liver toxicity, blood thickening that increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack, among other problems.
So if you need natural steroid alternatives for bodybuilding then read on to see a few options to choose from.
Have a Natural Muscle-Building Diet
You need to have a calorie surplus and consume adequate protein if you want to add considerable amounts of muscle. Your pre-workout and post-workout meals should be high in carbohydrates because they are the best way to go for any natural bodybuilder. Although everyone has different calorie needs, a reasonable place to start is with a 30% protein, 45% carb, and 25% fat macronutrient breakdown. For a bodybuilder weighing 170 pounds who consumes 2800 calories per day, this equates to 210 grams of protein, 78 grams of fat, and around 315 grams of carbohydrates.
Between 90 and 180 minutes prior to lifting weights, have a pre workout meal. Then, between 60 and 90 minutes following your workout, consume a post workout meal. A meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fat is also something highly advised before going to bed. Carbohydrates should be ingested mostly before exercise and right before night, whereas protein should be spread out as evenly as possible throughout the day.
Supplements to Consider for Natural Bodybuilders
There are different natural supplements for bodybuilders backed by research. Based on your budget, health, and even your doctor’s advice, you have different options to choose from as listed on Mysanantonio.com. In addition, here are top three common ones;
- Creatine monohydrate: A substantial body of scientific data supports the efficacy and safety of this dietary supplement.
- Essential Amino Acids: Taking them before and throughout your exercises has been proved to improve power output, reduce delayed onset muscle soreness, and boost muscle protein synthesis.
- Protein: Drinking a protein drink after working out may aid with muscle growth. Whey protein or a combination of whey and casein is recommended if you intend to eat an hour or hour and a half after finishing your workout. If you are unable to eat within 90 minutes of your workout, blend whey and casein, which are the best recommended proteins.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
In testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone or testosterone-boosting drugs are given under medical supervision to men who have low testosterone levels in their blood. This treatment aims to prevent the negative effects of low testosterone on one’s health as well as the symptoms associated with low levels, such as weariness, reduced muscular mass, and diminished sex drive. Anabolic steroids, in contrast, are performance-enhancing drugs that can be used by both sexes without underlying hormonal imbalances. Before choosing a medicine, the dangers must be carefully evaluated against the advantages in consultation with a doctor who is knowledgeable in the field.
Take Home
It is possible to get fitness and a fantastic physique, but the reality is that it has a cost. What’s more, your genetic potential is only indeed known in hindsight, that is, you wouldn’t know what you’re capable of unless you give it a shot. Regardless of your restrictions, if you are ready to put in the effort and have a strategy, you can advance considerably. To attain your goals, put out all of your efforts.
Your chances of maintaining good health throughout your bodybuilding career and raising your standard of living are higher if you practice natural bodybuilding. While it might seem hard at first, the things you are capable of would astound you if you gave it a shot and tried.
