The short answer is YES. You can build an impressive physique or reach any other reasonable goal you set for yourself without the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs).
Building muscle naturally will take more time and discipline, but the outcome is much more rewarding and worth the wait.
The key to looking good as a natural athlete is all about the proportions of the muscle. For most, this will mean keeping in mind the idea of a V taper. Focus on wide shoulders and back with a thin waist. Maximize these things and anyone can look great!
The reality is that many people all around the world lack confidence or are dissatisfied with their appearance. Among these countless individuals, a substantial number harbor dissatisfaction with the reflection they see staring back at them from the mirror.
In our modern society, where body image issues are prevalent and widespread, another significant concern emerges. This issue prompts a debate: Should one strive to alter their physical form, or should they shift their mental perspective regarding their body?
In simpler terms, the choice boils down to either pursuing a transformation for improved self-esteem or embracing oneself as-is, potentially settling for a sense of mediocrity.
However, my aim is to address the queries of those who genuinely aspire to enhance their bodies to boost their self-esteem. Many among this group encounter online personalities or social media influencers who project an utterly remarkable appearance.
What often eludes many is the understanding that these “role models” found on social media and the internet should not necessarily be idealized to such an extent.
Regrettably, these individuals frequently resort to using performance-enhancing drugs and steroids to achieve their current state, not to mention others who employ Photoshop and various tactics to present a more polished image.
Today, my focus is on addressing a prevalent question among those seeking to transform their bodies. This inquiry is straightforward: “Is it feasible to achieve one’s fitness goals naturally? And if the answer is no, should one even attempt it?” Or as many aspiring bodybuilders might phrase it, “Can I attain an extraordinary and impressive physique without resorting to steroids?”
The concise response is yes! However, for a more comprehensive explanation, continue reading below.
First of all, what does it mean to look "good?"
Whenever you hear the statement, “I want to look good,” most everyone will think of something slightly different. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
So, since this so-called “beauty” is so subjective, how can we even define a way to “look good”? How can we definitively say and define a way to reach all these many different goals? Well, first, we should help define what it means to “look good” in terms of the average gym-goer.
The average person in the United States is overweight. Given this fact, many people want to change their bodies so that they can feel better about themselves and for their own health. Some, particularly the loudest among them, will say that you should accept your body instead of trying to change it. However, I am not one of those individuals, and let’s face the facts, neither is most everyone else.
Since this is the biggest statistic and most people are overweight, we can assume that most of these overweight people want to change that. In other words, the first step for the average person in the United States to reach their goals would be to lose body fat.
Notice how I said “body fat,” not just weight. Being extra specific in your goals will help you reach them, and we’ll make sure to get into that later in this article.
In addition to body fat, many individuals also want to gain muscle in different places, or as some might say, get “toned.” “Tone” isn’t necessarily a real thing in terms of science and exercise; it’s really just a word ascribed to losing body fat and gaining a little bit of muscle.
So, for most people, the easiest way to reach their goals would be losing some amount of body fat while also gaining some amount of muscle. If every individual out there did this, then the average person would reach their average goal.
Body Dysmorphia: The difference between healthy goals and life-endangering ones
As mentioned briefly above, many individuals in today’s society struggle with body dysmorphia. This often becomes a detrimental mental condition where individuals constantly feel like they haven’t gained enough muscle or haven’t lost sufficient weight, no matter what they do.
This issue is alarmingly widespread and a significant factor contributing to conditions like anorexia.
It’s crucial to distinguish between body dysmorphia, which presents a substantial and perilous problem, and general body confidence issues. If someone isn’t content with their appearance, they should have the autonomy to initiate changes through their own methods.
A frequently observed catalyst for body dysmorphia is the pervasive influence of social media and the internet at large. Many individuals grow up witnessing action movie stars and superheroes with bodies that are often unattainable in reality.
This unrealistic standard not only permeates cinema but also pervades the world of YouTube and the internet. With the fitness and bodybuilding movement gaining even more popularity, a greater number of individuals than ever before are comparing themselves to others.
These individuals, whom they use as benchmarks, often rely on performance-enhancing drugs and steroids. Not only can this be true, but we also tend to overlook the dedication and countless hours they invest when we see someone’s progress in the present moment.
In the same way, if one watches a brief 2-minute YouTube video of the bodybuilding classic winner Bumstead triumphing in another competition, it might be tempting to attribute his physique solely to steroids. However, the reality is that he dedicated countless hours of hard work and determination towards his goal, earning every ounce of muscle that led him to successive titles.
In essence, social media and the internet have led a growing number of people to experience self-consciousness about their bodies. While this isn’t necessarily a positive development, the silver lining is that we can certainly adapt and evolve in response.
With the widespread prevalence of the internet, we now have the capability to provide information far more swiftly and effectively to aid individuals in achieving their goals. Knowledge about fitness and exercise science is more accessible than ever before.
How to look INCREDIBLE without steroids
Now that we’ve established that achieving an impressive appearance without relying on steroids and embracing natural methods is indeed achievable, as well as identifying the general notion of what it means to look good, we can dive into the process of attaining a desirable appearance without the use of steroids. Let’s explore how to efficiently work towards your goals.
Setting Specific Goals
As briefly mentioned earlier, the most effective approach to making your goals attainable is by being exceptionally specific about what those goals entail.
When you precisely define your objectives and the strategies to achieve them, the path to success becomes much clearer. It’s like having a map that guides you on your journey – you mark the trail you need to take to reach your destination.
The process of shedding excess weight or building muscle can become needlessly complex when we lack a clear understanding of our objectives. The simplest way to begin is by focusing on a single, straightforward goal.
For instance, consider starting with the goal of reducing body weight. To refine this goal further, specify that you aim to decrease body fat, not just overall body weight. Armed with this clarity, you can then delve into researching methods to effectively lose body fat. The concise answer to the question of how to lose body fat lies in creating a calorie deficit, though the specifics are a topic for another discussion.
In short, the more precise your goal-setting process – encompassing what you want, when you want it, and the steps to reach it – the greater the likelihood that you’ll remain committed to achieving those goals.
Following through with your goals
With our goals now set, the subsequent step is to actively pursue their attainment. Unfortunately, many individuals not only complicate the process, but they also frequently succumb to “paralysis by analysis.” This phenomenon entails excessively studying and becoming so apprehensive of failure that the first step remains untaken.
In truth, all that’s necessary is to take that initial step. Oftentimes, people attempt to launch into a new diet or exercise regimen too swiftly, overexerting themselves and depleting their motivation prematurely.
For instance, a common misstep might involve adopting an elaborate diet while simultaneously eliminating all junk food, all the while engaging in excessive workouts. Such an approach is prone to burnout. Instead, it’s prudent to embark on this journey through incremental strides.
Rather than burdening yourself with numerous changes all at once, consider beginning with simpler steps. For instance, initiating a habit of walking more can serve as an excellent foundation for increased activity levels, particularly for most individuals.
If you find yourself in the position of commencing a workout routine or embarking on a diet, there’s no need to agonize over intricate details or intricate scientific theories. Keeping things uncomplicated is key, ensuring you remain on track towards your aspirations.
More often than not, the act of taking that initial step is the pivotal factor in achieving your objectives. Each day you embark on that initial step in the right direction, you draw nearer to your goals. As time progresses, you may discover that a week from now, you’re advancing five steps further than you were today, and a month from now, you might find yourself jogging miles—a testament to the gradual progression you’ve embarked upon.