Natural bodybuilding is a growing trend that has been fueled by the negative public opinion of steroids. It is no secret that bodybuilders are the most prolific users of steroids and other supplements. However, the steroid controversies in baseball and other pro sports have led to a backlash against their use.

In addition, due to the desire by some to make bodybuilding an Olympic sport, several natural bodybuilding organizations were founded on the principle that no substance banned by the International Olympic committee may be used.

There are multiple natural bodybuilding organizations, and each has a different list of banned substances. Probably the most comprehensive lists are those that are identical to the IOC’s. This bans substances of several categories, including anabolic steroids, stimulants, narcotic analgesics, diuretics and peptide and glycoprotein hormones.

The difficulty in defining natural bodybuilding is trying to determine what substances are natural and what must be banned. Is creatine a natural supplement? In what dosage? As there is no set definition of what constitutes natural bodybuilding, there have been problems with the development of the sport.

The winner of the 2004 Natural Mr. Olympia was disqualified for using ephedrine, a stimulant that had only recently been banned. It seems that he was unaware of its change in status, and although he had trained without the use of steroids or human growth hormones, he had always used a diet supplement as part of his pre-competition slim down routine.

However, the idea of natural bodybuilding is not limited to those who wish to compete. For many, bodybuilding has been more about developing their body for personal gain. Thus natural bodybuilding appeals to many as it marks a return to the founding ideals of bodybuilding.

Historically bodybuilding was about developing a classical physique as compared to the famous Greek statues. For some, it is more about the philosophy of self perfection than about the so called grandeur of competition.

The techniques for natural bodybuilding are in most respects identical to those for bodybuilders who use supplements. The exercises do not change. The training techniques themselves will remain the same whether you are using steroids or not. What might change is the schedule. Steroids do promote muscle growth and repair, allowing for more frequent and more intense workouts.

Natural bodybuilding tends to appeal to women as well. This is probably due to the perceived lack of femininity caused by using supplements to artificially increase testosterone levels.

Natural bodybuilders will not be able to achieve the same results as bodybuilders who use supplements, assuming both perform the same amount of work. However, for many, the idea of turning their body into a chem lab is just not appealing, and they are willing to sacrifice some short term gain for longer term health.

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