By Cavino Johnson Athletic Xtreme
The wonderful world of natural bodybuilding. Let me start by saying that this piece will be full of my opinion, and those who do not agree with my views here, are completely entitled to their opposing opinion, respectfully. As a veteran natural pro bodybuilder for the better part of the last 8 years, I can offer some insight into one of the most confusing levels of competitive bodybuilding.
Are You Even Natty?
The idea of natural bodybuilding is that in which one assumes that each bodybuilder claiming to be #allnattybro, is exactly that “all natural”. When discussing the realm of competitive bodybuilding, that idea can and has changed. Now, let’s keep in mind that any and every natural competitive organization provides a guideline known as the “Banned Substance List”. On this list, one can find several pages of substances outlawed by said organization, ranging from “enhancers”, steroids, pro-hormones, and anything of the likeness. Even some ingredients in some OTC (over-the-counter) supplement products have been banned because of their likeness of the actual substances found on the list. Also, this BSL (banned substance list) is updated yearly, and if, in the event a competitor is currently using any of the newly added substances, they may not be permitted to compete in that organization for 5-7 years.
Banned = Half Natty?
Now, let’s take a second to look at that 5-7 year time period. The majority of natural organizations require a competitor to be 5-7 years “drug-free” in order to be able to step on their competitive stage. It gets a bit confusing here for me. Let’s say an individual spent several years using substances listed on the BSL, and put on insane muscle size, but then stopped using those substances 5 years ago. He could now compete in a natural competition. How “natural” is that individual and how fair is that organization? What about that competitor that has never used anything other than the usual supplements (creatine, pre-workout, branch chains, and glutamine) and worked their ass off to build the physique they are presenting?
Started At Half Natty Now You’re Here
I have had this conversation backstage at one of my several contests. It’s odd. The banned substance “user” claims all natty like Bloods and Crips claim their hood!! Yet there have been, and always will be, some that try to beat the testing system to compete in a natural organization. For what reason, I have yet to understand. When I mention testing, I am referring to the tests that the organizations conduct to keep the competitors honest (polygraph and urinalysis are the norm). If a person has earned their Pro Card in any natural organization, upon winning or placing in the top 3 they are subjected to the standard testing. However, they must then complete a second urinalysis in order to receive any monetary prizes won.
They Are Among Us
Yes, some have gotten that far into the contest before getting busted. I recall a show that I competed in in the Spring. An awesome line-up of guys. But then, in the Open category (“Open” refers to the category in which the competitors are a bit more experienced, unlike the Novice category reserved for first timers), there was one guy that was massive! The more he posed and flexed, the harder his muscles got. It didn’t look as though he properly prepped for the contest as he was holding a lot of water and bodyfat. However, the more time he spent on stage going through the poses, the harder he got, and the bigger he looked. You could hear the whispers in the audience.
Testing Issues
The problem is that polygraphs are not the best method for testing. They are rarely admissable in court rooms as evidence. It seems that the only time they are credible is when Maury Povich gives them to the sad guests on his show. Polygraphs can be “beaten” with practice, and yes, some go to the extreme. Urinalysis is a decent method. That’s if the organization’s helping hands are willing to go through what could possibly be hundreds of urine samples to test for banned substances. That’s a lot of piss and a lot of time and money. Oh, did I mention that they test every competitor? This includes the bikini girls.
According To Polygraph Results You Are…
It was never disclosed whether of not the guy I mentioned above had been “dirty”, but there is a very distinct look to an enhanced (or previously enhanced) physique . Don’t get me wrong because both can achieve a phenomenal physique. However, I have never seen someone that’s as massive as a Mr. Olympia level competitor that is all natural. I mean, I understand genetics and hard work, and all that, but c’mon, man. I have been accused of taking steroids. Trust me when I say, I am NOT Mr. O level… not even close. I’m perfectly ok with that too. But it goes to show that when you develop muscle, and are larger than the average, the first thing the general population thinks is “‘roids!” I do know that the growing monster on that competition stage placed dead last that contest, and I have yet to see him at any other show, neither as a contestant or an on-looker.
It’s Up To You To Decide
So, does it count if a person who used to use steroids and such, 7 years ago, claims to be ALL natural? What if they used all those years ago, then decided to stop, but continued to train hard? That’s kind of like a head start over the likes of someone who got inspired to become a competitive bodybuilder and do it without using illegal supplementation, right? I’d say so and I do see it that way. I am what I consider to be a Lifetime Natural Bodybuilder, which means not ever have I ever used illegal steroids or banned substances by the rules and regulations of any natural competition organization. I cross-reference every single ingredient of every supplement that I use. Some have similar molecular make ups, so I avoid them all together. I, for the most part, electively remain ignorant to all of the substances out there that can be found on these banned substance lists. It was the choice I made the very moment I chose to become a bodybuilder. I wanted to be natural. Now, that I am a professional competitive bodybuilder, I am subjected to random a urinalysis test at any given moment. I do like that. It keeps myself, and others, honest. But that isn’t to say that the political aspect of the sport and its’ judging isn’t there. It is and it always will be.
I have been to shows where the guy with the fullest, most grainy muscles didn’t win next to the “skinnier” guy with the insane striated glutes and insane abs. I’ve seen women in figure and bodybuilding place out of 1st, even though they had the size, symmetry and presentation on point, but not take overall because the winner had harder delts. Just as subjective as the “other” shows.
Who Are You Really Cheating?
What I have written here may come off as me bashing the natural bodybuilding organizations, but that’s not the case. I am very supportive of that aspect of the sport and very ecstatic to see how far it has come (and how far it will go). I commend organizations that uphold their very strict policy without discrimination or prejudice. What I do dislike is the fact that people try to get by, and I can never understand why they would waste the time or money. If you fail the testing, you get no refunds. The last show I attended earlier this year, I was informed that as many as 13 or 14 contestants were busted and banned. There are also some organizations that have guidelines that say that a “natural” competitor must “test negative for any substances listed on the banned substance list, at least 30 days prior to the date of competition”. That I do NOT like. Seems a bit sketchy to me. I will say for the sake of the Return-to-Natural bodybuilders, that some of them are still quite impressive. The methods may have been different, but the work ethic still remains intact.
The way I see it, for all the Lifetime Natural bodybuilders out there, train to win, so that when the time comes to step on stage with other lifetime naturals and the other naturals, you can’t be denied your commitment. For all of you out there that have the opportunity to attend a natural bodybuilding competition for the first time, go to a show. You would be impressed with a lot of the physiques you will see. You can tell who the amateurs are and who the pros are. It shows in the presentation and physique. They look unreal in a real way. What I mean is, with just much work and discipline as the guys and girls who use, a superior physique can be achieved, whether you opt to put it on a stage or not.
Source: http://www.athleticx.net/articles/na…/#.VG9DUYvF_d0
