There will always be the temptation to take short cuts when it comes to achieving anything in life. Bodybuilding and athletes are no different in that respect, especially as we live more and more in a world of instant gratification. So the natural bodybuilding vs steroids debate will always be an interesting topic of conversation. Making that all important decision to go down the natural bodybuilding route is definitely so much better than the steroid one.
~ Natural Bodybuilding vs Steroids.
Lets take a look at some of the reasons that totally support this statement. Firstly, when a bodybuilder stops taking steroids they get muscle atrophy (their muscles shrink) and theres also a massive loss of strength. Due to the fact that steroids are also taking in cycles it is common for depression to occur when a cycle finishes.
Being a natural bodybuilder it may take you a little longer to achieve your strength and muscle gains but at least they will be permanent and theres no depression either. In fact some previous steroid users have even shrunk smaller than the bigger natural bodybuilders, how depressing would that be?
Yes, instant gratification can give you a tremendous buzz but are the medical side effects really worth it? Be honest with yourself, is adding 20 pounds of muscle quickly more important to you than the risk of cancer, heart problems, and messing up your natural hormone balance? Just for the sake of giving yourself a little more time, patience and discipline you can be massive, defined and healthy as well.
Injuries are a lot more common with steroid users because of the fast growth. Connective tissue like tendons cannot naturally keep up and tear/snap more easily, especially as they are under more stress from the massive weights being lifted. All you need to do is take a look at some Pro bodybuilders in the past and see all the pec tendon tears, the short biceps from bicep tendon tears etc. Do you really want to be disfigured for life? Of course the worse case scenario is of those who die young through steroid abuse and there are plenty of cases to prove this theory, its not a myth.
Last but not least comes the cost involved. Even guys who are preparing for local bodybuilding contests are spending $1,000s on steroids to win a trophy and a title. Training naturally, you can still with todays quality of natural supplements add 30 – 60 pounds of solid, quality and defined muscle with the right training routine and eating habits. Plus alot of the natural bodybuilders are walking round displaying body fat levels of 5% and less which again is achievable with the right programme followed consistently.
~ Natural Bodybuilding vs Steroids Conclusion:
By reading the above guidelines it will hopefully have given you some insight of the dangers of taking steroids long term. The reality is that if you have a little patience, do your research and follow a plan consistently an amazing massive, defined physique can still be achieved naturally.