For someone just starting out in competitive bodybuilding, research is key. If you’re like me, you started looking up the most effective muscle-building workouts, trying to pinpoint the best diets for muscle gains, and learning all about bodybuilders who have achieved success and how they did it.
Most people can agree that the biggest key to making the quickest muscle gains is ample protein intake, but there’s another muscle growth strategy in bodybuilding that many people know about but don’t discuss openly: performance-enhancing drugs.
Do bodybuilders need drugs?
Especially as a female bodybuilding competitor in the NPC, it can be tempting to consider taking illegal and unregulated performance enhancing drugs because of the promise of faster gains and better recovery.
It’s extremely common in the sport — so much so that achievements made without drugs are often pooh-poohed in disbelief that they could have been done naturally.
But as a woman who achieved pro status in the IFBB without ever using any performance enhancing substances — that includes steroids, hormones, products containing SARMs, the whole lot — let me be the first to tell you that you don’t need them.
Natural bodybuilding is totally possible, so don’t risk it.
While it might take longer for natural athletes to grow, growing slowly over a longer period of time is healthier, more realistic, and easier on your joints. Not to mention it keeps you out of trouble with the law!
So what are SARMs?
SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) are purported to work similarly to steroids and may be listed on product label under names like “ostarine” and “andarine”, or not listed at all.
They’re unapproved substances with little to no research about how they work and their long-term effects on the body.
To avoid them, just keep in mind that labels that sound too good to be true, probably are.
What supplements should I be taking then?
Instead of risking the long-term ill effects that drugs can cause, I choose to use a modest array of natural supplements to improve my athletic performance and help me achieve my muscle building goals. Here are the four essential supplements I’d recommend for people with similar goals to mine:
Protein powder
Protein powder is an easy way to boost your protein intake! I like to have one serving (25-30 grams of protein) after my weightlifting workouts.
Creatine
Creatine is a natural supplement that, in short, helps with recovery and performance. It also increases water retention in the muscles, making your muscles look bigger. I like to take 5 grams mixed into my post-workout protein shakes.
BCAAs
BCAAS, or branched chain amino acids, are my favorite sports supplement. As you probably learned in middle school biology, amino acids are the building blocks of muscle, so taking a BCAA supplement is helpful in repairing muscle. I personally find that my soreness is significantly reduced when I sip on BCAA drinks during my workouts.
ZMA
ZMA is a supplement containing zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. It’s a recovery supplement you take before bed to help your body repair itself while you sleep. Zinc is great for boosting your immune system — many medicines you take for the common cold are high in zinc — and as a bonus, the magnesium helps you get to sleep more easily.
Remember, you can achieve your goals without illegal shortcuts!
Lisa says
My 16 yr old daughter is lifting and building muscle. She thinks she needs pre-workout drinks and post workout drinks. She used Gorilla mode post workout and got horrible headaches and lightheaded. Can you advise on safe and healthy supplements? She is eating very healthy but I want to be sure the supplements aren’t harmful.
Liz says
This is an article we wrote about supplements. Hope it helps steer you in the right direction: https://eatmovemake.com/bodybuilding-supplements/
Veronica Mims says
I know this article is 2 years old, I hope you can respond.
I am very, very interested in bodybuilding without the use of enhancements! Are there any tips you can share to get me started?
Liz says
There are loads of articles on the site about my process but I think you may also find my ebook very helpful. Here’s a link to it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kehqbX
Chantelle Grove says
I also want to buy it and it’s not available anymore? Please send a new link. I’ve been using steroids, but my faith is turning me away from that and I want to get my body and strong and healthy as possible without any added nonsense. You’re such an inspiration!!
Liz says
Here’s a new link to the ebook: https://amzn.to/3kehqbX I hope it helps as you make changes. Good luck.
Sheila Vives says
I do not believe you are a true body builder if you take drugs. If it is a fit healthy body you are seeking, you shouldn’t use any drug enhancement products. Rather one should eat healthy, keep exercise to a reasonable limit, keep a positive mindset, be kind to others, and seek God with all of your heart, mind, and soul. Then you will be a true champ!
Sherry says
You look amazing. More athletes should have your mindset. Taking illegals are so much more harmful to your body.
Courtney says
I just found your site, and I love it, and I love that you are An all natural athlete. I started the process to become a body builder when I was 20, then my back started to hurt. It was a tumor growing inside my spinal cord and caused significant nerve damage and an incomplete spinal cord injury. My dream to be a body builder has stoped. No I’m 40 and want to try, do you have any advice and do you know any disabled bodybuilders?
Liz says
My ebook is designed for beginning bodybuilders, so you should check that out for sure! https://amzn.to/3oM9cJ5
As far as disabled bodybuilders, I don’t know of any personally, but I know of Steve Alexy who has cerebral palsy, so you may want to check his Instagram out @steve_alexy_bb
Hope this helps!
Reesa Lewandowski says
What a great inspiration you are! I love how you are advocating doing this naturally!
Allison Cooper says
Wow! I’m so impressed by you! It’s amazing what companies try to sneak into things without us knowing and so happy to have learned the difference. We all really need to be careful about where we’re buying any nutritional supplement.
Heather says
You look amazing! It’s a big motivator knowing that level of performance is available without touching the illegal or could possibly be illegal substances.
Melissa Chapman says
I think it is so great that you are practicing what you preach. I think there are no shortcuts to a perfect body and the only way to get there is by being healthy about it and you provide some great ways to make it happen
Krystal says
This is eye opening. I had always wondered! Thanks for sharing your story.
Melissa Chapman says
I think like anything else there is no Such thing as an overnight success-there are no shortcuts to achieving the perfect body and I love that you practice what you preach and that you are sharing natural ways to achieve a bodybuilder’s physique!
Amy says
I am always amazed at the stuff I hear at the gym. Some guy I know takes plant fertilizer to burn fat. I cannot even make this stuff up. Glad you were natural.
Jeni Hawkins says
I hadn’t heard of those supplements before… interesting! I agree with Alissa (comment above) about just being healthy.
Cyn Gagen says
I don’t like to take chances with my body so using drugs for bodybuilding just doesn’t even make sense to me. I only take drugs for medical conditions as absolutely necessary.
Alissa Apel says
It’s best to just be healthy, than it is to take drugs. Only needed drugs for real sicknesses, and vitamins are what I take.