As a beginner in the gym, you may have heard the term “natty” thrown around by more experienced lifters. It’s a term that refers to a natural bodybuilder – someone who builds muscle without the use of steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

But what does it really mean to be “natty”? And why is this distinction important in the world of bodybuilding?

In this article, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of the natty code and help you understand what it means.

What does Natty Mean?

Natty means to be natural. If you’re a natty body builder, you have never consumed any drugs that enhance muscular activity.

First, let’s talk about why being natural matters. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on transparency and honesty in the bodybuilding world. Fans and competitors alike want to know that the physiques they admire are the result of hard work, dedication, and discipline – not cheating with steroids or other drugs.

Being natural also means that a bodybuilder is subject to drug testing at competitions. This adds an extra layer of accountability and ensures that competitors are playing by the same rules.

So how do you know if someone is natty? It’s not always easy to tell, but there are some signs to look for. Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more “realistic” physique – one that is achievable through hard work and proper nutrition. They may not be as massive or shredded as those who use steroids, but they still have impressive physiques.

Natural lifters also tend to have a more balanced and symmetrical physique. Steroid use can lead to uneven muscle growth, whereas natural lifters must focus on building their muscles evenly.

Another sign of a natural lifter is slower progress. It takes time to build muscle naturally, and gains are generally more gradual than those achieved with steroids. If someone is making rapid gains in a short amount of time, it’s possible that they are using performance-enhancing drugs.

Of course, none of these signs are foolproof. It’s possible for a natural bodybuilder to have an impressive physique, just as it’s possible for someone who uses steroids to look balanced and symmetrical. But in general, these are good indicators to keep in mind.

Another aspect of the natty code is the use of supplements. While supplements like protein powder and creatine are generally considered safe and effective, some natural lifters choose to forego them altogether. This is typically done in the name of purity – striving to build muscle without any outside assistance.

However, it’s worth noting that supplements can play a helpful role in a natural lifter’s routine. Protein powder can help ensure that you’re getting enough protein to support muscle growth, while creatine has been shown to improve strength and performance.

Ultimately, whether or not to use supplements is a personal choice. Some natural lifters find success with them, while others prefer to rely solely on whole foods for their nutrition.

One final aspect of the natty code is the importance of honesty and transparency. Natural bodybuilders are often proud of their accomplishments and eager to share their journey with others. They may post progress photos and videos, blog about their training and nutrition, or even compete in natural bodybuilding competitions.

Being honest about your use (or lack thereof) of steroids and supplements is crucial to maintaining credibility in the bodybuilding community. If you’re a natural lifter, be proud of it! Share your story and inspire others to take the natural route.

In conclusion, being natty in bodybuilding means building muscle without the use of steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Natural lifters tend to have a more balanced and symmetrical physique, and progress is generally slower than with steroid use. The choice to use supplements is up to the individual, but honesty and transparency are always important. Embracing the natty code means being proud of your accomplishments and inspiring others to achieve their goals naturally.