Supplements
January 16, 2026
In the world of bodybuilding, being “non-natty” is more common than many would like to admit.
So, when someone claims to be natural, it often raises eyebrows, especially if they’re sporting an incredibly lean and muscular physique.
But how can you really tell if someone is natty or not?
In this article, we’ll break down the telltale signs, so let’s get right into it!
Natural bodybuilding is exactly what it sounds like, it’s building muscle and improving your physique without using performance enhancing drugs like steroids, or other substances.
Natty bodybuilders rely on a clean diet, consistent personal training, plenty of rest, and natural legal supplements like protein powder, creatine, and multivitamins.
Now, you might wonder, “if that’s the ideal, why do so many modern bodybuilders skip it?”
Good question! Well, the truth is, the fitness world has changed a lot.
Social media, unrealistic expectations, and the pressure to get big fast have all pushed some people toward shortcuts.
Performance enhancing substances can speed up the whole process, helping someone achieve a shredded look much quicker than with natural methods.
That doesn’t mean everyone’s cheating, but it’s why truly natural physiques sometimes get overlooked.
They take longer to build, and the results are more subtle and sustainable.
So, while natural bodybuilding is still alive and well, especially in tested competitions, it’s not always front and center in the mainstream fitness world, where extremes often steal the spotlight.
If you’re wondering how much muscle mass you can realistically build naturally, the good news is, it’s more than you might think, especially if you’re just starting out.
In your first year of consistent training, you can expect to gain around 1 to 2 pounds of muscle per month.
That’s up to 20 pounds in a year, thanks to what’s often called “newbie gains.”
After that, the human body slows down a bit in developing muscles.
Intermediate lifters usually see gains of about 0.5 to 1 pound per month, and advanced lifters might gain just 0.25 to 0.5 pounds monthly.
Of course, progress still depends on several factors too, including genetics, as well as training experience and style.
For natural bodybuilders, relying solely on consistent training, recovery, and a balanced diet is the key to long-term success.
A great example of what’s possible without performance enhancing drugs is Billy Simmonds, the 2009 INBA Mr. Universe.
He built his physique naturally, proving that with dedication and the right mindset, fitness enthusiasts can achieve incredible results.
Sure, it might take longer than using shortcuts, but it definitely leads to a healthier lifestyle and lasting gains.
When most people hear the words “performance enhancing drugs,” the first thing that comes to mind is steroids, since it’s been around for a long time and are pretty much the poster child for muscle-boosting shortcuts in bodybuilding.
Anabolic steroids have been used by so many people in order to gain serious muscle and recover faster from intense training.
They basically mimic testosterone, which speeds up protein synthesis, increases strength, and helps you train harder and more often.
But like you’d expect, they come with a laundry list of side effects too, everything from acne and mood swings to liver problems and messed-up hormone levels.
If you’re looking for other PED options aside from steroids, here’s a closer look at some of the most popular options today:
1. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, or SARMs, have become increasingly popular in the bodybuilding community especially among those looking to enhance muscle growth and performance without turning to traditional anabolic steroids.
They’re often considered a “safer” alternative because they’re designed to target muscle and bone tissue more selectively.
However, it’s important to note that this selectivity doesn’t necessarily mean they’re risk-free.
While SARMs may carry a lower risk of some of the harsher side effects linked to steroids, users have still reported issues like testosterone suppression, changes in cholesterol levels, and elevated liver enzymes.
Most of the current hype stems from short-term studies and anecdotal reports too so long-term safety data is still limited.
For those who’ve made the decision to try SARMs, sourcing from a reputable company is essential.
Quality control and proper labeling can vary widely across the market, so choosing a trusted supplier such as Swiss Chems can help reduce unnecessary risks.
2. Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone, or HGH, is another type of PED that’s often praised for its ability to speed up recovery, support fat loss, and promote lean muscle gains.
On paper, it sounds like the ultimate magic drug, but like anything that affects your hormones, it’s not something to take lightly.
When used responsibly under medical supervision, it can be effective.
Some athletes even report that they were able to achieve their desired results when it’s used in moderation, especially when paired with proper nutrition and training.
It’s only when it’s abused when problems start appearing.
3. Clenbuterol
Clenbuterol is usually mistaken as a type of steroid, but in truth, it’s not. It’s actually a bronchodilator, which is originally used to treat asthma.
Somewhere along the way, professional bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts discovered it also helps burn fat and give a lean, “dry” look, and that’s when it took off in the fitness world.
It’s known to boost your metabolism, increase body temperature, and helps mobilize fat for energy.
Some bodybuilders swear by how fast it leans them out, especially when combined with cardio and a clean diet.
But here’s where it gets tricky: it stimulates your nervous system, and so it can cause side effects like jitters, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and insomnia.
Then again, some people do cycle it responsibly, monitor their dosage, and stay hydrated to keep the side effects manageable.
So, let’s say you’re trying to spot the difference in physique between natty bodybuilders and those who are enhanced. It’s actually easier than you might think.
Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Muscle Density and Fullness
Steroid users often have a dense, inflated look that natural athletes can’t easily replicate.
Their muscles appear unusually round and full, even when relaxed.
The shoulders and traps, in particular, can look unnaturally large because they have more androgen receptors, which respond aggressively to anabolic steroids.
For natty bodybuilders, they tend to have a more streamlined look that’s impressive but achievable without chemical enhancement.
2. Vascularity and Skin Thinness
Enhanced athletes typically have extreme vascularity, with veins that are thick, raised, and constantly visible, even without a pump.
This is especially true at low body fat levels. Their skin may also appear unnaturally thin, almost paper-like, revealing deep striations in the chest, shoulders, and legs.
While some natural lifters can get lean, it’s rare to see this level of detail unless their body fat percentage is dangerously low, and even then, the look isn’t as extreme.
3. Muscle Hardness and “Dryness”
Many steroid users achieve a “dry,” granite-like look, tight skin over rock-hard muscles.
Natural lifters, even when shredded, often look softer or in comparison, especially after extended dieting.
Without pharmaceutical help, it’s tough to maintain both extreme leanness and fullness at the same time.
4. Symmetry vs Freak Factor
Natural physiques typically prioritize symmetry and proportion.
The overall look is well-balanced and aesthetic, achievable through years of disciplined training, smart diet, and consistency.
In contrast, many modern steroid users in gym culture push the “freak factor”: massive upper bodies with overdeveloped delts, traps, and lats, often paired with relatively underdeveloped legs or extremely tight waists.
The result can sometimes border on cartoonish, highlighting the unnatural extremes enhanced physiques can reach.
5. Signs of Overdevelopment
To further give you a clearer picture of what overly enhanced muscle looks like, here are a few examples:
3D Delts that pop unnaturally, even when the person is standing still.
Traps that rise close to the ears.
Forearms disproportionately massive compared to biceps.
6. Facial Changes and Skin Quality
Performance enhancing substances can subtly change a person’s facial structure, making the jawline more pronounced or causing puffiness due to water retention.
You may also notice acne on the back, shoulders, and face.
Natural weightlifters rarely show these signs unless there are underlying hormonal imbalances or skin conditions.
7. Visible Aging and Health Markers
Over time, enhanced athletes may start to look older than their actual age.
Long-term use can lead to visible side effects—hair loss or balding, reddened skin tone, and that weathered “look.”
Natty athletes who embrace a healthier lifestyle often look more youthful, have clearer skin, and avoid the long-term consequences associated with PED use.
While blood work is the most reliable way to detect steroid use, checking for altered hormone levels, liver markers, or red blood cell counts, you can often see the effects without needing it.
A natural body doesn’t hold as much water or recover quite as fast, so their physique looks more human, less supercharged.
Not all enhanced physiques look extreme or unnatural. In fact, some bodybuilders manage to use PEDs and still maintain a balanced, natural-looking aesthetic that doesn’t scream “chemically enhanced.”
It often comes down to intention, moderation, and an eye for proportion.
When someone prioritizes symmetry, control, and longevity over just size and shock value, the results can still look refined and believable—even with some pharmaceutical help.
Arnold is one of the best examples in this case.
He might not have been 100% natural, but his physique struck a perfect balance that still looked natural: symmetrical, aesthetic, and timeless.
That’s because he was intentional. His use of PEDs was minimal, medically guided, and aimed at enhancing, not overwhelming, his already disciplined foundation of training, nutrition, and recovery.
If you’re someone considering PEDs but want to avoid the overblown, cartoonish look that’s all too common in modern bodybuilding, it is possible to do it right.
At the end of the day, whether someone is natty or not often comes down to more than just appearance—it’s about mindset, intention, and the path they choose to take.
Whichever route you choose, the most important thing is to train smart, stay honest with yourself, and build a physique you can be proud of for years to come.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your physician’s advice or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or read.We bear no responsibility or liability for your use of any compound.
