What Does “Natty” Mean in Gym Language?

what does natty mean gym
"Natty" is a term commonly used among gym-goers and bodybuilders that refers to someone being all natural, or drug free. This article will explore the meaning of "natty," its use in Gym language, and the debate around using steroids vs. staying natural.

What natty stands for in gym language

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In the realm of physical fitness, “natty” is a term used to express admiration for someone who has achieved their goals without the use of any performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids.

It is an acknowledgement of the effort and dedication it takes to build muscle and stay in shape without taking shortcuts.

Additionally, this term can be applied to people just starting out on their fitness journey as they are not yet using any illegal substances either.

The word “natty” began in the realm of bodybuilding, used to characterize someone who abstained from using drugs. This phrase quickly became well-known among those who frequented gyms and is now utilized by weightlifters, bodybuilders, and people passionate about fitness everywhere.

Why do people use the word natty?

Woman talking to a man in the gym

Recently, within the gym community, there has been an increase in people using various types of performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids to gain an advantage when bodybuilding.

This makes it challenging to differentiate between those who have achieved their results organically and those who have taken assistance from pharmaceuticals.

To help solve this problem, many individuals in the fitness world use the term “natty” as a way to identify people who are steroid-free and have reached their muscular physiques through hard work and perseverance alone.

In addition the word “natty” can be utilized not only as an expression of admiration, but also to serve as a form of encouragement.

By recognizing someone’s accomplishments unfettered by any artificial stimulants or illicit substances, it can provide the necessary motivation for others to strive for greater success in their own pursuits.

However asking if someone is natty can be rude and offensive. It’s best to avoid using the term unless you are sure that the person you are speaking to is okay with it or you know well enough.

When is someone natty?

man doing dumbbell bicep curls in the gym mirror with towel over his shoulder

Someone is considered natty if the person has not used any drugs to enhance their performance in the gym unnaturally. This includes steroids, human growth hormone (HGH), insulin, and any other type of illegal or banned substance.

It’s also important to note that someone who has used drugs in the past but has since stopped is not considered natty.

As you can imagine there are lots of substances which are in discussion that may or may not fall into this category. For example, Creatine is a popular supplement which is often taken by gym-goers and bodybuilders but is it considered a drug?

While it’s not currently banned by any major sports organization, some people still consider it to be an unnatural performance-enhancing drug. As a result, there is some debate over whether or not those who take creatine can still be considered natty.

The same can be said for caffeine; many people consume coffee, tea or pre-workout supplements prior to exercising in order to boost their performance. Although caffeine is a legal substance, the question remains: Is it considered natural?

Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer; some members of the fitness community view it as a drug and therefore those who use it are not thought of as being “natty” (i.e., using only natural means).

Caffeine was also considered to be an illegal substance by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA). In 2004 was caffeine removed from this list, this means that in the sports world caffeine was allowed by the athletes without any restrictions.

What is a fake natty?

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A “fake natty” is someone who claims to not be taking any drugs, but in reality is consuming steroids or other substances which are known to improve performance. This term is often used when referring to an individual who is attempting to fool others or even themselves into believing they are drug-free.

Those who are suspected of using steroids or other performance enhancing drugs to obtain their physique are often difficult to identify. They may display physiques that appear too good to be achieved naturally, and will likely progress at a much faster rate than what is achievable without the use of such substances.

Furthermore, they may also fabricate stories about their diet and exercise habits in order to make it seem like they have followed all the necessary steps for achieving their body composition.

If you think that someone may be taking steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs, the best way to find out is to ask them directly. It’s likely that if they are using such substances, they will not want to discuss it.

However, if they really are natural and have not used any illegal drugs, then there should be no hesitation in responding truthfully when asked about it.

There are numerous influencers on social media who claim to be natural bodybuilders, when in reality they have used performance enhancing drugs. Some of these people may do this for financial gain, while others may think that it is inspiring to other users.

It is important to remember that not all people who proclaim their drug-free status on social media can be trusted; some of them are lying.

Using steroids or other drugs to enhance your body or workout performance is not something to be ashamed of, however, lying about being a natty when in fact you are not is. There are many people who are not natty and are proud of their achievements.

However, if you are not one of them, don’t try to pretend that you are. It’s important to be honest about your drug use so that others can make an informed decision about whether or not to use drugs themselves.

Signs of someone who is a real natty

man showing his abs and chest muscles in black and white

It can be difficult to determine whether someone is using performance-enhancing drugs or not; this requires either a urine or blood test. Nevertheless, there are certain indications that can help you identify if someone is taking steroids or not.

Slower process

Individuals who are not taking any performance-enhancing drugs will typically experience slower progress in the gym.

Without any chemical assistance, they must rely solely on their own strength and effort to build muscle and improve their performance. Thus, they will need to put in more work and have a greater degree of patience before seeing tangible results.

Balanced physique

A person who is naturally fit and lean has a more balanced physique than someone who uses steroids or other drugs. These drugs can lead to an imbalance in the body, resulting in an uneven look.

A natty, on the other hand, will often have a better overall balance of muscle mass and symmetry due to not taking such substances.

Healthy lifestyle

Natties often lead a healthier lifestyle since they abstain from taking drugs, which can have detrimental consequences. To maintain a healthy life, naturals typically adhere to a balanced diet, get enough rest and sleep each night, and refrain from drinking too much alcohol.

Honest

Nattys, which is slang for people who do not use drugs, are typically forthright when it comes to disclosing their drug-free lifestyle.

This is because they have nothing to be ashamed of and take pride in the fact that they have chosen to abstain from drugs. Therefore, nattys should not hesitate to answer any questions about their drug-free status truthfully.

Signs of someone who is not natty

Chris bumstead presenting his physique on mr olympia stage

There are a few signs that can help you identify if someone is not natty.

Unnatural physique

The most obvious sign that someone is not natty is an unnatural physique. This includes having muscles that are too big, being extremely lean or having perfect symmetry.

Unhealthy lifestyle

Another sign that someone is not natty is an unhealthy lifestyle. This includes eating junk food, not getting enough sleep and using drugs or alcohol excessively.

Lies: Another sign that someone is not natty is if they lie about their drug-free status. This includes hiding their drug use, lying about their diet and training regimen or refusing to answer questions honestly.

Acne

Another sign that someone is not natty is if they have acne. This is because steroids and other drugs can cause acne breakouts.

Bigger breasts

Men who use steroids are at risk of developing gynecomastia, which is an enlargement of the male breast tissue. Steroid use disrupts the body’s natural hormone balance, leading to an increase in estrogen levels.

This can cause swelling and tenderness in the chest area as well as a lump under the nipple. In some cases, men may even experience discharge from their nipples.

Gynecomastia can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for those affected by it, so it is important for men to be aware of this potential side effect before using steroids.

Paranoia

One of the most common side effects of using steroids is paranoia, which can lead to irrational thoughts and behaviors.

People who take steroids often become suspicious of their surroundings and may even act out aggressively or erratically in response to perceived threats.

This heightened state of fear can cause users to experience intense anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and other mental health issues.

Additionally, long-term steroid use has been linked with an increased risk for heart disease and stroke due to changes in cholesterol levels.

Benefits of being natty

Man doing kettle bell bicep exercise in the gym

There are many benefits to being natty.

Healthier

The biggest advantage of not using steroids is that you are healthier. Steroids can have a number of serious side effects, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, liver damage, high blood pressure, and the development of certain types of cancer. Long-term use can also lead to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety.

More balanced physique

Another advantage of being natty is that you are more likely to have a balanced physique. Natural bodybuilding requires no artificial enhancements, meaning your body’s proportions and symmetry will be in harmony with one another without the use of drugs or other substances. This leads to an aesthetically pleasing appearance and overall better health.

Life quality

Being natty has many advantages that can positively impact your life. It can lead to improved physical and mental health, increased energy levels, better sleep quality, improved self-esteem, and more confidence.

Additionally, by avoiding the use of drugs you won’t have to worry about any potential negative side effects or addiction issues that come with drug use.

Ultimately, living a healthier lifestyle through being natty will help you live a better quality of life.

Better aging

Being natty can help you age better due to the fact that drug use accelerates the aging process.

By avoiding steroids and other performance enhancing drugs, your natural testosterone levels will remain intact, thus reducing your risk of developing age-related issues such as muscle loss, osteoporosis and erectile dysfunction.

Additionally, being natty can also make you look younger than your actual age.

Muscles

If you want to maintain your muscles for the long term, it is best to stay natty.

While drugs like steroids may help you build muscle faster, the gains will not be permanent and your body will start losing muscle mass once you stop taking them.

Sticking with natural methods of building muscle can ensure that your muscles are kept for a much longer period of time.

Reputation

Being natty has another benefit: it can help you build a good reputation.

People will admire and respect your accomplishments more when they know that you have achieved them without using drugs or other performance-enhancing substances.

This will help maintain the trust of those around you, as opposed to risking damaging your reputation by being associated with cheating.

Self-esteem

Having a natty lifestyle can help you increase your self-confidence.

When you reach your goals without taking shortcuts such as performance enhancing drugs, you will have a greater sense of satisfaction and pride in yourself.

This is because it shows that you have worked hard and earned the rewards through dedication and effort.

Risks of being not natty

muscular man with visible veins in the gym doing smith machine exercise

There are a few risks associated with being not natty.

Health risks

Taking steroids can be dangerous to your health due to the potential side effects. Acne, liver damage, high blood pressure and heart problems are all risks associated with steroid use. L

ong-term use of steroids can lead to serious health complications that could potentially be life-threatening.

It is important to remember that being non-natty comes with its own set of risks and should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Legal issues

Another downside of not being natty is the potential for legal repercussions.

Using steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs is strictly prohibited in most sports, and if you are caught doing so, you could face severe consequences such as being banned from competing in your sport.

Worse mood

Another risk of being not natty is that it can make you moodier. This is because steroids can cause mood swings and irritability. This means that most people who use steroids are not going to be very pleasant to be around. They often have anger issues since they are constantly feeling agitated.

Hair loss

One final risk of being not natty is that hair loss a common side effect is of steroid use.

Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, which can cause a range of physical changes, including hair loss.

Steroid use increases the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is known to bind to the receptors in hair follicles and block the absorption of vital nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth. This can lead to thinning or complete baldness in both men and women who use steroids regularly.

How to achieve the most as a natty

man doing the barbell squat exercise outside on the street in the public

To maximize your gains as a natural bodybuilder, there are three key steps that you must take. These include having a well-structured workout plan, eating a balanced diet of healthy foods, and getting enough rest and recovery time.

Additionally, if you want to see fast results in muscle growth without the use of performance-enhancing drugs, I have written an article outlining 13 ways to gain muscles quickly. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to reaching your goals!

Diet

In order to ensure that you are eating the right foods, you should focus on consuming lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

Lean proteins include fish, poultry, eggs, and beans. Healthy fats come from sources such as avocados, nuts and seeds.

Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains like oats and quinoa. Eating a balanced diet of these foods will help you get the nutrients your body needs to stay energized and fit.

Workouts

A workout has an important impact on a natural bodybuilder seeking to gain muscle mass. Through hard, consistent training and the right combination of high-intensity compound exercises, natural bodybuilders can increase their lean muscle mass over time.

Compound exercises are multi-joint movements that involve multiple muscles/muscle groups when performed. Examples include squats, deadlifts, pullovers, bench press and incline presses.

Such workouts stimulate multiple muscles or muscle groups at once and allow for higher intensity training sessions. That produce greater hormonal releases such as increased testosterone levels which leads to improved muscular gains.

Increased strength in these areas also makes it easier for bodybuilders to perform more advanced lifts such as Olympic lifts during competitions.

Natural bodybuilding requires long-term dedication with results typically being seen over a period of weeks or even months. However, most natural bodybuilders report feeling stronger after just one session performing compound exercises compared to isolation movements focusing on single muscle groups.

Rest

In order to ensure optimal physical and mental health, be sure to get a good night’s rest. Aim for a minimum of 7-9 hours sleep each night and schedule in rest days from your training routine to give your body adequate time for recovery.

Conclusion on what does natty mean in gym language

Natty represents the practice of natural bodybuilding where one does not rely on any type of drugs to enhance their workout performance or physique.

Going natty allows you to get in shape and build a great physique without having to worry about exposing your body to the risks associated with using drugs or facing potential legal issues.

To make sure you are achieving the best results, it is important that you stick to a proper diet and training routine.

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