Why Should I Build Muscle Naturally

One of the things you need to be careful about when you begin a weightlifting program is not getting caught up in all the hype. You need to be ready to make a serious commitment, both to education and to long-term training.

As you begin your journey in the world of weightlifting, you may be tempted to try to accelerate your own progress by taking steroids. Much has been said about the dangers of steroid use, and I don't want to go into a long discussion about all the medical implications. Suffice it to say, you can make great progress and gain muscle naturally without resorting to harmful or illegal substances.

You may be reading this with a bit of cynicism or indifference. Before you dismiss this, however, take a moment to really think about what it is you try to accomplish. Perhaps you’ve been weight training to improve in sports, or maybe you’re just trying to improve your physique as quickly as possible. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve your performance or your appearance, but this seemingly innocent desire can become a dangerous obsession when you want to accomplish it at all costs. Is it really worth endangering your health just to gain a little more muscle a little bit faster? This becomes even more compelling when you realize there are many natural programs for bodybuilding and strength training.

Dr. Rani Whitfield wrote an insightful post about the Barry bonds controversy and cautions young athletes about the various side effects of steroids use.

"Whether it is to win at any and all cost or to look good and ripped in a shirt, success and vanity outweigh life and longevity in the psyche of steroid users. That is, until something bad happens like being banned from your sport, [or] having a heart attack..."

These are important words to remember when you embark on a new weightlifting routine.


Jon Cardozo writes on how to build muscle naturally. Visit his website for more information on
strength training programs