History of Natural Bodybuilding

Natural bodybuilding is no stranger to bodybuilders. It has been around for a long time. In the early l960s after a debilitating car accident, Chet Yorton, a young man just out of high school, was involved in a debilitating car accident. Among his many injuries, he suffered leg injuries that were so bad that doctors at the hospital debated about amputating his right leg, but he would not consent. After many surgeries and much therapy, he ended up in a wheelchair and subsequently able to get around on crutches.

While in a wheelchair at the hospital, he noticed a set of dumbbells in the corner of the room. Although he never touched a weight prior to this accident, he asked his doctor if using weights would assist his recovery. Seven months later, he was 55 pounds heavier. He continued to train and after two years competed in a bodybuilding contest. He went on to win the IFBB Mr. America and NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe titles in 1966, and the NABBA Pro Mr. Universe inl975.

In 1964, just 4 years after starting weight lifting, he became aware of steroids. He was tempted to try them, but after discussing this with his doctor, who pointed out the negative affects of steroids, he decided to stay natural and started speaking out against its use.

In 1975, Yorton launched the NBA, which stood for Natural Bodybuilder’s Association, the first federation to test for drug use at all of its competitions. Then again, in 1981, after being fed up with magazines focusing on pumped-up athletes using steroids, he started a publication titled Natural Bodybuilding, which provided exposure to bodybuilders who did not use steroids, but chose the natural alternative.

Other Programs Evolved 

Soon thereafter, other programs were established. The Amateur Bodybuilding Association (ABA) founded by Wally Boyko, Pete Samra, and Denny Kakos, was established to serve the athletes by promoting title natural competitions quality awards, and first-class run contests, and to make it a positive and fun experience for everyone involved.

A primary founding criterion of the ABA was to avoid discrimination of any sort, and the ABA founders developed the first handicap classes – seated and standing. If the ABA didn’t have a class to fit someone, they would create one.

To promote the artistic aspects of bodybuilding contests, the ABA encouraged athletes to enhance their evening performance with props, costumes, etc. In this same spirit, the ABA continues to promote the advancement of natural bodybuilding and fitness competitions as both a sport and performing art. In addition, the ABA continues to keep membership, contest registration and sanction fees affordable for everyone.

The ABA has gone on an International and Professional level with the International Natural Bodybuilding Association and the Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association, promoting many shows over the past few years and hopes to have many more in the years to come. With shows all over the world in 35 different countries, Denny Kakos has registered the ULTIMATE Natural contest the Natural Olympia Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition, which has turned out to be the largest most prestigious competition in the World, where the best of the best of ‘natural’ athletes come to compete.

What Does it Mean to be Natural

There is a lot of talk circulating these days about what does it really mean to be ‘natural’. The most basic definition would be without steroids. In other words, you do not use any enhancing ‘drugs’ to help you build your physique. However, most would consider basic bodybuilding supplements like Creatine and protein, to be o.k.

For the most part, if you want to be considered in the “natural” category, stick with the basics like Creatine and whey protein and some other basic supplements that are normally found in your diet in smaller quantities.

Building a natural body has many benefits. First of all, it will bring with it a sense of pride and joy to know that you did it on your own, and that you built a great body from hard work and perseverance. You became the best you could without using any assistance. Secondly, you also won’t be dependent on drugs or crazy supplements to maintain what you have worked so hard to develop. And, lastly, you won’t be breaking the law and risking your health to get a little bit of fame and fortune.

For the Competitive Bodybuilder

If you are competing in bodybuilding the answer lies within the rules of the sanctioning organization that he or she competes in. Always check the banned substances list for the competition and or sanctioning body that you are competing in. If you meet the requirements of the sanctioning body, then you can consider yourself to be “natural”. Remember, some supplements are allowed and considered o.k. to use; such as Creatine, whey protein, protein shakes, power bars, etc.

Genetic components

Natural bodybuilders must understand and respect their own genetic limitations. It is important that our physique goals be reasonable and obtainable. Your training, nutrition, supplementation and recovery program must reflect your goals. If you truly want to be a bodybuilder, then train like one and educate yourself. Be sure you know what supplements to take and which ones to avoid, if you truly want to be considered “natural” and remain true to yourself.