What Does Natty Mean in the Gym? Exploring the Rise of the Aesthetic Look

Introduction

The term “natty” has become increasingly popular in the world of fitness and bodybuilding. But what does it really mean? Natty is a slang word used to refer to someone who is naturally muscular and lean without using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. In other words, it’s a way of describing someone who has achieved an aesthetically pleasing physique without relying on artificial means.

This article will explore the rise of natty as a fitness goal, discuss how to achieve the natty look, and dispel some of the common myths associated with it. Read on to learn all about the concept of being “natty” in the gym!

The Rise of Natty as a Fitness Goal

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on achieving a “natural” physique in the fitness community. This is partly due to the rise of social media, which has made it easier than ever to compare our physiques to those of others. With the prevalence of steroid use in bodybuilding, many people are now striving for a more “natty” look.

History of Natty in Fitness Culture

Although the term “natty” is relatively new, the concept of achieving a natural physique is not. Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger famously said that “the worst thing you can do is start using steroids. It’s cheating, and you’re really taking away from your own natural abilities. You have to stay natural, work hard, and be patient.” This sentiment has been echoed by many other top bodybuilders over the years, showing that the idea of staying “natty” is nothing new.

Reasons Why People Strive for the Natty Look

There are several reasons why people strive for the “natty” look. For one, it’s seen as a badge of honor; it shows that you’ve worked hard to achieve your results without taking any shortcuts. Additionally, there are health benefits to staying natural, as steroid use has been linked to various health issues like liver damage and hypertension. Finally, it’s often viewed as more socially acceptable than steroid use, as most people don’t want to be associated with drug use.

How to Achieve the Natty Look

So, if you’re looking to achieve the “natty” look, what should you do? Here are some tips for getting started:

Nutrition and Diet Tips

First and foremost, it’s important to focus on your nutrition. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates is key for building muscle and burning fat. Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overeating. Research has shown that eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help support your metabolism and keep your energy levels up (1).

Exercise and Training Strategies

Of course, nutrition isn’t the only factor when it comes to achieving a “natty” physique. It’s also important to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. The type of exercise you do will depend on your goals; if you’re looking to build muscle, weightlifting and resistance training are essential. If you’re looking to lose fat, cardio and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) are both effective tools.

Tips for Getting Shredded and “Natty-ing Up”

If you’re serious about achieving a “natty” physique, there are a few additional tips you should keep in mind:

Understanding the Importance of Sleep and Recovery

Getting enough sleep and allowing your body to rest and recover is essential for achieving any fitness goal. Research has shown that getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night can improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury (2). Additionally, taking at least one rest day per week is key for giving your muscles time to repair and rebuild.

Supplementation Advice

Though not necessary for achieving a “natty” physique, supplementation can be helpful for optimizing your performance and recovery. Protein powder, creatine, and BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) are all popular supplements that can help you reach your goals. However, it’s important to talk to a doctor or nutritionist before starting any supplement regimen.

Mindset and Motivation Techniques

Finally, having the right mindset and staying motivated is key for achieving any fitness goal. Setting realistic, achievable goals, tracking your progress, and celebrating small victories are all great ways to stay motivated. Additionally, having an accountability partner or hiring a personal trainer can help ensure you stay on track.

Common Myths About Being Natty in the Gym

Despite its growing popularity, there are still some misconceptions about being “natty” in the gym. Here are three of the most common myths:

Myth #1: You Have to Be 100% Natural

This is simply not true. While it’s important to avoid taking steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs, it’s perfectly fine to take legal supplements such as protein powder, creatine, and BCAAs. As long as you’re not taking anything illegal or dangerous, you can still call yourself “natty”.

Myth #2: You Can’t Build Muscle Without Steroids

This is another myth that’s simply not true. While steroids may help you build muscle faster, it is still possible to build muscle naturally. All it takes is dedication, consistency, and a good nutrition and training plan.

Myth #3: You Have to Train Like a Bodybuilder

Though bodybuilding is a great way to get in shape, it’s not the only way. There are many different training styles that can help you achieve a lean, muscular physique. High-intensity interval training, CrossFit, and even yoga can all be effective for building muscle and burning fat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the term “natty” has become increasingly popular in the fitness world. It refers to someone who has achieved an aesthetically pleasing physique without relying on artificial means. To achieve the “natty” look, it’s important to focus on nutrition, exercise, and recovery. Additionally, understanding the most common myths associated with being “natty” can help you avoid making mistakes and ensure you stay on track.