Is Natural Bodybuilding Worth It for Teens?

At 201 cm and 15 years old, you’re asking a crucial question about natural bodybuilding: is it worth the effort? You’ve been told that achieving muscularity without steroids is impossible, but is that really the case?

Risks of Steroid Use in Bodybuilding

There is no denying that bodybuilders who use steroids and engage in poor eating habits, dehydration, and steroid abuse risk serious health issues. If you respect your health, I strongly recommend avoiding this path. If you’re determined to pursue muscle growth naturally, then the journey is worth it.

Natural Bodybuilding Long Term Health

Going natural is definitely worth it. At 15 and growing to 2 meters, it might seem like you’re a twig. Like me, who was 195 cm when I was 15, you have the potential to build a muscular frame. Today, I weigh 105 kg with 18% body fat, and I’m still working on reducing it. Suppose you weigh around 80 kg (175 lbs) at 15. To look muscular, you’ll likely need to gain around 30 kg in lean body mass. Bones and organs will contribute some of it, but the majority will come from muscle growth.

Step 1: Start Weightlifting

Everything in bodybuilding boils down to three components: train well, eat well, and sleep well. At 15, you have the advantage of abundant testosterone, which aids muscle gain. Let’s take advantage of it:

Learn About Bodybuilding: Start by learning the basics on YouTube. Search for trainers like Jeff Nippard, Mario Tomic, Alan Thrall, Omar Isuf, and Geoffrey Schofield. Geoffrey regularly posts great topics on Quora and YouTube. Get familiar with training splits such as Push-Pull-Legs or Upper-Lower workouts.

Find a Gym (If Possible): If your city isn’t in lockdown, reach out to a gym. Working out at a gym can be very beneficial. A personal trainer can provide additional value, but you can also find a gym buddy to work out with and support each other.

Step 2: Eat More Protein and Complex Carbs

Proper training will make you hungrier, so ensure you get a good amount of protein and complex carbs during the day to fuel your muscles. Remember, you don't build muscle at the gym. You “tear” your muscle fibers during workouts, and your body compensates by growing more muscle. For more detailed numbers, check out the channels I suggested.

Step 3: Prioritize Sleep

People talk less about sleep than they should. Ensure you get at least eight hours of sleep daily. The sleeping conditions should be optimal: a dark room and a suitable temperature can greatly help.

Conclusion: Consistency and Patience

Building muscles naturally takes time and consistent effort. For a 15-year-old with a lean frame, I’d bet that in six months, you’ll start seeing some changes, and in a year, you’ll have a lean muscular physique. You definitely don’t need steroids.

Firstly, you’re too young for them, and secondly, if you do everything properly, you won’t even need them. Being this young has its perks regarding building muscle and burning fat. If after three or four years of consistent effort you still feel you need more muscle mass, then you can consider a medical appointment. Chances are, you won’t even need them as long as you stay consistent in your training.