Your physique has the potential to make drastic, natural changes, fam (yes, naturally)!
We get it, though, many people assume that building serious muscle requires Performance Enhancement Drugs (PEDs). But the truth is, they’re not always necessary.
PEDs definitely have their time and place, but not everyone needs them right away (or ever). Before even thinking about enhancement, it’s crucial to first maximize your natural potential. If you do eventually decide to explore them, there’s no shame in that, but safety and preparation are key!
Here’s what you need to address beforehand…
- Have a solid dieting and training foundation
- Know your labs + family medical history
- Do comprehensive research
- Understand all potential pros/cons
- Maintain transparency with both your coach & healthcare team
- Define your long-term goals
So, how do you maximize your natural potential first? It starts with evidence-based nutrition and supplementation.
NUTRITION:
- Eat enough calories and track macros (consistently!)
- Hit evidence-backed protein targets (aim for 1-1.4g per lb of body weight daily)
SUPPLEMENTS:
- Creatine Monohydrate: 3-5g daily for strength and cognitive focus
- Caffeine: 3-6mg/kg BW pre-training for energy and performance
- Beta Alanine: 3-6g daily for high-intensity training endurance
- L-Citrulline: 6-8g pre-training for better pumps and vasodilation
- DHEA: 10-50mg daily for testosterone optimization
- Shoden/Ashwagandha: 120mg daily (shoden) or 600mg daily( KSM-66) to reduce cortisol and support testosterone
- Fenugreek Extract: 500mg daily to boost free testosterone
(Pro Tip: Try Morphogen Nutrition’s CALM + TEST | use code: BA to save $$!)
But that’s not all, nutrition and supplements alone won’t cut it! You’ve got to hit the gym and prioritize recovery.
TRAINING:
- Log Your Progress: Track your weights/reps to ensure progressive overload
- Training Technique & Tempo: Good form and controlled speed = smarter results
- Mind-to-Muscle Connection: Tune into the muscles you’re working for max engagement
- Reps in Reserve (RIR): Keep a couple of reps “in the tank” to manage fatigue
- Reps of Perceived Exertion (RPE): Measure intensity to prevent overtraining
- BFR Training: Use light weights with blood-flow restriction for big results with low loads
Rest Days are NON-NEGOTIABLE! Skipping rest days disrupts progress, increases fatigue, and leads to potential injuries.
RECOVERY:
- Neubie/NeuFit
- Dry Needling Therapy
- PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field)
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Cupping Therapy
BONUS CONSIDERATIONS:
- Time + Patience: Aka the most valuable variables when it comes to making physique progress. The more time and patience you have in your health & fitness journey, the better the outcome usually is! Seeing visible physique progress takes A LOT OF TIME. Remember - this is YOUR timeline, so make the most of it!
- Data: Our BA fam knows how much we love accumulating data on Nutrition and Training, along with biofeedback markers such as Stress, Recovery, Menstruation, Hormones, etc! More data = more knowledge = more progress! This is why we have everyone at BA log all of their data into our handy dandy BA data sheet. This allows us to study, assess, and truly understand your body in thorough detail!
- Consistency: Everyone knows the power of consistency. The same goes for optimizing your true physique potential! The BA coaches help integrate personalized Nutrition and Training protocols into all lifestyles, making consistency run like clockwork!
- A qualified team: Having a team of not only qualified professionals but also experienced ones is a no brainer when it comes to maximizing your natural potential. We are proud and grateful to say that our team here at BA is equipped with dietitians and healthcare professionals who have over 10 years of experience in the health + fitness industry!
Long story short, focus on maximizing your natural progress first. With a solid foundation of training, nutrition, and recovery, you’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve naturally. And if PEDs are something you decide to explore in the future, you’ll be in the strongest position to do so, safely and responsibly.