PNBA athlete Rich Frye lists the benefits he’s noticed from natural bodybuilding and staying drug-free.
Some bodybuilders choose to dope while others don’t. And those in natural bodybuilding leagues such as the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) league are prohibited from using drugs such as steroids. Although natural bodybuilders won’t be as muscular as bodybuilders that use performance-enhancers, staying natural has many benefits. PNBA Rich Frye lists the few benefits he’s experienced from natural bodybuilding at 57.
Rich Frye competed at 2021 Natural Olympia and placed 10th in the PNBA Men’s Bodybuilding Grand Master’s class. Rich Frye said:
“Living 57 years of age Natural Competitive Bodybuilder. Benefits of being drug free, I have no injuries, no joint pain, I have a healthy sex drive, my body works efficiently. No tricks or secrets, just consistent good nutrition and training.”
You can see his Instagram post below.
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Natural Bodybuilding and Longevity
Rich Frye isn’t the only natural bodybuilder to tout the benefits of staying natural. Many other natural bodybuilders have lauded natural bodybuilders for their healing effects. For instance, the INBA PNBA hosts the 2022 International Battle Against Cancer, inspired by INBA PNBA athletes who have battled cancer, survived cancer, or have loved ones diagnosed with cancer. And some participants overcame their struggles with the ailment through natural bodybuilding.
Moreover, other natural bodybuilders have been able to stay in insanely good shape for decades and progressively compete at an elite level. For example, PNBA Hall of Famer Chad Martin acknowledges that there’s an anabolic window for the age that’s best for peak performance. However, he also points out that through staying “forever natural” and living a healthy and natural lifestyle free of drugs through proper training and diet, you can remain fit, healthy, and strong throughout life. He plans to compete in his 19th Natural Olympia this year.
Another PNBA athlete, Michael Ferencsik, a vegan and animal rights activist, says that you can do many things to raise your testosterone levels naturally before considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). 2019 Natural Olympia Men’s Physique champion Joseph Ortiz says natural bodybuilding is the fountain of youth.
WADA
The INBA PNBA doesn’t take its drug testing lightly. They want to ensure the safety of their athletes and just competition. Therefore, the INBA PNBA vets all their athletes through the most prestigious drug testing guidelines for professional athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
WADA variant labs will detect drugs that may go under the radar through other testing metrics. For example, that happened to last year’s former Women’s Bodybuilding Natural Olympia champ, Jill Kolivoski, before she failed a drug test administered by the INBA PNBA (while passing one in a separate league).
All INBA PNBA competitors who fail a drug test aministered at any time of the year, whether in-season or out of season, will be terminated from competing and have to give up their cash, prizes, and titles. Plus, they’ll be uploaded to the Hall of Shame.
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