Natural bodybuilding is a type of fitness competition and training philosophy that emphasizes the use of proper nutrition, resistance training, and body-friendly practices to build a lean and aesthetically pleasing physique. Unlike traditional bodybuilding, which often relies on performance-enhancing drugs and synthetic supplements, natural bodybuilding prioritizes the use of whole, nutrient-dense foods, as well as safe and effective training techniques to achieve results.
The sport of natural bodybuilding has been growing in popularity in recent years, attracting both men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are committed to improving their health and fitness in a holistic, sustainable way. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, natural bodybuilding offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, build self-confidence, and achieve your personal best.
To get started with natural bodybuilding, you’ll need to develop a clear understanding of the principles of proper nutrition, exercise science, and recovery. You’ll also need to establish a consistent workout routine that emphasizes resistance training, cardio, and stretching. Finally, you’ll need to cultivate a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and inspiration as you progress towards your goals.
Whether you’re seeking to build muscle, lose fat, or simply improve your overall fitness, natural bodybuilding can help you achieve your goals in a safe and effective way.
56 Years Strong: Muscle Confusion and Crushing Leg Day (400lb Leg Press!)
Man, 56 and still pushing limits! Gotta love the feeling of proving people wrong. 40+ years in the gym and I’m still finding new ways to shock my muscles and keep them growing. Forget the typical routines, I’m all about mixing it up – heavy weights, high reps, you name it. Last week? 1000 air squats had my legs screaming (in a good way!). This week? 400 pounds for 100 reps on the leg press! Talk about muscle confusion! It’s not just cross-training, it’s an art form.
400lbs 100 reps
Speaking of art, check out the video of that leg press challenge. Pretty epic, right? Just a reminder that age is just a number when it comes to pushing yourself. But hey, it’s not all about the numbers. Consistency, clean eating, and that mind-muscle connection – those are my secrets. Gotta feel the workout, you know?
And speaking of clean, did I mention I’m 100% natural? That’s right, no shortcuts, just hard work and dedication. Turning 57 in a couple of weeks, and I wouldn’t feel stronger or more alive. This ain’t just about aesthetics, it’s about proving that anything is possible with the right mindset and approach.
So, here’s to defying expectations, embracing challenges, and proving that age and even genetics are just hurdles, not roadblocks. Keep pushing, keep experimenting, and keep inspiring! Natural and never slowing down – that’s my motto!
Throughout my life, fitness has been a cornerstone of who I am. I’ve remained active and taken pride in my physical well-being. However, as I enter my fifties, I’m starting to feel the impact of aging. I’ve noticed a decrease in strength and an unwelcome weight gain around my midsection.
But I refuse to let age define me. I am committed to maintaining fitness and health, and I want to share my journey with you through this blog. Here, I will document my goals, workouts, diet, and progress. It is my hope that my story will inspire others, regardless of their age, to prioritize their well-being and embrace a fit lifestyle.
Fitness Goals: Striving for a Better Me
My initial objective is to shed the excess belly fat that has accumulated over time. While I understand that spot reduction is a myth, I aim to reduce my overall body fat percentage through consistent exercise and a healthy diet, thereby diminishing the fat around my midsection.
Additionally, I aspire to regain strength. My goal is not to become a bodybuilder, but rather to perform everyday tasks without experiencing fatigue or discomfort. I want to partake in activities with my children, go on hikes and walks with my spouse, and maintain a sense of vitality.
Workouts: Balancing Cardio and Strength
To kickstart my fitness journey, I will commit to working out three times a week. I plan to incorporate a combination of cardio and strength training exercises. For cardio, activities like running, biking, and swimming will be my go-to choices. To build strength, I will utilize weights and resistance bands.
In addition to these exercises, I will incorporate yoga and Pilates into my routine. These practices will enhance my flexibility and balance, critical aspects of injury prevention as I age.
Diet: Nourishing the Body
I am prepared to make adjustments to my diet as part of this transformative process. Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, I will enhance the nutritional value of my meals. Simultaneously, I will reduce my consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat.
To monitor my food intake effectively, I will take pictures and post. Tracking my calories and nutrients will help me stay on course and ensure I am providing my body with the right fuel.
This is what I ate in the last two weeks and this is what I have to change the most.
Natural Training with No Supplements: Trusting in the Body’s Potential
I passionately believe that the body possesses the ability to generate all the necessary resources when provided with the right ingredients. Consequently, I will not resort to supplements such as protein powders, steroids, or PEDs. My faith lies in the power of natural methods to achieve my fitness goals.
Conclusion: The Exciting Path Ahead
I am genuinely thrilled to embark on this transformative journey. I recognize the challenges that lie ahead, but I am resolute in my commitment to success. My ultimate aspiration is that my experiences will inspire others, irrespective of age, to embrace a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Thank you for joining me on this venture. Together, let us celebrate the pursuit of lifelong fitness and well-being!
At Anytime Fitness in Westchase Florida, my wife Gina and I have resumed our regular gym training routine. We prefer this gym because of its convenient location and excellent facilities. It is the perfect place for us to achieve our fitness goals.
During one of our gym sessions, we decided to take some videos of ourselves goofing around. I was showing off my chest bouncing skills, while my wife Gina was demonstrating her incredible strength by doing pushups. And let me tell you, these were not your typical girly pushups. Gina performed them with pushup bars, adding an extra level of difficulty and showcasing her impressive upper body strength.
I have to admit that I was surprised by how many pushups Gina was able to do. She managed to complete an impressive 13 pushups with ease, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication to fitness. As for me, I continue to work on building my pecs and getting them to bounce to the beat.
At Anytime Fitness, we have access to a wide range of equipment and classes, which makes it easy to mix up our workouts and keep things interesting. We are constantly pushing ourselves to reach new fitness milestones and enjoy the process of becoming stronger and healthier.
So, if you’re looking for a great gym in the Westchase Florida area, we highly recommend Anytime Fitness. It’s a welcoming and supportive environment that caters to people of all fitness levels and goals. Come join us and see for yourself how fun and rewarding fitness can be!
Curtis Matthews bouncing his Pecs at Anytime Fitness in Westchase
Gina doing pushups at Anytime Fitness in Westchase Florida
My full body workout with dumbbells, push up and pull up bar
Over the past 26 days, I’ve been dedicated to my full body workouts at home, staying active during the pandemic. Today, I’m excited to share a video from my workout on February 20th, where I incorporated dumbbells, a pull-up bar, and push-up bars. This routine has been a consistent part of my fitness journey, with 23 out of the 26 days dedicated to this full body workout.
Full body workout at home February 20th 2022
In this workout, I’ve incorporated various variations for each body part. For instance, instead of traditional curls with the dumbbells, I opted for a close grip on the pull-up bar with my palms facing me. It’s all about keeping things dynamic and challenging myself!
Stay tuned for more workout updates and join me in staying active and healthy at home. Let’s crush our fitness goals together! 💪🏋️♂️ #HomeWorkout #FullBodyFitness #StayActive #FitnessJourney #HealthAndWellness
