In the world of bodybuilding and fitness, the line between what’s natural and what’s enhanced has always been blurred. The discussion about the legitimacy of one’s ‘natural’ status in bodybuilding is an age-old debate that continues to generate considerable interest and controversy.
A recent video on Greg Doucette?s YouTube channel titled Let’s Settle This || Who’s Not Natty? has reignited this debate. Joined by Eric Janicki, the duo delves into the claims of various athletes professing to be natural bodybuilders.
The Case of Alex Eubank
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Among those under investigation was Alex Eubank, a 23-year-old man who had recently been hospitalized owing to severe nutritional deficiency. The incident shocked the fitness community, raising eyebrows and doubts regarding his fast recovery and subsequent considerable muscle growth. The question is whether this recovery was fully natural.
The video provides some insights, as Doucette refers to another clip where Eubank reveals his blood work. “When you look at the numbers, you can’t help but wonder how natural this recovery really is,” Greg Doucette comments. Alex observed a significant surge in his testosterone levels and attributed it to an increased dietary intake, hinting at natural causes for his substantial bounce-back.
Yet, Doucette and Janicki theorize a different narrative. To them, the sudden rise in testosterone seems consistent with the effects of clomiphene, a substance known to boost natural testosterone production but remains contentious in the world of sports.
The Grey Areas of ‘Natural’ in bodybuilding
Clomiphene, to many unfamiliar with its intricacies, might seem like a harmless enhancer. However, it’s not all black and white. While it bolsters one?s natural levels of testosterone, its legitimacy as a “natural” enhancer is contentious. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) flags clomiphene, so using it in competitions would breach regulations.
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“There’s a dangerous assumption that if it’s medically prescribed, it must be okay in sports. That’s not the case,” says Eric Janicki. There exists a significant grey area around such substances. Doucette touches upon this by highlighting that if Eubank’s testosterone enhancement were genuinely natural, there wouldn’t be any contention. Yet, resorting to external compounds, especially those flagged by sporting bodies, muddies the waters.
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Moreover, the belief that a doctor’s prescription can legitimize any drug in the realm of ‘natural’ bodybuilding is a misconception. Although medical professionals prioritize patient well-being, in the competitive sports spectrum, the line between health and enhancement is razor-thin. The debates and revelations underscore the need for transparent, well-defined boundaries in bodybuilding, urging enthusiasts to tread cautiously and remain informed.
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