{"id":5898,"date":"2026-01-08T22:51:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T22:51:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=5898"},"modified":"2026-01-08T22:51:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T22:51:03","slug":"lisburn-bodybuilder-out-to-break-sports-steroid-stigma-with-natural-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=5898","title":{"rendered":"Lisburn bodybuilder out to break sport&#8217;s steroid stigma with &#8216;natural&#8217; success"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_5d9e5a\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Stephen Brennan recently won the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Northern Ireland qualifier<\/h2>\n<div class=\"Byline_byline-container__K_Owl\" data-testid=\"byline\"><span data-testid=\"byline-content\" class=\"Byline_byline-content-wrapper__Imque\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"Byline_author-badge-date-wrapper__Q7jj1\">\n<p><span class=\"\" data-testid=\"byline-publishedDate\">19:52, 06 Jul 2022<\/span><span class=\"Byline_updated-date__8vEV8 Byline_updated-date-with-published__ApG_G\" data-testid=\"byline-updatedDate\">Updated 19:54, 06 Jul 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"24420218\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_Cheers.png\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/1_Cheers.png 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/1_Cheers.png 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_Cheers.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageEmbed_fig-caption__qotOK\"><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_209_94274)\"><path opacity=\"0.16\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M14 4H2V10.6667C2 11.403 2.59695 12 3.33333 12H12.6667C13.403 12 14 11.403 14 10.6667V4ZM8 10C9.10457 10 10 9.10457 10 8C10 6.89543 9.10457 6 8 6C6.89543 6 6 6.89543 6 8C6 9.10457 6.89543 10 8 10Z\" fill=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\"\/><path d=\"M2 3.33331H14V11.3333C14 12.0697 13.403 12.6666 12.6667 12.6666H3.33333C2.59695 12.6666 2 12.0697 2 11.3333V3.33331Z\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"2\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><path d=\"M11.3332 1.33331L12.6665 1.33331\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/g><defs><clippath id=\"clip0_209_94274\"><rect width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clippath><\/defs><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Stephen Brennan won a recent British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Northern Ireland qualifier<\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6\">(Image: Jim McMorrow\/Stephen Brennan)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A Lisburn bodybuilder hopes his recent success story can help shine a positive light on the sport here. And he believes his rise through the ranks proves you don&#8217;t need to be fuelled by steroids to succeed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen Brennan is a personal trainer at GymCo Finaghy. The 30-year-old has only been involved in bodybuilding for the past two years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The former actor is making a name for himself, having recently won the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) Northern Ireland qualifier. He will now compete at the British Finals this October in Surrey.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Read more: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.belfastlive.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/throwback-sean-oneills-epic-al-24418335\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\">Throwback to Sean O&#8217;Neill&#8217;s epic Al Pacino speech from 2018 stag<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen told Belfast Live: &#8220;When it comes to Natural Bodybuilding there are many different federations, similar to boxing. The competition I won was BNBF Northern Ireland qualifier which was held at Theatre At The Mill in Newtownabbey on June 26.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;There were a total of eight categories (six male, two female). I won Open Bodybuilding and therefore got to compete with the champion of the Masters, Junior, Novice, Athletic and Masters Over 60.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I came out on top and won Best Wheels, too.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-24420076\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"24420076\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420076.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420076.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420076.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420076.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageEmbed_fig-caption__qotOK\"><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_209_94274)\"><path opacity=\"0.16\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M14 4H2V10.6667C2 11.403 2.59695 12 3.33333 12H12.6667C13.403 12 14 11.403 14 10.6667V4ZM8 10C9.10457 10 10 9.10457 10 8C10 6.89543 9.10457 6 8 6C6.89543 6 6 6.89543 6 8C6 9.10457 6.89543 10 8 10Z\" fill=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\"\/><path d=\"M2 3.33331H14V11.3333C14 12.0697 13.403 12.6666 12.6667 12.6666H3.33333C2.59695 12.6666 2 12.0697 2 11.3333V3.33331Z\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"2\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><path d=\"M11.3332 1.33331L12.6665 1.33331\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/g><defs><clippath id=\"clip0_209_94274\"><rect width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clippath><\/defs><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Stephen Brennan with his trophy at the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) Northern Ireland qualifier<\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6\">(Image: Jim McMorrow)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The qualifiers saw competitors start with a symmetry round which focuses on four \u2018relaxed\u2019 poses. But as Stephen jokes, they are &#8220;anything but relaxed.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He said: &#8220;You deliver front, side, back, side poses. This is when the judges compare the competitors.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Then after this comes the muscularity round which consists of seven mandatory poses. Often here the judges swap competitors&#8217; positions to compare with others.<\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_5d9e5a\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.belfastlive.co.uk\/sport\/other-sport\/commonwealth-games-2022-hannah-crymble-23727818\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"23727818\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\">Commonwealth Games 2022: Hannah Crymble swaps uneven bars for weightlifting for Birmingham<\/a><\/span><\/span><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_5d9e5a\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.belfastlive.co.uk\/sport\/other-sport\/co-antrim-weightlifter-explains-unique-23674700\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"23674700\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\">Co Antrim weightlifter explains unique journey to Commonwealth Games<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;It is a bit like showing cattle at the Balmoral Show, but this time it&#8217;s people in fake tan. The final part is the one-minute Free Posing routine, and after this there may be some additional comparison and a pose-down before the winner is announced.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen added: &#8220;If I am honest, I had set out my plans for this year at the start of the year. I wanted to win, and I did everything I could to do so.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;However, I still can\u2019t really believe it. So, to say I was delighted is probably an understatement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I now progress to the British Finals in October. The winners of all the other qualifiers will be there as well as anyone else BNBF deems fit for an invite.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;So I could have maybe six or so to compete with from all over the UK. Before that I will be competing in Cork.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-24420203\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"24420203\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420203.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_image_67237889JPG.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420203.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_image_67237889JPG.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420203.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_image_67237889JPG.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420203.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_image_67237889JPG.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageEmbed_fig-caption__qotOK\"><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_209_94274)\"><path opacity=\"0.16\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M14 4H2V10.6667C2 11.403 2.59695 12 3.33333 12H12.6667C13.403 12 14 11.403 14 10.6667V4ZM8 10C9.10457 10 10 9.10457 10 8C10 6.89543 9.10457 6 8 6C6.89543 6 6 6.89543 6 8C6 9.10457 6.89543 10 8 10Z\" fill=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\"\/><path d=\"M2 3.33331H14V11.3333C14 12.0697 13.403 12.6666 12.6667 12.6666H3.33333C2.59695 12.6666 2 12.0697 2 11.3333V3.33331Z\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"2\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><path d=\"M11.3332 1.33331L12.6665 1.33331\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/g><defs><clippath id=\"clip0_209_94274\"><rect width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clippath><\/defs><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Stephen Brennan<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen has been an active gym-goer since his school days, but only fully immersed himself in bodybuilding two years ago. It was during lockdown that he decided to enter competitions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I have been going to the gym for many years now. I began to take training seriously in 2016 having moved back to Northern Ireland after suffering a lot with mental health issues,&#8221; Stephen added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;It was in 2018, whilst touring Germany as an actor, that I qualified as a personal trainer. I haven\u2019t always been too disciplined in the gym, however since 2018 I have been a lot more regimented in my approach to my training.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I take clients face to face at GymCo Finaghy and also have an online training service. I work with a plethora of individuals, beginners all the way to advanced.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I work on things like fat loss and hypertrophy and even competition\/photoshoot prep. Basically people who want to be better.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Improvement is what my passion is, being able to improve in some way every day. Aiming to be better in whatever I am doing.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-24420084\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"24420084\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420084.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420084.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420084.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.belfastlive.co.uk\/article24420084.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_Stephen-Brennan.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageEmbed_fig-caption__qotOK\"><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_209_94274)\"><path opacity=\"0.16\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M14 4H2V10.6667C2 11.403 2.59695 12 3.33333 12H12.6667C13.403 12 14 11.403 14 10.6667V4ZM8 10C9.10457 10 10 9.10457 10 8C10 6.89543 9.10457 6 8 6C6.89543 6 6 6.89543 6 8C6 9.10457 6.89543 10 8 10Z\" fill=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\"\/><path d=\"M2 3.33331H14V11.3333C14 12.0697 13.403 12.6666 12.6667 12.6666H3.33333C2.59695 12.6666 2 12.0697 2 11.3333V3.33331Z\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"2\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><path d=\"M11.3332 1.33331L12.6665 1.33331\" stroke=\"var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/g><defs><clippath id=\"clip0_209_94274\"><rect width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clippath><\/defs><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Stephen Brennan performing at the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) Northern Ireland qualifier<\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6\">(Image: Jim McMorrow)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Through training I have taken control of my health, both physical and mental, and I love giving others the tools to do the same.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen accepts there is a stigma attached to weight lifting and bodybuilding. Often many athletes are accused of &#8211; and admit to &#8211; using performance enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Natural Bodybuilding goes against that reputation, with competitors relying on the basic staples of training, nutrition, recovery and approved supplementation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Put simply, Natural Bodybuilding is bodybuilding without pharmacological assistance. What that means is, to be successful all we use is training, nutrition, WADA approved supplementation and recovery, because sleep is so important,&#8221; Stephen added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I can only speak from my personal viewpoint, and when used correctly steroids can have great use. However, with the rise of social media influencers selling quick fixes but not admitting they are using steroids, this can put pressure on people to aspire to unattainable physiques.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;It is hugely frustrating for &#8216;clean&#8217; athletes, especially when dishonesty is at play. When an athlete admits and is open about their usage I respect that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen says he often gets asked what performance enhancers he uses to get in shape. At the start he took offence by the casual assumptions, but he now takes it as a compliment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I would regularly get asked what I take, and people wouldn\u2019t believe me when I say nothing. At the start I got offended, but now I see it as a compliment and an opportunity to educate,&#8221; he says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen says many gym users are still turning to steroids to fast-track their fitness goals. But he hopes Natural Bodybuilding can showcase the amazing results they can achieve without using illicit substances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Natural Bodybuilding proves you can do it without taking these things, however I believe what deters people is the work involved. Most people want quick results and immediate gratification but real results take time and commitment,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Northern Ireland is a very small place in the grand scheme of things. I could walk into many gyms and would be confident I would see at least 1-2 steroid users.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;The fitness culture here is very much behind the rest of the UK, with many &#8216;fitness influencers&#8217; being steroid fuelled bodybuilders or females who use other assistance to achieve their looks. This shows the normal gym goer an unachievable look, and can therefore force them to look for assistance in some way.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I have also heard of some unqualified PTs giving their clients steroids to help them achieve the transformation they want without educating them on the negatives.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Stephen says he has never used steroids in the past, and insists &#8220;results take time&#8221; when it comes to building the body you want.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;When used correctly under the right supervision steroids can help achieve great results. However, if a client wants results they need to be willing to wait, great results take time,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Are they dangerous? It\u2019s not my area of expertise to speak about, however when you have too much of something it will obviously affect you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;In addition, we see in the news the amount of young bodybuilders who have passed away in recent years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I just hope Natural Bodybuilding can shine a positive light on the sport, and also show an alternative. Bodybuilding is a fantastic sport, one in which you learn a lot about yourself and will grow as a person.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">READ NEXT:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.belfastlive.co.uk\/newsletter-preference-centre\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Sign up to our free sports newsletterLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\">Sign up to our free sports newsletter<\/a> <\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">to get the latest headlines to your inbox.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfastlive.co.uk\/sport\/other-sport\/lisburn-bodybuilder-out-break-sports-24419620\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stephen Brennan recently won the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Northern Ireland qualifier 19:52, 06 Jul 2022Updated 19:54, 06 Jul 2022 Stephen Brennan won a recent British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Northern Ireland qualifier(Image: Jim McMorrow\/Stephen Brennan) A Lisburn bodybuilder hopes his recent success story can help shine a positive light on the sport here. And he [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":267,"featured_media":5899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[271],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5898","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-natural-bodybuilding"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lisburn bodybuilder out to break sport&#039;s steroid stigma with &#039;natural&#039; success - World Bodybuilding News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=5898\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lisburn bodybuilder out to break sport&#039;s steroid stigma with &#039;natural&#039; success - World Bodybuilding News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Stephen Brennan recently won the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Northern Ireland qualifier 19:52, 06 Jul 2022Updated 19:54, 06 Jul 2022 Stephen Brennan won a recent British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Northern Ireland qualifier(Image: Jim McMorrow\/Stephen Brennan) A Lisburn bodybuilder hopes his recent success story can help shine a positive light on the sport here. 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