Tennyson triumphs in natural bodybuilding debut. <\/p>\n
\n Last updated on May 28th, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n Content creator\u00a0Will Tennyson<\/a>\u00a0documented his journey to becoming a professional natural bodybuilder. On May 9, 2025, Tennyson shared the final hours of prep and competitive debut highlights from the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Canada show in Vancouver. <\/strong><\/p>\n The experience was more than a chronicle of shredded abs<\/a> and spray tans<\/a>\u2014it was a lesson on long-term vision and the prerequisites for success on stage.<\/p>\n Looking to connect with fellow fitness lovers like you? Head to the BarBend Community Forum to ask questions, share advice, and talk all things training.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Twenty-four hours before stepping on stage, Tennyson\u2019s diet was tightly calibrated: 161 grams (g) of protein, 432g of carbs, and 75g of fat. Meals included sweet potatoes, chicken breast, rice cakes, almond butter, and the unlikely hero\u2014maple syrup.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fast-digesting carbs like sugar increase muscle fullness<\/a> and vascularity before show day, also known as carb-loading. (1<\/a>)(2<\/a>) Sweet potatoes contain potassium, which helps fill out the muscles; salt enhances pumps.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s crazy how tedious this stuff is,\u201d Tennyson remarked. He weighed in at 177.2 pounds, placing him at heavyweight. A polygraph and urine test affirmed his compliance with WNBF\u2019s banned substance list. While their accuracy is controversial, polygraph tests serve to deter the use of chemical enhancements.<\/p>\n Caked in a layer of tanning compound, Tennyson reflected on the backstage jitters during his pump-up session, expressing, \u201cMy nerves were kicking in like crazy.\u201d Posing under bright lights<\/a> worked to his advantage. <\/p>\n All you can see are the judges, and after 20 seconds, it felt like I was in my living room posing.<\/p>\n \u2014Will Tennyson<\/em><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n Tennyson won the heavyweight division, qualifying him for the overall round against three others. Against all odds, Tennyson walked away with his natural pro card, stunned:\u00a0<\/p>\n I was in such disbelief\u2026I felt nothing. I didn\u2019t know what to feel.<\/p>\n \u2014Will Tennyson<\/em><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Post-show, Tennyson indulged in donuts and snacks, but only craved fruit and omelets the next day. This made him wary. <\/p>\n I am most nervous about my headspace\u2026when that\u2019s gone, what\u2019s next?<\/p>\n \u2014Will Tennyson<\/em><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Post-competition blues are real, though Tennyson refuses to let them hinder him, asserting, \u201cWe never have a cap or natural limit\u2026just keep pushing.\u201d<\/p>\n Tennyson offered a reality check to other natural bodybuilders: \u201cThis does not take 2 years. This takes 10-plus years of hard work\u2026discipline is everything.\u201d Natural bodybuilding isn\u2019t for the impatient. Lean, drug-free gains occur at a glacial pace compared to enhanced athletes.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d829d4cf3756d8cdc6aff868e98108585bc5040a0355a74c3763199ae01fe3e0?s=96&d=mm&r=pg\")
JOIN THE BARBEND COMMUNITY FORUM<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Macros and Mind Games<\/h3>\n
From Tan to Triumph<\/h3>\n
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Post-Show & Natural Genetic Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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