It is time to get pumped up for the Tucson Multiverse Naturals Pro/Am bodybuilding competition being held at Flowing Wells High School Nov. 15.  

Unlike events that allow competitors to use anabolic steroids, the Multiverse is an all-natural event. The muscle-ripped competitors gained their physiques through hard work without the benefit of any enhancements. 

That’s the exception to the prevailing rule when it comes to bodybuilding. 

Most these days, including the National Physique Committee that does a lot of shows in Phoenix,  allow competitors to use supplements. 

The Nov. 15 event is run in cooperation with the North American Bodybuilding Federation and the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation. 

In a 2024 study by BMC Public Health that surveyed 3,603 men and women who do resistance training, 53% of men and 41.9% of women reported using anabolic and androgenic steroids. 

 “Natural is the way to go because when you see the other side…there is a lot of ups and downs,” said promoter Kwaku Sefah, who is originally from Ghana and has been working with the organizations in Arizona since 2022.  “There is a lot of medical issues. I myself am not into that, so I really advocate for natural by all means possible.” 

Sefah’s views are reflected in the rigorous drug testing competitors go through along with a polygraph. The top two placers have to provide a urine sample.   

“It puts your health at risk so that’s number one,” said Melissa Howle, a personal trainer, competitor and Tucson Multiverse Natural past judge. 

 Since the widely accepted introduction of the anabolic-androgenic steroids into athletics since the 1980s, bodybuilders have been more of the frequent users. With the emergence of a health and fitness movement on social media, though, noncompetitors have become the more prevalent users and have been known to grow a dependence on the drugs, according to a study by Gen Kanayama and Harrisong G. Pope Jr., two leading  anabolic-androgenic steroids researchers.

“I think it’s easy to do the comparison game when you’re looking at someone,” Howle said. “Especially on social media you’re looking like ‘Oh my gosh! I’m never going to get there’.” 

A study released by the University of Florida in 2014, highlighted the adverse effects that include liver disorders, high blood pressure,  blood cholesterol levels and a number of mental health disorders. 

Bodybuilder Tia Hightower has never used steroids in the seven years she has competed. 

“I’m not into any kind of drugs or anything,” said Hightower, who’s getting ready for a competition in Sierra Vista next spring. “I would like to look like I do, but I would never.” 

Howle said that she’s heard from competitors who rely on steroids that they experience an easier recovery than without the drugs. 

“I just give props to anybody that goes through everything naturally and continues to stay that route, and can pull themself away from that mindset of wanting to get somewhere faster,” Howle said.

Sefah  said natural competitions are gaining a solid fanbase in part because of the North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation, which has been around nationally since the early ‘80s.

“These natural organizations have been around forever,” he said. “They have a very good reputation within this country.”

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.