I want to learn more about bodybuilding, but I don't want workout routines that are going to kill me because I don't take steroids or any other "gear."

List some good books or other resources for natural bodybuilding...please.

Mark,

I think your best source is SHF and this forum.  There really are very few true natural bodybuilders in this world unfortunately.  I am finding out that many of the people I thought were natural, are not so full time - they cycle growth hormone (which is not a steroid so they technically are not taking them) or do brief cycles of anabolics.  Scott is not one of these people.  I also believe that the people who follow and contribute to this forum don't use and/or have no interest in drugs.  Out of my 30 years of lifting, I used anabolic for 3 years when I was young, dumb, and stupid so I know how they work, what they can do, and when someone is on them.  I have seen many of the books you probably have seen/heard about and I have used the internet for info.  Based on my opinion and experience, this is the best site to get you the data you need as a natural athlete. I must say this is my opinion only and I have in no way been compensated or otherwise rewarded by Scott Herman or the staff of SHF for my views :-)

John

Thanks John, means a lot. :)

Also Mark, the "threshod" of what will kill you or what you can handle as a natural athlete will vary from person to person.  Your body can handle a lot and as you train harder and harder that threshold increases.  As long as you keep pushing yourself to the limit each week you will be able to lift with extreme intensity.  You might not be lifting as "heavy" as someone on gear, but you can still do all the same exercises, just lower the weights to your level.

Indeed, just do what you can at your current level. The human body is an incredible thing in the way that it adapts to new things, which is really how we all get stronger in the gym and out. Don't limit yourself because it hurts though, pain is temporary.

Muhammad Ali was once asked:
"How many sit ups do you do?"

His answer:
Don’t know - I only start counting when it starts hurting..."

Edit: I figured I should try and help with your actual question rather than just personal advice, lol.

I recently checked out two books from the library that I thought were pretty good, however I don't remember their titles. You might want to give your local library a check though.

Another good place is Muscle & Fitness Magazine. They have different workout schemes in every issue that you might like, something to look into.

Aside from those two sources, my only other suggestions would be look on the internet or really just compile a list of things from trial and error that you like and that seem to work for you.

I agree this is a really good place to start out and then grow from doing Scott's routines! Well said John

Great info guys :)  As always! :)

I enjoy reading a book that I can learn from. No one has any suggestions? Hmmm.