It's very common for young bodybuilders to ask if a good physique can be built naturally by using only supplements. Although it's very difficult to give an overall answer because of the many factors that can contribute to how good (or bad) a physique can look after years of training - it's safe to say that it's very possible to achieve an incredible physique naturally.
Contrary to popular belief, anabolic steroids aren't necessary to increase the body's muscular development. With that being said, it's very unrealistic to expect to build a monstrous physique naturally - because it's very unlikely. Natural bodybuilding is a lot harder than doing it with steroids but it's also (a lot) safer.
Building a physique naturally may take twice as long; but the athlete will be happy knowing that he built it all by himself without putting his health at risk. Physiques built on steroids aren't easy to maintain and are only as good as the "gear" that they're using.
As steroid use has gotten progressively more popular among the bodybuilding world - the body's natural potential is often looked down upon. Nowadays, people believe that the only way to build a good-looking physique is by using steroids - but they're wrong. A good physique CAN be built naturally with only the help of supplements.
Train Old School
A strong, balanced, and dense physique can only be built with years of old-school training. Modern bodybuilding physiques are a lot bigger but lack the overall shape and look that guys from the 70s, 80s, and 90s had. Some people blame the current "bloated look" on insulin and HGH - and although they definitely play a role; so does the lack of intense training and the growing dependence of synthetic hormones.
Machines have taken over the gyms while free weights have been left to collect dust. Before steroids and modern gym equipment were even invented; bodybuilders and strongmen of the past, built unbelievable physiques that would get called out for using steroids in recent times. If these men and women were able to create a new standard with limited resources for what the human body could achieve - why haven't we been able to take it a step further?
The human body is a very capable machine that knows no limits. I find it interesting how a lot of people talk about the body's natural bodybuilding potential without even knowing theirs. The fact that new lifters want to look great fast is understandable but it instantly closes the door for testing their natural limits; if they even exist.
Be Smart About Your Diet
A physique's natural potential is highly determined by the person's diet. It's a common misconception for gym rats to think that training frequency plays a larger role in bodybuilding than diet. Any experienced athlete can tell you that a poor diet has the ability to completely counteract years of intense training.
The body needs macronutrients and micronutrients to grow; if you don't fuel your body, you can't expect to progress. A lot of people turn to steroids - believing that they've reached their genetic potential - without even perfecting their diet and training.
Some people mistakenly believe that eating six small (bland) meals every day is obligatory when trying to become a bodybuilder; and it's not. There are tons of ways to diet but it's ultimately your responsibility to play around and find the one that your body responds better to.
Use Supplements That Work
Supplements aren't really needed to take a physique to it's maximum potential; but they can definitely make the process become a lot faster and easier. No matter what anyone says - supplements DO work and there's scientific research to back it up. If they didn't, supplements wouldn't be the billion-dollar industry that's been around for decades.
A lot of supplements contain proprietary formulas with low quality ingredients. This is why it's extremely important to look for a product that fits your needs and that contains high quality ingredients. You also need to keep in mind that supplements aren't anything like steroids and therefore won't work as such.
Some bodybuilders like to stick to the basics such as whey protein, bcaa's, and fat burners - but there's a lot more interesting stuff out there. There are legitimate supplement and legal steroid companies that are coming out with interesting selections that are changing the way bodybuilding with supplements is looked at.