It comes with the territory I guess, but I am often asked by my personal training clients about steroids. I try in everything that I do to be a no BS, straight down the line guy, but on some subjects I will sit a little on the fence and say individual choice. In my opinion steroids are a victimless crime, they are not cheating (because at the elite level everyone tries their damndest to gain every advantage possible – is it “cheating” because Athlet A has access to better coaching, supplements, training facilities than Athlete B? nope / nor should anyone confuse top sporting endeavours with health – its all about winning and anyone who doesn’t get that has no empathy for the ultra competitive nature of top athletes), and they are not the root of all evil that some would make them out to be. However, irresponsible, uneducated use is beyond foolish. Taking advice from internet experts with no credentials is pure lunacy. And taking a drug that WILL impact upon your body just to look good on the beach when you don’t take your health or your training seriously at any time other than right before your summer holiday makes you a total dickhead.
I also have a real problem with idiots who force their opinions on younger people. The following email came through to me from a dedicated 20 year old bodybuilder whom I advise:
Hi Nick, just wanted some advice… Alot of the guys around me at the gym keep filling my head by saying i wont achieve my ideal goals without the use of steroids…i.e. i wish 2 look how you do in your black and white pictures.
Would you be able to tell me the truth briefly as the steroid users around me all look great and claim to have not suffered any side effects over the years and say there are ways to use them safely without any problems.. I remember that you mentioned also that i should definitely keep away please and whether i can keep actually keep progressing naturally to where i want to go.
Thank You Nick
My response is below:
Ask these idiots if they have ever had blood work done and then if they say yes ask them to show you the results because you are really curious. They will be lying about having any tests and if one brings through complete blood work I will eat the chair that I am sat upon.
Steroids are not all evil and they are not the end of the world. However, they are not necessary to achieving a good physique, and if you want to keep a good physique they are harmful as you need to stay on them regularly to maintain the majority of their benefits.
Do people die from them? Very very very rarely. Do they cause long term problems? Yes, some people have heart and cardiovascular issues that can definitely be linked to long term steroid use. Do I know several men with big fertility problems directly because of steroids? Absolutely. Do I know hundreds of men with erection issues due to steroids? Oh yes.
And in a young guy….well you are producing a tonne of natural testosterone so you would be better waiting til your mid 20s at least. Until your body has plateaued taking steroids isnt just risky, it is also stupid. It is doubly stupid to take them unless you have genuine plans to compete in competition. You know ******* (a successful natural bodybuilder) don’t you – look at his body AND notice how he stays in such great shape year round – that is very difficult to do with steroids.
You are finding that the world is full of next door “experts” – locals who think they know a bit and will only be too happy to give you their dubious wisdom. If these people are recognised experts in their field then always listen and always exercise logic, if they are local gym nobodies who have never earned a penny from advising on these subjects then I wouldn’t waste my time talking to them about complicated subjects that require a deep level of study and understanding.
No related posts.
Comments