Introduction
The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has become a widespread phenomenon in the fitness and bodybuilding communities. Despite the well-documented health risks associated with AAS use, many individuals continue to use these substances to achieve their desired physique. This section will provide an overview of the prevalence of steroid use, the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards, and the culture of secrecy and deception that surrounds AAS use.
What’s up bro, This can be a touchy subject for some people. I mean, there can be multiple reasons for this, and to be honest…some of these can be warranted.
Stigma and Perception of Steroids
Social Stigma: Steroid use is often associated with cheating, a lack of discipline, and unethical behavior. Many men might lie to avoid being judged as “unfair” or “weak.” There’s also the fear of being seen as relying on drugs rather than natural effort or hard work.
Image Concerns: In fitness culture, there’s often an emphasis on achieving results “naturally,” which adds pressure. Admitting steroid use might tarnish a person’s image as someone who achieved their physique through sheer dedication and effort.
Legal and Health Risks
Legal Consequences: In some countries, steroid use without a prescription is illegal. Men who use them may lie about it to avoid potential legal consequences, like fines or criminal charges. If someone is in a country where anabolic steroids, which are performance-enhancing drugs that provide users with increased muscle mass, strength, and faster recovery times, are illegal, and they admit to taking them, they could incriminate themselves so it would be wise not to admit to this. They don’t owe anyone a reason, mainly because it’s personal. It’s like asking someone when Red Panty Night is with their girl, you just wouldn’t do that. It’s the same with steroids, you shouldn’t walk up to a stranger or even a friend and just ask them cold blank if they use gear. It’s just not polite etiquette in my opinion.
Health Concerns: Although steroids can improve performance and physique, they also come with health risks. Many men may deny using them to avoid scrutiny about their long-term health. Yes, testosterone can be healthy, but adding in abusive levels or other derivatives such as tren or oral steroids will negatively affect bloodwork.
Pressure to Maintain or Enhance Performance
Competition: In sports or bodybuilding, the pressure to perform at a high level can be intense. Some might feel that admitting steroid use could harm their career or reputation, especially in competitive environments where natural athletes are celebrated.
Increased Expectations: Once a person achieves a certain level of muscle mass or athletic performance, they may feel trapped by others’ expectations and afraid of being unable to maintain that without continued steroid use.
Cultural Influence of “Natural” Success Stories
Marketing and Role Models: The fitness industry often promotes success stories that claim extraordinary results through hard work and nutrition alone. This sets an unrealistic standard and contributes to the myth of achieving peak performance without assistance. Men might lie because they don’t want to disrupt this narrative.
Insecurity and Impostor Syndrome: Some might feel insecure or like they don’t belong in the “natural” category of achievers, leading them to lie about their steroid use to avoid feelings of inadequacy.
Peer Pressure and Social Influence
Peer Expectations: In communities where steroid use is common, men might lie to fit in or avoid being ostracized by others who expect that performance-enhancing drugs are the norm.
Desire for Approval: Many men crave recognition, especially within their social circles or online communities (e.g., Instagram or fitness forums). They might lie to maintain a facade of authenticity in order to be accepted and admired by others.
Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Consequences
Instant Gratification: Steroids can provide rapid physical changes, which some men find hard to achieve otherwise. While they may recognize the potential risks, the short-term benefits often outweigh the long-term consequences in their minds. Admitting steroid use would force them to confront the fact that their results are not fully natural.
The Prevalence of Steroid Use
Steroid use is a significant problem in the fitness and bodybuilding communities. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, approximately 50% of male bodybuilders use AAS. Another study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that 22% of male weightlifters reported using AAS. These numbers are likely underestimates, as many individuals who use AAS do not report their use due to fear of judgment or repercussions.
The Pressure to Conform to Unrealistic Standards
The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of physical appearance is a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of steroid use. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook often feature images of fitness models and bodybuilders with chiseled physiques, which can create unrealistic expectations and promote the use of AAS. Additionally, the fitness industry often perpetuates the idea that a muscular physique is necessary for success, which can lead individuals to feel pressure to use AAS to achieve this ideal.
Firstly, if someone is in a country where anabolic steroids, which are performance-enhancing drugs that provide users with increased muscle mass, strength, and faster recovery times, are illegal, and they admit to taking them, they could incriminate themselves so it would be wise not to admit to this. They don’t owe anyone a reason, mainly because it’s personal. It’s like asking someone when Red Panty Night is with their girl, you just wouldn’t do that. It’s the same with steroids, you shouldn’t walk up to a stranger or even a friend and just ask them cold blank if they use gear. It’s just not polite etiquette in my opinion.
DIMINISHING HARD WORK
Another major reason which I feel all steroid users can resonate with, is that it can diminish your hard work. If someone says they can bench press 400 pounds which is a massive weight, then someone asks if they take steroids they say yes then it makes them think you cheated or something. Not taking into account the blood, sweat, and tears that went into getting that lift. Which I feel is understandable. Most of these people who diminish steroid users as cheaters or say it’s easy to obtain an amazing physique on gear are usually naturals who have never taken steroids in their life… so you can disregard them!
THE NEW BREED OF FAKE NATTY’S
A lot of guys are fake naturals, which means they say they’re natural when they’re enhanced. Now I’ve gone over why guys lie about it. But to go out of your way to mention you’re natural is wrong. Either say nothing at all or admit to it. The guys that lie and say they’re natural are only after one thing… your money. They’re usually scammers. Buy my 6 week shred program bro, and buy my boulder shoulder program. Not to mention that they took test tren hgh and Anadrol for those boulder shoulders. Complete con artists.
Now we have a new breed… the guys that admit to steroids but lie about what they’re taking and their dosages. The whole ‘TRT’ bullshit or low-dose nonsense. Even Chris Bumstead, Mr.Olympia winner said he took 150mg of Tren and Masteron. Really dude, really? That’s barely the first cycle. It’s a good complex or Superman complex- ‘I’m better than all of you with my supreme genetics’ where the reality is that they have great genetics, are hard-working, and abuse copious amounts of anabolics. It’s the creme de la creme. This is the top of the top bro. They all do crazy shit with steroids to be the best.
CONCLUSION
Steroids are strong supplements…They work! Now that doesn’t mean they’re the magic pill. Don’t get me wrong, that shit can kick in and make major changes to your physique within days, but for a solid physique, it takes years of hard work training with steroids and nutrition (the anabolic trinity). Most guys who take steroids want to enhance their body and their lives, and that’s fine. Overall, some of these reasons are warranted for lying about their usage but for the fake naturals who make a point of mentioning they’re natural or take lower dosages is completely sociopathic.
