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  • Using Steroid, Hormones, Prohormones, etc.

    Folks,

    I am a real amateur but very curious to look into the thoughts of hard core bodybuilders. As many of you know, I have made the decision to stay "natural." What that means to me is that I will use things like MRPs, Protein Powder, Amino Acids, Fish Oil, Creatine (no more than 5 grams per day). Other than that, I just eat good food, learn the science of muscle and exercise, and workout intensely.

    I don't use steroids, hormones, prohormones, or prescription diurectics. I have heard that products like 1-AD and 1-TU are okay for natural competitors, but I won't use those either.

    I made this choice for a few reasons. First, I am truly afraid of what these substances may do to my body. Second, I simply can't afford it. Finally, I am very very curious about what my body (given my genetics) and mind can achieve given "natural" means.

    What's your take on this? Are you concerned about your health or do you believe that the risks are overblown? Do you know there are risks, but you are willing to take them because of your competitive desire and love of the sport? Do you use these products because you truly believe that you have the potential to compete on the international stage and earn a living?

    Thanks,

    Spark
    p.s. please don't take offense to this question. I am just very curious.

    Romans 1:16-17


    :director: for 5% off products from trueprotein.com, use the discount code MWD888

    100% doing it myself and 100% accountable for what I do. No excuses. -- Sparky

    Find a seasoned mentor and learn. My biggest improvements have come not from hours of tedious research, but by listening to those who have been in the trenches -- Sparky

    Judges expect muscle but respect conditioning -- Sparky

  • #2
    There is certainly nothing wrong with being natural, and yes you can make gains. Natural trainees may be more susceptible to overtraining than those that are enhanced....and just be sure to stay on top of your nutrition. Missing meals or eating junk will really dismiss any gains you have made.

    .
    [email protected] http://www.proactivehealthnet.com

    " We know that to err is human, but the HIV/AIDS hypothesis is one hell of a mistake"
    Dr. Kary Mullis, Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry for inventing the Polymerase Chain Reaction


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    • #3
      Originally posted by SuperSport
      There is certainly nothing wrong with being natural, and yes you can make gains. Natural trainees may be more susceptible to overtraining than those that are enhanced....and just be sure to stay on top of your nutrition. Missing meals or eating junk will really dismiss any gains you have made.

      .

      I agree whole heartedly with this. I too am natural, however from my first show I have so many questions of what "else" I could accomplish with AAS. I still make gains but also run into problems of overtraining. Some folks who I occasionally train with are amazed with how well I keep up (to a point). I sometimes ask myself still, how much further could I take my physique with a little added help? Staying natural is going to continue to be my focus and I am sure I will continue to make good gains. Just keep up all of the hard work and it will continue to reward you.

      Saks
      If I replyed to this thread it most likely will die

      [email protected]
      [email protected]

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      • #4
        Confession time:

        If I had it all to do over again, I would probably have stayed natural. Now, this is NOT for health related reasons, believe it or not. It is for the simplicity of it all. I won't get into it too much on the open board but unnatural guys can attest to the stress involved with making sure everything is in line for either your prep or your offseason. It is also pretty damned expensive to prep these days and that is coming from someone in my position - let alone if no one knew who I was.

        I competed naturally back in the early 90s successfully and one thing you won't find alot of in natural competition are legs. I was fortunate because my legs would blow away almost everyone at these natural shows. Of course, I was a lightweight at 5'8" and then barely a middleweight but I was winning.

        I take far more risks during a prep (and even then it probably wouldn't compare to alot of the psychos out there) but I don't see the offseason as unhealthy at all and that is coming from someone who has been on for over 4 years. I don't want to argue this right now but I know a great deal and I feel comfortable with my decisions. Bodybuilding means alot to me but not as much as raising my 4 children.

        I would encourage ANYONE that is natural and considering enhancement to STAY NATURAL. Once you go unnatural, you are no longer natural - ever, in my opinion, so take your time making up your mind. I made mine when I was 16. If I were to go back to natural training now I would probably give it up because the challenge to out due myself would be gone.

        Be proud you are natural, bro.

        Skip


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        • #5
          Dam good assessment Skip.

          I consider myself too new to the enhanced world to make a very good summation. With that said though, I am not concerned with my health anymore than I would be otherwise. Using sound judgment and regular blood tests, I feel you can very safely go "un-natural". I also harbor delusions of grandeur and see myself standing on the Mr. Olympia stage within the next 10 years.

          Comment


          • #6
            I never touched PH's or steroids until I started HRT.
            If not for HRT I would still be natural. I had learned HOW to grow naturally and was making progress again at 34-35yrs old.
            Now I MUST use additional, as the dosages I am on for HRT barely keep me above borderline. The more I lift, the more I use up, the lower my levels become, therefore I must add to it.
            I get bloodwork done 3-4x yr, for test levels, PSA's and liver values 1-2 x yr also.
            I watch my BP, but have noticed that it takes more and more to keep levels up and break through plateaus.
            I have started adding DC style training into my split, and am adjusting my food intake more closely to my activity level to keep the muscle gains coming, but the flab at bay.
            It is always a tough call, and many young guys rush into use too soon (without knowing their bodies well enough) thinking the oil or pill is gonna make the difference.
            All I can say is, good luck with staying natural. Please don't let it get to your head and become an "I'm natural and y'all are big roidy cheaters"
            Because I'll come to your house and eat all your food while you're at work. And if I can't eat it all, I'll enlist the aid of Inhuman.
            Last edited by ctgblue; 09-29-2004, 08:28 AM.
            Lift big 2 get big
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            • #7
              Very good comments from you all. I am definitely not feeling big headed about my approach. Everyone has decisions to make in life and being natural is one of those for me. It really is a decision based on my goals. I know that I could never be a big time competitive bodybuilder (especially at my age). I actually prefer the physique of track guys (sprinters) -- good muscle mass and definition, but not huge.

              Thanks for the responses folks...

              Spark

              Romans 1:16-17


              :director: for 5% off products from trueprotein.com, use the discount code MWD888

              100% doing it myself and 100% accountable for what I do. No excuses. -- Sparky

              Find a seasoned mentor and learn. My biggest improvements have come not from hours of tedious research, but by listening to those who have been in the trenches -- Sparky

              Judges expect muscle but respect conditioning -- Sparky

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by ctgblue
                I never touched PH's or steroids until I started HRT.
                What is HRT?

                Spark

                Romans 1:16-17


                :director: for 5% off products from trueprotein.com, use the discount code MWD888

                100% doing it myself and 100% accountable for what I do. No excuses. -- Sparky

                Find a seasoned mentor and learn. My biggest improvements have come not from hours of tedious research, but by listening to those who have been in the trenches -- Sparky

                Judges expect muscle but respect conditioning -- Sparky

                Comment


                • #9
                  HRT = Hormone replacement therapy.

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                  • #10
                    Natural?? whats that?? lol, hey man if u could stay away from gear then good for u.. now its become part of my life. sure there are risks involved but im willing to take em' while being careful and closely monitoring my health..and thats done by moderation and consistently getting bloodwork done.. and yes i do have aspirations of competing pro one day, but who doesnt? rite now im more concerned at qualifying for a national level show, thats my goal.. But i wont live the usual "im gonna be the next Mr. O" pipe dream either..

                    pudge
                    Last edited by pudge; 09-29-2004, 07:49 PM.
                    " A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men"

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                    • #11
                      I commend you on your commitment to stay clean, and KNOW that if you truly apply yourself and make some good diet and routine choices you will build a physique that will turn heads anywhere you go short of mid-level competive bodybuilding circles.

                      Iron Addict
                      www.ironaddicts.com

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