Im just curious, because the more and more I find out who does it...the more it seems people treat it like a taboo.

So do you hide it from people? if they ask would you tell them?

I mean I know a few guys who are open about it, but other will lie up and down about being all natural when they arent.

If you do lie, whats the reasoning? Societys views on how its cheating? you want to be viewed as all natural to impress?

Just curious and want to dive into your brains a bit...

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

Hey...you might not want to drive in some of our brains....I'm pretty sure there's a circus going on in YETS Cranium....LOL

I'm very open about everything I've tried....No reason to lie about it!
I think some think that you'll discount all the hard work they've put in, if they admit to using synthetic "help".

That's my guess anyhow....Don't really know why people lie without good reason.

Current Stack: HDROL,Celltech,Superpump 250, Glutamine,Beta alanine,Whey protein.

No, never have but won't usually tell people down the gym because you know the automatic response would be ''Oh so that's why you're lifting etc etc'' disregarding all the effort put in throughout time.

''If one is after quick results one never learns an art.''

Erich Fromm

if i ever did i would'nt care to tell if someone asked

at my gym where  work i just say i use a natty test booster if anyone asks..friends i tell them..other than that its no one elses business imo..just like people who do recreational drugs

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

People already think I'm taking steroids when they see me dead lift anyway, so if/when I do take them I really have no reason to lie.  My main response when people accuse me of steroid use is "wait till I actually do take them" ....then what are they gonna say?  Super steroids?

steroids on steroids. The new super steroids.

I mean I have just never understood why people lie about it, its like one of those things thats common enough...but a lot of people will still lie about it.

This isnt coming from this board either, all though im sure we have some lurking around who would lie.

some of the guys I play football with accuse me of taking them, and my response is similar to chalkys. "just wait until I actually do start taking them."

But I dunno, just wanted to get a discussion going and see what you guys thought.

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

But why do you feel that way?

Yeah I suppose it really is no one elses business...but, why do you feel the need to hide what your really doing?

Do you think they will judge you differently?

Creation


at my gym where  work i just say i use a natty test booster if anyone asks..friends i tell them..other than that its no one elses business imo..just like people who do recreational drugs

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

absolutely because most people are uneducated about how steroids/prohormones work.

The average person thinks oh hey they take steroids thats how they got their size blah blah blah, but they dont know how much i gained without them and how hard i work whether im on them or not.

And being a trainer i dont want it circulating that "oh hey look that trainer takes steroids/Ph's"  valid this is true but its not good for business if you know what i mean.

I will admit if i trust someone i will maybe share stuff with them and some guys at my gym we shoot the **** all the time about what they are taking etc. and i do always mention a test booster with random people  cause that part is half true. ( ie novadex xt or Inhibit-e because both of these products work awsome) most the time its situational i suppose now that im thinking about it lol

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

I've been accused of taking them plenty of times. Especially when my body-weight jumped from 130 to 170 in less than a year, I actually considered buying a shirt that I saw online that says "No, I'm not on steroids. Thanks for asking though".

My response was "if compound movements, progressive resistance, and food is considered a steroid consider me guilty".

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

honestly if someone lied about what they take in real life, chances are they're going to lie on here...

Goals:
-Find more time to get to the gym..

Steroids and almost all PH's excluding a few that were missed are illegal.  Although I doubt telling someone would be cause to worry about being investigated but there is a stigma associated with using steroids.. lots of serious hard core lifters understand the reasoning behind it but to the average guy/ gal in the gym, they look at you as if you're doing something horrible almost as if you're hardened criminal... 
 
I can understand anyone's reasoning for not telling anyone.. I know I wouldn't want to be looked at as if I were a criminal freak simply because I wanted to help move the muscle building process to a higher level..

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

This thread has nothing to do with me... If I took steroids, with my genetics  I would absolute basically turn into a man...

However I posted because 1 of my life's philosophies is, if I can not openly admit to the general public what I am doing, I shouldn't be doing it (stigmas, snap judgments  and stereo types be damned)... that includes any illegal recreation drugs I might enjoy... the moment I feel I need to lie about my habits, is the moment I will have to quit...

The only thing I hide (by omission) with you guys is all the crappy food I eat.  I tried to be honest once and got flamed horribly.  For me personally it would take all the fun out of the challenge to be on steroids.  I'm happy with the progress I've made taking the "natural" route, and am confidents I have much much more progress to be made.  I take great pride in what I have done without help,  I don't brag about it, but it makes me feel good about myself.  I know I should chalk a lot of my success to decent genetics though.  And I realize that some of the supps in my stack don't make me what I think would be a "pure natural" who just ate real food from the grocery store.  I take creatine, protein powder, vitamins, glutamine, so if I were to be a stickler, those are probably helping.  But I draw a definite line at steroids.  For my personal competition to be my best, that would be outside the rules.

I think some people lie about it for the ego trip. They know that they could not be where they are naturally (otherwise, why would they take them) but they make believe that they work so much harder than someone who trains just as hard as they do naturally, but cant get that far. its like saying, I can do this but you cant. Im better than you are.

williemon


I think some people lie about it for the ego trip. They know that they could not be where they are naturally (otherwise, why would they take them) but they make believe that they work so much harder than someone who trains just as hard as they do naturally, but cant get that far. its like saying, I can do this but you cant. Im better than you are.

The above is a really offensive statement.... I'm not sure who you've ran into or hang around with that  has that attitude but I personally have never had that experience. with anyone using anabolics..
 
there may be a small percentage that have that attitude but not many.... and I would go as far to say that the ones that do, probably have no business or need for even using anabolics.. for the most part, those taking illegal pharmaceuticals don't just walk around disclosing it to every and anyone who asks them. 
 
In reality... if you can't look at someone face to face and determine if they're taking anabolics then you really have no business asking...
 
Hardway... I'm happy that you have the type of life where you feel you have no need  to keep anything you're doing personal for fear of losing a job or being looked down on by your employer or others in your community.  And I know you didn't directly say you had a problem with those who choose not to disclose personal information but from the tone of your post, it seems that way.. Not everyone is in that position and could have multiple negative repurcussions that effect their life form doing so..  Not everyone wants to live their life as an open book for any and all to read..

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

i know a kid that lies and says he is on them when he isnt lol

also i dont regular people that i take creatine anymore.  If its someone whos into training or asking advice ill tell them but your average joe will always come bakc with "oh that means you just have water muscles."  and im tired of dealin with ignorance.

working on explosive phase
vertical: 35
weight: 206

Big 3: 300/440/515

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.

I wanted to add a little more about my thoughts on steroids.  When I say I am against them, I'm against them for me and for now.  I don't think I'll ever take them, but I would never say never only to have to eat my words later on.  But I don't see it happening.

If others choose to take them, that is their choice, and I respect that.  Different people have different goals and are willing to do different things.  I am actually quite refreshed and humbled by the honesty people on DBB have about their use of steroids.  To me honesty and sincerity trump anything else about a person.  If you're honest with me, I couldn't care less what else you do, I want to be your friend.

That being said, sometimes when I hear a person is contemplating steroids, I get a little disappointed.  I think, "Wow, they did so much with what they'd been given.  Why the need for that?"  And I'll be honest, a lot of what I do on this site is "check people out," to see how they compare to me.  I always want to know how I measure up.  I realize everyone's putting in a ton of work, but to be frank, I place a discount on certain things that don't apply to me, the "Yeah, but"s:  "Yeah, but he's done a cycle or two." "Yeah, but he's 4 inches shorter than me."  "Yeah, but he's 19 and I'm 46.  He's got T oozing out everywhere."  So in that regard, again, honesty helps me in my assessment of my own potential.

On the subject of sport and in particular my chosen sport of bodybuilding, in my opinion it is unfortunate that the playing field is not level and that those willing to take, imo, dangerous risks reap rewards not available to thus unwilling to risk their health.  I know there are levels of risk and PHs can't be lumped with the more potent stuff, but I do think drugs in sports in totally out of control.  I mean if you want to take something to look better that's one thing.  But to take it to have a leg up on the competition on the field or stage or wherever, is unfortunate.  But it seems unstoppable.

Anyway, my very verbose 2c.

Hardway... I'm happy that you have the type of life where you feel you have no need to keep anything you're doing personal for fear of losing a job or being looked down on by your employer or others in your community. And I know you didn't directly say you had a problem with those who choose not to disclose personal information but from the tone of your post, it seems that way.. Not everyone is in that position and could have multiple negative repurcussions that effect their life form doing so.. Not everyone wants to live their life as an open book for any and all to read..

My posting tone seems to be worse than usual these days, and it was never great to begin with.

Open book not necessarily, but if you need to continually lie about your activities, then there is either something wrong with the activity, the hold it has over you, how makes you feel privately, if no one ever knew, as well as publicly, if you were found out... If you can't admit to even your gym buddies that you are on a performance  enhancer, of the severe kind...  well, you know it's your call, I don't really care one way or another... but I do believe some type of inward reflection is necessary, because that does not sound like particularly healthy (mental health that is) way to live life.

And I am sure I just pissed you off even more Smound...

RS: WTF? LOL.

I'm not anti-steroid, I even help people out when they mention taking them by recommending a few things I've learned on other boards and through my 3 years of research. But, on the other hand, when I refuse to help someone with it I feel it's a careless decision on their own part.

Steroids are misunderstood.. you seriously still have to work hard when on them, they don't build muscle for you, they basically just help you out. I don't disrespect anyone that has taken them before, I'm sure the powerlifters with 900lb deadlifts wouldn't be weak if they didn't take steroids. I'm sure Arnold wouldn't have been scrawny if he didn't take them.. he might not have been as big, but definitely not small.

It's entirely up to the person. I myself wouldn't deny if I was on them, but smoundzou brings up a good point when mentioning that if you're on them, you're considered the anti-Christ by people, mainly those that don't have full understanding. The only steroid I would approve of, as mentioned, is Epistane. I feel it's probably one of the safest ones (although none are safe) and you'll see great gains.

Remember that if someone claims or even succeeds in adding 30 lbs of muscle on a 10 week cycle, probably around half of it is probably water bloat.  That is because testosterone increases estrogen (which can be blocked to an extend with Epistane, as mentioned) which causes you to hold extra water and other nutrients inside the muscle cells in your muscles giving the temporary appearance of hypertrophy (not all is temporary, but some).  This is also the principle cause of the result "gynecomastia", in which some of us gain naturally through puberty. 8 out of 10 men are  believed to suffer from this to an extent.

Steroids also can stimulate more glycogen storage in your muscle which also accounts for extra water inside the muscle.   It increases red blood cell production and hemoglobin (the oxygen molecule/protein molecule in the red blood cells that carries oxygen molecules to the capillaries) which causes more blood volume and sodium uptake so that more water is held under the skin which can result in the "mood face" steroid users get.  Compromise of all of this can lead to the significant pump you get even when you aren't working out.

You will also lose muscle slowly for months afterwards if you are not near your genetic limit (which is why this can serve as counterproductive) simply because your body is not ready to maintain the conditions it had with the synthetic anabolic assistance. If you continue to use steroids, your androgens can become clogged, thus resulting in lower production of testosterone when off steroids and this results in the demand of steroid usage after your first few cycles.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

The problem I've had in the past is that once you come off it it's hard to know that you're going into the gym putting in the same effort getting half the results.

''If one is after quick results one never learns an art.''

Erich Fromm

And I didn't like the trial and error process with the serms.

''If one is after quick results one never learns an art.''

Erich Fromm

RollingStone


i know a kid that lies and says he is on them when he isnt lol

also i dont regular people that i take creatine anymore.  If its someone whos into training or asking advice ill tell them but your average joe will always come bakc with "oh that means you just have water muscles."  and im tired of dealin with ignorance.

Agree. I have morons who give me a hard time for even taking protein. Anyhow if anyone asks me what im taking when im doing so i tell them and if they start with the stupid smart @$$ remarks or questions then i them to shut up and stop wasting my time.

With my goals in mind its almost required I be on something for some time to put on some extra muscle, get stronger...

Ill be honest, I WANT to take them...the problem is I dont know anyone personally to give me a step by step "hold my hand" walk through on everything for my first time. I would love to be able to accomplish my goals naturally, but its really out of the question.

I agree with a lot of what smoundzou says, I have seen it myself. People really judge others who take them. Harshly.

"He without sin casts the first stone" applies here I think.

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

N$ we all got your back man trust me i know of atleast 5 guys on here who really know their ****'

and im even majoring in the science about the body


"He without sin casts the first stone" ... I really like this quote

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

too young too inexperienced too EXPENSIVE too much risk too little training for steroids i dont ever wanna take em creatine and whey protein is good enough at the moment

219 weight trying to lower 217 now. 2 months later. lol.
250 bench
305 squat
345 deadlift

 

thehardway

My posting tone seems to be worse than usual these days, and it was never great to begin with.

Open book not necessarily, but if you need to continually lie about your activities, then there is either something wrong with the activity, the hold it has over you, how makes you feel privately, if no one ever knew, as well as publicly, if you were found out...

 
The only thing currently wrong with steroids is a very small portion of the population abused them and that small population were already being paid millions of dollars each year being a professional athlete.. They are illegal and anyone who has any sense what so ever needs to continually lie about using them.  Although like i said before, I don't think there are steroid police lurking around each corner looking for people to arrest but they are a controlled substance and our legal system doesn't take well to those who use them illegally.. many people are rotting away in prisons due to having a drug habit.. which in itself is crazy..
 
As far as having a hold on anyone.. I'm fairly confident Steroids are not physically addicting.. Pot is illegal yet people smoke it every day and most who do function fine.. .. But those who choose to smoke it don't go to their place of employment and broadcast it to the entire staff?  At least not the ones who want to keep their job.. What's the difference?  Just because they choose to keep it private and smoke it on a recreational level doesn't mean there is something wrong with them, or they should give it up because they don't want to let everyone know..
 

thehardway
If you can't admit to even your gym buddies that you are on a performance  enhancer, of the severe kind...  well, you know it's your call, I don't really care one way or another...  
 but I do believe some type of inward reflection is necessary, because that does not sound like particularly healthy (mental health that is) way to live life.

And I am sure I just pissed you off even more Smound...

 
I guess that depends on your definition of a gym buddy?  Does that mean personal friend that you interact with outside the gym?  Or, is it just someone you happen to train with a few days week.. huge difference.. I have dozens of "gym buddies" but non I actually consider personal friends, at least not on the level I would want to share personal information with such as using drugs that have been deemed illegal by our government.. And I hardly think that's mentally unhealthy.. more less, mentally savvy.. I trained with a guy on and off for a couple of months and had no idea he was a deputy sheriff.. He was a gym buddy.. what if i had of decided to share my personal information with him regarding steroids.. ?? chances are nothing would have happened but there is also that chance that I might have ended up being investigated for possession of illegal drugs and prosecuted..
 
And no, I'm not pissed off at all, for some reason after reading your posts over the years I had arrived at the conclusion that you were farily open minded and non-judgemental regarding peoples personal decision .. but your posts in this thread have made me think otherwise..
 

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

No, I meant real buddies, genuine friends, not acquaintances.

Like I said I don't care what people do... I just think just like any other substance that drastically alters your bodies chemistry, there is an escalated risk of ABUSE, misuse... and to a certain degree mental dependency (like Adam eluded to).

SO when I say that if you can't tell people about it you should look inward a bit, I mean that in the most genuine way... If you need to HIDE it, from real people (and I don't mean be a town crier about it either, shouting to any one in ear shot HEY LOOK AT ME I TAKE STEROIDS, but if a real person whom you are close to asks), then yes I think the person in question, should really look at how, and why, they are taking steroids, and do a self evaluation... just like if your hiding a 5 th of jim beam in your toilet tank, so you can take a nip when no one is looking.... That is what I am trying to get at.... that is what I mean by mentally healthy.

I also do understand that there is terrible ignorance and stigma associated with steroids and Ph's and disclosure opens up a whole host of potentially annoying conversations, and misunderstandings... and that is something you don't necessarily want to start... I get that, I understand that... but if you feel the need to hide it from everyone... I fear that imaginary person in question is not in the place mentally to take them.. or need to at least step back and really evaluate where they are, and why they are doing what they are doing...

It's 3 am I am still at work I still have HOURS of work to do... i feel I am explaining myself very badly, my 5 minutes of internet zen break, has turned out as badly as the whole rest of my Saturday night... I can't explain what I mean properly, I could speak it, but not write it... not now anyway...

I have much less fear of police and getting casually arrested than you do and i think that factors into why your not getting me... The illegality of steroids has not once factored into anything I have said, one way or the other...

The only thing I am concerned with is people being open and honest with people that care about them. If you choose to try to revert you hormonal systems back to those of a teenager, x2 (or 25), your are working with powerful stuff, it does effect you, besides just assisting in growing muscle.

Many people here have terrible self esteems, and I am sure for half of them that is why they started bbing in the first place, when such powerful emotionally charged stimulus is super charged by a chemical fix (no I know it's not a fix, I know you need to work to have good affect), the potential for mental dependancy comes into play... and you have to keep on top of that...

and yeah, every one I have ever worked for has know I recreationally smoke pot, so do my parents (and they don't), now I work in weird work environments... exclusively, but I am also a serial long term employee, I have been at this job for 7 years my past for like 5 (left on my terms), kept my high school job through college, even though it was minimal work, and I had to travel to go back...but yes I am unusual, and admittedly not always wise.

I swear to GOD, if I am here when the morning shift shows up, because i am arguing with you (of all people), because I keep needing to justify or explain my words proerly, so you understand what I mean... I am holding you personally responsible.... (even though it will be entirely my fault... lol)

Get to work slacker

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"