Steroids. It is a very negative word in the “real world”, but in the bodybuilding world it isn't given a second thought. It is an accepted thing that competitors will and do use performance enhancing drugs (steroids).
It is true that for decades bodybuilding athletes have used steroids to grow muscle faster, enhance recovery and allow them to lift heavier weight. When I competed in my first competition completely drug free as a way to have a goal for losing weight I found it to be a huge deal. As I stood waiting to hit the stage the woman who was the backstage manager looked at me and said “Honey, we should give you the first place trophy because you are the only one of these guys who didn't use drugs.” She said it in such a matter of fact way that for the first time it really became clear to me that steroids are just accepted in bodybuilding circles.
My personal stance on steroids is that it is a personal choice made by each competitor. I have no issue with someone taking risks with their own body as long as they are honest about it. it does bother me when someone is using steroids and they tell people who follow them that they are natural. It gives the wrong impression and can cause others to get hurt. At the same time, if you are going to be honest and admit tha tyou are using steroids, you also need to encourage people to thoroughly check things out before they also begin using. To me it is all about being responsible.
The fact that steroid use is accepted in bodybuilding circles causes me to wonder why people hide it in the first place. I suppose legal ramifications are one reason. You have to be careful who you trust in this world and that's probably why people keep their mouths shut about steroid use. That's my two cents!
