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Hi this is dr mark p. i have submitted chapter 17 of my book for your enjoyment. thank you.
Chapter 17
Anabolic Steroids; damned if you do, and damned if you don’t
Why body build? I once read a quote somewhere by Boyer Coe where he replied to a similar question by saying; “it’s the only sport you can wear”. Of course it goes a lot deeper than that, even beyond the nonsensical reasoning as proposed by the lay public which alleges that our propensities for physical superiority compensate for our perceived frailties and insecurities; as though those chumps don’t have any of they’re own!
It is my contention that what drives us is to body build, is that we simply listen to a different drummer. We are not content to subsist with the status quo, and therefore identify with the unconventionally abstract reaching out to the fringes. If this separation in some way makes us feel superior, so be it.
Years ago my late brother Joey was taking an art night-class at the local junior college in Stockton, CA. One of his classmates happened to be former “Mr. America, Mr. Universe, Mr. World”-the late Chuck Sipes. Joey would tell me about the conversations the two would have during their breaks, which centered on bodybuilding. What I remember most about what he said of those conversations was Chuck’s self-proclamation describing himself by proclaiming “I’m an artist”. I marvel at the purity of that statement in regards to its true essence of what we are, existentially as bodybuilders! Ironically however, we tend to be dichotomous in regards to the value systems that we practice.
I recently encountered a saying on-line that I thought really captured the “by any means necessary” philosophy of the reality of mainstream bodybuilding-it went like this; “the moment you cheat for the sake of beauty, you know you’re and artist”. This adage however could also apply to those who opt for plastic surgery, no less the bodybuilder who opts to enhance his or her self chemically. Yet it is difficult to argue in contempt of the superficiality of either one. There is no denial that by opting to artificially enhance their appearances in either case-may in some ways improves quality of life by providing a heightened sense of purpose, confidence and self-image.
So where do we draw the line when it comes to making the choice between vanity and playing God? Its’ much too deep for me. In any case, I for one decided to put God on hold for a while so I could live the dream.
In the early eighties, it was quite easy to obtain quality prescription anabolic steroids through the black market. On several occasions I stacked Anadrol 50 (the real deal!) with Testosterone cypionate and Deca-durabolin. The results that I experienced were otherworldly. My bench press was going up literally ten pounds a week-week after week after week! The results I obtained were so off the charts that despite my obsessive compulsion for bodybuilding at the time-even I got scared! Even in light of my ignorance, I still reasoned that anything that good had to have a serious downside to it, so I backed off for awhile; from the “hard” drugs anyway.
For the short term, I guess I have to admit that the drugs paid off. Those old trophies of mine may not be worth two nickels; but they sure have a value attached to them that money can’t buy. If nothing else only because they represent the physical torture, abuse and sacrifice that I put my body through to get them.
Because of my own past personal use, it would be hypocrisy for me to condemn the use of anabolic steroids. I will state objectively however, that based on the long-term results of my own personal experiences with them, the means did not always necessarily justify the ends. In the long run, the results obtained just did not merit the investment or the potential health hazards that were at stake (which I suffered none).
Why do I feel this way? My most recent experience with the new system is attested as shown by the before and after photos to be posted on my website (work in progress). While muscle memory has accounted for much of this growth, the largest my arms had ever measured previously was 17 ½ ” cold. This was achieved however, by long-term steroid usage and training with excessively heavy weights. The growth that occurred much later eclipsed that measurement, and was steroid free. Back in the eighties considering what I thought to be a lack of genetics and my reliance on anabolic steroids, I would not have thought this achievement to be possible.
By notating my natural experience, I am in no way intending to discredit the indisputable merit of the effects of anabolic steroids; I am merely stating that by using the new system, I managed to attain measurements that were at least comparable to what they had been previously-without them.
When I first began bodybuilding in the late sixties’ early seventies’, many of the articles I picked up from the magazines at the time advocated training each muscle group as often as three times per week. Some articles even went so far as to advocate training each muscle group every day! It is no wonder that steroids became such a major part of bodybuilding back then. It probably did not occur to some of these misguided but well-intentioned athletes that over training was the primary reason for their need of steroids to improve their recovery abilities in the first place.
Anabolic steroids seem to have a strong effect on increasing the tensile strength of the connective tissues around the joints rendering them more capable of accommodating heavier poundage’s than they would be capable of otherwise. While these chemically induced increased strength levels ineffectively literally force the muscles to grow; attempting to achieve optimum growth by utilizing overly heavy poundage’s is not the most efficient means to do so. When only pushing heavy weight becomes the focus, increases in lean muscle mass become secondary. This is particularly true with the compound exercises. Rather, the focus should be on increasing the strength of the individual muscle groups on their own merit verses that of the connective tissues by training them merely to be able to push a lot of weight from point A to point B.
Apples for apples, there is still no denying that steroids certainly do enhance the facilitation of muscle growth better and faster than any over the counter supplement. In fact steroids produce results even in spite of improper training applications. But it is pointless for a neophyte trainee to consider using steroids at all unless they first understand the tenets of proper training. The pre-mature utilization of steroids is about as silly as the 130 lb. trainee in search of the super secret routine designed to put a split on their biceps, when they should be concerned with adding another 40 to 50 pounds of basic muscle to their frame first.
With or without steroids, inadequate training methods will impede the process of reaching ones individual genetic potential. The acquisition of muscle mass is a process involving a lot of work, strategy and patience, and the use of anabolic steroids is not necessarily the only requirement in order to achieve this goal.
While steroids do temporarily increase recovery ability, there is a point of diminishing returns. The drugs only work for so long, before the body builds up a tolerance to them. If the body is adequately nourished however, it will manufacture all the chemicals necessary to facilitate muscle growth indefinitely, when called upon to do so by the exposure of proper exercise.
While attempting to reduce body fat while dieting however, certain metabolic systems changes do occur that put the subject at risk of losing muscle tissue. Being in a negative calorie balance reduces the glycogen levels in the bloodstream, thus making it more difficult to maintain fullness in the muscles and to sustain the intense contractions necessary during heavy training. Proteins simply cannot be properly metabolized fast enough or efficiently enough in the presence of low blood sugar levels. This throws the body into a catabolic state, usually resulting in the loss of lean muscle mass.
This is a particular concern for the athlete who desires to maintain as much muscle as possible such as in the case of preparing for a bodybuilding competition. Just the same as it is important to keep protein and blood sugar levels consistently flowing throughout the day to achieve optimum results, the demands of extreme dieting paradoxically counter this condition when needed most while attempting to spare muscle while reducing body fat.
Contest preparation is an isolated instance when chemicals or other strong anabolic facsimiles are probably indicated in order to effectively maintain muscle mass to the degree necessary to be competitive by today’s standards. Bodybuilding shows are just a horse of a different color. When it comes to competition, it becomes a no holds barred arena; this is a time that when it comes down to rules-there are no rules. To paraphrase a major credit card commercial regarding the use of steroids and their importance to success in regards to real world bodybuilding competition; “don’t leave home without it”. I personally would not attempt to prepare for an open physique competition without them. I’d either do a natural show or I’d just stay home; which means that I’d just stay home.
Whether a trainee decides to train with or without the use of anabolic steroids, the new system will spare them the structural after effects often associated with the pounding onslaught of overtly heavy training. Even regardless of the efficacy of steroids, the one thing that remains for certain is that nothing; food, drug, potion or otherwise, is a substitute for proper training.
To compare oneself with an advanced bodybuilder who is way up there can be a little discouraging for the average trainee. Individual genetic considerations are a huge factor in determining the possible levels of development, and no two people will respond identically to the same physical or chemical stimuli. One should therefore measure their own individual rate of progress as a personal yardstick for improvement, competing with them selves rather than comparing themselves to others.
With the new system, progress is experienced with every single workout and a trainee will eventually gain as much muscle as they desire, with or without the use of drugs. Trainees who opt to train without drugs must surely become more methodical about their approach to training, and it will take longer for them to achieve the desired results. The results they do experience on the other hand will be more permanent and not contingently dependent on chemicals.
We can never be more than what we already are, and we must keep in mind that success is a journey not a destination. We should be prepared therefore, to meet the challenge of overcoming every obstacle that arises-every step of the way.
Chapter 17
Anabolic Steroids; damned if you do, and damned if you don’t
Why body build? I once read a quote somewhere by Boyer Coe where he replied to a similar question by saying; “it’s the only sport you can wear”. Of course it goes a lot deeper than that, even beyond the nonsensical reasoning as proposed by the lay public which alleges that our propensities for physical superiority compensate for our perceived frailties and insecurities; as though those chumps don’t have any of they’re own!
It is my contention that what drives us is to body build, is that we simply listen to a different drummer. We are not content to subsist with the status quo, and therefore identify with the unconventionally abstract reaching out to the fringes. If this separation in some way makes us feel superior, so be it.
Years ago my late brother Joey was taking an art night-class at the local junior college in Stockton, CA. One of his classmates happened to be former “Mr. America, Mr. Universe, Mr. World”-the late Chuck Sipes. Joey would tell me about the conversations the two would have during their breaks, which centered on bodybuilding. What I remember most about what he said of those conversations was Chuck’s self-proclamation describing himself by proclaiming “I’m an artist”. I marvel at the purity of that statement in regards to its true essence of what we are, existentially as bodybuilders! Ironically however, we tend to be dichotomous in regards to the value systems that we practice.
I recently encountered a saying on-line that I thought really captured the “by any means necessary” philosophy of the reality of mainstream bodybuilding-it went like this; “the moment you cheat for the sake of beauty, you know you’re and artist”. This adage however could also apply to those who opt for plastic surgery, no less the bodybuilder who opts to enhance his or her self chemically. Yet it is difficult to argue in contempt of the superficiality of either one. There is no denial that by opting to artificially enhance their appearances in either case-may in some ways improves quality of life by providing a heightened sense of purpose, confidence and self-image.
So where do we draw the line when it comes to making the choice between vanity and playing God? Its’ much too deep for me. In any case, I for one decided to put God on hold for a while so I could live the dream.
In the early eighties, it was quite easy to obtain quality prescription anabolic steroids through the black market. On several occasions I stacked Anadrol 50 (the real deal!) with Testosterone cypionate and Deca-durabolin. The results that I experienced were otherworldly. My bench press was going up literally ten pounds a week-week after week after week! The results I obtained were so off the charts that despite my obsessive compulsion for bodybuilding at the time-even I got scared! Even in light of my ignorance, I still reasoned that anything that good had to have a serious downside to it, so I backed off for awhile; from the “hard” drugs anyway.
For the short term, I guess I have to admit that the drugs paid off. Those old trophies of mine may not be worth two nickels; but they sure have a value attached to them that money can’t buy. If nothing else only because they represent the physical torture, abuse and sacrifice that I put my body through to get them.
Because of my own past personal use, it would be hypocrisy for me to condemn the use of anabolic steroids. I will state objectively however, that based on the long-term results of my own personal experiences with them, the means did not always necessarily justify the ends. In the long run, the results obtained just did not merit the investment or the potential health hazards that were at stake (which I suffered none).
Why do I feel this way? My most recent experience with the new system is attested as shown by the before and after photos to be posted on my website (work in progress). While muscle memory has accounted for much of this growth, the largest my arms had ever measured previously was 17 ½ ” cold. This was achieved however, by long-term steroid usage and training with excessively heavy weights. The growth that occurred much later eclipsed that measurement, and was steroid free. Back in the eighties considering what I thought to be a lack of genetics and my reliance on anabolic steroids, I would not have thought this achievement to be possible.
By notating my natural experience, I am in no way intending to discredit the indisputable merit of the effects of anabolic steroids; I am merely stating that by using the new system, I managed to attain measurements that were at least comparable to what they had been previously-without them.
When I first began bodybuilding in the late sixties’ early seventies’, many of the articles I picked up from the magazines at the time advocated training each muscle group as often as three times per week. Some articles even went so far as to advocate training each muscle group every day! It is no wonder that steroids became such a major part of bodybuilding back then. It probably did not occur to some of these misguided but well-intentioned athletes that over training was the primary reason for their need of steroids to improve their recovery abilities in the first place.
Anabolic steroids seem to have a strong effect on increasing the tensile strength of the connective tissues around the joints rendering them more capable of accommodating heavier poundage’s than they would be capable of otherwise. While these chemically induced increased strength levels ineffectively literally force the muscles to grow; attempting to achieve optimum growth by utilizing overly heavy poundage’s is not the most efficient means to do so. When only pushing heavy weight becomes the focus, increases in lean muscle mass become secondary. This is particularly true with the compound exercises. Rather, the focus should be on increasing the strength of the individual muscle groups on their own merit verses that of the connective tissues by training them merely to be able to push a lot of weight from point A to point B.
Apples for apples, there is still no denying that steroids certainly do enhance the facilitation of muscle growth better and faster than any over the counter supplement. In fact steroids produce results even in spite of improper training applications. But it is pointless for a neophyte trainee to consider using steroids at all unless they first understand the tenets of proper training. The pre-mature utilization of steroids is about as silly as the 130 lb. trainee in search of the super secret routine designed to put a split on their biceps, when they should be concerned with adding another 40 to 50 pounds of basic muscle to their frame first.
With or without steroids, inadequate training methods will impede the process of reaching ones individual genetic potential. The acquisition of muscle mass is a process involving a lot of work, strategy and patience, and the use of anabolic steroids is not necessarily the only requirement in order to achieve this goal.
While steroids do temporarily increase recovery ability, there is a point of diminishing returns. The drugs only work for so long, before the body builds up a tolerance to them. If the body is adequately nourished however, it will manufacture all the chemicals necessary to facilitate muscle growth indefinitely, when called upon to do so by the exposure of proper exercise.
While attempting to reduce body fat while dieting however, certain metabolic systems changes do occur that put the subject at risk of losing muscle tissue. Being in a negative calorie balance reduces the glycogen levels in the bloodstream, thus making it more difficult to maintain fullness in the muscles and to sustain the intense contractions necessary during heavy training. Proteins simply cannot be properly metabolized fast enough or efficiently enough in the presence of low blood sugar levels. This throws the body into a catabolic state, usually resulting in the loss of lean muscle mass.
This is a particular concern for the athlete who desires to maintain as much muscle as possible such as in the case of preparing for a bodybuilding competition. Just the same as it is important to keep protein and blood sugar levels consistently flowing throughout the day to achieve optimum results, the demands of extreme dieting paradoxically counter this condition when needed most while attempting to spare muscle while reducing body fat.
Contest preparation is an isolated instance when chemicals or other strong anabolic facsimiles are probably indicated in order to effectively maintain muscle mass to the degree necessary to be competitive by today’s standards. Bodybuilding shows are just a horse of a different color. When it comes to competition, it becomes a no holds barred arena; this is a time that when it comes down to rules-there are no rules. To paraphrase a major credit card commercial regarding the use of steroids and their importance to success in regards to real world bodybuilding competition; “don’t leave home without it”. I personally would not attempt to prepare for an open physique competition without them. I’d either do a natural show or I’d just stay home; which means that I’d just stay home.
Whether a trainee decides to train with or without the use of anabolic steroids, the new system will spare them the structural after effects often associated with the pounding onslaught of overtly heavy training. Even regardless of the efficacy of steroids, the one thing that remains for certain is that nothing; food, drug, potion or otherwise, is a substitute for proper training.
To compare oneself with an advanced bodybuilder who is way up there can be a little discouraging for the average trainee. Individual genetic considerations are a huge factor in determining the possible levels of development, and no two people will respond identically to the same physical or chemical stimuli. One should therefore measure their own individual rate of progress as a personal yardstick for improvement, competing with them selves rather than comparing themselves to others.
With the new system, progress is experienced with every single workout and a trainee will eventually gain as much muscle as they desire, with or without the use of drugs. Trainees who opt to train without drugs must surely become more methodical about their approach to training, and it will take longer for them to achieve the desired results. The results they do experience on the other hand will be more permanent and not contingently dependent on chemicals.
We can never be more than what we already are, and we must keep in mind that success is a journey not a destination. We should be prepared therefore, to meet the challenge of overcoming every obstacle that arises-every step of the way.
