Shapeinmind

We’ve all seen the guys and gals on Instagram or television who are shredded, and think: how do they get so big? What are they taking? What do they take to get so ripped? Today’s post will give you a better understanding of steroids, the different types, and our weigh-in on the subject:

Anabolic steroids, commonly called “roids, juicing, are powerful prescription drugs that people use / abuse to boost their athletic performance or physical aesthetics (this includes creatine). To be clear; anabolic steroids are not the same as steroid medications, such as prednisone or hydrocortisone, that are legitimately used to treat asthma and inflammation of the skin or other body parts. Steroid medications have been known to help people fight cancers and other forms of illnesses, under a hospitalised setting.

Anabolic means body-building tissue and helps build muscle tissue by increasing body mass by acting like the body’s natural male hormone, testosterone. However, it’s important to note that steroids cannot improve an athlete’s agility or skill. Many factors determine athletic ability, including genetics, body size, age, sex, diet and how hard the athlete trains. Today, more of us are using steroids to achieve a specific look, but, few look at the consequences that can arise from taking these consequential medications.

The number one reason we at ShapeInMind see people choose to use anabolic steroids is in hopes of more rapid muscle gains from their workout program. The temptation can be big, especially if you see others at the gym taking them with huge results. But at what cost?

According to studies, approximately 50% of the investigations show significant improvements in strength measurements with steroid treatment, whereas the remainder show indefinite effects. That means that only 1 in every 2 people who take steroids only see the affects. There is additionally no substantial evidence to support the use of anabolic steroids for improving aerobic work capacity. Anabolic steroids have shown numerous health problems that you may or may not have heard of. Although there have been only rare reports of severe or life-threatening side effects in athletes who have abused steroids, such side effects may not appear evident until 20 years or more of widespread steroid abuse.

Anabolic steroids cause many different types of problems. Some of the common side effects are:

• increased risk of developing heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and some types of cancer
• acne
• premature balding or hair loss
• weight gain
• mood swings
• aggression
• problems sleeping
• high blood pressure
• greater chance of injuring muscles and tendons
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin); liver damage
• stunted growth

Risks for Females

Specific risks for girls associated with anabolic steroids include:

• increased facial and body hair growth
• development of masculine traits, such as deepening of the voice, and loss of feminine body characteristics, such as shrinking of the breasts
• enlargement of the clitoris
• menstrual cycle changes

Risks for Males

Specific risks for guys include:

• testicular shrinkage
• pain when urinating
• breast development
• impotence (inability to get an erection)
• reduced sperm count and infertility

Steroids can also have serious psychological side effects. Some users may become aggressive or combative, believe things that aren’t true (delusions), or have extreme feelings of mistrust or fear (paranoia). And people who use steroids also appear to be at higher risk for using other drugs, such as alcohol or cocaine, often to counteract some of the negative effects of steroids.

Our final thoughts? Yes, you may see some muscle improvements from steroids or creatine, but at what cost? Besides this, how do you know that the muscle you gain will keep its form an shape in years to come? It’s just not wort it… I know MANY athletes that are in picture-perfect shape who don’t use medications, and what’s more, they’re happier. You should never feel like you need something to get you to the way you want to look an feel. You can get enough protein and minerals simply by eating the right foods!

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful, if not for you, maybe someone else close to you.

Cheers for now,

Liam