Guest guest Posted January 10, 2003 Report Share Posted January 10, 2003 I'm hoping that you all might clear up a debate that my fiance and I have been having! He believes that the bodybuilders we see in magazines have to use illegal steroids to get that size and that it can't happen naturally. I, feeling disappointed to hear him say this, tried my best to convince him otherwise. We decided to raise the issue here- Do the males or females in say, the Mr or Ms Olympia competition use steroids and still pass the drug tests? Do they even have drug tests in these competitions? I have always enjoyed reading Oxygen, MM, etc. (yes, I know-a lot of hype and marketing, but I still enjoy reading them) and hope he's wrong! Thanks, Gilbert Health Psych. Nova Southeastern University Ft. Lauderdale, FL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2003 Report Share Posted January 11, 2003 Gilbert: >.... Do Mr & Ms Olympia contestants use steroids?..... > ...I have always enjoyed reading Oxygen, MM, etc. (yes, I know-a lot of hype > and marketing, but I still enjoy reading them) and hope he [my fiance] is wrong! Something like 99% of them use steroids Serrano Ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2003 Report Share Posted January 11, 2003 I'm sorry to say that your fiance is absolutely correct on this issue. Professional competitions do not test with any kind of rigor (I believe they do not test at all), many compounds (Growth Hormone, Insulin) cannot be tested for, other drugs can be used for short periods of time and tapered off in order to pass a drug test. Perhaps the following link (although slightly extreme in it's implications) will be of interest. <http://www.anabolicreview.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s= & threadid=4731 & highlig\ ht=interview> As I am sure many in the group will also mention that bodybuilders in amateur competitions (NPC) are also heavy drug users. If your question was instead whether it is possible to attain their physiques naturally, the best answer I can give you is -- very highly unlikely, but not outside the realm of extreme possibility. There is a very good reason for why certain bodybuilding competitions are labeled as " natural " whereas others make no such specification. There is a clear implication that two levels of competition exists. In fact, many past winners and competitors have fully admitted to their use of illegal substances. Regards, Eugene Sanik Brooklyn, NY -------- Gilbert wrote: > I'm hoping that you all might clear up a debate that my fiance and I have > been having! He believes that the bodybuilders we see in magazines have to > use illegal steroids to get that size and that it can't happen naturally. I, > feeling disappointed to hear him say this, tried my best to convince him > otherwise. We decided to raise the issue here- > > Do the males or females in say, the Mr or Ms Olympia competition use > steroids and still pass the drug tests? > > Do they even have drug tests in these competitions? > > I have always enjoyed reading Oxygen, MM, etc. (yes, I know-a lot of hype > and marketing, but I still enjoy reading them) and hope he's wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2003 Report Share Posted January 11, 2003 Thanks to you all for replying to my question-I stand corrected! It's not the first and it won't be the last :-) I have to say that I am very disappointed. This news has changed my perspective about the women I see in magazines. I work hard in the gym every day and have for years, and my nutrition is well thought out and consistently clean. After wondering for years what the extreme difference between their lifestyle and my own must be for them to look like they do, I'm shocked! I feel a bit naive, but I will certainly feel much better about my own modest, yet honest results. Thanks again, Gilbert Clinical/Health Psych. Ft. Lauderdale, FL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2003 Report Share Posted January 14, 2003 Gilbert: <Thanks to you all for replying to my question-I stand corrected! It's not the first and it won't be the last :-) I have to say that I am very disappointed. This news has changed my perspective about the women I see in magazines. I work hard in the gym every day and have for years, and my nutrition is well thought out and consistently clean. After wondering for years what the extreme difference between their lifestyle and my own must be for them to look like they do, I'm shocked! I feel a bit naive, but I will certainly feel much better about my own modest, yet honest results.> I haven't bought a Bobybuilding rag for about 4 years now, so I don't know precisely what their stand point is now w.r.t. the steroid problem, but historically the non-Weider mags pre 1990s , and all of the mags since about the mid 90s ( straight after the Momo Benaziza incident), have been quite open in their criticism of the drug problem in our sport. The problem has been played down to a large extent, with the exception of MD & Ironman, mainly due to vested interest, i.e. the steroid freaks sell more mags, bodybuilders being what we are ( read more/bigger is better). Even the " fitness " babes are looking suspiciously muscular of late. Unfortunately I would suggest that you would have to compare yourself to the lady body builders of the late '70s - early 80s (the McLish era, early Cory Everson) , and possibly the early fitness era ('94 - '96) to get a realistic picture of where you stand progress wise. This is the unfortunate position BB in general, and woman's BB in particular, finds itself in, and things are only getting worse. It is my personal opinion that the 1980s was probably the peak i.t.o. pleasing women bodybuilders. I find muscular women attractive, but only Shrek would find the gargoylesque women of the 2002 Olympia attractive, IMHO. Far from denigrating you for being naive, I find it refreshing that there are still bodybuilders out there who don't even consider steroids a part of our sport. Way too many of my ex-students' first question is " How quickly will I grow without steroids? " closely followed by " And with them? " , which normally leads requests for steroids, hence the ex. Mark Hill Johannesburg, S Africa There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self. Aldous Huxley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2003 Report Share Posted January 14, 2003 Mark, A very well written reply. I have the exact same sentiments. I used to moderate a teen message board and it is amazing how many kids look up to these drug abusers. Many of them talk of steroids as if they are " no big deal. " At one point there was even a 16 year old kid selling steroids to other kids on the forums. The kids view these " professionals " as super athlete's who are experts, but the sad truth is far from that in most cases. I also had a rude awakening when i found out that the IFBB was a drug/porn laden industry. However, rather than yield to the ideal that I needed steroids to build a great body I resolved to build it without them and I am most happy with the results thusfar as I have been successful in my natural bodybuilding competitions I have entered. It just scares me to see how many 15 year olds are already planning their first cycle. Layne Norton Eckerd College St. Pete FL USA --------- Mark Hill wrote: > I haven't bought a Bobybuilding rag for about 4 > years now, so I don't know > precisely what their stand point is now w.r.t. the > steroid problem, but > historically the non-Weider mags pre 1990s , and all > of the mags since > about the mid 90s ( straight after the Momo Benaziza > incident), have > been quite open in their criticism of the drug > problem in our sport. > > The problem has been played down to a large extent, > with the exception > of MD & Ironman, mainly due to vested interest, i.e. > the steroid freaks > sell more mags, bodybuilders being what we are ( > read more/bigger is > better). > > Even the " fitness " babes are looking suspiciously > muscular of late. > > Unfortunately I would suggest that you would have to > compare yourself > to the lady body builders of the late '70s - early > 80s (the McLish era, > early Cory Everson) , and possibly the early fitness > era ('94 - '96) to > get a realistic picture of where you stand progress > wise. > > This is the unfortunate position BB in general, and > woman's BB in > particular, finds itself in, and things are only > getting worse. > > It is my personal opinion that the 1980s was > probably the peak i.t.o. > pleasing women bodybuilders. I find muscular women > attractive, but only > Shrek would find the gargoylesque women of the 2002 > Olympia > attractive, IMHO. > > Far from denigrating you for being naive, I find it > refreshing that > there are still bodybuilders out there who don't > even consider steroids > a part of our sport. Way too many of my > ex-students' first question is > " How quickly will I grow without steroids? " closely > followed by " And > with them? " , which normally leads requests for > steroids, hence the ex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2003 Report Share Posted January 14, 2003 Mark Hill wrote: > I haven't bought a Bobybuilding rag for about 4 years now, so I don't know > precisely what their stand point is now w.r.t. the steroid problem, but > historically the non-Weider mags pre 1990s , and all of the mags since > about the mid 90s ( straight after the Momo Benaziza incident), have > been quite open in their criticism of the drug problem in our sport. > > The problem has been played down to a large extent, with the exception > of MD & Ironman, mainly due to vested interest, i.e. the steroid freaks > sell more mags, bodybuilders being what we are ( read more/bigger is > better). They can be openly critical all they want. The fact is, until they start marking people down for looking too freaky, it's just going to get worse and worse. It's pretty pathetic. They should put in an athletic factor. Like they have to be able to run a 10k or something like that. Israel Richmond, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2003 Report Share Posted January 14, 2003 Israel wrote: <<They can be openly critical all they want. The fact is, until they start marking people down for looking too freaky, it's just going to get worse and worse. It's pretty pathetic.>> **** Exactly! The IFBB blames this on the fans, but I disagree. I have yet to attend any pro bodybuilding show where many members of the audience express concern for the health of the contestants and feel they would look just as good with less " enhancement. " <<They should put in an athletic factor. Like they have to be able to run a 10k or something like that.>> **** Years ago this used to be the case. In fact the aesthetic judging came after the strength contest. It usually required lifting weights or various other feats of strength. In fact, the contest was really strength with the bodybuilding part not being nearly as inportant. Somehow this changed, which is unfortunate. I don't know whether we can blame this on the Weiders or not. As far as the comments concerning teenagers and steroids, let's face facts. There is nothing more impressionable and hormone-ruled than a teenager. Although both sexes are a bit hormone-addled, boys seem to be worse. There is no creature on earth more stupid than a teenage boy. I thought so when I was a teenager and my opinion hasn't changed. What's changed is that it used to annoy me; now I find it amusing. Of course the use of steroids by this age group is not amusing, but it's not the only thing they show poor judgement about. We could list alchohol, tobacco, driving poorly, showing off to the point of endangering their lives, etc. I don't see any changes in this from the time when I was a girl until now except that now I am no longer the object for which some of these antics are performed. I would say that most teenage boys are NOT using steroids, at least by looking at them. Either that or they are getting junk or whatever they are doing is not working. There are a few jocks and Mr. O wannabes but the great majority is much more in danger from street drugs. As a friend of mine with a one year old boy remarked to me yesterday, his father claims that a grandchild is a reward for not eating your young, and frustration amongst parents is not new. Fortunately most people live through their youth. All you can really do as a parent is try to educate, then, if need be, grab the kid in a net before he/she splatters on the sidewalk. Rosemary Vernon, Editor Dolfzine On-Line Fitness, Inc.® A Not-For-Profit Foundation www.dolfzine.com Marina del Rey, CA IronRoses@... http://www.chuckietechie.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Mark and all others who have replied, Thanks for sharing your perspective on this issue-it has been both disappointing and a relief to learn that the fitness industry is merely an illusion of health. Your note, in particular, highlights the fact that I've been looking towards the wrong role models for motivation and inspiration. It has sickened me over the past week to think that after all of these years, I've admired these people for their hard work and dedication. This is yet another example of the strange, unrealistic, and unhealthy " ideal " that our society seems to establish for young men and women! My shock and disappointment also stems from my efforts in the past years to look towards " healthy " women for motivation as opposed to the " Cosmo " type women on the magazine covers. That I did, only to find out that these women are just as guilty as the others. I've decided that I'm going to estabish my own standards from now on, and if other women want to starve themselves or abuse drugs to look good, then they can do that. I'd rather have a healthier life and be able to have children. I'll never again wonder where these womens' hips went, read through their " typical daily menu " , or even buy one of these magazines again. (Actually, there are few magazines now that I WILL buy, so I guess I'll just have to resort to Home and Gardening!) By the way, I live in S. Florida and visit S. Beach often, where drugs, dieting, and plastic surgery are the norm. I had already been weary of what I'm often up against down here, but now I look at the people down here with new eyes!!! Rather than thinking, " Wow, he/she is in great shape " , I think to myself, " I wonder what he/she had to use to get like that? " [it is tragic how so many people here fail to appreciate that basing one's self-worth on transient physical appearance, material possessions and peer approval is so fragile and can be obliterated in one swift accident or incident. The Biblical saying that the " Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit " offers such solid advice to anyone who wishes to enjoy a wonderful life, no matter which religion or philosophy one follows. The body is a very sacred, very special place which houses and makes possible all that the non-physical aspects of life can offer. Add to this the ancient saying, " Sound Mind in a Sound Body " and we have a powerful formula for leading a pretty good life. All the steroids, surgery and strokes from other folks will never bestow anything which compares with that formula. Mel Siff] Thanks again, Gilbert Nova Southeastern University Ft. Lauderdale, FL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Israel wrote: <They should put in an athletic factor. Like they have to be able to run a 10k or something like that.> A bodybuilder run a 10k!? Haha.... oh, thanks for the laugh! [some bright bodybuilder might add: " A distance runner lift a heavy weight? What a laugh! " and we will be back to square one. He might even suggest running the 100m rather than a distance event - after all, who is to say what is superior - a fast 100m or a moderate 10k time? Mel Siff] I agree, there needs to be more " athletics " involved in the " sport " (is posing a sport??) of bodybuilding. I, too, dropped out of following bodybuilding several years ago and couldn't be happier. In fact, with my new Olympic lifting and sports training, I'm in much better shape and overall a better athlete then I was back in the days of " day 1: chest; day 2: back; " etc. I can remember being 11 or 12 years old with my first bodybuilding magazine in hand and my father telling me that the guys in the pictures all used steroids. " No they don't, dad, because they never mention steroids in any of the articles " was my passionate reply. Ahh... to be young and naive. Once I was older and found information on the " lifestyles " of a lot of these guys/gals, I remember thinking that was nothing I wanted any part of. Plus, an article in an old Muscle & Fitness about bodybuilding for sports was pathetic. The picture at the beginning was of two bodybuilders playing " one-on-one " and one of them was attempting a jump-shot. Oh man... to funny. He could barely get his arms over his head in the photo! I left bodybuilding a long time ago and, for my needs and my training, it was one of the best moves I made. Nate Mosher Albany, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 , I know how you feel. Another unfortunate effect of drug abuse is when someone does manage to achieve a great body without drugs...they are still accussed of it(I myself have had to deal with it). As a teen a few years ago I read flex regularly and followed all the training regimes but after 3 years of training wondered why I didn't look like the people in flex or at least the teens in flex. Then some not so naive bodybuilding sources of mine let me in on the secret...they were all on drugs. I was crushed. Bodybuilding was everything for me. I loved it...I love watching myself grow, I loved inflicting pain on myself in the gym. I felt like I had been cheated...or somehow jaded. Instead of turning to drugs I let this bitterness fuel my workouts and I got into natural bodybuilding and have had success with it thusfar (four 1st place finishes). As moderator of the teen message board at bodybuilding.com I am continuously frightened at how lightly teenagers take steroids or how many follow the advice of drug abusers. I have a quote by Fortney I'd like to share. Fortney is a writer for musclemonthly.com, and ex-bodybuilder turned competitive powerlifter who has trained with several professional bodybuilders... " Too many physique competitors rely on drugs to help them attain size. What happened to the days when groups of men would sit around a rack and squat all afternoon? Where are the Tom Platz's of our generation? Why do so few actually care to build a big bench anymore? Do young trainers today even know how to perform a deadlift? The mags present the pros as super athletes who know what they're doing. Truth is, most haven’t a clue as to why they are doing what they are. A few extensions here – set of pec decks there…three CCs of test in the butt...Wow! Look at me. I'm huge! " I think that sums it up quite nicely. Layne Norton Eckerd College St. Pete, FL USA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2003 Report Share Posted January 16, 2003 Hi I too was very disappointed to find the prevalence of drugs in modern bodybuilding. That is why I'm attracted to classic bodybuilding from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and in fact I prefer their style of physique. I doubt that they were using drugs (although some may have different info to burst my bubble). I'm under the impression that steroids didn't become prevalent until the late 1950s or early 1960s (please enlighten me if this is not the case). As for role models check out: http://www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/services/pudgy.html ..... for a photo of female bodybuilder " Pudgy " Stockton in 1946. I would suggest she is drug free and looks good. McBride University of Queensland Brisbane, Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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