The Other Side of the Drug

In an article entitled "Sympathy for the Devil: everything you thought you knew about steroids is wrong," LA Weekly's Steven Kotler separates fact from myth and fiction on the subject of anabolic steroids as used by mature adult males (not teens, or women). Following the research and perspective advanced in Legal Muscle, this article will shock most casual readers. An excerpt: "What I found interesting ... is that when steroid-related complications are compared to complications from other radical cosmetic practices like liposuction or breast augmentation, the statistics show across the board that elective surgeries produce far more problems, and far more serious ones at that. What I found more interesting was that unlike these cosmetic practices, steroids hold real promise. Plastic surgery may hide wrinkles by cutting them out, but steroids might actually make you feel younger from the inside out. All of which raises the question: If steroids are not nearly as bad for us as we’ve been led to believe, and if they show far more potential as anti-aging medicine than anything else currently available, then what the hell is the problem?" (Read the Full Article Here)

GirlsGotLegs on Fleshbot

Click image to visit Fleshbot
And it probably goes without saying that yes, she knows how to use them. Actually, all the girls featured on New York CIty female physique photographer extraordinaire Brian Moss' new fetish-flavored paysite seem to be quite adept in the gam department.

Whether that involves clenching their massive thighs (we did mention that Moss' work generally stars female bodybuilders, right?) or simply taking off their stockings and shoes to show off their finely tuned calf muscles. If you prefer your legs attached to willowy supermodel types you might want to look elsewhere, but if you like your women to look like they'd sooner kick your ass than lift their stocking-clad heels in the air for you without a serious fight, you've come to the right place.

Ted Haggard’s Spiritual Rehab

I've resisted writing about Ted Haggard's tawdry tale of debauchery until now. Although I'll admit that there is a certain pleasure in seeing such a hypocrite exposed, the situation mostly just makes me sad. It is deeply distressing that there are religious leaders such as Mr. Haggard whose zealotry actually springs from self-hatred.

But I felt I had to write about Haggard in response to reports that he would undergo spiritual restoration - a kind of spiritual rehab. The program of restoration that Christian fundamentalists employ in such cases actually shares some similarities with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, a process that I obviously believe in deeply.

As reported on CNN and elsewhere, Haggard's spiritual restoration plan will consist of four basic steps. Somehow, I doubt that I will be on the short list for Haggard's recovery team but here is how I would advise him to undertake the steps suggested by his community.

Submit to the authority of spiritual counselors
Ted, only submit to those who are accepting of all people, regardless of their race, income, gender or sexual preference. In a religious organization that condemns so many, you will find many people like yourself who cannot be honest about who they are. Otherwise, why would they be so judgmental toward others?

Admit your sins
Ted, you need to keep an open mind about what sin really is. You believe homosexuality to be a sin but it is fundamentally who you are. How are you to recover through self-hatred? Living a lie is sinful while accepting yourself is recovery.

Make restitution
Ted, you certainly have harmed your family by living a lie and I know you are eager to make restitution to them. But you have also deeply harmed countless young gay people by telling them that their identity is sinful and, even worse, changeable. You doubtless have tried for years to repress your identity as a gay man and know that it is inherently who you are and who you will always be. You can make restitution by accepting yourself and speaking publicly about how harmful it is to live in the closet.

Be humbled
Well, Ted, you've got this one covered.

But I fear that Ted's spiritual rehabilitation program will not be particularly effective. Apparently Jimmy Swaggert took these same steps after being caught with a prostitute but later "relapsed." Dr. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church said recently on CNN that Haggard "...must get back into church simply as a member of the congregation...I would say it's going to be an uphill climb."

I truly don't mean to make light of Mr. Haggard's downfall. It seems likely that, in addition to being a self-hating gay man, he has a substance abuse problem and needs help. It is available to him if he embraces rigorous honesty. I pray that he accepts who he is and learns that it is possible to live a life of integrity as a gay man.

New Orleans Lives On - Looking Back

Looking back one year ago, has that much changed since this article was originally written? Lend us your commentary...

New Orleans lives on in those who love the city

By WRIGHT THOMPSON

The Kansas City Star

The water's still rising, filling up the neutral ground, washing over the restaurants where generations of families have broken bread. It's nearing the French Quarter, sweeping away 300 years of history. For those of us who love New Orleans -- people like me who've lived there and others who've just visited -- it's simply heartbreaking. Sandbags drop, helicopters circle, politicians plot and, all the while, the murky water keeps rising, impervious.

The most immediate tragedy is the loss of life, and of fortunes. But as I opened my paper on day three, I saw former mayor Marc Morial finally put words to every current or one-time New Orleanean's worst fear.

"We've lost our city," he said, sadly.

That's the thing no one has wanted to consider. That New Orleans might be gone forever. That whatever they build in its place won't be the same. It might look sort of similar, you know, in a studied way, but with the funky spots and easy vibes torn away. The fun of dancing at F&M's late into the night was its organic vitality, built by time and convenience and not by corporate mandate. Some cities are created. New Orleans evolved. So for the past week, I've tried to find out what happened to the places special to me.

I've sat in front of my television, scanning the photos flashing on the screen, looking for something familiar. But nothing seems familiar. It's like another place, some waterlogged cousin of the city I once knew. I've looked for Galatoires, and for Jacques-Imos, and for my friend Jeff Duncan's house. I can't get in touch with him. He covers the Saints so I know he's safe, but also I know the despair he feels over an Uptown shotgun he's lovingly turned into a dream home. I've tried to check on my cousin, Charles, but communication's shoddy. Phones don't work. All circuits are busy right now. Surely he evacuated, right? I've tried to find the French Quarter hotel where my father and I vacationed for the last time together. I can still see him sitting in the muggy courtyard, reading the newspaper, drinking a Diet Dr Pepper.

I look, but all I see is water. Wave upon wave of water, and of destruction, as the sea reclaims what was once hers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I remember walks down the French Market, café au lait in hand and sugary beignet dust on my shirt, looking up as boats passed by on the river. The water was always there, a constant threat, a heavyweight boxer taking a breather in his corner. Everyone knew that the city lived at the mercy of the gods. Maybe that's why it was always a little off-kilter. Living on borrowed time can do that. Now, as the aerial shots show the town becoming a lake, I wonder: is that old coffee stand still there? Is Molly's at the Market, a journo bar across the street, still serving drinks?

Or are they gone?

There were lazy days at City Park, where fathers and sons played golf. It's reportedly under water, and my friend Colleen lives nearby. Her house was the spot of the kickingest Mardi Gras party you ever saw, with crawfish and potatoes and corn and booze flowing. The editor of the paper would show up on his bike, adding to the laid-back feel. Now, as reporters do stand-ups on hotel parking garages, I wonder: Is her house even there? Is the living room, where so many SEC football games were watched, safe?

Or are they gone?

I loved long meals at a catfish joint named Middendorf's, along I-55, about 20 miles out of town. It was a family place. My grandparents Thompson ate there on their honeymoon, which was in New Orleans. My father and I talked of that catfish constantly, driving hours out of our way to sneak in a plate, begging to go back to the kitchen to see the old ladies deftly working filet knives, churning out paper thin strips of fish. It sat on the water, already one foot in the swamp, and, as the news cycles come and go, I wonder if I'll ever lounge in that quaint dining room again. Are those old ladies and their restaurant dry?

Or are they gone?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it all gone?

That's the question now, a question only time can answer. New Orleans has known this was coming. It was the other shoe, but progress has a short memory.

Several years ago, I traveled down to Grand Isle, La., a barrier island that took Hurricane Katrina's first nasty jab. It was turning into a gentrified vacation spot and no one seemed to remember that, more than a 100 years ago, it had also been just that. Then a hurricane blew it away. The sand reclaimed the island and, where glitz had stood, fishing shacks on stilts arose. I wrote a story then, about the way Louisiana history seems to be cyclical, and, as I re-read the piece yesterday, the final sentence struck me. I wrote: Where Grand Isle is going, Grand Isle has been.

That's true for all of New Orleans. I once worked for the Times Picayune, and we often joked that the day-to-day papers were mediocre, but come a big event, the T-P rose to the challenge like the New York Times. As I've struggling in the past week to find bright spots, to find signs that the city might once again be the place I loved, the only thing I can cling to is the weakened but audible pulse of the newspaper.

The Times Pic, as locals it, is as much a part of that city as red beans and rice on Mondays. It often has the highest penetration rate of any metro daily in the country and, for the past few days, it's been putting out an online edition, linking PDFs of newspaper pages on the Web site. Even with no power and shut down presses and a subscription area covered in water, the newspaper refuses to break. Its city is surely proud but not surprised.

So many people just know New Orleans for its revelry, but behind the good times is a vibrant soul. It's in the paper, the people, the places. If you live there, even for a short time, it gets in you. Folks who haven't been a resident for years still display those bumper stickers: "New Orleans. Proud to call it home." The city is a state of mind as much as mortar and brick, and so, as I watch the obituaries of my favorite place on earth, I'm left with a glimmer of hope.

The city is a feeling and feelings won't be destroyed, can't be washed away. Sometime in the future, I plan to walk down that riverfront again, with beignet dust on my shirt, listening to the jazz filtering out of the windows. Is it gone? No. Never. In my heart, and in the hearts of countless others, New Orleans lives.

On Female Bodybuilders

From Tanuki:
I've been a fan of strong women since around 1963 or so, when the Beatles came on the music scene, around when JFK was assassinated, Vietnam was firing up. There wasn't any official women's bodybuilding then. Just circus performers and athletes with exceptionally powerful physiques. I'd look around my elementary school class and try to guess which girl would get buff when she got older. I imagined who would win in a fight between various pairs of girls and boys. Yes, I was a nut even then. As I got older and my hormones prompted me toward breeding, studhood, and servitude, I looked for those same girls I'd chosen as most likely to kick ass. But, they'd changed a lot. Nature and society had joined in foiling my vision of super womanhood. Man was I frustrated!

Around the time Pumping Iron was released in the mid 1970's, a new mix of social confluences were at work. Mainly affirmative action, the breakdown of the traditional family, freedom in sex and divorce, and the consequent financial self-determination of the American woman. Women's bodybuilding, as well as discotheques, came out of nowhere. I was happy about that, naturally. I thought it was sexy and healthy at the same time. Why shouldn't women's muscles be esteemed as well as men's? I moved to California and joined Gold's Gym (no longer owned by Joe in 1980) in Santa Monica so I could meet Gail what's-her-name (sorry, I lusted after you and your big legs but was too shy to introduce myself), who was also a member (along with Lou F., Grant, oh, I've forgotten all their names. Arnold had just left). Gail what's-her-name used to run down Ocean Blvd. One day I heard she was hit by a truck, but I think she was all right. Around that time I had to quit Gold's.

So the FBB machine wound up to become moderately popular during the 1980's and some women could make a modest living modeling in magazines, promoting Weider products (I worked for Joe Weider in Canoga Park for about six months in 1980). But I still saw some of the "stars" working at health food stores and gyms. I think Janice Regain worked at the Santa Monica Mall at that time, but I could be wrong about who that was.

During the 80's, Reagan, computers, globalization, terrorism, economic downsizing, well, you know, the yuppy was born and competition replaced brotherly love in America (now called The US). Marriage and the family blew sky high, and women had to find work. Good paying work.

Now, here's where I'm hazy (I haven't read at all on this subject, maybe somebody can straighten me out).

It seems FBBing was split at some point between more traditional beauty and the traditional BB aesthetic, so fitness and BB contests became separate entities. I thought contest judges were reinforcing the stereotypes for a while, but, thankfully, that stopped, and really big women started to win. To me, that's what it's about. Building as much muscle in balanced proportion as possible, and being able to carry it gracefully. (Well, a lot of the guys weren't/aren't very graceful, I have to admit. But that was the ideal, anyway.)

Steroid use exploded in the 1980's (and I imagine 1990's), and what was a gal who wanted to devote her life to the BB aesthetic do? But to take them, too, in order to compete and make money. The square jaws, receding hairlines, etc. must've turned a lot of potential converts away from the BB life. Girls who could've had wonderful muscular development repulsed by the socially unacceptable she hulk. I really don't have anything against "She Hulk". I used to read the comic book, when it was good (in the mid-1970's). I even liked she was green. Green people are interesting, in a way, just because they're green. Same with massively buff women. If there were more green people, and massive women, I think people would get used to it. It wouldn't be as interesting then, perhaps, but I think it would be a good thing. I think role reversal is healthy, too. I know some single fathers, and male home makers, too. I wish some massively buff woman would sweep me up and make me her little man. Whatever. I'm not holding my breath. At 51, I'm a little discouraged.

Anyway, back to Fannie. This is what I think. She very well may have died as the result of physical complications arising from, or accelerated by, the use of steroids. This site is great for it's vigilance. Was an autopsy performed? Please report as facts arise! Even back in the day, I thought bodybuilding contests to be potentially corrupt for the individual. I think the true accomplishment of the individual bodybuilder isn't in his or her appearance, but rather their strength, discipline, and personal well-being--which then expresses itself in the physical appearance. I don't mean to dismiss the beauty of balance and proportion, of shape and size. Just to wonder that, as so much of our hyper-mediated world is obsessed with, and fooled by, appearances, has this same type of superficiality undermined the bodybuilder ethic and lifestyle that held such promise, particularly for females, of a strong, healthy physical self determination? Has it become a freak show instead? Well, PT Barnum made a buck or two on freak shows, so that's not new. But it wouldn't be healthy for society if everyone were in the circus, would it. Please have a great respect for your Self, and take care of it. It's wrong to throw it away!

I do think genetic engineering will eventually render this topic meaningless--in so far as the physical process is concerned. I believe people will use that technology to change, and hopefully improve, the human mind and body. In the meantime, what can we do? I love strong women, and the way they look. I also want them to be whoever they wish to be, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone or infringe unfairly on another's freedom or happiness. If Fannie and others have died or wrecked their health because of steroids, it's more than just sad. It undermines the fragile interactive human condition. And it's not what I had in mind all those years ago. I feel very good about the progress toward equality with men women are making all over the world. If these relatively primitive chemicals are seriously unhealthy, their use is a setback for everybody involved; the users and the people who care about them. The cause of women's equality is also damaged, because it's ultimately freedom and happiness, that are at stake.

I'm also not a fan of the ubiquitous breast implant. For breast cancer victims and the like it makes sense, but everyday people? They don't look so 'everyday' anymore. Suddenly, and probably unwittingly, they join the freak show. Like steroids, installing liquid-filled plastic bags into your chest, is woefully primitive. It so caters to the infantile obsessions of sexually-repressed males, and their female counterparts. Please try to be as natural as possible!

So, like many elderly people, I associate this type of thing with "the way the world is going". I also consider this "freak show" phenomenon to be a temporary regression in a generally positive improvement in social conditions for women. There have always been strong women. Many, many women have equaled and even dominated their male counterparts in countless ways. The determination of females to be as physically strong as possible isn't new. But the personal and social symbols of such strength, the psychology of it, has exponentially grown and transformed both genders in one fell swoop. It's a fact; women can be very strong indeed. We're still reeling from this rapid development. Girls and women's team sports are quickly maturing into significant socio-economic entities. Self defense skills are common. More importantly, knowledge and awareness are prevalent. What good is a strong body without the ability to appreciate and enjoy it? To put it to good purpose. To integrate one's self into the whole while maintaining individuality--to realize that to help someone helps everyone, and to hurt someone hurts everyone.

Okay, so I'm rambling. Women are surely becoming what I'd dreamed they would. And the female BB is a wonderful example. She is really something to me (even though I'm too old and beat up to fully enjoy her, myself). I had some doubts, some cynicism, too, about the result of this female self-determination. But I somehow remain optimistic. I believe bodybuilders will eventually take a more healthful course. It may require scientific breakthroughs to happen, but I don't think steroids will mean much in fifty years. I hope not. That's just like one tiny step in a journey of light years to our 'destinations', so we'd better get going. Fannie, I guess, is already there.

Kelly and Craig face stiffer charges

LAS VEGAS -- Professional bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan were charged yesterday with using a stun gun, drugging and suffocating their live-in personal assistant before her body was found in Ryan's burned-out Jaguar.

A Clark County prosecutor, Robert Daskas, called it premature to say whether authorities would seek the death penalty based on upgraded charges including murder and kidnapping against Ryan, and kidnapping against Titus.

[source]

Kasandra and Steve

Free photo of bodybuilding couple on Shemuscle.com

Subscribe to Shemuscle's Free Video Feed

Watch Shemuscle Video in Mefeedia!

You can subscribe to the Shemuscle.com Video Feed at a video site called Mefeedia.

Check it out.

Craig Titus Interview from Musclenet

Via Musclenet:

MZ: How, when and why did you first start bodybuilding?

CRAIG TITUS: When I was in high school, I was 5'6" and graduated at 140 pounds. I lifted weights in school but never gained that much muscle because of making my weight class for wrestling. I wrestled in the 132-pound class my junior and senior years. During my senior year in 1983, I would sit and read the muscle magazines, looking at and admiring athletes like Mike Christian, Robby Robinson and Lee Labrada. I was amazed at how awesome they looked. I knew I wanted to become a bodybuilder.

Straight out of Riverview High School [in Texas], I began training so that I could one day walk on stage [at a bodybuilding show]. The funny thing is I actually grew three more inches in height by the time I was 19 years old. Five years after deciding to pursue my dream of becoming a professional bodybuilder, while living in Houston, I walked on stage at the 1988 Houston Bodybuilding Championship weighing a mere 176 pounds-and I won the overall. I was hooked. As the years passed, I won the overall in my next five shows.

I turned pro and fulfilled my dream at the 1996 USA Championships. I dedicated this victory to my son Aaron, who passed away in 1989.

MZ: There was a "scandal" at the 1995 U.S.A. What exactly happened there?

CRAIG TITUS: Prior to the 1995 USA, I had been going back and forth from L.A. to Louisiana battling my conspiracy charge. Rumors were circulating around the contest hotel in Denver like you wouldn't believe. People were actually saying that I was going to jail for 20 years. The one that really made me mad was, "If Craig wins this show the DEA is going to arrest him on-stage." I guess it was my fault, but I was trying to keep my personal life from affecting my placing in the show or my career for that matter. Maybe I should have issued a press release, letting the pubic know what was going on. You definitely learn from your mistakes. The gossip that comes out of a person's mouth never ceases to amaze me.

Five months prior to the USA in Denver, the magazines were picking me as the winner.The prediction was that I was the one to beat, and of course believing the hype. What a big mistake that turned out to be. When I lost to Phil Hernon that day, a man that I have beaten twice before, I was furious. I stormed off stage. I somehow felt that the rumors of jail delayed me in turning pro. After cooling down and realizing what a big mistake I made, I came to the conclusion that I lost because I simply wasn't good enough to be a pro yet. A thought that would fuel my pursuit of greatness in the IFBB.

To this very day, some people believe I lost because of my troubles with the law, but I myself think I lost because I wasn't good enough. Walking off stage, well, show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser.

M.Z.: Why is Muscular Development's John Romano so anti-Titus? Please be specific.

C.T.: Again this all starts at the 1995 USA in Denver, when John came to my room for an exclusive interview on my troubles with the law as well as me walking off stage. I explained to Romano in great detail my case and let him know that the government would not have convicted me if I cooperated with the authorities. In other words, give them information so that they could indict other bodybuilders. John wrote the article for Muscular Development where he defended my integrity and set the record straight in my defense. It felt good to finally get the truth out and put an end to all the rumors of being a rat as well as going to jail. As a matter of fact, Lonnie called the authorities in my case to see if I was cooperating with the law in Louisiana. Without talking to me first, Romano wrote another article stating that I was a rat. It was devastating to see this in an international magazine or in any print for that matter. He tore my character apart and I was not going to stand for it.

Why in the hell was Romano so concerned if I was a rat or not? The only people who are concerned if someone is a rat or not are criminals. So I did a little investigating and found out that Romano is no more than a common thief. He committed telemarketing fraud, where he would call unsuspecting people and make false promises over the phone to steal their hard-earned money. This kind of scum targets the elderly, who have a hard time defending themselves; what a man. Who in the hell does he think he is to judge me? This pathetic human being actually had the balls to smear my name. Every time I am asked anything about Romano, I state exactly what I think of him...this is why he is so anti-Titus.

He constantly makes derogatory statements about the NPC and IFBB, along with the heads of those two organizations, both of whom have enabled Romano to make a living from the sport of bodybuilding that his wife participated in for many years. Romano went so far as to have cartoons of Lonnie Teper and me printed in Muscular Development magazine, where he again made a failed attempt to make us look silly. I'm sure I haven't seen the last of Romano smearing my name. I'm not angry. I just feel sorry for the lost soul.

M.Z.: You did have some sort of beef with Ironman's Lonnie Teper as well. Can you explain?

C.T.: The beef I had with Lonnie started at the USA in Denver [in 1995]. Lonnie and I were good friends prior to the show and are really good friends now. As a matter of fact, we still laugh our asses off at some of the things we said about each other in the mags. I can't remember exactly what was being said but I do remember when it started. I was told at the contest hotel in Denver that Lonnie was spreading the rumor that I was going to jail. To think I actually listened to John Romano when he told me -- that is something I still regret to this day. So, thinking John was a man with integrity, I believed what he said and confronted Lonnie. Because of all the pressure I was under, getting ready for the show combined with the frustration that my good name was being jeopardized, I was ready to blame anyone for the rumors. After telling Lonnie to shut his mouth, in the hotel restaurant, I later found out he was discussing whether the rumors were true or not and had genuine concern for my well-being. To say the least, I felt terrible. Lonnie and I are very good friends and he is definitely an asset to the sport of bodybuilding. Getting on his bad side was not a good idea.

M.Z.: Do you think the sport of bodybuilding is dying or just changing?

C.T.: From what I understand, the crowds at the Arnold Classic and the Olympia are getting larger every year. Bottom line, these people aren't showing up to see the expos. They're coming to see the bodybuilders perform. No bodybuilders, no expos. When a nutritional company introduces itself to the market, whom do they have representing their product? A bodybuilder. When a fitness clothing line hits the scene, bodybuilders wear the clothes. Literally, every major nutritional company, the big guys, Met-Rx, Weider, Twinlab, and even EAS are who they are because of bodybuilders. Big money. So do I think the sport is dying? Hell, no. It's more popular than ever. The only thing that is changing is the athletes.

M.Z.: Do you think the magazines that are choosing to feature natural bodybuilding and women's fitness are selling out?

C.T.: Natural bodybuilding, I guess that's kind of like the "natural" NFL or the "natural" boxing association, or how about the "natural" track stars in the Olympics. I'm so sick of hearing about natural bodybuilding. Point is, every sport has athletes who use enhancing drugs. The tragedy of the decimation of an athlete's character and career does not come from using steroids; it comes from the illegality of being caught. So the question should be, "When does a bodybuilder consider himself natural?" When he decides to quit after 10 years of using 'roids and finds it convenient for the pages of an All-Natural magazine, or when he realizes he can't make it as a pro bodybuilder and becomes a model and starts taking acting classes. Don't get me wrong --- I respect any bodybuilder whether he is natural or not, but is he "natural?" I don't know and the point is that I don't give a damn. Just don't tell me how natural you are because I don't want to hear it. Any magazine that promotes an athlete's career is an asset to the sport but when its pages are used to downgrade the sport as a whole, it is selling out.

As far as magazines choosing to feature women's fitness --- hell, no I don't think they're selling out. They're selling magazines, and some of them to me.

M.Z.: Any final words for your fans out there?

C.T.: I would like to thank all the people who have believed in me during my career and have stood beside me through good and bad. Thank you for your letters and cards. They are such a positive force for me and give me more fuel and strength to be the best I can be in the IFBB, I will be back on-stage very soon and I will be a champion.

Never let anyone or anything take away your dreams. What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

Links to previous entries about Craig Titus, including photo galleries and other interviews.

Comments on Kelly Ryan and Craig Titus

In any case, I think it's CRAZY to set a Jaguar on fire.
Posted at December 30, 2005 07:07 PM by Schmegeggy

You would have to be a total shill to not think these two assholes didnt do this! just like oj did not kill his wife.
Posted at January 1, 2006 06:28 PM by Randolph Defreese

The poll asks "are they guilty", not "did they commit the murder". I believe they are guilty, but at this juncture cannot say if they actually did commit the crime; if neither of them did it, someone else could have on their behalf. By all accounts, most of which are on Femalemuscle, the body is found in Kelly Ryan's car, the couples fled instead of reporting to the police, Craig Titus' representative denied involvement but no word from Kelly Ryan's side. So the guilt is there.

Looking at Titus' physique alone, he probably needs only one hand to strangle Melissa James. Doesn't mean he did it, only that he's more than capable of it. Kelly Ryan packs a hefty amount of muscle, so she's capable of it too. If the alleged affair - between Craig & Melissa - is true, Kelly has motive. Again, doesn't mean she did it. My hope is that the true culprits are brought to justice. If Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan are guilty, they must face the consequences of their actions.
Posted at January 3, 2006 03:57 PM by armslover

[read more]

Craig Titus Scandal Continues

The Craig TItus scandal continues. I've been keeping up with it on my blog, Headlock1.

Here are some links to previous Craig TItus entries here on Femalemuscle:

Craig Titus backstage at the Arnold Classic 2004

Craig Titus on stage at the Arnold Classic 2004

Craig Titus at the 2003 Night of Champions in New York City

Craig Titus at the Olympia 2002

Crait Titus at the Night of Champions 2002

Arnold Classic Female Competitor List

Ms. International

Lisa Aukland, Dayana Cadeau, Angela Debatin, Desiree Ellis, Jitka Harazimova, Kim Harris, Rosemary Jennings, Iris Kyle, Denise Masino, Mah-Ann Mendoza, Antoinette Norman, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, Bonny Priest, Annie Rivieccio, Christine Roth, Betty Pariso

Ms. Fitness International

Julie Childs, Debra Czempinski, Regiane Da Silva, Allison Daughtry, Heidi Fletcher, Adela Friedmansky, Tracey Greenwood, Jennifer Hendershott, Tanji Johnson, Kimberly Klein, Angela Monteleone-Semsch, Mindi O’Brien, Julie Palmer, Stacy Simons

Ms. Figure International

Jane Awad, Monica Brant-Peckham, Michelle Flake, Elaine Goodlad, Danielle Hollenshade, Mary Elizabeth Lado, Anna Larsson, Deborah Leung, Jenny Lynn, Ali Metkovich, Tammy Pies, Christine Pomponio-Pate, Amanda Savell, Chastity Slone, Valerie Waugaman, Latisha Wilder, Gina Camacho, Monica Guerra, Nina Luchka, Zhanna Rotar

New Poll - Kelly Ryan and Craig Titus

There is a new Femalemuscle poll on the right side of the page:

Do you think Kelly Ryan and Craig Titus were involved in the murder of Melissa James?

The Yam Poll

Craig Titus: The Hardest Working Man in Bodybuilding

Craig Titus Backstage at the Arnold 2004 (Photo Gallery)

Interview by Rob Wilkins:

Craig Michael Titus, born January 14, 1967 in Riverview, Michigan is the oldest of three children. Titus was active as a child participating in football, rowing, and wrestling (a sport he excelled at). In 1984, Titus became the Michigan State High School Wrestling champion in the 132-pound weight class. Wrestling introduced Titus to the positive benefits of weight training which eventually led to bodybuilding.

Excerpts from the interview:

"One thing I have learned during my rise to the top of this profession is that people, haters so to speak, will say anything to try and make you look unworthy of your position or just plain bad in the public's eye. The haters have said everything you can imagine about me; from me having an affair with Keanu Reeves to Kelly was selling X for me in the strip clubs of Vegas and then being thrown in jail for it.

It's ridiculous. Who knows what they'll say next when this rumors burns out? Anyone who has been welcomed on my home knows that shit is so far from the truth it's not even funny! I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "Wow, you guys are nothing like we've been told."

Quite honestly, I don't give a shit what people say about us as long as they're saying something.

I can't stop two-faced gossipmongers from running their lips. Kelly and I focus on being professional and friendly to the fans that support the sport and us."

When Titus first started lifting weights, he was motivated by bodybuilding legends Mike Christian, Lee Labrada and Samir Bannout. But it was eight time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney who told Titus he had the potential to make it in bodybuilding.

"In 1991, Lee was training Evander Holyfield at a World's Gym in Houston, Texas. He noticed me in the gym and took the time to give me some advice and the rest is history," Titus said. "I recently spoke with him during the GNC Pro Show and informed him that he is a class act and the real reason I continue my quest to be one of the best bodybuilders in the world."

One of the most popular bodybuilders in the world, Titus has been featured on nearly 100 covers and is now a featured writer for Muscular Development.

Currently living in Las Vegas, Titus is vigorously preparing for the 2004 season and continues to be one of the hardest working man in bodybuilding with endorsement contracts from companies such as Home Bodies Home Gyms, Pinnacle, and Apex Fitness. He also maintains a full guest-posing schedule and still finds time to volunteer in his community.

The Interview:

Wilkins - When did you realize you could make a living at bodybuilding?

Titus - In 1991, I competed in the Ironman/Ironmaiden Bodybuilding Championships in Fontana, California. After winning the overall title, I was shooting with various magazines at Gold's Gym, Venice. At that time, I realized there might be a career in this sport.

In 1993, I walked on stage at the USA Championships in Santa Monica California, placing in 4th. After the show, I was swarmed by photographers wanting me to shoot for their publication. I realized that the exposure itself could launch me into a great career in bodybuilding and this could lead to other opportunities as well.

One thing new pros have to realize is you have to go after what you want, you cannot just sit on your ass and hope things come to you.

Wilkins - Do you still remember the first magazine cover you appeared on? How about your first feature article?

Titus - Absolutely, Musclemag International, (Nov 93), issue #137. The first article that featured me, "Man on a Mission," was also in Musclemag International back in 1991. This was an exciting time in my life and career.

The weird thing is, Kelly and I have never appeared on a cover together. I've done photo shoots with dozens of fitness models but never my wife. Kelly is featured on the cover of the swimsuit (Feb 04) edition of Ironman Magazine and I'll be on the cover of Muscular Development in a few months. Maybe this year, we'll be featured on a cover together.

Wilkins - FLEX magazine and others have featured athletes from other sports on their covers. While this may help the overall sales of the magazine, do you feel this is an insult to bodybuilders?

Titus - ABSOLUTELY! In my opinion, a true bodybuilding magazine like FLEX should be proud to feature pro bodybuilders on the cover. There are dozens of IFBB pros available for covers and I just don't believe using wrestlers increases sales.

As a matter of fact, a percentage of bodybuilding fans are offended! I have received dozens of e-mails from fans wanting to know why I haven't been on the cover of FLEX for a while and why they feature wrestlers? These e-mails come from true bodybuilding fans--the people that purchase FLEX and they are not happy. I told them to send the letters to FLEX so they could read first-hand what their readers think. People subscribe to FLEX because they love bodybuilding, not wrestling.

I don't want to offend my buddy Triple H. However, I think he would agree it's not a wise decision to put a bodybuilder on the cover of a wrestling magazine. I would love to do more work for FLEX but they seldom use me. I now shoot for Muscular Development, Muscle Magazine International, and Ironman. I want a publication contract and I'm negotiating one at the present time but there are a few more kinks to be worked out before I sign the dotted line.

Again, it is my opinion that IFBB pros should be the only athletes used on the covers of bodybuilding publications.

Wilkins - The two biggest IFBB competitions, the Olympia and Arnold Classic will be televised on Pay Per View this year. When you retire from competition, do you have the desire to become a commentator? What unique perspective would you bring to the viewing audience?

Titus - This is something that has definitely crossed my mind. I've done a lot of work in front of the camera so God knows I'm not camera shy. As a veteran competitor, I would be able to deliver a creditable and honest perspective to what bodybuilding is all about. Nothing in my career came easy. Many pro bodybuilders are genetically gifted and contest prep is much easier for them. This is not my case so I would be able to convey to the audience the hard work and tenacity necessary to succeed in pro bodybuilding. I'm also a very good businessman so this gives me the opportunity to put another spin on the sport.

Wilkins - How difficult is it having a wife in the same profession? Is contest preparation tough to go through?

Titus - Absolutely not. Kelly is my best friend and my heart! The reason that Kelly and I have no problems being in the same profession is because we complete each other. She is the one girl that I've met that truly understands me and I don't have to act any different when I'm with her. Kelly's personality doesn't change which is good for us because I get short and aggravated and she keeps me calm.

One thing that I have noticed in this industry is men get very insecure if their girlfriend or spouse is better in her sport than he is in his. Kelly is the best fitness athlete in the world right now and I am so proud of her, it's crazy. I want nothing more then my wife to win every show she enters.

Wilkins - What would you be if you were not a bodybuilder?

Titus - Definitely a fighter, be it pro boxing or Ultimate Fighting/King of the Cage. I absolutely love the whole warrior mono-a-mono thing! When I watch Arturo Gatti fight and walk to the ring to the same song that I've posed to (Thunder Struck - by ACDC) I get really fired up! Or when I watch Tito Ortiz kick some butt in the octagon, it's such an adrenaline rush!

I think that's why I wrestled all through school and hung out at the boxing gym working the heavy bag and sparing with actual fighters. I was so consumed with wrestling, I never went the boxing route.

Wilkins - What was the main reason you did not compete in the 2003 Mr. Olympia?

Titus - It's very simple. After taking third at the 2003 Night of Champions, I only had five months before walking on stage to compete again. That's not enough time to make the kind of gains I need to move up into the next tier of athletes like Dennis James or Dexter Jackson.

I just do not want to keep getting called out with the same guys. Since I've been competing I've made gains absolutely every time I said I would. Now I'm telling you that I will move up into the next tier of pros! So I took a full 10 months to prepare for the Arnold Classic where I hope to catch these athletes. Only time will tell but don't be surprised if a few more guys place behind me on March 5th. Two names that come to mind are Gunter and Marcus Ruhl. I'm reluctant to say Gunter because all of sudden he's one of the guys placing ahead of me, strange but true.

Wilkins - What's the "beef" with King Kamali?

Titus - The fact is that there is no more beef. Early in King's career, he ran his mouth and it just got a little too personal for me. However, in his defense, you tend to grow out of that sort of thing as you obtain more wisdom. I've beaten him the last three times we've competed so to be totally honest with you, I don't think he'll beat me again so why bother thinking about him when I have bigger fish to fry!

On another note, I would not want to be in his shoes right now after all the derogatory remarks he made after I beat him at the 2003 Night of Champions. He stated on his web site that something fishy was going on at the show. He said that the only people backstage at the show were associates of Pinnacle Nutrition and IFBB Officials insinuating that Pinnacle bought my placing.

He even went so far to say that I give the IFBB money from my parties and this helped my contest placing. I've even heard that he said some of the main judges pulled out of the judging panel because they wanted no part of the corruption. Of course we know all of this is absolutely fabricated to make one feel more secure with themselves, but this is really not good for the sport, nor is it good for Kamali.

Sometimes athletes just cannot admit when they've been beaten and will make up every excuse in the book. Unfortunately these excuses he has made will not be taken lightly. Because of Kamali, the new IFBB rules were put into effect to keep athletes from taking away the integrity of our great sport.

Wilkins - If it was up to you, what one thing would you change in the IFBB?

Titus - Good question. I used to be one of those guys who always thought that more prize money should be offered. But, now that I'm the CEO of Emperor Entertainment and the promoter of the IFBB After Parties, I realize how hard it is to accumulate steady sponsors. Notice I used the word accumulate.

You see it's easy to get a sponsor on board for one or even two events, but to keep them on board for the long haul is really difficult. For instance, the supplement company EAS used bodybuilding to get filthy rich and build their foundation, then they turned their backs on the sport and no longer sponsor the very industry that made them rich; that's foul!

At this time, Kelly and I are blessed and doing well so I really can't say I would change much.

Wilkins - What's a typical day like for you?

Titus - Off-season, my day begins at 8:00 am with my first meal followed by my first training session in my home gym. From 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, I'm in my office working on party promotions, making sure rent is being paid on time on our properties, setting up our appearance schedule, and running our web sites. We're in the process of rebuilding Kelly's new web site and we've just started training clients in our home gym. Besides preparing for the February-March competitions, I'm starting a new web site called www.Promuscle-worship.com.

The site should be up and running by April 1st. As a member you'll be able to check out your favorite female bodybuilder on line and have her pose for you in the privacy of your own home. Later we're going to add men to the roster but for now it will be specifically female bodybuilders.

At 1:00 pm, I take a 2-hour nap--a crucial element of adding mass. Around 3:00 pm, I go through my second training session. I love split training because I can train without holding anything back since I only have one body part to do.

To relax, we may go eat sushi or simply chill on the couch watching our favorite movies.

Wilkins - Why didn't you endorse Shawn Ray to be the IFBB Athletes rep?

Titus - I am not comfortable giving any one person the power to represent all the athletes. Anytime you give one person that type of power, it has the potential to lead to many problems. I feel there should be a panel of athletes representing all of us. This eliminates deceit because everything is discussed in the open and the group makes the final decision.

I feel Shawn has butted heads with IFBB and NPC officials far too many times to represent us. We need a representative that the officials respect and are willing to work within the framework of the rules. With this in mind, Shawn has assumed the position of our representative and I just hope he picks a panel to work with him on all the issues he feels need to be changed.

Personally, I'm pretty happy with the way things are right now, but I would entertain the thought of joining his panel.

Wilkins - Your opinion on the 2003 Mr. Olympia results?

Titus - Ronnie Coleman is absolutely the best bodybuilder in the world and of all time! He is on a planet all by himself and I have never seen anything like him on stage or in the gym.

When people were saying it was going to be a close show between Ronnie and some of the other athletes I cracked up--are you kidding me? Any show that Ronnie enters leaves a mighty fight for second. I also was very impressed with Dexter Jackson, which kind of aggravated me because I thought for a second I could catch him with the size thing but now I just don't know; the guy is incredible.

If Dexter had placed second no one could have argued. The Olympia was an extremely well judged show.

Wilkins - Regarding the Olympia Fitness competition, how did you feel when Kelly took second for a record, fifth year in a row?

Titus - Ya know, I've said this before and I'll say it again. Kelly has taken second five times and I feel very strongly that she has won the Fitness Olympia at least three out of those five times.

The one show that leaves no doubt in my mind is in 1999 when Mary Yockey won. Another tough one was the 2003 competition. Susie was hurt, her body was way off, and beating Kelly in the routine round was shocking to say the least.

Figure is about the body and Fitness is about being an athlete. Not to mention I think Kelly's body is right up in the top three girls, period. I'm sick of people saying that Kelly wins the routine round because of her gymnastic back ground. No way! Let's not forget that her dancing skills are second to none and her transitions are perfect. The greatest trait Kelly has is her unbelievable ability to suck the fans into her routine.

In many cases, if you ask a fan what they're looking forward to in regards to a pro fitness competition they'll say, "To see Kelly's new routine." That's Ms. Fitness Olympia to me.

Wilkins - You recently had surgery on your chest. How did you injure yourself and how long did it take for you to recover?

Titus - In 1991, I had some gyno removed from both pecs and as a result of the surgery, it left loose skin under my right pec and over the years, the skin just lost its elasticity. Whenever I did my front lat spread, a fold of skin would develop leaving a very undesirable appearance.

I went to the same doctor that fixed Evander Holyfield's ear after the Tyson fight, Dr. Julio Garcia. He simply removed the skin and now my chest looks much better without skin folds. I'm really excited about hitting my first front lat spread on stage! The procedure took place on November 10th and it took a full month to recover but it did me some good to just lie on the couch and rest. I was able to get back to training on December 10th.

Wilkins - What are your competitive plans for 2004? What kind of physique can we expect from you?

Titus - Originally, my 2004 season was going to start at the Arnold Classic and end with the Melbourne Grand Prix. But, after reviewing the line up for the Ironman, I've decided to enter. I would have to be an idiot not to compete being that I have a chance to actually win my first pro show. I'm really excited about doing the Ironman and I'm hoping to be at my all time best!

What kind of physique can you expect from me? Full, round, and grainy. Whenever I try to get ripped or shredded, I loose way too much size. I'd rather be dry and grainy with full muscle bellies--kind of how I looked in the first round of the 2003 Night of Champions before I spilled over.

Wilkins - Recently, you have joined forces with contest guru Chad Nicholls. Even with all your experience, what brought you to this decision and what are your expectations?

Titus - What brought me to this decision was the out come of the 2003 Night of Champions. In the first round of comparisons, I was full, hard and grainy however, by the third round, right before my eyes, I spilled over and flattened out. I needed to correct these mistakes and that's why I turned to Chad. As soon as he explained to me what happened and why it happened I knew right then that hiring him would only make me better, bigger, and harder than I have ever been before. I will walk on stage at the Ironman no less than 250 lbs., full muscle bellies and grainy. I want to beat Dexter Jackson so bad I can taste it!

Wilkins - You are recognized as the originator of the popular after parties. How did you come up with this concept?

Titus - First, I am the originator of the IFBB and NPC After Parties, no doubt. After we moved to Vegas, we realized after the USA Championships, everyone was going to several different clubs. I realized that if I could get everyone at the same club, there was potential to make money. The first party I produced (USA Championships After Party) was a huge success with an attendance of over 1800!

As time progressed I realized that I could rent out the club for the evening and host these parties under my corporation, Emperor Enterprises. The purpose of these parties is to provide a social opportunity for athletes, officials, sponsors, and fans to have a good time, enjoy the music, and enjoy a glass of champagne.

With some of the proceeds from the parties, Kelly and I will give money back to the athletes in the form of cash awards. We also offer free admission to IFBB Pros/Officials and NPC Officials to all our parties.

Fans attend our parties to have a great time and meet the pros. Kelly and I do our best to ensure that happens.

Wilkins - How do you plan on taking some of the proceeds and putting them back into the industry?

Titus - With the approval of the IFBB, we plan to give out cash awards during the competitions. I don't think there is a show promoter that will say no to me wanting to increase the prize money at their event.

For example, we could pay $500.00 to 6th place or even increase the first place prize money. However the promoter wants to disperse the proceeds is fine with us. Our only request is during the competition, Kelly present the award in front of the audience. This will show the fans and people in this industry that we are giving back to the industry and it will also create a positive buzz for Emperor Enterprises.

Wilkins - A number of years ago, you had a physical altercation with Melvin Anthony and it was rumored that you and Kelly were basically swingers. Now that you both are hosting these after parties, the swinging rumor is starting all over again. Here's your chance to set the record straight.

Titus - First, let me point out that Melvin and I are very good friends and both part of the Pinnacle family. I regret this unfortunate situation and we have since moved on.

What was printed in Musclemag International was so far from the truth it was funny. Kelly and I felt it was not necessary for us to respond to a rumor that was so ridiculous. The fact that it was in print we were trying to take home a girl for sexual escapades was humorous to say the least.

One thing I have learned during my rise to the top of this profession is that people, haters so to speak, will say anything to try and make you look unworthy of your position or just plain bad in the public's eye. The haters have said everything you can imagine about me; from me having an affair with Keanu Reeves to Kelly was selling X for me in the strip clubs of Vegas and then being thrown in jail for it.

It's ridiculous. Who knows what they'll say next when this rumors burns out? Anyone who has been welcomed on my home knows that shit is so far from the truth it's not even funny! I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "Wow, you guys are nothing like we've been told."

Quite honestly, I don't give a shit what people say about us as long as they're saying something.

I can't stop two-faced gossipmongers from running their lips. Kelly and I focus on being professional and friendly to the fans that support the sport and us.

Wilkins - Now that you have built your own home gym, what are some of the benefits and how does this positively affect your training?

Titus - Kelly and I love having our own gym. The key advantage of having our own gym is we never miss workouts. I guess it's changed my training in regards to resting after hard workouts. Recovery is most important for putting on mass and having my own gym helps me to never miss naps after training because I no longer have to travel or sit in traffic so it's awesome.

Wilkins - Give me your thoughts on the following:

Titus the competitor - Tenacity. I will be top five in the world and it will be realized!

Wayne DeMilia - A good businessman and excellent leader for the IFBB.

IFBB Judging standards - No complaints here.

Compensation for pro bodybuilders - Just fine in the Titus house!

The state of women's bodybuilding - Hard to say. I have a job for every one of them on my new web site, www.promuscle-worship.com.

Joe Weider's contribution to the sport - He is the reason we have this sport, period!

Janet Jackson and the Superbowl controversy - I don't think it was appropriate but I totally understand why she did it. Her new song is the number one requested tune on the radio right now. Needless to say her next album will go straight to number one in sales. I'm a HUGE Janet Jackson fan.

Providing the most unique prospective of Titus is his number one fan and wife, Kelly, "My husband is the most compassionate man I have ever met," said Kelly. "Craig is someone who takes the time to speak to young kids about setting goals for their future and how important it is to have a life plan. Always encouraging others, he recently wrote to the little girl in Hawaii who lost her arm to a shark bite to say how much he admires her bravery and hopes that he has the honor and privilege of meeting her one day."

"For years, Craig has performed charity work for the Penny Lane Foundation, because he enjoys making less fortunate people feel special and important; especially when they feel hopeless. Most important to me is how special Craig makes me feel. He calls me during the day all choked up to tell me how much he loves me and how wonderful it is going to be growing old together. I am so proud of my husband!" Kelly said.

Look for Craig and Kelly at the Pinnacle booth during most major competitions. "I want to sincerely thank my fans for their support. Thanks to them, I'm able to make a great living doing something I love to do so stop by our booth and say hi or contact us through my web site at www.craigtitus.com or e-mail us at KellyRyan98@aol.com or CrgTitus@aol.com," Titus said.

___________________________________________________________________

Rob Wilkins, originally from Linden, N.J., is a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, DC. Rob is also a Special Assistant for the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) and a recipient of the IFBB Gold Medal. To contact Wilkins e-mail him at Robifbb@yahoo.com.

Kelly Ryan and Craig Titus Murder Charges

Via Headlock1:

Husband and wife bodybuilders, Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan, are fighting attempts to transfer them from Massachusetts to Nevada to answer murder charges.

The couple said during a hearing Tuesday in a court in Stoughton, Massachusetts that they would fight rendition.

The two professional body builders pleaded innocent to fugitive charges and were ordered held without bail.

Kelly Ryan has been a regularly featured competitor both here and on Shemuscle.com. See below for some of the previous Kelly Ryan features:

Kelly Ryan videos and galleries on Shemuscle.com

Kelly Ryan video interview and flexing at the 2005 Arnold Classic

View this Kelly Ryan gallery from the Olympia 2004 competition.

At the 2003 Olympia

At the 2003 Arnold

At the 2004 Arnold

At the 2003 Night of Champions

At the 2003 Arnold Classic

A write up about Kelly Ryan by Lisa Bavington

[update] There is now a running blog with coverage of this case at http://www.titusandryan.com/

Pulp Muscle Stories

Pulp Muscle

Erotic Mutlimedia Muscle Stories
Edited by Lori Victoria Braun

This new multimedia story book is dedicated to every muscle adoring fan that I have ever met and all the ones that I have yet to meet.

In these erotic and sensual text and audio stories you will see every different type of wrestling scenario, including incredible, powerful headlocks, scissorholds, bearhugs, armbars, as well as many domination stories where powerful women make you submit and beg for mercy.

Free audio and text previews.

Get Firefox!

Get Firefox

Watch this free informational video

Femalemuscle.com looks so much better when you use the Firefox browser.

Did you know that Internet Explorer and AOL have security holes that let hackers and spammers access your personal information?

Plus, Firefox lets you browse using "tabs" which make switching back and forth between several websites very easy.

We all use Firefox here in the office. It's worth the 2 minutes it takes to switch. Trust us. (By the way, we aren't getting any money from Firefox or Mozilla for this, we just want our viewers to be able to enjoy your female muscle to the fullest!)

On Female Bodybuilders

From Tanuki:
I've been a fan of strong women since around 1963 or so, when the Beatles came on the music scene, around when JFK was assassinated, Vietnam was firing up. There wasn't any official women's bodybuilding then. Just circus performers and athletes with exceptionally powerful physiques. I'd look around my elementary school class and try to guess which girl would get buff when she got older. I imagined who would win in a fight between various pairs of girls and boys. Yes, I was a nut even then. As I got older and my hormones prompted me toward breeding, studhood, and servitude, I looked for those same girls I'd chosen as most likely to kick ass. But, they'd changed a lot. Nature and society had joined in foiling my vision of super womanhood. Man was I frustrated!

Around the time Pumping Iron was released in the mid 1970's, a new mix of social confluences were at work. Mainly affirmative action, the breakdown of the traditional family, freedom in sex and divorce, and the consequent financial self-determination of the American woman. Women's bodybuilding, as well as discotheques, came out of nowhere. I was happy about that, naturally. I thought it was sexy and healthy at the same time. Why shouldn't women's muscles be esteemed as well as men's? I moved to California and joined Gold's Gym (no longer owned by Joe in 1980) in Santa Monica so I could meet Gail what's-her-name (sorry, I lusted after you and your big legs but was too shy to introduce myself), who was also a member (along with Lou F., Grant, oh, I've forgotten all their names. Arnold had just left). Gail what's-her-name used to run down Ocean Blvd. One day I heard she was hit by a truck, but I think she was all right. Around that time I had to quit Gold's.

So the FBB machine wound up to become moderately popular during the 1980's and some women could make a modest living modeling in magazines, promoting Weider products (I worked for Joe Weider in Canoga Park for about six months in 1980). But I still saw some of the "stars" working at health food stores and gyms. I think Janice Regain worked at the Santa Monica Mall at that time, but I could be wrong about who that was.

During the 80's, Reagan, computers, globalization, terrorism, economic downsizing, well, you know, the yuppy was born and competition replaced brotherly love in America (now called The US). Marriage and the family blew sky high, and women had to find work. Good paying work.

Now, here's where I'm hazy (I haven't read at all on this subject, maybe somebody can straighten me out).

It seems FBBing was split at some point between more traditional beauty and the traditional BB aesthetic, so fitness and BB contests became separate entities. I thought contest judges were reinforcing the stereotypes for a while, but, thankfully, that stopped, and really big women started to win. To me, that's what it's about. Building as much muscle in balanced proportion as possible, and being able to carry it gracefully. (Well, a lot of the guys weren't/aren't very graceful, I have to admit. But that was the ideal, anyway.)

Steroid use exploded in the 1980's (and I imagine 1990's), and what was a gal who wanted to devote her life to the BB aesthetic do? But to take them, too, in order to compete and make money. The square jaws, receding hairlines, etc. must've turned a lot of potential converts away from the BB life. Girls who could've had wonderful muscular development repulsed by the socially unacceptable she hulk. I really don't have anything against "She Hulk". I used to read the comic book, when it was good (in the mid-1970's). I even liked she was green. Green people are interesting, in a way, just because they're green. Same with massively buff women. If there were more green people, and massive women, I think people would get used to it. It wouldn't be as interesting then, perhaps, but I think it would be a good thing. I think role reversal is healthy, too. I know some single fathers, and male home makers, too. I wish some massively buff woman would sweep me up and make me her little man. Whatever. I'm not holding my breath. At 51, I'm a little discouraged.

Anyway, back to Fannie. This is what I think. She very well may have died as the result of physical complications arising from, or accelerated by, the use of steroids. This site is great for it's vigilance. Was an autopsy performed? Please report as facts arise! Even back in the day, I thought bodybuilding contests to be potentially corrupt for the individual. I think the true accomplishment of the individual bodybuilder isn't in his or her appearance, but rather their strength, discipline, and personal well-being--which then expresses itself in the physical appearance. I don't mean to dismiss the beauty of balance and proportion, of shape and size. Just to wonder that, as so much of our hyper-mediated world is obsessed with, and fooled by, appearances, has this same type of superficiality undermined the bodybuilder ethic and lifestyle that held such promise, particularly for females, of a strong, healthy physical self determination? Has it become a freak show instead? Well, PT Barnum made a buck or two on freak shows, so that's not new. But it wouldn't be healthy for society if everyone were in the circus, would it. Please have a great respect for your Self, and take care of it. It's wrong to throw it away!

I do think genetic engineering will eventually render this topic meaningless--in so far as the physical process is concerned. I believe people will use that technology to change, and hopefully improve, the human mind and body. In the meantime, what can we do? I love strong women, and the way they look. I also want them to be whoever they wish to be, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone or infringe unfairly on another's freedom or happiness. If Fannie and others have died or wrecked their health because of steroids, it's more than just sad. It undermines the fragile interactive human condition. And it's not what I had in mind all those years ago. I feel very good about the progress toward equality with men women are making all over the world. If these relatively primitive chemicals are seriously unhealthy, their use is a setback for everybody involved; the users and the people who care about them. The cause of women's equality is also damaged, because it's ultimately freedom and happiness, that are at stake.

I'm also not a fan of the ubiquitous breast implant. For breast cancer victims and the like it makes sense, but everyday people? They don't look so 'everyday' anymore. Suddenly, and probably unwittingly, they join the freak show. Like steroids, installing liquid-filled plastic bags into your chest, is woefully primitive. It so caters to the infantile obsessions of sexually-repressed males, and their female counterparts. Please try to be as natural as possible!

So, like many elderly people, I associate this type of thing with "the way the world is going". I also consider this "freak show" phenomenon to be a temporary regression in a generally positive improvement in social conditions for women. There have always been strong women. Many, many women have equaled and even dominated their male counterparts in countless ways. The determination of females to be as physically strong as possible isn't new. But the personal and social symbols of such strength, the psychology of it, has exponentially grown and transformed both genders in one fell swoop. It's a fact; women can be very strong indeed. We're still reeling from this rapid development. Girls and women's team sports are quickly maturing into significant socio-economic entities. Self defense skills are common. More importantly, knowledge and awareness are prevalent. What good is a strong body without the ability to appreciate and enjoy it? To put it to good purpose. To integrate one's self into the whole while maintaining individuality--to realize that to help someone helps everyone, and to hurt someone hurts everyone.

Okay, so I'm rambling. Women are surely becoming what I'd dreamed they would. And the female BB is a wonderful example. She is really something to me (even though I'm too old and beat up to fully enjoy her, myself). I had some doubts, some cynicism, too, about the result of this female self-determination. But I somehow remain optimistic. I believe bodybuilders will eventually take a more healthful course. It may require scientific breakthroughs to happen, but I don't think steroids will mean much in fifty years. I hope not. That's just like one tiny step in a journey of light years to our 'destinations', so we'd better get going. Fannie, I guess, is already there.

Inspire Calendars

A letter from Nancy Georges:
Our web site is www.inspirecalendars.net it is a motivational fitness calendar put on by the competitors, we have workout tips, diet tips and motivational quotes all inside the calendar too. It is really a great product. I am heading the calendar and we use the sales from the calendar to help pay for expenses for upcoming competitions. We also donate 10% of the sales to the ALS Association.

Human Beings Are Good

Here are the results of our latest poll:

Do you think human beings are inherently "good"?

Yes - 56% - 153 votes
No - 44% - 119 votes

So there you have it. We're pretty good. Could have fooled us.

The next poll is up on the sidebar as we speak. Go vote!

Should balloons be legal?
Yes | No
  

Femalemuscle Feed

Our new RSS feed!
Subscribe to Femalemuscle.com using an RSS aggregator!
But what the hell is an RSS aggregator?
Glad you asked.
Just click the little icon (also located at the top right of the screen) and you can subscribe to our "Feed" using Yahoo, Bloglines, or even iTunes!
Plus, since the new iPods can play video, if you subscribe to us using iTunes you can watch all the videos on your iPod!
How cool is that? (very)

Court Asks If Bodybuilding Is Different From Dying

By Ann Woolner, via Bloomberg:

Doctors can prescribe drugs only for ``legitimate medical practices,'' the law says. And that's where Ashcroft stepped in.

He and his successor, Alberto Gonzales, say there's nothing medically legitimate about helping someone die. They say the attorney general can lift prescription-writing licenses of any physician who does so, regardless of state law.

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor clearly disagreed when the case was argued this week.

``Certainly the practice of medicine by physicians is an area traditionally regulated by states, is it not?'' she asked U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement.

``It absolutely is,'' he acknowledged.

Morphine and Steroids

But he went on to add the feds aren't looking to take over the regulation of medicine. All they want is to enforce U.S. drug laws.

When Oregon's lawyer stood to argue, O'Connor asked what would happen if a state were to allow doctors to prescribe morphine for depression or steroids for bodybuilding. ``Could the attorney general say that's drug abuse?''

O'Connor, openly friendly to Oregon's position in the case, was probably looking for a yes answer to discourage whatever trips onto the slippery slope her colleagues were considering. That isn't what she got.

``If it was regulated by state law,'' the U.S. attorney general could not declare such a prescription to be drug abuse, replied Robert Atkinson, Oregon senior assistant attorney general. This was a play for broader state authority than even friendly justices appeared willing to grant.

Screenplay

An amazing short-form screenplay submitted by Kitsune, a Femalemuscle viewer:

Here's the scenario:

A lonely, small-town spinster librarian works late one evening. When leaving for the night, a young thug jumps out of the shadows of the dark parking lot and snatches the librarian's purse. But, she runs him down, tackles him, and beats him unconscious. She then stuffs him into her trunk and drives home to her secluded farmhouse. There, in the cellar, she shackles the coarse man with leg and arm irons to a damp brick wall. "I've waited for this opportunity all my life", she tells him. She strips off her old maid's attire to reveal a hard, muscular physique. In the cellar are her weights, a mattress, and various implements of torture. She manipulates him into unbareably agonizing positions, breaking each of his fingers and poking out his eyes so he can't escape. She shaves his head and body of all hair with a straight razor, and has her way with him in every imaginable way. Her pent-up sexuality consumes her and she keeps him alive with dog food and water in order to serve out her nightly passions. Her franetic brutality ultimately kills him. She drops him into a grave she's dug out on the weedy back 40. But she keeps a souvenir: his head, which she places in a large jar on a cupboard shelf--next to 10 others!

The perfect woman to play the lead role would be Autumn Raby, whose photos here immediately suggested this plot to me.

Anyway, to continue, a couple of the thug's gang members come snooping around the librarian's farm. Crunch!!
But she not only get the two snoopers, but slowly begins picking away at all the male thugs in town. They'd begin disappearing one by one from dark alleys in the night, and her cellar wall would be full of blind, broken-fingered ruffians. The local sheriff is stumped. At last, a smart, tough woman cop from the city (played by, well, I've already mentally cast Mistress Treasure in this role, but she hasn't said whether she'd like to do it) would show up, solve the mystery, physically overpower the librarian, and haul her to justice.

I want points if this gets made!

(You should demand more than points, in our opinions!)

Muscle Mania

Via Flak Magazine:
The following is excerpted from an article by Claire Zulkey:
Apparently, the female body is running out of parts to be coveted. Women throughout the country are obsessing about a certain element of their body, and it's not their face, their hair, their breasts or even their butt.

We're talking muscles.

It may have all started back in 1991, with Linda Hamilton fiercely performing pull-up after pull-up in "Terminator 2". Audiences were wowed by this sweaty, rock-hard, yet attractive female. At the time, it didn't seem that many women ran out and bought themselves chin-up bars, but it set a precedent: Muscles on women can be sexy.

Full Article Link

Bodybuilding Parachutist Redefines AIDS

PRETORIA, South Africa - Pvt. Andries Nhlengethwa jumps from planes and lifts 100-pound weights. He also happens to have HIV .

The 31-year-old parachutist and bodybuilder is one of the few South African soldiers living openly with the deadly virus, presenting a new face of the pandemic on a continent where AIDS drugs are rare and infection is often a death sentence.

Nhlengethwa joined the South African National Defense Force in 1997, as the country was emerging from white racist rule. He has done more than 360 jumps and wears his parachutist wings with pride.

The news was a shock, but he found out as much as he could about the disease that has infected an estimated 23 percent of South Africa‘s armed forces. He now shares that information with everyone he can.

Nhlengethwa insists he can do anything his fellow soldiers can do, but has had to make adjustments; South Africa won‘t deploy him abroad again.

Last year, as South Africa celebrated 10 years of all-race democracy, Nhlengethwa threw his own party to mark six years of living with HIV.

He credits his continued health to careful medical attention, good food, lots of exercise — and a positive attitude.

Fannie Barrios Poll Results

Here are the final results of our poll:

Do you think steroids were involved in the untimely death of Fannie Barrios?

Yes 82% 363 votes
No 18% 82 votes

445 votes total

Please take a couple seconds and vote on our new poll, which you can find on the right side of this page ->

Football Season is Over

Rolling Stone, the magazine that was home for years to Hunter S. Thompson, will publish a note written by the gonzo journalist days before he committed suicide in February.

Douglas Brinkley, the presidential historian who is also Thompson's official biographer, writes that a February 16 note may be Thompson's final written words. It reads:

"No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun -- for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age. Relax -- This won't hurt."

Written in black marker, the note was titled, "Football Season Is Over."

Via: CNN

Rachel Camp

Via the Sand Mountain Reporter:

Rachel Camp won the NPC State Bodybuilding Championship on Aug. 20.

Camp, 37, entered the competition as a heavyweight.

Camp followed a 16-week diet and did up to one-hour cardio sessions each day.

A personal trainer and karate instructor at Powerhouse Gym in Albertville, Camp has been with Powerhouse since 1999.

She and her assistants teach karate in after-school programs in Albertville, Boaz, Douglas and DAR.

This was Camp’s third bodybuilding show, and she’s placed first in all three competitions.

Camp gives all her thanks to Jesus Christ.

“This show was the biggest challenge ever,” Camp said. “I had a lot of changes in my life.

“Three weeks before the show date I broke the last bone in my foot, and I still had to do high cardio sessions. Cardio and dieting are very challenging, especially toward the end.

“There are many days you ask yourself why am I doing this. Bodybuilding is a very elite sport. We are very fortunate to have the knowledge of Teresa Nabors Paschal to assist us in nutrition and bodybuilding.

“It’s easy to quit and give up or just give 75 percent. It is much harder to dig in and stay focused to finish something even when all odds are against you.

“Christ is my pilot. That is short and sweet. He is with you 24/7. Believe in yourself. Believe and you can accomplish anything.

“Special thanks to special friends and family. God continues to send special people into my life, and for that, I am truly blessed.

“A very special thanks to my best friend, for she did the dieting and cardio sessions with me. If you find yourself with one true friend, you are a very richly blessed person.”

Red Cross Disaster Relief

We here at Femalemuscle are shocked by the images that have been coming out of New Orleans the past week. It just doesn't seem that these people could be suffering this much in our own country.

What these people need right now more than anything is money. Money for food, water, shelter, and clothes. The American Red Cross is a good place to start. And CDBaby.com, an incredible online music store featuring thousands of independent artists and bands, has teamed up with over 5000 amazing musicians who have chosen to donate ALL money from the sale of their CD *directly* to the Red Cross disaster relief fund.

You can hear and buy their CDs, here:
http://cdbaby.com/group/redcross

If you've been seeing the images of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and have thought about donating to help those in need, please consider buying some albums from that page.

You're free to listen to up to half of every album in instant-streaming MP3, so I hope you use this as an excuse to
discover some great new music while knowing your money is going to a good cause.

http://cdbaby.com/group/redcross

Thank you

Joni Hurley

From the Daily Press:
To win the bodybuilding competitions that Joni Hurley enters, don't show up with bulging muscles a la Arnold Schwarzenegger. Judges will be way more impressed by toned, shapely, lean and firm.

So Hurley - a mother of three, stepmother of two more, school bus driver and wife of a guy who doesn't much like the gym - has sweated her way to a chiseled 110 pounds on her 5-foot-2-inch frame. Even so, she didn't expect to make much of an impact when she entered her first contest earlier this month.

Instead, Hurley placed first overall and now is training for the Virginia State Bodybuilding & Figure Championships, to be held Sept. 10 in Roanoke.

"I was so nervous before I went on stage," she said, "but afterward everyone was telling me that I need to keep competing and step it up a notch. I left really excited."

Hurley, 37, competes in a relatively new category of bodybuilding called "figure," which doesn't require either oversized muscles or performance of dance or gymnastics routines. Participants have to pose, turn and flex all of their muscle groups.

Full Article...

Homegrown Model Search

Calling all female athletes, bodybuilders, fitness and figure models!

Femalemuscle.com will publish your photos in our Homegrown section, free of charge, for the world to see.

Seeking modeling gigs and need some exposure? We'll publish your bio and contact information as well (optional, of course). Each month, hundreds of thousands of viewers watch Femalemuscle for our bodybuilding and fitness photo coverage.

Details:

• Photos should be at least 500px wide at 72dpi


• Submissions with less than 4 photos will be automatically declined


• Photos should feature your body! Submissions with only headshots will be declined

To submit your photos, email submit.homegrown@gmail.com

Anabolic Steroids and Our Teens

Via Dolfzine.com
by Rick Collins

MEMO TO HIGH SCHOOLS: You have a problem. Anabolic steroids are becoming the rage among teens.

They are undeterred by the risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, liver damage, cancers, strokes and blood clots and headaches and cramps and nausea and baldness and acne and sterility and increased breast size in males, shrunken testicles, stunted growth and many more.-- Doug Robinson, "No sweat? Teens are swept up in roid rage," Deseret News, June 11, 2002.

"Scare tactics don't work." -- Asa Hutchinson, DEA chief, "Dennis Miller Live," August 1, 2002

I guess some journalists didn't get the DEA memo before sending out their own? Scare tactics have failed abysmally, but those in the mainstream media keep churning out hyperbolic drivel like this all the time. It suits them fine. Cheating Olympians and juiced-up sports stars provoke public disapproval, but the idea of our nation's teens abusing anabolic steroids is rightfully appalling to the public, including most parents. Journalists know this, and the problem of teenage steroid abuse has received tremendous media attention.

Big Muscles are Great...
Long Jail Sentences...
are not!!!

What the Stats Say

What is the percentage of teens using steroids? According to the 2001 Monitoring the Future survey, 2.8% of 8th graders, 3.5% of 10th graders, and 3.7% of 12th graders reported using steroids at least once in their lives. Obviously that's troubling. But as compared to the previous year, the 2001 number was down for 8th graders and exactly the same for 10th graders. The number of 12th graders who reported ever using steroids went up, but only from less than three out of one hundred to less than four out of one hundred students.

Let's compare these figures to teen cocaine use. Significantly more 8th and 10th graders reported ever using cocaine or LSD than steroids, and the number of 12th graders who reported using cocaine at least once during their lifetime was 8.2% -- more than twice the number who had ever used steroids. The number of 12th graders who reported using LSD at least once during their lifetime was 10.9% -- nearly triple the number who had ever used steroids. And what about alcohol, which is responsible for the deaths of more than 6,000 teen drivers annually (data from the National Safety Council)? Yes, that's six thousand kids killed behind the wheel in alcohol-related collisions every year. The number of 12th graders who reported being drunk at least once was a truly alarming 63.9%, with a higher increase over the past year than the increase seen with steroids.

These statistics are not intended to minimize in any way the social problem presented by teen steroid use, or teen drug use in general. It's simply to put things in the proper perspective and to hopefully put a damper on enacting any overbroad, reactionary laws. Adolescent steroid use is undeniably a problem, and as mature adults we ought to be doing more about it.

Assessing the Seriousness of the Problem

We can and should recite for our teens the traditional list of possible steroid side effects that are presented to all users, but we should present only the real risks, not some hyperbolic "Reefer Madness" version that destroys all credibility. While the media have exaggerated and sensationalized steroid side effects, there are potentially serious side effects even to adults. The true potential for health risks should not be ignored, but rather qualified. While Legal Muscle includes an exhaustive look at the medical literature related to steroid side effects, a brief recitation of the concerns is crucial here.

Liver toxicity is the foremost adverse effect on the laundry list of potential health risks associated with anabolic steroids. The serious liver problems attributed to anabolic steroid use include hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and peliosis hepatitis (blood-filled sacs within the liver). But while serious liver problems are often cited in the media as a common result of steroid use, it's a classic case of telling the truth without telling the whole truth. It's certain oral steroids -- ones that are "C-17 alpha alkylated" -- that are unusually stressful to process. Even moderate short-term administration of these particular steroids can affect liver function test readings. But contrary to public belief, injectable steroids -- which are more popular among bodybuilders than oral steroids -- generally have little if any effect upon liver function. Since adverse liver effects are associated almost exclusively with C-17 alpha alkylated steroids, studies that generalize these effects to all anabolics are misleading at best. [Note: although the dangers of anabolics to healthy mature adult males' livers appear to have been exaggerated, it must be recognized that an apparently healthy subject with a previously existing but undiscovered liver problem could do serious damage by self-administering C-17 alkylated anabolic steroids.]

Cardiac risk and adverse cholesterol changes are also concerns. Again, there is a legitimate risk with regard to the C-17 oral steroids in particular, which seem to affect blood lipid levels, causing a reduction in HDL (high-density lipoproteins, the "good" cholesterol) levels in some steroid users, as well as an increase in LDL (low-density lipoproteins, the "bad" cholesterol).

As weight gain and water retention can result from anabolic steroid use, hypertension can result. But while hypertension is often cited as a confirmed consequence of anabolic steroid usage, reports indicate that high blood pressure is perhaps one of the most exaggerated claims of steroid-related health risks.

Taking exogenous male hormones can cause the shutdown of endogenous production, making the testicles decrease in size. Basically, like skeletal muscles, the testes can get small and soft if not used. This effect has been a favorite of steroid scaremongers and has been widely reported in the media. However, widely popular ancillary medications can prevent this effect. Also, like impaired fertility, testicular shrinkage is generally fully reversible upon discontinuation of use.

Testosterone can be converted by enzymatic processes in the body into other hormones. One of these derivative hormones is called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a steroid molecule that may be significantly responsible for certain adverse effects including male pattern baldness, acne, and prostatitis. The occurrence and extent of these adverse effects varies by the individual. For example, while steroids won't cause baldness, male pattern baldness can be exacerbated in individuals who already have a genetic predisposition to it.

Testosterone also has the capacity to be converted into female hormones by chemical reactions and enzymes within certain body tissues. Those anabolics that are easily converted into estrogen can cause a formation of female breast tissue known as gynecomastia. While largely dose related, a natural propensity for this condition can cause it to occur even at moderate dosages.

A few researchers have suggested that psychiatric symptoms including increased aggression are a common side effect of anabolic steroid use. But other experts have regarded the conclusions of these researchers with skepticism. In fact, anabolic steroid supplementation (testosterone enanthate) may actually decrease irritability, anger, sadness, tiredness and nervousness, while increasing energy levels, friendliness and good feelings in hypogonadal men. Not surprisingly, when psychiatric problems do occur in study subjects, there seems to be a direct correlation between dosage and prevalence of syndromes.

It has been suggested that anabolic steroid use in conjunction with intense weight training causes muscular adaptations that outpace adaptations by the connective tissues, leading to injuries. Moreover, in light of the extreme degree of musculoskeletal stress imposed, it is not unreasonable to expect muscle and tendon tears in hardcore strength athletes, regardless of steroid use. Whether these injuries are steroid-related is as yet unknown, although some animal studies have suggested that steroids may cause tendon degeneration and increased risk of tendon rupture.

Today, many authorities concede that we really don't know much about the long-term effects of high-dose anabolic use. Massive amounts of anabolics may well have unknown long-term adverse effects. But we don't have any proof of it. Further, the existing risks are increased when the products are obtained on the black market, and when use is unsupervised.

In addition to the risks for adults, steroid use prior to puberty or in adolescence can cause premature closure of the growth plates of the long bones, preventing the young user from attaining full natural height. Although looking good on the beach right now sounds good, even the most thick-headed teen can see the advantage in being a few inches taller a couple years from now.

Additionally, new research on animals conducted at Northeastern University suggests that steroid use in adolescents may permanently alter brain chemistry, whereas the mental effects on adult users typically subside following cessation of use (BBC News, August 16, 2002). Although this issue requires further research, this study provides support for the contention that introducing exogenous hormones to an endocrine system that has not yet fully developed can potentially have permanent and immediate consequences.

But the most dangerous aspect of teen steroid use may not be physiologically based at all. It's psychologically based: the potential for abuse. The teenage years are the peak period of insecurity for most of us; the time when we are most susceptible to peer pressure. Impatient and eager for fast results, many teens are less focused on the distant future including possible health consequences many years ahead. Plus, there's generally a big difference in the mentality of most forty-year-olds from that of most seventeen-year-olds. There ought to be, if you've learned from life. Maturity doesn't come overnight. Teen years are often colored with a higher level of recklessness, sporadic irresponsibility, and a pervasive feeling of invincibility: "The bad stuff will never happen to me." Remember thinking like that?

And, of course, teens are typically less inclined to admit their use to a disapproving physician. This leads to an increased risk of health consequences by failing to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and cardiovascular health.

Further, the effects of anabolics upon size and strength are partially (and sometimes even completely) temporary. Teens seem particularly less willing to suffer these post-cycle size and strength reductions. Thus begins a vicious cycle resulting in a reluctance to ever "come off" the juice, which can lead to permanent health problems. A dangerous reliance on steroids can develop, as the only perceived way to build muscle and the only incentive to go to the gym. I've seen some young people who give up training entirely when they're not "on cycle."

Add it all together and you have all the ingredients for disaster: a high propensity for uninterrupted usage at dangerously high dosages without medical supervision. Even the regulars at hardcore steroid discussion boards on the Internet oppose and vigorously discourage teen use, as did the late Dan Duchaine, author of the Underground Steroid Handbook II (1989) and a favorite target of the anti-steroid brigade. Clearly, even in countries where they can be legally obtained without a prescription, the choice to use anabolics for physical enhancement should be made by mature, informed adults with a pre-established dedication to serious weight training.

Many teen steroid users find parents who lecture them on steroid use ludicrous on several levels. First, the parents often spout off what they've read in the mainstream media, and the kids know better. Second, teenagers tend to be sensitive to hypocrisy, and are apt to dismiss a health risk lecture from a coach or parent who smokes cigarettes or drinks to excess. (And, quite frankly, between us, they have a point. It's tough to get preachy until you clean up your own act. If your teen is using steroids, it may be a perfect opportunity to reevaluate your own poor health habits.) I've spent enough time talking to teens in gyms across the country to know that trying to scare the bejesus out of them will only serve to make us look foolish. The same will go for you if you try it. For one thing, some of these teens may know more about the real health risks than you do. The approach to take to discourage teen steroid use, I am convinced, is one of honesty.

The Underestimated Value of Honesty
A few years ago, I overheard a nineteen-year-old college student quietly asking about steroids at a local health club I used to frequent. He weighed about 160 pounds. I only heard snippets of his gripes, but basically he was complaining about his lack of progress and was looking to boost his muscle gains with anabolics. I shook my head as I continued my own workout. When I finished my set, he asked for my opinion. What follows is what I told him. If I had a teenaged son, it's what I'd tell him, too.

Steroids May Work
But So Does The
Prison System

The way I see it, most everything has risks and benefits. That's especially true of medications, such as anabolic steroids. The choice of whether or not to take steroids involves weighing the risks against the benefits. The risks for teens include numerous possible side effects, including the possibility of altering brain chemistry and never growing to the height you should have been. Have the risks been exaggerated in healthy adult males? Absolutely. Lots of people have taken steroids and seem fine, even many years later. But a few have gotten very sick. Using certain types of steroids can screw up your liver. Using too much can have all sorts of negative effects. And that's not even addressing the fact that most black market products are made for animals and are of unknown purity. There's always some doubt as to what exactly is going into your body. And whose advice are you taking as to dosages and cycles? What are his credentials? Shouldn't a physician be involved in the administration of any serious medicine? What if you have a hidden health problem you may not be aware of, like high blood pressure, liver or prostate disease, or a small undiscovered cluster of cancer cells? After all, we really don't know all of the long-term effects. Is it worth the trade-off at this particular point in your life?

Further, there's another risk that nobody talks about much. Not in the future, but here and now. That's the legal risk of getting yourself busted. In many states, simple possession is a felony. I know -- I've represented a slew of personal users who got jammed up. You'll be handcuffed, interrogated, and treated like a criminal. You'll probably spend a night in jail, maybe with an overly friendly guy named Bubba. You'll probably wind up needing to call your parents to bail you out, and then needing to hire a lawyer and go to court and see a judge, maybe a bunch of times. Your parents will foot the bill, and they'll never let you forget it for the rest of your life. If you're in a small town, the local papers may print your name, which happened to three teen juicers in Utah recently. You probably won't go to jail in the end, although you might! Maybe you'll be lucky and just get probation, but that puts a huge crimp into your social schedule, believe me. If you're convicted of a felony, you can lose many valuable civil rights including your basic right to vote. Even if you're just convicted of a misdemeanor drug offense, you can lose some very important privileges including the license to drive your car and the opportunity to receive federal financial aid for college. Your folks will really love you for that, huh?

Word will probably get around about your arrest. Your teachers will see you differently, as will your neighbors. The girls at school won't think you're cool. They'll see you as a cheater. In fact, they'll attribute any muscles you have purely to the steroids. They'll disregard any hard work you may have put in at the gym. In their eyes, you'll be a lazy kid who cheated with some chemicals that made him bigger, and they will probably be right. You didn't pay your dues.

At nineteen, you're technically an adult and can make up your own mind, but are the benefits really worth it? The way I see it, to really get the benefits, you're going to need to take more steroids than an older guy. Why? Because your own natural testosterone levels are really high right now as suggested by your acne. Once you take in synthetic testosterone from outside, your own natural production shuts off. It can go to zero pretty fast. You'll need a lot of juice just to get you up to where you were to begin with. An older guy, whose levels have gone down over the years, might double his natural levels by taking half of what you'd need just to break even. Studies have shown that testosterone levels of teenaged boys can jump to as high as 2,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood -- about two to four times of your typical adult. How can you really justify not taking advantage of the highest natural testosterone levels you'll ever have in your life? How can you justify just shutting them down? The kids who start juicing without having built any natural foundation get big fast and then get small again just as fast when the cycle ends, like a yo-yo.

If you were 200 pounds and 35 years old, I'd agree your potential for further gains after years of training might be pretty much expended. But that's not you. You haven't even scratched the surface of your natural potential. Look at you. If you need steroids to break the 160-pound barrier, take up tennis. You could easily gain twenty pounds without touching anything that might get you busted. I'll bet your training stinks, your diet stinks, and you haven't even begun to pay the necessary dues of hard work. You want fast results? At your age, this is probably the only time in your life that you'll be able to get them without juice. Milk it for all it's worth. Revamp your training, start eating right, and stop asking people about steroids at nineteen years old.

Did I get through to him? Yes, at least for now. I gave him an exercise program and a sound nutrition plan. He's now training consistently four days each week with brief but intense workouts and heavy basic movements, hitting each body part once per week. He's also increased his protein intake to one gram for each pound of his body weight, not most days but every day. He's cut out the junk food, is consuming healthy fats, and is eating six small meals each day. He's making progress, and he's decided to forego juicing up and instead give his body's own resources a chance to work for him. Contrary to the views of the sports establishment's "Ministry of Truth" scaremongers, honesty and sound reasoning can work better than scare tactics and lies.

Perhaps there's hope for more effective approaches to the problem even at the institutional level. ATLAS (Athletes Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids) is a drug prevention program designed for high school male athletes. Initiated in 1993, the curriculum utilizes a "highly scripted" hands-on-approach, with interactive activities and role-playing. A unique feature of the program is the use of an influential coach and peer leaders as facilitators in a team setting. In addition to ten, 45-minute classroom sessions, there are three exercise sessions in the weight room. Regrettably, the fact that the National Institute on Drug Abuse funds the program suggests that at least a portion of it may be devoted to the same old scare tactics, which perpetuate the public acceptance of prosecuting mature adult personal users. On the other hand, the more positive aspects of the program involving diet and exercise seem to show promise. The program claims to have reduced the new steroid usage of participants by 50%.

At the individual level, parents need to know their children and be alert to significant behavioral changes, steroid-related or not. If you have suspicions or concerns about possible steroid use by your teen, a good primer may be found in J.E. Wright and V.S. Cowart, Anabolic Steroids: Altered States (Carmel, IN: Benchmark Press, 1990), Chapter 4, "Recognizing Anabolic Steroid Use in Adolescents," 71 -91. Some steroid users may benefit from behavioral therapy or other counseling to diminish future usage, particularly where the use arises out of extraordinarily low self-esteem or so-called "body dysmorphia" issues.

Wrap-Up

Now here's the message to pass on to teens: Before you even think about anabolic steroids, learn everything you possibly can about training and apply it in the gym. Become an authority on muscle-building nutrition, and eat right consistently. Pay your dues in the gym -- not for months, but for years -- while taking advantage of the highest natural testosterone levels you will ever have. When you reach your drug-free genetic potential, you'll be shocked at how far you've come.

Rick Collins, J.D., is a veteran lawyer and advisor to the strength, health and fitness communities, and is a nationally recognized legal authority on anabolic steroids. He actively serves on numerous bar associations, including the New York State Bar Association Executive Committee on criminal justice, and is a frequent author and lecturer. A knowledgeable weight trainer for over 25 years, he is a former bodybuilding competitor and certified personal trainer. This article was adapted from a chapter of LEGAL MUSCLE: Anabolics in America, available through SteroidLaw.com, and 1-800-525-6758. [© Rick Collins, 2003. All rights reserved. For informational purposes only, not to be construed as legal advice.]

Femalemuscle Chat!

Hey everyone,

We're introducing a new FREE chat service today.

Check it out at Femalemuscle.com/chat/

Join in the action, talk about whatever you want!

All U.S. 1st amendment rights apply.

Fannie Barrios Dies at age 41

Fannie Barrios pass