Question: What is so bad about anabolic steroids? It seems that every time you pick up a fitness magazine there is a body builder (the latest being Frank Sepe) saying that while they no longer do it, they have done it in the past. It seems that doing steroids is needed to get you jump started. The only bad thing is to do it over a long period of time. I mean, a cycle or two won't kill you will it? Now everyone knows your personal stance on steroids, but don't you think that when you read time and time again that pro bodybuilders say they've done it before it gives you the impression it's really not so bad?

Answer: Will a cycle or two kill you? Probably not. But do you really think you can stop after one or two cycles? Taking performance-enhancing drugs can become a vicious, addictive habit, the final result of which can be the loss of your health (or even your life). Even if it doesn't affect your health, when it's all said and done, you'll end up right back where you were before you started. Why even bother in the first place? To win a little plastic trophy? Just to look good on the beach? The negative effects of steroids on your liver, cardiovascular system, reproductive system and endocrine system are so well documented that I'm not even going to list them here. But there are a lot of other reasons why you shouldn't take steroids as well: (1) Steroids are illegal. If you use them you are breaking the law. (2) Steroids are banned in athletic competition. If you use them you are cheating and you are compromising your integrity. (3) The gains from steroids are almost entirely temporary. You'll lose almost all the size and strength you gained when you go off them. (4) Steroids are extremely addictive psychologically. When you start shrinking and getting weaker after you go off them, it's almost impossible to resist going right back on them and staying on them. As you admitted yourself, it is long term use that is responsible for serious health complications. (5) The "minor" side effects of steroid use are very common and afflict many users - they include testicular atrophy, gynecomastia (growth of male breast tissue), severe acne, severe bloating and water retention. These side effects ruin an otherwise attractive physique and taking additional drugs is often necessary to counteract them. (6) With proper training and nutrition, you can develop a great physique without steroids. The physical development of the top natural bodybuilders today is absolutely outstanding (and the muscle gains are permanent!) (7) The natural look is much more aesthetically pleasing. Steroids get you bigger at the expense of proportion, symmetry and aesthetics. Heavy, prolonged drug use produces distended stomachs, bloated muscles, and a bulky, misshapen physique that is grotesque and downright unattractive. Just ask any member of the opposite sex; a natural body looks better!

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