| Focus January 1, 2003
Why I Don't Do Drugs
The tradition of the New Year’s resolution originated
more than four thousand years ago with the Babylonians and today the annual ritual is as
popular as ever. Recent polls suggest most people resolve to improve their health in some
aspect -- whether it be to quit smoking, lose weight, or simply improve their general
health.
Personally, I think the New Year’s resolution is an
overdone marketing gimmick. Many industries view New Year’s resolutions as a way to
capitalize on people’s desire to "improve" themselves. The health industry,
in particular, cashes in on the season through the products they promote. Basically,
anything that can make it easier or faster for people to realize their resolution falls
into this category. The funny thing is, the outcome is always so predictable. Sooner or
later these people are going to realize their "miracle pill" can only take them
so far before they suffer from one of the many "potential side effects" and
cannot continue using the product, or they will lose interest altogether.
In fitness, I view steroids as a similar example of the
products that drive the New Year’s resolution. It is a temporary quick-fix which has
side effects that outweigh its benefits. And let’s face it; steroids are not
something you can take for the rest of your life. The side effects will eventually catch
up with you and, besides, who knows how your body will react when it is denied the
chemicals it has grown accustomed to.
There are many physical and health-related reasons why I
choose not to take steroids. In fact, in this month’s Edge
section, Alison Aulph examines some of the most common problems steroid users face.
I’m not trying to be judgmental against anyone who chooses the alternate route
because it’s not my concern. What is my concern is that as fitness becomes more
competitive, with new and amazing talent arriving every year, there seems to be a growing
consensus that competitors need to take drugs to win. This is just not true and it is what
I want people to realize. Look at athletes like Kary Odiatu, Nadia Moussa, and Chantal
Dicaire. Everyone knows who these competitors are because they are phenomenal athletes who
have represented Canada at the IFBB World Fitness Championships. They are also drug-free.
(To represent Canada at the IFBB World Fitness Championships an athlete must qualify at
the CBBF National World Qualifier, an event subject to Doping Control testing by the
Canadian Center for Ethics in Sports.)
Although I don’t believe in a New Year’s
resolution, I do strongly believe in setting continuous goals. As part of my commitments
for 2003, I resolve to: train harder, eat properly, stay more focused, stay positive (yes,
even when dieting!), and, most of all, stay true to my morals as a drug-free athlete.
Let’s face it, I won’t be competing forever, and
even if I retire from fitness without winning another trophy, I’d still like to leave
with my health.
Good luck with all your training in 2003!
...Denyse Johnson
denyse@seriousaboutfitness.com |
