| Focus March 1, 2005
|
Chantal Dicaire (left)
and Christy Wolfe have great physiques, built through proper training and nutrition, and
not through harmful drugs.
(photo November 2004 by D. Dave Paul) |
|
Steering Clear of Steroids
The 2005 fitness and figure competitive season is fast
approaching, the competitors’ preparations are underway, and you can be sure that for
some competitors the preparation will include the use of drugs – most notably,
anabolic steroids for increasing muscle mass.
It would be naïve to think that these drugs aren’t
being used in physique-type contests because, in many ways, they’re perfect for the
job. Need muscles? Drugs are the simple solution. Steroids – basically a derivative
of the male hormone testosterone, available in a variety of forms – were designed to
do just that, enhance muscle mass. And they work.
But that muscle comes at a price, and I’m not talking
about the amount one pays a dealer for a bottle of whatever. I’m talking about the
very real side effects that women risk by using them – all for a measly trophy and a
snapshot of glory (see "Anabolic Steroids and
Women: The Increased Risk Factor").
What’s so sad about steroid use among fitness and
figure competitors is not just how harmful it is, but how unnecessary it is, too. While
the potential to build more muscle through drugs is enticing, frankly, you don’t need
steroids if you know what you’re doing.
I’ve said it to many competitors, and it’s worth
repeating here again, publicly: Not only do I believe it is insane for a woman to use
steroids, I don’t believe they’re even necessary for success. In fact, they
might hinder it. While steroids might increase muscle mass, they have other effects that
readily show themselves and may well hurt a woman’s chance at winning!
Surprised? You shouldn’t be if you understand how
these drugs work. As I said, there’s a price.
I remember talking to one female competitor about steroids.
She wasn’t really serious about using them, but like many she was curious, as
everyone is at one time or another. She asked what I thought about using drugs, and,
without hesitation, this is what I told her.
"Sure, they’ll increase the amount of muscle on
your body and make it easier to get lean and ripped, just like you want at the contest.
But you know what? You’re a very pretty woman, and those same drugs, while increasing
your muscle mass, will change your face – and not for the better. You’ll take on
a more masculine appearance that will manifest itself through a hardening of the jaw line,
and perhaps development of some facial hair. Chances are your skin and hair will change,
too, and again, it won’t be an improvement. And that will just be what the average
person sees on you – I don’t have to get into what else will change.
They’re male hormones, and that’s what putting male hormones in your body will
do. You’ll get onstage with more muscle, that’s for sure, but overall
you’re not going to look nearly as good or as pretty as you do today. Do drugs, and
you won’t win."
After that discussion, she didn’t even mention drugs
again, but she did go on to become a national champion, cleanly.
Drugs are simply not necessary for fitness and figure
competition. The amount of muscle necessary to win is easily achievable with proper
training and correct nutrition. Even someone with average genetic potential can build an
amazing body, drug-free. I know, because I’ve personally helped some women win with
precisely that formula. The reason others don’t has mostly to do with the fact that
they don’t train or eat properly – simple as that.
The title of this section is Focus, and for competitors
that word should be a guiding light: focus on training, focus on nutrition, focus on your
lifestyle, and focus on everything else that you need to in order to reach your dreams.
Just don’t focus on drugs. They’re a high-risk way to a dead-end career that may
well cause permanent, irreversible damage to your body. Besides, you don’t even need
them anyway.
...Doug Schneider
das@seriousaboutfitness.com |
