sinnister

I played football and have seen and known loads of guys on the juice.

Just...not...worth it.

Even for gains I found I would out gain most of them in the weight room just through modified diet. And I didnt get the side effect of mutliple acne outbreaks, roid rage and testicular shrinkage. (contrary to popular belief the shaft doesn't shrink, the balls do though).

I also find that you look less cut as you're primary concern is building size. So you get a bulkier look but less definition. Me don't like.

johnnycomelately

You have to worry about the self-esteem issues that somebody has to have to risk their health, spend lots of cash and waste enormous amounts of time in the gym in order to attain a physique that most normal women seem to be turned off by.

I think that if you are a mature, confident father and husband you wouldn't do this to yourself.

Cherie

1. Enormous amounts of time in the gym is a sterotype. Many guys that use gear spend less time in the gym than guys and girls who don't.
2. "Wads of cash" is relative. These guys are the same guys that aren't often spending money on beer and pizza.
3. You're in no place to assume that all men who use gear have low self esteem. What a crock. They can be some of the most confident men I know.
4. How do you know the OP isn't attracted to the look? I'd take a musclebound guy with abs over the average fat american with ***** tits, or a runner who has bony hips anyday.

johnnycomelately

Just seems like over-compensation to me. How can you justify spending this much time and resources on your image when you have a wife and kids? To say nothing of the health risks.

Cherie

I do see your point some what, That I would like to say that not all people that use are the same. They should not be all classified as the same either. A lot of people spend money on things like driving a nice car, or arrange vacations. Image is image no matter what kind of image you're concerned with. When a guy spends a couple hundred dollars a month on steroids, he's thrown under the bus yet when somebody buys a brand-new BMW, the neighbors walk over to take a look at it and chat.

Health risks, well, I will give you that. However, you're far more likely to die from smoking cigarettes or obesity, or even a drunk driving accident then you are from steroids. Just trying to put things in perspective.

Minncouple

Have to agree with Cheri on this one.

Your assumption on who uses and what not are pretty general and more than likely false.

1) Costs are only a few hundred a month, I know guys that drop that in a bar tap on a Thursday night.

2) While I did first start working out for the ladies, it evolved into much more of a personal goal type thing. It is also a way I deal with stress.

3) One does not get fat when on, if so thier diet sucks.

4) I am attracted to very fit women, thus they are also looking for fit guys. I couldnt imagine being with a fluffy women.

5) Health risks are there, but when used properly are way less of a health risk that fast food, smoking, and drinking.

Now my final comment is quite vain, but it is quite nice hanging out at the Tao pool in Vegas with my shirt off, and at age 42, look better than all the 20 yo's. Also funny how most the guys ask questions about diet and training, while the ladies try not to stare. Sorry, just being honest.

Cherie

I feel the exact same. Could never be with a guy who wasn't concerned with his physical appearance and was a fat slob. I myself am liberties model, and hubby and I get questioned and stared at when we go places as well.

Ditto on the bar tab thing. I see it all the time.

johnnycomelately

I think it is quite sad that at 42 you care so much.

Cherie

I think its sad you don't. Why because you age must you stop caring? Are you ok with having a spouse who has let herself go? if so, why? everyone has an ideal. I think an obese executive who has put money before his own fitness and physical health or a mom on food stamps who smokes is worse.

Minncouple

Well Johny, lets just agree to diss-agree.

I do care alot about my appearence, I dont see it as vain, its more of a personal respect I have for myself I guess.

I am always amazed at how society has become so understanding of obesity, and almost accepted and embrace it.

johnnycomelately

I do care. I take care of myself and stay fit. Bodybuilding with steroid use is not about health. Excess weight, whether it is muscle or fat, is bad for your heart and the effects of steroids are well documented. It is about image.

Cherie

Good. Then you are one of the 34% of Americans that is not overweight. We all agree abuse of the drugs is an issue and it's common. Bodybuilding is not about health, I will give you that. I never said it wasn't about image, too. Back to the car example. So unless you're living like a pauper, you care about image also. We can agree to.disagree.

chillymorn

do you think steroids has any thing to do with mental illness lot of pro football player on steroids and getting concussions seems to equal killing themselves or major mental health issues after they retire.

I"ll bet they find out in the future that its harmfull to your brain take steriods.

Minncouple

Chilly - Steroids aren't killing football players. It's the constant brain trama.

Look, we all can agree steroids when miss-used can kill you. But, regulated and safe use can also be benificial to your health.

As far as the football players, well steroids are thier least concerns. Most over users of steroids, in professional sports, are also users of recreational drugs. It's a fast lifstyle that takes its toll. NO, Chris Benoet (sp) the wrestler who commited suicide didnt kill himself due to steroids alone, he was on a boat load of other drugs. It's just that the media and goverment are on a witch hunt for gossip to sell/pitch to the general public.

Minncouple

BTW, can some one tell me why it is wrong to care about your physical appearence? Really, I am at a loss on this one.