As most of you know I have some rather mixed feelings on the issue of steroids and related drugs used in bodybuilding. On the pure/natural side of the debate you have the; ALL steroid use is bad, unhealthy and cheating. On the extreme , hardcore side you have the ; ya goota do a lot of juice to build a big freaky body and natural sucks belief.
How about some of the ideas that John Ramano ( and others) bring up in the film "Bigger, Stronger, Faster". Why does the steroid issue have to be an all bad or all good issue?
Why is a moderate, sensible position based on basic sense and science so hard to sell?Here is my basic postion and beliefs on the drug issue.
1. Sensible, moderate steroid use is NOT risky or a major health risk. ( Where are the dead bodies?)
2. Personal steroid use should NOT be a crime. I use prescribed Androgel and it is legal and even covered by my health ins. It keeps my testosterone levels in the ideal which is GOOD for my health. Why should anyone be convicted for simply doing what I do on legal terms.
3. A policy of open , sensible and honest use of steroids as a part of the training regime for eilte /pro athletes ( bodybuilders) should be started .
4. The drugs should be used to help support the training bodybuilder, NOT be used to extremes that alter the basic line and symmetry of the physique. Yes, an elite bodybuilder can be "too big" and should be marked down for that.
5. A bodybuilder with good genetics can develop a great physique WITHOUT drugs. Drugs simply enhance what is already there and make it bigger .Moderate, sensible steroid use can help a bodybuilder peak for a show and still remain healthy. I see no reason why the sport needs to be 100% drug free, when sensible drug use is possible.
6. The legal and political reality is at odds with good sense and solid science on the steroid issue.
The media has lumped steroids in with supplements like creatine?wtf?
Drinking booze has done more damage to society than steroids ever will. But, since it is legal , drinking is hardly news in the media. Has anyone ever killed anyone driving a car from a shot of decca or Winnie V? No! Can't say the same about the "legal shots" of booze can we
I fear the a real debate is unlikely to happen at this point due to the media hype and ignoracne on this issue. The bodybuilding world is defensive and doesn't want any public scrutiny on steroids while congress wants to go on witchhunts.
I wish that an honest, open dialogue could occur and a sensible, honest policy be put in place.
I don't think our pro bodybuilders whould be trated like criminals for pushing the envelope. But, I also don't think extreme use and freak physiques should be the ideal and win the $$.
Thanks for listening, Howard