Just trust me when I say, doing 1 show a year for the better part of my career had it's advantages. When not training for a show, I had no need to use.
I prepared basically 10 months out of the year for the Olympia Jan to Oct. But Contest Prep was 12 weeks.
That said, my weight never fluctuated much over 235 and I competed at 215lbs
No injuries and no regrets.
Yes I used but never Abused. Right or wrong, BBing aint what it used to be.
Peace,
S. Ray
Oh by the way, my weight is steady at 215lbs after not competing for 5 1/2 years now.