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Original work: Nelson Montana

Compiled by: Heng Dao Yi Smile (Bloodthirsty Lion)

Some rules to follow when you decide to break them.

There are two distinct views on steroid use. There are those who strongly oppose steroids, who insist that steroids are an affront to the spirit of sportsmanship - and there are advocates who are the backbone of bodybuilders who will do whatever it takes to build muscle, and steroids are the first choice. It’s either/or. Either yin or yang.

Neutral viewpoints are rare. Even fewer are willing to look at this issue critically. If you are firmly opposed to drugs to increase muscle mass for moral, ethical, medical, or legal reasons, then you can find a lot of arguments to support your opinion. There are many side effects associated with steroid abuse. However, many "anti-steroid" views lack reliable basis. Most people just jump to conclusions out of prejudice and ignorance, and maliciously slander those who try to use steroids. These people usually just know someone who knows someone else whose friend's friend's brother's co-worker's neighbor had his head exploded on steroids.

In fact, the side effects of steroids mainly depend on the dose and duration of taking them. Unfortunately, this is what leads some bodybuilders to view drug use as a benign endeavor. No one thought they had overdosed. Everyone feels they have the situation under their control. It’s “others” who have problems.

To put it simply, steroids are drugs, and completely safe drugs do not exist. We certainly shouldn't treat it like a narcotic (although it is a Schedule II drug, translator's note: Schedule II drugs require a pharmacist's permission to purchase), but it is easily abused. Setting guidelines for safe steroid use is no different than setting the boundaries for safe drinking—it's too unclear and open to be articulated. No one wakes up and suddenly says, "I'm going to become an alcoholic." But everyoneMillions of people have done so. The same goes for steroid use. Thousands of men and women claim, "I only do one cycle." Nice try. But once you fall into this magical world, it's hard to resist its temptation and you will naturally continue to use it. The greater the benefits, the greater the temptation, and you will be tempted to break the boundaries you originally set. Once you get used to the feeling of being a superman, it's hard to go back to being a normal person. So it becomes a matter of whether you are willing to accept a problem when it already exists.

For those of you who are ready to take the plunge, the only way to use steroids correctly is to use them in a sensible manner, following certain rules. Again, the qualifiers are blurred by individual tolerance. A little change here, a little there wouldn't make much of a difference, would it? Maybe it would. Maybe not. But only by staying within the boundaries (or as close as possible) can you avoid contraindications.

If there were a "code" for the safe use of steroids, it would be similar to what is listed below. This quasi-rule ensures that you achieve the expected risk-reward ratio.

Rule 1: No steroids can be used under the age of 24.

Until the age of 24, your body is in a state of excess testosterone and hormones. If you're still young and can't make progress without drugs, there are a few things you should re-examine - mainly training and supplements. As long as you lay the foundation, you should be able to make progress without using drugs. If it really doesn't work, then using medication won't necessarily make it any better. Steroids have an inhibitory effect on the epiphyseal plates (growth plates) of long bones, so if you haven't fully developed your height, steroids may hinder your bone growth. Not to mention, steroids may also affect your hormonal system as it matures. closed. Don't destroy your reproductive system at this point, you still need it.

Rule 2: Do not use steroids until natural methods have been exhausted.

Even after the age of 24, steroids should never be used as a shortcut to success. Otherwise, you will never reach your fullest potential. To understand your abilities, train using natural methods for at least five years. After five years, if you are convinced that you have reached the peak of your genetic ability and can no longer make any progress, then and only then should you consider using steroids.

Rule 3: Always get a comprehensive physical exam, including blood tests.

When legal, steroid use in moderation is generally safe for healthy adults. However, we do not know a personHow will it react to external substances? Ask your doctor to give you a physical exam to make sure you are not taking unnecessary risks. Most bodybuilders forego this step because it can be difficult to find a doctor who is open-minded and accepting of steroid use. Steroids tax your internal organs, and if you have an underlying problem, taking steroids may worsen it. A blood test after one cycle of use can also help you determine how you are responding to the medication.

Rule 4: Each use period cannot exceed three weeks.

This view may be contrary to traditional thinking, but it is very meaningful. Maximum growth can only occur if the receptors are kept fresh. Why not make full use of this "window of opportunity"? Let's break away from traditional thinking. Generally speaking, you won't get huge spurts of growth due to the short cycle time, but keep in mind that small amounts of growth are easier to maintain. If you gain 30 pounds at a time, you will most likely lose 20 of them (in fact, if you gain that much at once, you will most likely lose the last 10 pounds, because once you stop taking the drug, your body "collapse" into a catabolic state). But if you gain 6-7 pounds every three weeks - this amount, your body can control it. Additionally, the shorter the cycle, the faster the endocrine system recovers.

Rule 5: Keep dosage to a minimum.

There is a group of self-proclaimed steroid authorities who advocate high doses based on the following considerations: "If you are going to suppress natural testosterone secretion, it is best to use the highest dose possible." This line of thinking may sound logical. But you only have to look at some of the bodybuilding champions from the 1960s and 1970s to see that this view is wrong. Guys like Larry Scott, Don Howarth, Sergio Oliva, Harold Poole, Dave Draper, Frank Zahn, and many, many bodybuilders only take a few Dianabol pills a day. An anabolic steroid) also achieved outstanding growth! At the same time, they did not suffer from the terrible side effects such as impotence, abdominal distension, and swollen nipples that are common among today's professional bodybuilders. This is because they know how to train and how to eat, instead of relying on drugs for everything. It's worth learning.

Rule 6: Avoid the riskiest drugs.

This may sound like nonsense, but you might not realize how often this rule is broken. The reason is usually that only a limited number of drugs are available. But you can’t just make do with it! Anadrol, Halotestin), Parabolin (an anabolic steroid), and most testosterone can cause irreparable damage. Although every milligram of steroids has similar effects on muscle cells, some drugs have a lower risk-to-benefit ratio. But even steroids that we think of as mild have side effects. Long-acting Deca-Durabolin has been widely used by bodybuilders, mainly because of its strong anabolic effect and fewer side effects. However, the latest evidence shows that the inhibitory effect of long-acting Durabolin on the HPTA (hypothalamic pituitary axis) is no less than that of taking testosterone directly. It can also lead to "big breasts" (gynaecomastia). Winstrol and Anavar are two potent oral steroids that are milder and better than drugs like Dianabol (although Dianabol is thought to be the best for increasing girth). But as with all oral medications, they increase LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Since both Stanozolol and Anavar come in smaller pill doses, taking 30 pills a day can put a strain on your liver and bank balance.

The “safest” steroid that many people think may be Primobolan-depot. This is a near-perfect steroid that retains nitrogen very well (allowing for greater muscle growth through protein intake) while not suppressing its own testosterone production (if kept on short cycles). The downside to Primothenolone is that it does not produce "spectacular" growth. The price is also relatively high. These shortcomings have caused many bodybuilders to avoid drugs and instead use drugs such as Testosterone cypionate, which are cheap and can produce dramatic increases in girth in a relatively short period of time. Unfortunately, with most testosterone, any muscle gain is lost quickly after discontinuation of use. The muscles gained through Methenolone are relatively stable and can be maintained after the medication cycle is over (note: this may be because its efficacy is relatively weak).

There is also a theory that Primothenolone is not toxic to the liver because it is not a 17 alpha alkylate. The alkylation process hinders the breakdown of the liver, thereby increasing its burden. The bad side of non-17 alpha alkylated oral steroids is that they only stay in your body for a few hours and you have to take them every day. Primothenolone used to be 50 mg per tablet, and taking 4 tablets a day can achieve the required dosage. But most of the current Primothenolone tablets are 5mg! This dosage is ideal for women, but very impractical for men. At 40 tablets a day and $1 each, most bodybuilders wouldn't choose it.

Rule 7: Once you are unable to achieve gains at 1000mg per week, stop taking it – forever

Every time you take it for a cycle, your body's tolerance will increase. If you want to achieve growth, you must continue to increase the dose. If your weekly intake of 1,000mg no longer produces significant gains, you should stop taking it. I mean, totally give up. You've gained muscle far beyond your limits. If you continue to push your dosage beyond this limit, you may never return to your normal lifestyle. You will eventually be unable to even take care of yourself.

Steroid use is a personal matter and should not be condemned or condoned. Anyone who chooses to use drugs should understand the risks and take their own responsibility. Although such people are not and should not be viewed as a danger to society, legislators do not view them that way. This is an indisputable fact that must be taken into account. Since steroid use is illegal in North America, the dangers of black market trading are a significant factor. Counterfeit, homemade, and veterinary medicines are often sold as genuine medicines. Some products contain no active ingredients at all. Some may be contaminated. No matter how you identify it, there are risks. Be careful.

It may not be possible to use steroids "completely safely," but if you follow these guidelines, you can hopefully avoid irreparable damage. Use wisely, use safely, and grow peacefully.