Steroid Use: Benefits, Drawbacks, And Risks
If you’re thinking of using steroids to build muscle, the first thing you should do is talk with your doctor. There are some serious health risks associated with their use, and if you don’t know any better, they could be doing more harm than good. But, if you’ve been working out regularly and want to put on a little weight or bulk up, then there’s no better way to accomplish that goal than by using anabolic steroids. They can give you the results you need much faster than traditional methods.
But, what exactly are they? Well, let’s start from the beginning. In short, they are man-made hormones that stimulate and accelerate your body’s natural production of testosterone and other growth factors. This helps you gain mass quicker, which leads to improved athletic performance. Now, this isn’t to say that it’s easy to get them; in fact, there are strict regulations around them, including a prescription requirement. The FDA has even gone so far as to classify them as drugs under federal law (although they are available through doctors).
As the age of the person grows, his overall metabolism starts declining. At this time the best option for the person is to consume the Metabolism booster, they are generally available in various tastes. A person can choose the flavor of the medicine that they think they can easily consume without facing any issues.
So, how can you use them? Let’s take a look at 7 tips for using steroids to speed up muscle growth.
- Choose a Good Cycle
You have two main options when it comes to choosing a cycle for taking steroids: injectable or oral. Both work well, but there are pros and cons to each one. Oral cycles tend to require higher doses because your body processes that dose differently than it does when injected. So, there might be some side effects. Injectable cycles, on the other hand, don’t require as high of a dosage, making it easier to control and less likely to cause unwanted side effects. However, you won’t see as much benefit and you’ll be slower to build muscle mass.
- Test Your Cycle
Before you begin your cycle, test yourself for any possible negative reactions. Talk with your doctor about getting tested for allergies before you begin. Also, ask him/her about any potential side effects from your cycle. If the answer is positive, make sure you check in with your doctor again before starting. You may also want to consider getting screened for HIV and hepatitis B and C, although these tests aren’t usually required unless you plan on having sex while using steroids.
- Take Them Safely
When it comes to taking steroids, safety is always key. As we mentioned above, steroids are regulated by the FDA. That means you must obtain a medical license before prescribing them. Make sure you understand all the rules, and make sure you follow them to the letter. For instance, you may not be allowed to prescribe certain types of steroids, like those used to treat hormone problems. And, you may not be allowed to prescribe them without the proper paperwork and permission.
- Stick to the Plan
One of the biggest mistakes people make when using steroids is failing to stick to a strict regimen. While it’s fine to change things around here and there, you really shouldn’t stray too far from your original plan. It will only lead to more trouble down the road. So, make sure you stay consistent. If you do decide to alter your plan, make sure you discuss it with your physician beforehand.
- Don’t Go Too Long Without Taking Some
There’s no point in overdoing it with steroids, especially if you don’t plan on sticking with them long term. Once your body adjusts to the drug, you’ll find that it stops producing the same amount of testosterone you once did. To keep your gains going, you’ll need to continue taking them every few days.
- Watch What You Eat
While steroids can help you gain weight quickly, they can also affect your appetite. If you’re gaining weight too fast, it might be due to the increase in calories you’re consuming. So, it’s important to watch what you eat to ensure you’re putting on healthy weight. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can slow your metabolism and cause your muscles to break down.
- Get Stronger Before Bulking Up
If you want to bulk up with steroids, you’ll need to focus on strength training first. When you’re bulking up, you’ll need to focus on size and strength rather than fat loss. So, if you were already exercising hard, now would be a great time to ramp up your workouts to prepare for your steroid cycle.
If you’re looking to get stronger, here are 5 exercises to add to your routine.
Squat – 3 sets of 8 reps – 95% 1RM
Bench Press – 3 sets of 10 reps – 85% 1RM
Deadlift – 3 sets of 8 reps – 90% 1RM
Overhead Squat – 3 sets of 8 reps – 70% 1RM
Barbell Row – 3 sets of 12 reps – 80% 1RM
And if you want to learn more about fitness, here are 9 ways to improve your workout routine.
For more advice on building lean muscle with weights, check out our article on How to Build Muscle With Weight Training.
What are your thoughts on using steroids to increase muscle mass? Is it right for you? Or, is it something you’d never consider trying? Share your thoughts below!