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Dear Worlds Fittest Man,

I am a 16 year old guy and at my school, the jocks rule. My friends and I started working out in 8th grade and we are maniacs about it!! My dream is to start competitive bodybuilding next year and I know I have a shot. Here's the thing, some of the guys have started with steroids and I am tempted to do it too. I've heard they're not good for you but my friends have already started to look amazing. It can't be that bad, right?

Dear Jocks Rule,

Let me start by saying that its great you and your friends take pride in working out. You guys are not in the majority. Many teenagers these days are overweight, and do little or no exercise at all.

Now to the bad news. I know that high school can be a very competitive place. Everyone wants to fit in, thats only natural. When I was in high school I was a competitive powerlifter. Many of my friends started taking steroids to get ahead and tried to get me to join them. I had one friend die from the drug and lost others to "roid rage." I never gave in and strongly urge you not to.

I can see wanting to build up your body, but steroids are not the answer. Many people ask me today whether I use any type of steroids or muscle building supplements to get in shape. And the answer is always NO! I dont mess with that stuff and neither should you.

Steroids are a synthetic version of the male hormone testosterone. You might also hear them referred to as anabolic steroids. As a male, your body produces testosterone naturally -- thats what makes guys into guys. It helps you grow body hair and deepens your voice.

When it comes to sports, some athletes believe that taking steroids will give them that "winning edge." In your case, to get bigger and better muscles for bodybuilding. Theres no doubt that steroids can help your muscles grow, and thats why you see your friends getting so much bigger than you.

But theres also no doubt that steroids come with many life-threatening side effects that just arent worth it. Here are some courtesy of the National Center for Drug Free Sports:

  • cancer of the liver, prostate, kidney
  • high blood pressure
  • enlarged prostate
  • liver damage
  • post-use depression
  • aching joints
  • injury to tendons, ligaments, and muscles
  • HIV disease from sharing needles
  • acne, swelling of feet or ankles
  • nosebleeds
  • heart arrhythmias
  • stunted growth in immature individuals
  • breast growth in males
  • baldness
  • "roid rage" or aggressive behavior

And this is only a partial list of the horrible side effects. Yes, your friends may be getting bigger muscles but just look at the price theyre paying. You may even see them exhibit some of these side effects already.

Whats more, the NCAA bans the use of all steroids from their competitions. So dont even dream about a football or basketball scholarship.

If your dream is to become a bodybuilder, there are lots of ways to get bigger other than taking steroids. Focus on the basics like serious weight training, cardio training and stretching. And also make sure youre eating lots of lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains rather than junk food and fast food.

For more information on the National Center for Drug Free Sports go to their website: www.drugfreesport.com/about.htm

© Joe Decker 2003

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