Why the Steroid stigma in powerlifting?

[Worf]

So I’ve never really done the “bodybuilding “ thing per se but I’ve been around it for a while. I started lifting to get in shape and prepare for football. After that it was for other sports and just generally getting bigger/stronger. I noticed with the bodybuilding guys most are pretty candid about being on PEDS. It’s just a known fact that these guys are on hormones, and some of them are on all of them.
Powerlifting and strongman on the other hand seems a bit different. I know they’re on , I’m on it and I’m not dumb. I see guys cycling, blowing up 20 lbs deadlifting 700+ lbs squatting 600’s then out of the gym for a month. I’m in a top 10 US city and a top 5 city in Texas. Texas don’t fuck around when it comes to powerlifting, it’s a sport in high schools and has the largest high school body of participants in the US. What gets me is guys just aren’t talking about peds. Even outside of TEXAS or a powerlifting gym, listen to some of these podcasts like ELITEFTS Table talk, JuggLife, Mark Bell Power podcast. They acknowledge the fact that it’s part of the sport and even some will say “yea I compete in the non drug tested”. Nobody just casually talks about the use. It’s almost like they don’t want to tell their secret. Then there’s the message boards dudes just openly talking about very detailed logs and doses, what works and what doesn’t etc. So we all know what’s going on. However everyone for the most part is anonymous and isn’t putting themself out there. Many guys even claim natty and with the higher weight guy I can buy it, I just don’t believe that these top level guys are natty if the average gym goer has used PEDS.
I wonder if in the future things will change? A lot of guys are getting on trt and the testosterone stigma is being chipped away at. I work with at least 3 guys who have admitted to being on test replacement that are DYEL guys. They are very proud of being on trt and talk about it somewhat casual, how good they feel, improved sex life etc. I’ve suggested they just buy it online and do it themselves because it’s cheaper and they respond “ oh no, Isn’t that illegal or don’t I have to have an Rx, you man like steroids? Oh no”
What’s everyone else experience with the steroid stigma in Powerlifting?

 

[Perrin Aybara]

If you look in the comments on Facebook and Instagram on anything gym related people talk mad shit about gear use. Plus the natty feds like USAPL are super elitist. I'm never around anyone else in real life that competes and does powerlifting, so can't comment much on that. I'm in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere.

There are guys at my gym that openly talk about being on TRT though. Some even talk about adding to it and throwing in SARMs. That's about it though. There used to be a bodybuilding competitor and strongman competitor and they both not only claimed natty, but talked shit about gear use. The bodybuilder was 100% clearly on gear. The strongman I heard from other people used orals so he could claim natty, I only heard him ever mention SARMs. There's another guy that's fairly strong that also claims natty and talks shit about steroids, but he's recommended prohormones to me before because they're legal and I've heard him talk very detailed cycle information for someone that claims natty. There was also another guy that was the biggest guy at my gym by far, about 260lbs lean with 20+ inch arms, he was constantly downplaying his gear use. He claimed to only lift 1-2 days a week, never train arms, didn't watch his diet and drank beer and ate pizza daily, and the biggest gem was he said he could get just as big natty as when on cycle.

 

[Silentlemon1011]

So I’ve never really done the “bodybuilding “ thing per se but I’ve been around it for a while. I started lifting to get in shape and prepare for football. After that it was for other sports and just generally getting bigger/stronger. I noticed with the bodybuilding guys most are pretty candid about being on PEDS. It’s just a known fact that these guys are on hormones, and some of them are on all of them.
Powerlifting and strongman on the other hand seems a bit different. I know they’re on , I’m on it and I’m not dumb. I see guys cycling, blowing up 20 lbs deadlifting 700+ lbs squatting 600’s then out of the gym for a month. I’m in a top 10 US city and a top 5 city in Texas. Texas don’t fuck around when it comes to powerlifting, it’s a sport in high schools and has the largest high school body of participants in the US. What gets me is guys just aren’t talking about peds. Even outside of TEXAS or a powerlifting gym, listen to some of these podcasts like ELITEFTS Table talk, JuggLife, Mark Bell Power podcast. They acknowledge the fact that it’s part of the sport and even some will say “yea I compete in the non drug tested”. Nobody just casually talks about the use. It’s almost like they don’t want to tell their secret. Then there’s the message boards dudes just openly talking about very detailed logs and doses, what works and what doesn’t etc. So we all know what’s going on. However everyone for the most part is anonymous and isn’t putting themself out there. Many guys even claim natty and with the higher weight guy I can buy it, I just don’t believe that these top level guys are natty if the average gym goer has used PEDS.
I wonder if in the future things will change? A lot of guys are getting on trt and the testosterone stigma is being chipped away at. I work with at least 3 guys who have admitted to being on test replacement that are DYEL guys. They are very proud of being on trt and talk about it somewhat casual, how good they feel, improved sex life etc. I’ve suggested they just buy it online and do it themselves because it’s cheaper and they respond “ oh no, Isn’t that illegal or don’t I have to have an Rx, you man like steroids? Oh no”
What’s everyone else experience with the steroid stigma in Powerlifting?

Very true.
Knew some guys who were big on PL, one of them even had some records.
"All about the nutrition"

I got most of them to admit it, after detailing my cycles...

But it took a while and some trust.
ait just doesnt make sense..

Especially in Canada, it's legal for.possesion and consumption and these guys compete in untested.
So not like anyone is getting fooled by the "Nutrition" piece.

 

[Worf]

If you look in the comments on Facebook and Instagram on anything gym related people talk mad shit about gear use. Plus the natty feds like USAPL are super elitist. I'm never around anyone else in real life that competes and does powerlifting, so can't comment much on that. I'm in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere.

There are guys at my gym that openly talk about being on TRT though. Some even talk about adding to it and throwing in SARMs. That's about it though. There used to be a bodybuilding competitor and strongman competitor and they both not only claimed natty, but talked shit about gear use. The bodybuilder was 100% clearly on gear. The strongman I heard from other people used orals so he could claim natty, I only heard him ever mention SARMs. There's another guy that's fairly strong that also claims natty and talks shit about steroids, but he's recommended prohormones to me before because they're legal and I've heard him talk very detailed cycle information for someone that claims natty. There was also another guy that was the biggest guy at my gym by far, about 260lbs lean with 20+ inch arms, he was constantly downplaying his gear use. He claimed to only lift 1-2 days a week, never train arms, didn't watch his diet and drank beer and ate pizza daily, and the biggest gem was he said he could get just as big natty as when on cycle.

Very true.
Knew some guys who were big on PL, one of them even had some records.
"All about the nutrition"

I got most of them to admit it, after detailing my cycles...

But it took a while and some trust.
ait just doesnt make sense..

Especially in Canada, it's legal for.possesion and consumption and these guys compete in untested.
So not like anyone is getting fooled by the "Nutrition" piece.

I do believe that some of the secrecy stems from the USAPL and their arrogance towards non tested feds and meets. Also the feds that test some meets and not others. Some of these guys grow up with the whole peds are cheating unless you’re a dirty ruskie. Do collegiate powerlifting and take thst usapl bs with them.
Yup Sarms is another thing Ive herd guys talk about at the gym like its no big deal. One said he felt like shit after coming off. I told one of them he was better off running some test and he said he would never use steroids. Theres a ton of fake natties out there pretending its just diet and genetics. We all know those things are a factor. Thats not making Guys look like Dan Green and put up the numbers he does. Not fooling anyone. Ive only spoken openly with one guy about juice at my gym. He’s a multi ply guy and doesn’t give a fuck. He says he’s on for life. Still wouldn’t talk doses. Runs test and deca, then loads up on dbol and drol a few weeks out. He cruises on probably what I blast, lol

 

[Perrin Aybara]

I don't get admitting to use and refusing to talk doses. Who cares?

 

[Btcowboy]

Pretty new to my gym so no one talking PEDs to me yet... other than the odd person I could not say for sure they are on or off other than maybe making a guess based of their numbers for most of them. One guy, not lean but not fat pushing 300 I would say is probably on but.. still no talk of it.

 

[Silentlemon1011]

Pretty new to my gym so no one talking PEDs to me yet... other than the odd person I could not say for sure they are on or off other than maybe making a guess based of their numbers for most of them. One guy, not lean but not fat pushing 300 I would say is probably on but.. still no talk of it.

I'm actually the exact opposite.
Of I'm not at work, I'm honest about my Peds.

Happened a few months ago

Some random friendly guy

"Hey bro, that was HUGE hows the juice treating you"
Me

"Actuallly off cycle and gear right now, going to run again in a while"

He was actually on cycle and we had a good conversation

BUT
I understand the American perspective.
Here, it's Legal
US its illegal

Do a bit more taboo

 

[Btcowboy]

I'm actually the exact opposite.
Of I'm not at work, I'm honest about my Peds.

Happened a few months ago

Some random friendly guy

"Hey bro, that was HUGE hows the juice treating you"
Me

"Actuallly off cycle and gear right now, going to run again in a while"

He was actually on cycle and we had a good conversation

BUT
I understand the American perspective.
Here, it's Legal
US its illegal

Do a bit more taboo

I am Canadian and talk about it no issues once I get to know you...

 

[Vincentino]

The thing about this whole phenomena is this:
If you go to a powerlifting meet with the record setters, you can literally smell the testosterone in the air (if you know, you know). These pussies out here claiming fake natty knows that they can’t lie about it to the guys that run gear, so fuck them. I’ve never understood the guys that claim to be natural, as if using steroids somehow means you aren’t working hard?
I shut down these idiots every time I hear someone talking shit about steroids.
Them: “I’ll never use roids, that shit is like cheating.”
Me: “Oh really? Is that why I make you look like you’re still sucking your mommy’s tit, and I’ll always be stronger than you? Go eat some kale you little bitch.”

 

[Perrin Aybara]

I'm actually the exact opposite.
Of I'm not at work, I'm honest about my Peds.

Happened a few months ago

Some random friendly guy

"Hey bro, that was HUGE hows the juice treating you"
Me

"Actuallly off cycle and gear right now, going to run again in a while"

He was actually on cycle and we had a good conversation

BUT
I understand the American perspective.
Here, it's Legal
US its illegal

Do a bit more taboo

It's weird though because people are very open about smoking weed. It's legal in my state as of yesterday, but for years people have openly talked about it on Facebook and posted pictures of their weed and videos of smoking.

I've got a cousin that's a stripper and she hangs out with young gangbangers and the shit they post on social media is mind blowing. Smoking weed in videos on Instagram with bags of weed and pills and thousands in cash and guns lying in plain view.

 

[Worf]

It's weird though because people are very open about smoking weed. It's legal in my state as of yesterday, but for years people have openly talked about it on Facebook and posted pictures of their weed and videos of smoking.

I've got a cousin that's a stripper and she hangs out with young gangbangers and the shit they post on social media is mind blowing. Smoking weed in videos on Instagram with bags of weed and pills and thousands in cash and guns lying in plain view.

This is what I mean, I don’t think it has anything to do with the legalities here in the US. College kids doing blow and eating pills don’t seem to care. Never mind these average people who demonize steroids are eating Rx meds daily but oh noooo Athletes and PEDS is another animal. Even if they admit it they down play it. Gen pop has such a prejudice against steroids I think that what keeps us a sub culture. Sure it’s just another variable but it’s not like the difference between eating clean and just eating whatever, or lifting 3x per week vs 4x.

 

[Worf]

The thing about this whole phenomena is this:
If you go to a powerlifting meet with the record setters, you can literally smell the testosterone in the air (if you know, you know). These pussies out here claiming fake natty knows that they can’t lie about it to the guys that run gear, so fuck them. I’ve never understood the guys that claim to be natural, as if using steroids somehow means you aren’t working hard?
I shut down these idiots every time I hear someone talking shit about steroids.
Them: “I’ll never use roids, that shit is like cheating.”
Me: “Oh really? Is that why I make you look like you’re still sucking your mommy’s tit, and I’ll always be stronger than you? Go eat some kale you little bitch.”

Nose bleeds, holes punched in the wall in the locker room etc. They aren’t fooling anyone.
PEDS give us the recovery to push harder. Kills me when some dumb shit says “steroid users are lazy, they are looking for the easy way.”
Lol, I work twice as hard when I’m on. Laziness has nothing to do with it

 

[Btcowboy]

Nose bleeds, holes punched in the wall in the locker room etc. They aren’t fooling anyone.
PEDS give us the recovery to push harder. Kills me when some dumb shit says “steroid users are lazy, they are looking for the easy way.”
Lol, I work twice as hard when I’m on. Laziness has nothing to do with it

Agree you got put in twice the work to get the good gains be it strength or size.

 

[Btcowboy]

Gen pop has such a prejudice against steroids I think that what keeps us a sub culture.

This generation cant fail a grade in school, the dont keep score in sports, the world is ending, everyone is a winner, you dont have to work for anything just show up, the list goes on and on...

 

[jJjburton]

Every single NFL and MLB player is on the juice. NBA not so much, but lebron is 100 %. It is impossible not to be and go pro. So all the powerlifters lifting 600lbs and over and 100% using too.
And all the dumb ass instagram jacked dudes claiming natty is so pathetic when its so clear.

 

[jJjburton]

Its very easy to tell the difference. When you got those bulgy baseball delts of shoulders. Or dont have a neck, your dam traps are so big, You are on...

The shoulders seem to give it away the most.

 

[Perrin Aybara]

The thing about this whole phenomena is this:
If you go to a powerlifting meet with the record setters, you can literally smell the testosterone in the air (if you know, you know). These pussies out here claiming fake natty knows that they can’t lie about it to the guys that run gear, so fuck them. I’ve never understood the guys that claim to be natural, as if using steroids somehow means you aren’t working hard?
I shut down these idiots every time I hear someone talking shit about steroids.
Them: “I’ll never use roids, that shit is like cheating.”
Me: “Oh really? Is that why I make you look like you’re still sucking your mommy’s tit, and I’ll always be stronger than you? Go eat some kale you little bitch.”

Huge pet peeve of mine when people talk about how you're not working hard once you're doing gear. I worked my ass natty and I've worked my ass off since I've been running gear for the numbers I've achieved. I'm not triggered easily, but damn that gets me heated.

This is what I mean, I don’t think it has anything to do with the legalities here in the US. College kids doing blow and eating pills don’t seem to care. Never mind these average people who demonize steroids are eating Rx meds daily but oh noooo Athletes and PEDS is another animal. Even if they admit it they down play it. Gen pop has such a prejudice against steroids I think that what keeps us a sub culture. Sure it’s just another variable but it’s not like the difference between eating clean and just eating whatever, or lifting 3x per week vs 4x.

And by that logic taking antidepressants is cheating because depression is their natural state. Or taking antibiotics is cheating because strep throat is natural and you're cheating nature by curing it. Hell, even lifting and eating to force your body to put on muscle is kind of unnatural. We're not meant to be huge and strong.

 

[Mac11wildcat]

Blame the natty feds IMO.

only difference between PL and bodybuilding on that front is that some natty PLs are quite impressive.

 

[Worf]

Blame the natty feds IMO.

only difference between PL and bodybuilding on that front is that some natty PLs are quite impressive.

But are they really natural. I think beating the test is different from being natural. Some of these guys we may never know. It’s a shame too because the attitude of the public is basics “ If they aren’t natural, it doesn’t count” , “anybody could do that if they were on steroids”

sure a lot more COULD, but CAN they actually put in the effort and dedication to do it.

 

[jJjburton]

But are they really natural. I think beating the test is different from being natural. Some of these guys we may never know. It’s a shame too because the attitude of the public is basics “ If they aren’t natural, it doesn’t count” , “anybody could do that if they were on steroids”

sure a lot more COULD, but CAN they actually put in the effort and dedication to do it.

Exactly because there are plenty of people who use gear and still look like shit.

If you know what youre doing you basically cut the time it takes to get to a certain size in 1/3 of the time.

Nobody can ever get to the size of any body builder like arnold naturally, or even half that size. Forget about todays guys.

Edit- just because you beat a test. You still shouldnt claim natty. Thats like stealing and getting away with it but saying your not a theif. Lies