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Truth About Bodybuilding Supplements Part 1
October 8, 2008
Over the next few days I’m going to send you some very disturbing video content that, I am confident, will make your blood boil.
I feel it’s necessary to wake you up to the ugly reality of the supplement industry and encourage you with the words my father shares with me, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.”
If you think or already know the supplement industry is scamming you - wait until you watch this 60 second video - you haven’t seen or heard anything yet…
Don’t state your opinions… state where your stand. If you’re not sure, think about it and return when you think you know.
I’ll go first.
1. How did Christian’s comments make me feel?
Interestingly, it seemed like this was the first time Christian was ever asked this question as his moral compass started spinning. I do respect him for being honest and not beating around the bush.
My main issue is that a guy like Christian (he’s just one example) may be inspiring thousands of young guys to look like him, but he is also misleading thousands by assuming everyone is trusting and unassuming. He cleverly puts his moral compass back in line by saying “…you should be smarter than that.”
And he’s absolutely right, you and I should be smarter and not obsessed with instant gratification and supplements that promise to work like fairy dust. Unfortunately, most guys have to learn the hard way and have to flush a few hundred dollars (or a few thousand dollars) down the drain to see these pills and powders do not work like they promise but it’s too late - the sale has been made and the supplement company has got your money and laughing all the way to the bank and off to create their next “propriety blend” they’ll convince you to buy next month.
You actually think the models and bodybuilders in magazines got muscular and ripped off NO2 and glutamine (just to name two)? They tell you that hard training and certain supplements were the solution, but it’s really anabolic steroids.
2. What am I going to do about it?
I’ve known this information for the past 6 years and I have been preaching it on my website ever since I learned about the supplement mafia but I think we easily forget because we are obsessed with a society that glorifies instant gratification and the desperate thought that, “Maybe this one will work…”
I made my stand in 2002 - it’s quite simple. I vote with my dollar by not spending money on any bogus supplements and will not experiment with anything until I see it stand the test of time and be on the market for at least 3 years (IMO, that’s the best test).
I only introduce a few supplements (BCAA’s, creatine, caffeine) that have been proven to work when I hit a 90% threshold in my training, diet and lifestyle. I don’t expect them to get me to that point, just to give me an extra edge when I’m 10% away from my goal.
Are you going to stand for something or keep falling for everything?
Share away…
Vince DelMonte
P.S. Today’s and the next few blog posts have all been (re)inspired by the latest documentary by Chris Bell called Bigger, Stronger, Faster* I highly, highly recommend you make it your next rental or google search it and start watching the deleted scenes online.
Comments
30 Responses to “Truth About Bodybuilding Supplements Part 1”
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The man is not doing anything wrong as such. Like any product, people are paid to endorse one of many that they have at hand.BR/BR/At age 31 I’m smart enough now not to waste money on anything other then protein powder, bottled water and my home gym.BR/BR/Sadly its the younger ones who are affected by miss-leading advertising. I know in my teens I believed everything I read.
I disagree with anonymous - morally and legally - he is misrepresenting the truth.BR/BR/Such statements would never be made in relation to “drugs” which are more strictly regulated and are subject to stringent regulatory approval processes.BR/BR/The potential impact of health supplements on the body can be profound and the consequences of their mis-use are often no lesser than prescription drugs.BR/BR/Reforms are well overdue!!
I have never commented on anyone’s blog before so you can see that I feel strongly. BR/BR/I have been a natural therapist for 40+ years and I am disgusted with my profession. I know only too well what garbage people are being pushed into under the guise of taking supplements to get well. Many supplements are actually making them sicker. Most supplements are not formulated to do what they suggest they will. And if people knew the origins of many of the so called natural products they wouldn’t touch them with a barge pole. BR/BR/They are being charged big bucks for ingredients worth a fraction of a cent. And don’t get me started on the misinformation that is being circulated to get a sale. Then there is the trials and political licensing - well they’re a joke.BR/BR/There are a handful of good supplements but most people do not hear about them because the hype about the empty supplements smothers them. BR/BR/If you don’t take supplements what should you do? Well - simple - good food. BR/BR/But wait - I have more. Most of the food is empty of everything except chemicals, nutrition free substances, salt and sugar but are high in calories. It fills people up and makes them crave more of the same.BR/BR/People are being tricked into following a healthy diet but there are no nutrients in the fruits and vegetables because of poor growing methods and inhumane animal husbandry and on top of that they are laden with toxins. Often these ‘healthy’ diets are imbalanced and missing huge chunks of valuable substances.BR/BR/The people following these diets are literally starving. But if they happen to have gained weight because of this rubbish food they are publicly and globally ridiculed. They need steering toward real food not cynasism.BR/BR/Shall we touch on the low marketing tricks where advertisers stoop to emotionally evoking fear or vanity, where they target the weak and vulnerable who need help not lies.BR/BR/People have no option but to be ill and not to be able to think clearly - have their bodies go fat, muscles work inefficiently, be constantly tired and just about everything else. BR/BR/The body is magnificent - it can repair itself, regain its shape, gain energy, delay aging - everything - but only if it gets what it needs - Nutritious food in the way nature intended us to eat it, pure clean water and fresh air. Add quality sleep and exercise to the mix and you have everything you need - well almost. BR/BR/Supplements will not replace the enjoyment and health a sound nutritious meal can give. When did you last socialize over a supplement drink. Supplements will not take the place of exercise or pure water, or the thousands of constituents in real food that cannot be put into a tablet/powder form.BR/BR/When are people going to realize that they are having the wool being put over there eyes. BR/BR/There is only one answer for their problems and that is eat nutritiously, drink cleanly, breath strongly, exercise and work hard. BR/BR/But that of course wont lighten their pockets to the same extent or produce big profits for supplement companies.BR/BR/You only get what you put into it.
Hey there, Vince. Dr. Bryan Walsh here. I hope you’re well . . .BR/BR/Marketers have preyed upon the emotions of unsuspecting buyers long before people wanted to see their abs. BR/BR/The proverbial “snake oil salesman” selling some magic pill to cure something that ails us (i.e. being fat, bald, unhappy, etc) has been around for longer than most people realize. BR/BR/Unscrupulous people and companies will always exist, and not just in the supplement industry. As consumers, we do need to be smarter than that. We can’t count on the companies to be honest with us no matter how much we think they Ishould/I be . . . that’s just not reality. BR/BR/We must be responsible for ourselves. To point a finger at them merely empowers them even more and makes us the victim. BR/BR/But something needs to be clarified. The entire supplement industry is not all bad, nor are all supplements evil. BR/BR/Therapeutically there are a number of things that can actually help people, and do on a daily basis. And there are good companies out there.BR/BR/For example certain amino acids support neurotransmitter function, various herbs support healthy blood sugar management and a number of vitamins help reduce risk of certain diseases.BR/BR/There are a few good companies in the supplement industry, just like there are a few good politicians in government - they are just few and far between.
Fortunately I have never been hoodwinked into taking these marketing led supplements. The most exotic stuff ive taken is Taurine. I stick to Creatine, Protien, and fish oils and get these in bulk. BR/BR/Really interesting what one of the posters remarked on food quality. I tend to juice alot of fruits and veg, but if todays food are so defunct in vital nutrients, whats the alternative? Would following an organic foodstuffs diet work? What if for those who cannot afford a pure organic diet do to maximise the amounts of fruit and veg while minimising the nasty stuffs? BR/BR/Great comments so far
When an attractive, slim actress with beautiful hair/skin/teeth is seen advertising for X brand of shampoo/soap/toothpaste etc, it doesn’t mean she got that way just because she used the advertised product (if she uses it). BR/BR/On the other hand, there is no indication from the video (I have not seen the ads) that the advertised product did not help Christian in his health or physique in some way. BR/BR/Also, maybe the supplement company did not know Christian took steroids.
Hi VinceBR/I am aware of the movie bigger, faster, stronger although I have not seen it. Yes, supplements do run rampant amongst some of the better known names in our industry. However, it is fitness professionals like you and me who try to educate the general population that you can have six pack abs NATURALLY simply by eating cleaner and regular exercise with free weights and being consistent about it. Do I take supplements…. yes. I do my best to educate my clients on the various supplements out there (such as a good quality multi vitamin and whey protein powder) that are useful where they won’t be throwing their money down the drain.BR/BR/BestBR/sharifitnessBR/www.sharifitness.comBR/www.myspace/shari_fitness.com
I’m a Chiropractor and I follow one simple rule regarding supplements: Don’t waste your money until the product has proven itself on the market for at least ONE year (Vince suggests three years). In my twenty years of practice this has saved me a lot of money as Creatine, Glucosamine and prohormones have been the only true new “breakthrough” products.
Good stuff Vince ! BR/BR/As usual, you write very interesting articles. BR/BR/Supplements industry is 90% hype. I just can’t understand how people can believe in those flashy jug design saying “Hardcore vascularity! Hardcore lean muscle gain! etc..”. Like you just said, certain supplements can help you out reaching your goals, but they will not do it for you.BR/BR/Really good post ! It’s my first time here, and I must say I find your site to be really great ! BR/BR/Keep the good work, Vince!BR/BR/Charles M.
I”They tell you that hard training and certain supplements were the solution, but it’s really anabolic steroids.”/IBR/BR/Wouldn’t it be more accurate to say hard training and anabolic steroids were their solution?BR/BR/I’m enjoying your videos, Vince, by the way, and I’m no fan of steroids.BR/BR/Oh certain supplements I believe are excellent, but not for bodybuilding, for health. A few like garlic, grapeseed extract (in reasonably small quantities), omega 3 fatty acids especially concentrated mercury free fish oil, vitamin D, and probiotics as being the likely health king granddaddy of them all … these are a worthwhile investment.BR/BR/”IIf you don’t take supplements what should you do? Well - simple - good food.”/IBR/BR/I’m only started down that path and have lots of “catch up” to do… but good food? I agree. Far more important than supplements, even the healthy worthwhile few I suggest.
Just like the narrator, Arnold and Stallone were my heroes coming up, and part of the reason why I took up weight training in the first place was because of them, and others like Carl Weathers, Serge Nubret and Franco Columbu. The reason why I kept “falling off the wagon with my training” is because I was constantly disappointed that neither working extra hard and trying to eat right, or doing the same thing and taking those “supplements” was producing the same kind of results for me that they were having. I didn’t know any better, but now we ALL know. Have I considered steroid use? Of course I have. Have I considered the side effects? Well, let me put it this way: knowing the health risks is the reason why I haven’t taken them to this day, and never will. BR/BR/What pisses me off more than anything is the knowledge that like the ‘war on drugs’, billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on this equally bogus “war on performance-enhancing drugs.” When you look at someone like Christian Boeving, you have GOT to know that no one comes by a body like that simply through good eating and exercise. It JUST DOESN’T HAPPEN.BR/BR/If my drive were strong enough to break into the world of fitness modeling or bodybuilding, I guess I would break down and take that “Mexican vacation” that so many bodybuilders and fitness celebrities do. But that’s a game for guys MUCH, much younger than I am now.BR/BR/And I find it amusing that there are so many who hold the view that using steroids and HGH are a form of “cheating.” If everyone in professional sports who are using PED’s were banned from their sports right now indefinitely, the sports industry would crash overnight just like Wall Street recently. BR/BR/Until the expectations we put on our athletes and “heroes” changes, this whole landscape of “better bodies thru chemistry” never will…BR/BR/SGJR.BR/Vienna, VA
Christians comments only re-affirmed what I already suspected.BR/There is no quick fix. I am 40 and have never used supplements other than whey protein isolate.BR/BR/2: What I am going to do about it is what I already do and that is keep my money in my wallet and work hard to achieve my goals. If anyone asks me if supplements work I will tell them what I just saw and heard. NOT BY THEMSELVES!
Thank you for contributing - I can feel a lot of passion and emotion behind your words. Keep the comments coming.
I’m a new subscriber and first time commenter. Great blog, videos, and site, Vince! BR/BR/Ignoring Christian’s steroid use, I think he’s right in saying that people should be smart enough to know that taking some random fat burner isn’t going to make you suddenly buff. You have to bust your hump to build muscle, drop fat, and ultimately look good. BR/BR/I appreciate that Christian is open about his steroid use in obtaining his form. Otherwise, a busting-my-hum person like me might not be “smart enough” to realize that he or she can’t obtain that body without resulting to illegal drugs. That’s what’s misleading.
Hey Vince, I agree this is as controversial topic and the whole supplement industry is very misleading especially to young males. I once was one, I hope most wise up eventually and realize what is going on. What can I say? Live and Learn….BR/BR/The problem lies in the fact that bodybuilders and even many of the jacked up fitness models will continue to endorse the supplement companies as long as they are signing the checks. Most of the pro bodybuilders make WAY more money in endorsements then they do competing on stage. So is it really any surprise? I think not. No need to mention some of the pro athletes, who do the same thing. BR/BR/Is it misleading to put some huge shredded guy in an ad, holding a bottle of magic pills? I think most would agree.BR/BR/At least the guy in the video is being honest and saying he takes drugs. Most of these guys are not that forward unless you get them off camera, one on one. In many cases they are not lying in the ads, they are probably taking the stuff in the ad in many cases. They get it free with the endorsements anyways. They are just not saying what else they taking illegally etc..BR/BR/Anyways great topic, I think you are doing the right thing by building awareness. Get the word out and let people know. I also look forward to seeing this movie… Bigger, Stronger, Faster movie by Chris Bell.BR/BR/I think the most important thing though is that we CAN build a great physique without taking all this “junk”, whatever happened to being healthy and looking good?
I have to say I appreciate Christian’s honesty. A lot of muscle guys look like him, yet swear they are all natural (yes they do go to the gym and do the exercises, but they do have chemical assistance).BR/BR/However, what really opened my eyes to the reality of the muscular bodies that are advertised as available to everyone (but really only available to those who can grow muscle while using anabolics) is the book titled The Adonis Complex.BR/BR/What is needed to be advertised is what a regular 40 hr/week working person who lifts weights, eats healthfully, and does not take anabolics. BR/BR/This may decrease the demand for the drugs, but I don’t know. The ripped, muscular look (like Christian’s) is seen as the ideal.
1. How did Christian#39;s comments make you feel?BR/gt; Honesty I never heard of him, but I did take Hydroxicut because it help toBR/BR/gt; get rip in no time , but I only took for a couple days because IBR/didn#39;t BR/gt; feel nothing expecial only it was difficult to sleep , time past and I BR/gt; bought again I took them for a week and then I usually forgot to take themBR/BR/gt; , and last year I bought a new bottle but I never open it , I use the BR/gt; bottle as a reminder than I donʼt need any kinds of pills to get inBR/shapeBR/gt;BR/gt; 2. What are you going to do about it?BR/gt; just to try to keep it simple , lifestyle , a good balance diet and BR/gt; workoutBR/gt;
I think it is disgusting and deceitful. It should be highly illegal to advertise using obvious steroid losers..oops I mean steroid users! BR/We aren’t all stupid, however sadly, a great deal of people are, they all want to look like an elite athlete without breaking a sweat or putting down their KFC bucket. BR/I intend to tell everyone I know, email it to everyone with the message to forward it onBR/Boycott the supplement companies and not that writing a letter of disgust and complaint will help, but it will at least be a start. BR/I am a 39 year old fit female.BR/A few years ago before I became a personal trainer, I actually used hydroxycut. It worked a little bit, but not as much as they claim, I was hitting the weights four times a week and doing cardio 5 times a week and eating clean. The only thing Hydroxycut and other fat loss supplements did for me REALLY was to put me in hospital with a now permanent short circuit in my heart and a messed up thyroid. In short, the use of that almost killed me. My blood pressure after a killer workout was 80/50, on a regular day of relaxing, it would be around the 60/40 mark. Deadly, and theres nothing you can do to raise your BP super fast either. My doctor almost took my licence off me because of the constant blackouts. I am on the road to recovery, but i will within the next year need to have a small defibrillator put into my heart. BR/So all i can say is BR/BUYER BEWARE!!!!
I would like to add another comment and frustration with the sport of bodybuilding. BR/BR/I believe this is coming from the athlete in me and I’ll probably elaborate in a future newsletter as this is a different topic…sort of. BR/BR/When I look at an athlete, I love to let my mind think, “I wonder what percentage of that physique is a result from genetics? I wonder what percentage of that sprint was a result from nutrition? I wonder what percentage of that lift was a result of lifestyle? I wonder what percentage of that finish was from hard work? I wonder what percentage of that record was from proper coaching?”BR/BR/You see what I’m saying?BR/BR/As soon as I hear that drugs were a factor of an athletes physique, swim, bike, run, lift or whatever sport they compete in, I think, “What percentage of that is the drugs? How much were the drugs responsible for?” BR/BR/The fact is that drugs can make up for a sloppy diet and sloppy training. BR/BR/I lose all credibility and inspiration in the athlete. You following me?BR/BR/Here’s what I think to myself, “I wonder how big I could get if I was willing to take unlimited steroids etc?” BR/BR/I also think, “I wonder what Jay Cutler would look like in comparison to me if he didn’t take a single steroid? I bet we would have similar builds…”BR/BR/Don’t worry, I am sure Jay Cutler would still be way bigger because of genetics and frame (I’m not taking that away from him at all) but it’s hard to respect a physique on someone that might be almost the same as mine if they were natural too. BR/BR/You see what I’m saying? BR/BR/I just can’t stand going to watch a bodybuilding show and having no idea what percentage of that physique is natural and what percentage is actually from nutrition, training and lifestyle… that just bugs the heck out of me. BR/BR/The one thing I loved about the PURITY of my high school and University running days was that you always knew the champions were the true champions. No body did drugs and every finish was from good old fashioned hard work and guts (of course genetics and coaching played a huge factor) but everybody had equal opportunity to win.BR/BR/After every race, the winner was truly the winner on that day. BR/BR/Because of drugs, it’s sad, because you never know who the true winners are anymore. BR/BR/You with me?
. How did Christian’s comments make you feel?BR/BR/It’s nice to know that he has that moral dilemma and he was at least honestBR/about it, which is refreshing he’s probably going to loose work and getBR/bashed for it but the honesty is appreciated by me at least. You always suspectBR/are they really taking something else, or am I using the product wrong and myBR/guess is that it falls in the latter. I also know of one of the hydroxy modelsBR/that used “her” before photos not saying that it was after she gaveBR/birth then have her loose the weight only using hydroxy (not)… I blame theBR/companies for not being truthful about how the models go about getting fit. TheBR/most I see now are the disclaimers “results not typical” andBR/”used in conjunction with a balanced diet” no doubt something theirBR/lawyers said to put in. Those that know other supplements are used are smarter,BR/those that don’t should open their eyes more and question what is too goodBR/to be true.BR/BR/Vince you’re an example that it can be done with out enhanced help but mostBR/don’t understand. Keep informing us..BR/BR/BR/2. What are you going to do about it?BR/BR/Bust my ass to reach my goal…. Is there anything else?
You probably won’t read this cos it’s long but here goes:BR/BR/Yeah I’ve seen this sh!t before and if I was there when he was asked thatBR/question he would be lying bloody on that beach like a little b!tch.BR/That’s how that makes me feel: F*ck that! What am I gonna do about it?BR/Well for starters I stopped using supplements and will never use themBR/again, and if someone tries to talk me into buying some new generationBR/creatine or what not and if that person is persistent enough, that personBR/is gonna feel what REAL muscles can do to their body when I’m pissed daBR/f*ck off! There was even a video where a fat guy has his before and afterBR/pictures taken ON THE SAME DAY! He was just shaved and photoshoped. I usedBR/to take supplements from a company that is the LEADING SUPPLEMENT COMPANYBR/in the world (and no I’m not talking about Weider or Multipower) and thenBR/I read your book, went back on purpose to the weight I had before takingBR/those supplement and what happened when I started your program withoutBR/supplements beside the protein powder? (which was not the fancy one fromBR/that company) I got my muscle mass back actually faster then with thoseBR/”best in the world supplements”. I even plan to go so far as to notBR/usingBR/supplements AT ALL. To show the world around me that they’ve been brainBR/washed. For the love of God even scientists have found that there is aBR/”food factor” in food which helps a better absorbtion of nutrients toBR/yourBR/cells and they don’t know what da hell it is! So people, YOU DON’T NEEDBR/SUPPLEMENTS, THEY DON’T DO SH!T FOR YOU! And yeah I won’t use creatinBR/tooBR/when I get to the cutting phase, I will find a way to keep my energy up.BR/People say that you always have a choice which basicly means you alwaysBR/have TWO choices…well guess what that’s not true. If you have twoBR/choices you can always make up a third or even a fourth or a fifth one ifBR/you put your mind at it.
It just shows the divide between ethical marketers and money driven marketers. I think that there is a shift happening that is going to reward the ethical marketers (like you Vince) and start penalizing the money driven ones that mislead and deceive.BR/BR/Obviously ignorance isn’t bliss and Christian is right that we should be smarter consumers, but I don’t support his practices.
Dear vince,BR/That was a bad video,Every one falls for the exact same thing,But how can you tell weather you are aking the right supplement or not…Dave Daniels
Hey Vince,BR/ First I want to thank you for all your awesome workout and training tips,BR/and second, you’re right, that really MAKES ME MAD! (although I could thinkBR/of a few other choice words). I mean this dude who stands for fitness is reallyBR/just out to look good, the easy way, and make some easy money. Then has theBR/audacity to say “if you do what I do your stupid.” What is is that? BR/I’m sorry man I’ve got to stop because the more I write the madder IBR/get.BR/BR/EricBR/Harrison, TN
Hi VinceBR/BR/The pro steroid compaign has such good role models that it makes it difficult to argue against the use. Maybe we need to have more anti-steriod role models to advertise the long term health benefits from not using the stuff.BR/BR/CheersBR/Lourie
I think you should make a distinction between the very few (somewhat) effective Ibodybuilding/I supplements like creatine and, well, protein, no better than that in food on the one hand…BR/BR/… and the few nutritional supplements that can have a major long term difference in people’s Ihealth/I.BR/BR/I mean, just take a look at the studies on inexpensive vitamin D alone for people living in northern latitude Canada… I wouldn’t want people to think that was a waste of money, when it’s really a fantastic investment.BR/BR/You hear what I’m getting at?
Wow, seeing this really made me upset! I’m sorry, but now I finally believe that the whole market for supplements is total bullshit. I’m so happy I never took or wasted my money on any type or form of supplements because of false advertising.BR/BR/I think that when you decide to lift, it’s selecting a new form of lifestyle as well as newly found appreciation for health and living a longer, stronger life. I think that when people choose to take steroids or supplements, they’re taking the easy way out of lifting, taking a shortcut to see improved results quicker, instead of putting quality time into seeing your own results.BR/BR/Thank you so much for posting this video!!! It makes me feel a whole lot better about my workouts
yo, that guy is an idiot. Basically what he is saying is that if your not abusing steroids then there is no problem, physically or morally. WHAT AN IDIOT. Its a drug, whether you abuse it or not, u are breaking the law and it will have side effects, no matter what. how is he going to say that if its not abused none of those very well known ourcomes of steroids will occur? they will, he is giving the message to young people that steroids are gud in moderation. once again, idiot!
Some of these comments have been hilarious.BR/BR/1). What consumer is going to buy a supplement supported by a guy who looks like their neighbour? They want to see BIG RESULTS on BIG PEOPLE.BR/BR/2). Steroids, in moderation, aren’t exactly the worst thing one can take.BR/BR/3). People degrading professional bodybuilders for taking steroids are being somewhat naive. Yes, they use. But I doubt the critics are up at 4-5AM doing hours of cardio before a show, getting up in the middle of the night for protein, and carrying little cooler bags of food around with them. It’s an element that levels the playing field for all of the competitors. BR/BR/4). I respect Christian for telling the truth, on film - he must have known he was risking his job but he tried to be as honest as possible.BR/BR/5). It’s difficult to understand all the hate - in general, those models WOULD use the product that they are promoting - as mentioned before, they would get it for free. Even aside from this, there are a myriad of supplements out there that can help people reach their goals, and a large quantity more that won’t. Low fat chocolate sauce isn’t a diet food; low carb bread is an abomination. They’re unlikely to help people reach their physique goals, yet they’re palmed off as health foods. Be aware that it isn’t only the supplement industry that does this.
You know, back in High School (mid 80’s…showing my age) I was very active with a nice physique: Mesomorph. However, I was also a hard gainer at 5′10″ and 165lbs at about 8% body fat, I just couldn’t lift the heavy weights I wanted to. Then, steroids got passed around to the guys on the senior varsity football squad and these guys were already bigger than I or the average guy on the team to begin with. Not long into the summer training I saw the changes. The benches went from 225lbs to 350lbs for reps of 5! And yes, the muscularity came soon there after. That season was there best season…go figure. It was tempting and I was offered it, but never took it. The acne and fear kept me away, thank God!
Needless to say, I saw it first hand for two straight years. I don’t know what is going on with these guys now, but once they see me in our 20th reunion, they might think I am on steroids! LOL!! I only take a few high-grade supplements and a protein powder. I am now 200lbs at 12% body fat (looking to lower that) and lift some pretty heavy weight, but all natural.
Just lift safely, consistently push yourself, follow Vince’s advice and take just a few supplements he suggests and leave the rest alone! Just eat good dang food!