Calum Von Moger warns young athletes about the side effects of steroids: “Stay natural”

Calum Von Moger, a well-known figure in the world of bodybuilding, has an important message for the new generation of gym-goers. In his recent video, he strongly warns against steroid use and highlights their long-term and serious side effects.

When Calum first started bodybuilding, fans expected great things from him. He even played the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie *Bigger*, and many assumed it was only a matter of time before he appeared on the prestigious Mr. Olympia stage.

Although he achieved some success on the competition stage, his story didn’t go entirely according to plan. After a series of mental health struggles and tragic events—including a serious injury and the loss of his brother—Calum stepped away from social media and found a new direction in life in Thailand. Now, with a clear head, he explains why most people should steer clear of performance-enhancing substances.

Why Young Athletes Should Stay Natural

In his August 15 video, Von Moger highlighted several practical and health-related reasons to avoid steroids. For example, he pointed out that these substances are much more expensive today than they were in the past.

“Finding and getting steroids used to be much harder for me than it is today. Second, it’s much more expensive, and third, I had the right guidance and help in the beginning. If you haven’t started yet and are considering it, I’d tell you—don’t do it. Just stay natural. Take care of your health,” advises Von Moger.

The most important point of his message, however, is the health aspect. By avoiding steroids, he says, athletes can avoid serious side effects:

“First, you’ll save more money because it’s expensive. Second, of course, you’ll save on doctor visits and all that, and you’ll essentially eliminate the risk of all the side effects that steroids bring—and there are plenty of them.”

Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Consequences

Calum points out that at first, users mainly notice new muscle mass and strength, but the side effects always catch up with them eventually. He adds that long-term use leads to much more severe negative effects.

“Look, my hair is starting to thin; your testicles shrink. All these things come later, and you won’t see them at first. At first, you’ll only see muscle gains and mass, and you’ll feel great, but eventually those side effects will kick in. The longer you take them, the longer it will drag on, and the more severe the effects will be.”

According to Calum, reaching for the “forbidden fruit” only makes sense in one case—and that’s if your life goal is to become a professional bodybuilder. Otherwise, he says, everyone should first train naturally for at least five or six years to see how far their own genetics will take them.

Hard Work Instead of Chemicals? It Won’t Work Without the Right Fuel

But there’s one catch. The natural way means your body has to do all the hard work on its own. And without chemical “shortcuts,” physical fatigue will set in sooner or later. You come home exhausted from work, and the thought of working out your shoulders or back seems completely unrealistic. Plus, even if you push through and tear up your muscles at the gym, you simply won’t build them without the right building blocks. You’ll stay stuck in the same place, tired and without results.

The solution, however, is completely simple and 100% legal: it comes down to proper timing and the quality of your nutrients. To hit your workout like a bat out of hell even on days when you absolutely don’t feel like it, kickstart yourself before your first set with a brutal pre--workout supplement, such as PROM-IN Serious Pre, which will snap you out of your lethargy and guarantee maximum focus.

During heavy sets, when your muscles enter a catabolic state, it’s essential to protect them with a shield of high-quality amino acids—ideally the tried-and-true Extrifit BCAA 2:1:1. And when you’re done and putting down the weights? Your muscles are desperately craving repair. That’s exactly when high-quality protein comes into play, acting as the finest mortar and bricks for your torn muscle fibers.

Take inspiration from Calum Von Moger. Ditch the illusion of dangerous shortcuts from Instagram, get your mindset right, support your performance with uncompromising (and legal) supplementation, and build your dream physique naturally and healthily!