4 types of people who use steroids

What do you think of as a steroid user or bulker?

Nowadays it is somewhat unclear. Some people call a "bulker" just someone who adds protein or creatine to their shake. But we mean real doping users. Most men can see a doctor and get a prescription for testosterone based on blood tests if they are found to have low levels. Are these men steroid users? Technically, no. They are just legally adjusting their testosterone levels to normal levels because low testosterone (called hypogonadism) is a health problem. However, if someone were to exceed such a dose and take double or more, we could already be talking about "bulking " - that is, deliberate overuse to push performance or appearance beyond natural limits.

So let's define it more precisely:

A steroid user, in this context, is a person who acquires steroids and/or related substances - often illegally - and uses them in high doses in order to significantly exceed their genetic limits.

But it is important to add that not all "bulkers" are the same. In fact, the average steroid user often doesn't fit the stereotype you may be thinking of right now. And it is with this type that we begin our review.

1. Cool dude

I think he's the most frequent steroid user. Quickly scan the rest of this list - you'll notice a lot of exaggerated and often ridiculous personality traits. Well, this guy has none of them.

He's mostly a perfectly normal guy - often a family man with a regular job who would never wear a "beast mode" t-shirt. Simply put: he's law abiding, doesn't bother anyone, just wants to be a little bigger and stronger than everyone else.

Usually this guy is over 35 years old. He's had years of hard work under the barbell - and without the aid of doping. He's a strength training and healthy eating enthusiast, not a bodybuilding or strength sports competitor. He doesn't use steroids to "toughen up" someone in competition. He just wants to look good.

If someone asks him about his use, he's usually open about it. He's not lying, he's not hiding, but he's not pushing it on anyone either. His use is controlled - his cycles are sensible, thoughtful and modest. He cares about his health and knows that these substances have risks. So he does his best to minimize them. He is mentally balanced. He is not an ego maniac who brags or belittles others. He knows well where his results come from and approaches it with humility.

And because of this subtlety, people often don't even suspect him of "going the extra mile". Sure, he may be a little suspicious to some experienced people, but because he doesn't act condescending and he doesn't judge anyone, most people have no problem with him.

2. Kind of a jerk

This is probably the one most people think of first. It is because of this type that all steroid users are lumped together. And unfortunately - this type does exist. And worse - there are a lot of them. This guy would love to spend all day in the gym. He's desperate for the attention he may not have gotten as a kid... or who knows why. He's constantly bragging, acting like his muscles were personally given to him by God himself, and everything else is just a side plot.

He denies any substance use. He wants you to think his physique is the result of nothing but hard work and strict dieting - more than you, of course. In the gym, you'll often recognize him by his loud speech. Yes, exactly the type they call a "loudmouth".

And the women? Watch out for him. He acts like a predator - relentlessly peeking, commenting and looking for a place to direct his overconfident attention.

This guy rarely makes training and eating right a lifestyle. Everything is more of a superficial pose than a long-term commitment for him. Not only that, he often takes risks in other areas of his life because he simply ignores boundaries.

His steroid cycles? Chaotic, poorly planned, and without any deeper understanding of what he's actually putting in. In the world of doping, he's more of a tourist than a connoisseur. His life motto? "Eat clen and train hard!"-he heard it somewhere, it sounded harsh, so he keeps repeating it. Why does he do all this? Is he compensating for his low self-esteem? Maybe. Maybe he just needs a hug... ideally from his overly dominant mom. Who knows?

One thing's for sure, though - he's ruining the reputation of those sensible steroid users. Like alcohol, steroids only amplify what's already there. And in his case, it's clear: a congenital medical condition called "blinkered moron".

3. A cunning impostor

At first glance, a cheater may appear to be a "cool guy" - or the opposite, a "jerk". But what really sets him apart is his intent. He knowingly uses banned substances to gain an advantage in a competitive environment where steroids are explicitly banned.

Whether it's bodybuilding, strength sports or any other competition where purity is tested, he knows it - and yet he chooses to cheat. It's not about his health or personal progression. He's all about winning. At any cost.

Examples include powerlifters or bodybuilders competing in untested events. "Untested" basically means, "Do whatever you want." Everyone knows this - and most competitors, at least at the higher levels, also use performance enhancing substances. In this case, they are not "cheaters" in the true sense of the word, because there is no official rule against drug use. However, the situation is different if someone decides to break the written rules and compete in the tested categories knowing full well that they are doping. Then it's without question - cheating.

But some sports make it more complicated. Athletics, cycling... they're literally overrun with cheaters. And if everyone cheats, is it still cheating? Yes, of course it is! Even if your surroundings convince you otherwise. Unfortunately, it's often overlooked. Some sports organizations turn a blind eye - either because they need participation, or they protect their name by exemplarily firing a few amateurs and keeping quiet on the "important" ones.

4. Fitness influencer

This person uses steroids but denies it. Instead, he or she tries to sell you their "secret" diet or workout plan on Instagram - which in reality is often just a copied or universal template.

They're scammers who are purposely preying on beginners. They take advantage of the fact that newbies often have no idea what is even realistic without doping. And while that's sad... I understand it to a point. It's just the way of the world: he who can pretend to be superhuman sells well.

The "fitnessfam" audience naturally has more respect for trainers who look fit - whether they're muscular or extremely lean. It's logical. You're hardly going to take weight loss advice seriously from someone who carries a small belly himself. And if you want to put on muscle? You probably won't go to the smallest trainer at the gym. Yes, it sounds superficial - but that's how this world works. And that's why some influencers do what they feel they have to do. They abuse steroids to look like they're part of the fitness elite so they can make a living.

Now, let's be completely honest. Your favorite trainers or online "experts" have probably tried steroids or similar substances at some point. Many of them may fall into the category of the sensible ones - the "cool dudes," as we said above. Just because someone is taking low doses doesn't mean their advice is worthless. Steroids don't make you less intelligent.

The key is who you listen to. And here's the difference: while some really want to help you, others - those "social media clowns" - are just looking for a shortcut to a quick buck. And to them, you're just a means to an end. Not the goal.

It's a tangled world!

I wish steroids and other substances didn't exist outside of medical use. I wish we could look at someone getting pumped up in the gym and not have to wonder, "is this natural or is he into it?" I wish we could cheer for athletes without the thought flashing through our heads of what they had to pour into themselves to be this sculpted or perform at their peak. The world of steroids is the dark side of sports. But the question is - should we speak up about it? And if so, by whom and how?

We can't tell people that it's okay to "get a little high". It's not. But neither can we lump everyone together. Steroids don't make a good person bad, and vice versa. People are still people - with all their faults, motivations, fears and desires.

And that's what's fascinating about it. Even though it's all complicated, confusing and full of grey areas, it's still an interesting world to watch. Because every story is different. And sometimes it tells you more than you'd expect.

Article translation by Chris Shugart, T-nation.com