Is Steroid Use by Non-Athletes "Cheating"?

**Prince** · 07-13-2011, 07:17 PM

Is Steroid Use by Non-Athletes "Cheating"?
by Rick Collins, JD, CSCS

Q: If doping in sports is cheating because it breaks the rules, what about steroid use for the typical gym rat?

A: That’s a question people have kicked around on my facebook page (check it out!). My column in [a recent issue of Muscular Development magazine] addressed steroid cheating in sports; this column follows up by focusing instead on steroids outside of sports. Research shows that most mature adult steroid users aren’t like Marion Jones or Mark McGwire. Most don’t compete in organized athletics of any kind. They’re recreational bodybuilders seeking bigger and better looking bodies.

Caveat: I’m not condoning the illegal use of any black market drug, and steroids can have serious health consequences especially in excessive dosages and without medical supervision. Virtually everyone is rightfully against teen juicing, but that’s also not the issue here. Whether or not you agree that steroids make a person’s body look better also isn’t the point. The sole question here is: Are adult recreational bodybuilders who use steroids “cheaters” or not?

Cheating requires breaking a rule you’re supposed to follow. Most sports have anti-steroid rules, so that’s why using steroids on the sly is cheating. As for the rest of us, we aren’t bound by sports rules. But we are bound by the social contract codified by our laws, including the federal Controlled Substances Act. There’s no doubt that taking steroids for bodybuilding violates the law. But does breaking a law equal cheating? It sometimes can, such as when failing to pay taxes “cheats” the IRS. But smoking marijuana or using heroin is hardly cheating anyone.

To qualify as “cheating” the breaking of the rule has to be for the purpose of gaining an advantage. The misconduct doesn’t have to actually result in an advantage, however. For example, if you copy your neighbor’s answers while taking an exam, you’re cheating even if the answers turn out to be wrong and you fail the exam. That’s why in sports, it’s still cheating even if the steroids you took don’t help you to win.

What “advantage” is sought by the adult recreational bodybuilder? Steroid users who desire to have a more muscular body than their non-using friends might be seeking an attraction advantage with potential sexual partners on the beach. But that’s very different from competing in an organized competition or sports league, where winning and performance success are calculated by simple arithmetic. The sprinter who loses out to a steroid user has a valid gripe. But you’ve got to roll your eyes at the guy who whines about losing out to his more buff buddy in the battle for the boardwalk bikini girl.

Besides, the primary motive of most steroid users isn’t to attract sexual partners anyway. In the largest in-depth survey of adult steroid users ever conducted (online at Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Full text | A league of their own: demographics, motivations and patterns of use of 1,955 male adult non-medical anabolic steroid users in the United States), attracting sexual partners was not even mentioned among the top 5 motives. Most steroid users just want to be more muscular, stronger, look better, have more confidence, and be leaner – the same goals that motivated all of us to start lifting weights in the first place. And while most of us enjoy getting positive attention from admirers, the basic quest of non-competitive bodybuilders is to improve their physiques in their own eyes.

Okay, but are you cheating yourself by using steroids? That’s a question that all adult non-competitive bodybuilders must answer for themselves. If you’re using steroids as a substitute for hard training and clean eating, then yes, you are cheating yourself. But if steroids are being used to facilitate even higher levels of training intensity, while it may be illegal or even dangerous how is it cheating?

Finally, if steroid use in this context is cheating, then so are all other artificial forms of cosmetic enhancement (e.g., breast implants, liposuction, nose jobs, facelifts, porcelain laminates, body waxing, artificial tanners, hair extensions, etc.) that arguably make one person look better than another. You might even throw modern laboratory-created supplements like creatine monohydrate and whey protein isolates into that category, too. But most adults involved with these “unnatural” products and procedures don’t think of themselves as cheating … but rather simply making choices to help them look their best.

-----------------------
Rick Collins, JD, CSCS [www.rickcollins.com] is the lawyer that members of the bodybuilding community and nutritional supplement industry turn to when they need legal help or representation. [© Rick Collins, 2010. All rights reserved. For informational purposes only, not to be construed as legal or medical advice.]

**Glycomann** · 07-13-2011, 07:45 PM

I think people that accuse a non-competitive bodybuilder of cheating is pretty damn petty and I couldn't care less what the skinny fat little shit thinks.

**BigBird** · 07-13-2011, 08:26 PM

Whoever calls me a "cheater" for juicing is probably doing so from behind their glass of wine - which is "enhancing" their mood and alleviating their anxiety, etc.

Yeah so I guess if I go scuba diving I'm cheating too because my scuba gear allows me to stay underwater longer than the average person holding his/her breath. Also, I cheat when I drive my car because humans can only run on average 12-16mph.

Also, if I use K-Y to masturbate then I'm also cheating as it "enhances" the experience. To any and all who call me a cheater for using gear - Go Eff yourself. and when you're done, go eff yourself again. Call me a cheater and see if I cry.

The joke is on those who call responsible mature gear users "cheaters." Only they are too blinded by their own ignorance to notice.

**bio-chem** · 07-13-2011, 08:36 PM

of course it's a jealousy thing. anytime i walk into the gym and i see someone who is juiced part of me thinks "man i wish i could drop the change for that."
i admire the ones who do it correctly. work their asses off, educate themselves on the proper use, and go after their personal goals even though they are not doing it do enhance for a competitive sport.
then again there are plenty who don't educate themselves, juice for the quick results, and don't have a proper understanding of working out, eating properly, or pct. those guys get what they deserve.
In the end I don't want to take the legal risk, have someone i trust to properly educate me (though i've learned a lot here), and i still compete (though as an amateur) in muay thai.
what was the question again? oh yeah, cheating? depends on ones goals. if you are not competing in a sport and you are doing it properly for your own personal goals it isn't cheating.

**ted8541** · 07-13-2011, 08:49 PM

Are high heels cheating? What about breast implants, botox, tummy tucks, or even make-up. Those are all body enhancing and image improving procedures and/or tools. How is temporarily adjusting the bodies hormone levels cheating when compared to what I listed above? None of those items above take hard work, intense training, proper dieting and discipline.

No, steroid use is not cheating outside of competition. IMO of course.

**oufinny** · 07-13-2011, 08:56 PM

So someone making a decision about what they put in their own body is cheating? Uh no, and anyone who thinks that has serious issues and should go live in a socialist country. Cheating is how about every celebrated figure in America proved to be successful, it is common and people do it all the time. If you are doing it against the rules that is one thing, if you are using gear to reach your goals and you are your own boss, can you even come close to call that cheating? Again, no!

**theCaptn'** · 07-13-2011, 09:15 PM

Who gives a fuck about popular opinion. It's not as if Im pinning someone else with gears

**oufinny** · 07-13-2011, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by theCaptn'

Who gives a fuck about popular opinion. It's not as if Im pinning someone else with gears

I am 100% in agreement with this. Popular culture and the media love to dictate what "you" do with your life. You know what, grow a set and find out what makes you happy on your own. If pinning a gram of test a week with some NPP or tren is that, go for it.

**Mikebeasley69** · 07-13-2011, 09:52 PM

who cares what people say anyway

**theCaptn'** · 07-13-2011, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by oufinny

If pinning a gram of test a week with some NPP or tren is that, go for it.

nice cycle!

maybe oufinny isn't the dick I thought he was

**petermal** · 07-13-2011, 10:22 PM

What about, someone who is in Recovery from Drugs (cocaine, meth) and Alcohol?!?! IS using AAS considered a relapse?!?!

**Prince** · 07-13-2011, 10:46 PM

there is no physical addiction to AAS.

**theCaptn'** · 07-13-2011, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by Prince

there is no physical addiction to AAS.

no, but there is a mental one

**Boogz1218** · 07-13-2011, 10:54 PM

Originally Posted by Prince

there is no physical addiction to AAS.

Lies. Just look at that jerkoff on Celeb Rehab.

I kid I kid.

**sassy69** · 07-13-2011, 11:20 PM

When there are no "rules" who defines what "cheating" is. Are the people who spend the time to learn good form before lifting heavy shit cheating relative to those who don't?

I think in the realm of improving yourself, you are the only one who can cheat yourself by making ill-informed decisions and looking for short cuts where you conveniently ignore the caveats and the hard work part, and then pay for it later.

**feinburgrl** · 07-13-2011, 11:51 PM

Your putting a lot of stress on your body when using steroids. The unnatural growth that your body going throw will go to hell when you get older. I think it's something that young guys just don't understand about when taking steroids. They want the body in months instead of years and the thing about it is that being 250 pounds of muscle is unattractive to the public. You just look like a sore thumb in a world of fingers. Fat fingers if you live in the USA. HEHE

**theCaptn'** · 07-14-2011, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by feinburgrl

Your putting a lot of stress on your body when using steroids. The unnatural growth that your body going throw will go to hell when you get older.

How the fuck would you know that? Has it been proved? Got some med research to back that up? No? Then keep your goddam pig-ignorant comments to yourself.

**Chrisotpherm** · 07-14-2011, 04:57 AM

Absolutely not. Cheating is doing something against a rule to win. My thing with steroids is if done right can prove beneficial to the body. The only reason people call it cheating is because they don't have a good source to get them from.

**BigBird** · 07-14-2011, 07:17 AM

Besides, I am competing. I am competing with MYSELF. Therefore, only I, myself and me are at liberty to judge if that is cheating. Eff any burly loudmouth cocksuckers who judge that.

Is it cheating if I cheat my neighbor out of breathing? No, because he's a piece of human waste.

**sassy69** · 07-14-2011, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by feinburgrl

Your putting a lot of stress on your body when using steroids. The unnatural growth that your body going throw will go to hell when you get older. I think it's something that young guys just don't understand about when taking steroids. They want the body in months instead of years and the thing about it is that being 250 pounds of muscle is unattractive to the public. You just look like a sore thumb in a world of fingers. Fat fingers if you live in the USA. HEHE

This argument fails when you compare it against what is the norm (possibly what might be the "rule" if you were looking at it like that). W/ 33% obesity and growing... how the hell does a 5'1' female skeleton carry 300 extra lbs? Talk about stress on the body! The processed food people consume regularly, the lack of exercise and general lack of attention to health in favor of laziness and convenience is obscene in its stress on the body compared.

I"m not saying this justifies going otu and pounding your body w/ steroids - but typically people who would go that route are already largely dedicated to a lifting lifestyle and remotely aware of decent nutritional habits. I think people get a little too "enthusiastic" about steroids buts it is essentially a lifestyle choice, and just like everythign else. the degree with which you do it (i.e. the difference between use & abuse) is the more important factor, if you choose to go that route, and within use, the intelligent use of it - this goes to women who think it will "lean them out & tone them up" and the guys who "want to get hyoooge". There's a little more to it than that.

**GMO** · 07-14-2011, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by sassy69

This argument fails when you compare it against what is the norm (possibly what might be the "rule" if you were looking at it like that). W/ 33% obesity and growing... how the hell does a 5'1' female skeleton carry 300 extra lbs? Talk about stress on the body! The processed food people consume regularly, the lack of exercise and general lack of attention to health in favor of laziness and convenience is obscene in its stress on the body compared.

x2

**Mr.BIG** · 07-14-2011, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by sassy69

This argument fails when you compare it against what is the norm (possibly what might be the "rule" if you were looking at it like that). W/ 33% obesity and growing... how the hell does a 5'1' female skeleton carry 300 extra lbs? Talk about stress on the body! The processed food people consume regularly, the lack of exercise and general lack of attention to health in favor of laziness and convenience is obscene in its stress on the body compared.

I"m not saying this justifies going otu and pounding your body w/ steroids - but typically people who would go that route are already largely dedicated to a lifting lifestyle and remotely aware of decent nutritional habits. I think people get a little too "enthusiastic" about steroids buts it is essentially a lifestyle choice, and just like everythign else. the degree with which you do it (i.e. the difference between use & abuse) is the more important factor, if you choose to go that route, and within use, the intelligent use of it - this goes to women who think it will "lean them out & tone them up" and the guys who "want to get hyoooge". There's a little more to it than that.

Very well said Sassy!

**VictorZ06** · 07-14-2011, 10:21 AM

What about our troops? Is it cheating or helping our troops by giving them juice? It's not permitted, but I would rather do battle with my fellow brothers who are juiced and ready to rock and roll.

/V

**Prince** · 07-14-2011, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by VictorZ06

What about our troops? Is it cheating or helping our troops by giving them juice? It's not permitted, but I would rather do battle with my fellow brothers who are juiced and ready to rock and roll.

/V

I think gear should be readily available to troops if they want it, under a military doc's supervision of course.

**sassy69** · 07-14-2011, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by VictorZ06

What about our troops? Is it cheating or helping our troops by giving them juice? It's not permitted, but I would rather do battle with my fellow brothers who are juiced and ready to rock and roll.

/V

In terms of strength & recovery yes! I would worry about the people who end up w/ aggravated anxiety & mood issues tho. And on the other side, I would worry about soliders having a clomid moment out in the field.

The above is said partly serious, partly joking and with nothing but respect for those who go out there in the first place.

**oufinny** · 07-14-2011, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by theCaptn'

nice cycle!

maybe oufinny isn't the dick I thought he was

I take that as high praise from the Cap.

**BigBird** · 07-14-2011, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Prince

I think gear should be readily available to troops if they want it, under a military doc's supervision of course.

There were a lot of immature jackasses in my platoon and battery that were not "juice-ready" however; a good number of us would've been more than qualified and trusted to juice responsibly and not become certified dickheads.

**oufinny** · 07-14-2011, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by BigBird

There were a lot of immature jackasses in my platoon and battery that were not "juice-ready" however; a good number of us would've been more than qualified and trusted to juice responsibly and not become certified dickheads.

You would have some jacked up troops that is for sure. I wonder how they would do on long marchs with a pack, I could see endurance suffering, especially for the guys on tren!

Thread: Is Steroid Use by Non-Athletes "Cheating"?

Thread Tools

Display

Is Steroid Use by Non-Athletes "Cheating"?

Similar Threads

Female College Student Receives A+ on "Steroids and Elite Athletes" Paper!

Bodybuilding.com bans "drol" type steroid marketing

Question about "Cheating"....

is using a weightbelt "cheating"

Posting Permissions