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The History Of Steroid Use By Athletes

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For as long as there have been athletes there have been steroids. Steroids provide a means of getting a leg up over the competition and pushing your body and your abilities to the max during training and on game day. While steroids haven’t always received the most positive support and attention from sports leagues and media outlets, its influence on the history of sports and ability to turn an ordinary athlete into the extraordinary cannot be denied.

Steroids weren’t always the science they are today and they have come a long way from unpredictable results and questionable safety to precision enhancement drugs with little to no long-term negative effects. It’s a fascinating lesson in sports history for any modern day athlete to understand how far steroids have come.

Steroids from Basic Beginnings

What are Steroids?

The earliest signs of performance-enhancing drug use stem from the ancient Olympic Games in Ancient Greece around 776 BC. Because the athletes in the games competed for great prizes and rewards and were considered to be equivalent to our modern day celebrities there was a lot of pressure put on winning.

A win wasn’t just for the individual but for the honor of a family, or even district. These ancient Olympians experimented with a variety of doping methods. One of the most popular was opium juice. Because opium contains a small percentage of natural morphine it was known as the strongest pain medication available during that time.

The pain minimizing effects probably allowed for athletes to put their body through greater strain all the while feeling little physical repercussions. Along with opium, athletes also mixed wine with various roots and herbs. Though the meat wasn’t a common staple of an average ancient Grecian’s diet, many athletes of the time took part in eating mass amounts of meat or other animal parts like the heart or even testicles.

These parts were said to increase power in an individual. Though not based in science, it’s most likely that sudden mass meat consumption boosted testosterone production and really did give an extra boost of the drive to the consumer. Because ancient civilizations were highly involved in the competition, whether through city growth, wars or entertainment all of these methods were considered perfectly legal.

Must Read: Best Steroid Cycles For Beginners

Steroids in the Middle Ages:

Steroids in the Middle Ages:

During this time period warfare entertainment was at the height of its popularity, these sports included anything with heavy bloodsheds like gladiator matches, jousting, sword fighting and the like. Because of these sports, it was even more important to be a strong competitor as any loss meant you could be facing death.

Athletes learned to use hallucinogens to combat their fatigue, the most common being strychnine, which is currently used to kill pests and rodents. Hallucinogens allowed the competitor to be in a dazed state which can actually improve the focus of the athlete and make them stronger opponents by being harder to knock down.

Must Read: More Middle-Aged Men Taking Steroids to Look Younger

The Beginning of Modern Day Steroid Use:

The Beginning of Modern Day Steroid Use:

The discovery of the coca leaf at the end of the 19th century lead to the beginning of modern day drug use. The coca leaf is the plant that cocaine is derived from and during those times was a very popular recreational drug much like alcohol nowadays.

The coca leaf was often mixed with wine, or taken as the rudimentary form of cocaine we know how to battle fatigue and fight back hunger. Professional athletes were becoming more prevalent with modern day athletic competitions on the rise.

This meant that athletes who performed on an as-needed basis now had to actually train their bodies to stay ahead of the game and they supplemented their training with steroid use. Sports teams would dope together to boost their practices and workouts.

The 20th Century to Today:

With steroid use in full swing athletes were pushing their bodies to tolerate higher and higher combinations of lethal drugs like heroin, strychnine, and cocaine. It was so common that many teams had their own compounds or “secret formulas” they thought to be the most effective.

But the more athletes pushed themselves, the more their bodies started to shut down, killing themselves by their own ambition. In 1928 The International Association of Athletes Federation (IAAF) became the first to ban the use of steroids out of concern for the athletes.

While steroids started being produced and distributed commercially, even going so far as to be handed out to troops in the field, more athletic associations banned them to prevent abuse and overdose. Starting in the 1960’s drug testing became the norm across the board for all athletes and competitors, including horses in major races.

Non medically prescribed steroids are now banned by all major competition associations and are illegal in many countries. Use of steroids found in competing athletes can not only get an athlete disqualified from a specific competition but can ban them from all future competitions and even strip them of their past titles (Lance Armstrong is the best example of this).

Testing for steroid use has become an incredibly advanced science with new tests being developed constantly. Steroid testing has become such a controversial issue that it is now referred out of associations and is contracted out by actual labs that not only complete tests before competitions but also save specimens for a period of years to be tested for future allegations of doping or as new tests are developed.

Though steroid overuse can cause damage to the system, many consider the laws banning steroids to be too dramatic. In safe doses, steroids can be highly effective enhancement tools and help an athlete reach great heights in his or her field.

With all enhancements and drugs there are two sides to every story and removing the stigma of steroids and instead of teaching people how to use them safely and effectively there’s no telling what humans can push their bodies to do. The history of steroid use while flooded with bad examples of athletes who have abused drugs to cheat the competition, also has a long history of showing what humans can achieve with enhancements.

Must Read: 5 Best Steroid Cycles for 2018

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Counteracting Anabolic Resistance with Adaptogens in Aging Men

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As people age, maintaining muscle mass and strength becomes increasingly challenging due to a natural condition called anabolic resistance. This phenomenon, where muscles become less responsive to exercise and protein intake, can start as early as age 40. However, adaptogens—herbs that help the body adapt to stress—are emerging as promising allies in combating this resistance and promoting muscle health.

Understanding Anabolic Resistance Symptoms

Aging athletes may experience several symptoms of anabolic resistance, including:

Decreased Muscle Protein Synthesis

Muscles become less responsive to protein, affecting growth and recovery.

Increased Cortisol Levels

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to muscle breakdown.

Hormonal Decline

Natural decreases in testosterone and growth hormone reduce muscle-building capacity.

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Top Adaptogens for Muscle Health

Some of the most commonly used adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and Panax Ginseng. Their key benefits are:

Ashwagandha

    • Supports testosterone levels.
    • Reduces cortisol, improving recovery and muscle maintenance.
    • Enhances endurance for sustained workouts.

Rhodiola Rosea

    • Lowers fatigue and increases stamina.
    • Reduces stress, supporting muscle retention.

Panax Ginseng

    • Boosts energy levels for longer, more effective workouts.
    • Supports immune function, aiding in recovery.

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How Adaptogens Support Muscle Tissue and Overall Health

Adaptogens help counteract anabolic resistance by:

Regulating Hormones

Ashwagandha may optimize testosterone and growth hormone levels, essential for muscle maintenance.

Lowering Cortisol Levels

High cortisol can exacerbate anabolic resistance. Adaptogens like Rhodiola and Ashwagandha help reduce cortisol, fostering a more anabolic environment.

Enhancing Energy and Endurance

Rhodiola and Ginseng boost energy levels, helping athletes maintain workout intensity, crucial for combating anabolic resistance.

Boosting Recovery and Reducing Fatigue

Ashwagandha aids muscle recovery, and Rhodiola reduces fatigue, both vital for consistent training intensity.

Tips for Integrating Adaptogens into Your Routine

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To incorporate adaptogens into your daily life, consider these tips:

Start Small

Begin with a lower dose to gauge your body's response.

Cycle Use

Use adaptogens for 6-8 weeks, then take a short break to reset and maintain their effectiveness.

Choose Quality Supplements

Opt for third-party tested and certified supplements to ensure potency and purity.

More Options to Counteract Anabolic Resistance in Older Men

Related Article: Peptides Vs Steroids - A Complete Guide 

When it comes to counteracting anabolic resistance in older men, it's important to consider both safety and efficacy. Here are some options that might be beneficial:

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs): These compounds are designed to mimic the effects of anabolic steroids without the severe side effects. They can help increase muscle mass and strength.

Testosterone Boosters: Supplements like Adaptophen contain natural ingredients such as Tongkat Ali, Siberian Rhodiola Rosea, and Elk Antler Velvet, which are promoted to boost testosterone levels, improve muscle growth, and aid recovery.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH): HGH supplements can help increase muscle mass and strength, but they should be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects.

Ecdysterone: This compound is found in certain plants and has been shown to have anabolic effects similar to anabolic steroids but with fewer side effects.

Turkesterone: Another natural compound that has shown promise in increasing muscle mass and strength without the harsh side effects of anabolic steroids.

It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your individual needs and health status.

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Recommended Exercises to Restore Muscle In Older Men

Restoring muscle loss in older men can be effectively achieved through a combination of resistance training and functional exercises. Here are some of the most effective exercises:

Dumbbell Squats: These help build lower body strength and muscle mass. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells at your sides, and squat down while keeping your chest up.

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press: This exercise targets the upper chest and shoulders. Lie on an incline bench, holding dumbbells, and press them upwards until your arms are fully extended.

Chest-Supported Dumbbell Rows: Great for strengthening the back muscles. Adjust the bench to an incline, chest-supported, and pull the dumbbells towards your torso while keeping your back straight.

Planks: Excellent for core strength and stability. Hold a forearm plank position, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels.

Bird Dogs: This exercise improves core strength and balance. Start in a tabletop position, extend one arm and the opposite leg, and hold for a few seconds before switching sides.

Bodyweight Exercises: Exercises like push-ups, lunges, and step-ups are also beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and overall strength.

Incorporating these exercises into a regular workout routine can help combat muscle loss and improve overall fitness. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity to avoid injury.

Conclusion

While adaptogens are not a substitute for a balanced diet or structured training, they offer a natural way for aging athletes to manage anabolic resistance. By supporting hormonal balance, reducing stress, enhancing energy, and aiding in recovery and fatigue, adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and Panax Ginseng can help athletes, especially those over 40, stay strong and healthy as they age.

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Tips on How to Store Peptides and HGH

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When peptides are mixed with bacteriostatic water (BAC water), their longevity is highly influenced by how they are stored. Correct storage is crucial, as improper conditions can compromise their quality and reduce their efficacy.

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Key Storage Guidelines

Room Temperature: Peptides tend to degrade rapidly at room temperature, lasting only a few hours to a day. It's best to use them immediately in this condition.

Refrigeration (2-8°C): When stored in a refrigerator, peptides mixed with BAC water can remain stable for 2-4 weeks. However, some peptides may degrade more quickly than others, so limiting storage to around two weeks is safest.

Freezing (-20°C or lower): For prolonged storage, freezing is the best option, maintaining peptide stability for several months. It is important to avoid multiple cycles of thawing and refreezing, as this can degrade the peptides.

It's important to note that storage guidelines can differ depending on the specific peptide, so always check for the particular recommendations to ensure maximum longevity and effectiveness.

NOTE: Peptides reconstituted with Sterile Water only remain potent for 2-3 days, even under ideal storage conditions. This is because sterile water lacks the antibacterial properties of BAC water, leading to faster bacterial growth and peptide degradation.

Finding Containers to Store Peptides and HGH

You can find containers for storing peptides and HGH at various online retailers and specialty stores. Here are a few options:

Edge Peptides: They offer a range of storage containers suitable for peptides, including glass and high-quality plastic vials.

Peptide Sciences: This site provides information on peptide storage and offers appropriate containers.

Muscle and Brawn: They have guidelines on peptide storage and sell containers designed for this purpose.

Make sure to choose containers that are chemically inert, such as glass or high-quality plastic, to avoid any reactions with the peptides. Additionally, ensure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent contamination and degradation.

What Would Be the Best Peptides and HGH for Beginners?

For beginner bodybuilders and athletes, it's important to start with safe and effective options. Here are some of the best peptides and human growth hormone (HGH) supplements:

Peptides for Muscle Growth

Ipamorelin: Stimulates growth hormone production, aiding muscle growth and fat loss.

CJC-1295: Enhances growth hormone release, promoting muscle growth and improving sleep quality.

Hexarelin: Stimulates growth hormone release, aiding muscle gain and cardiovascular health.

Sermorelin: Increases growth hormone production, beneficial for muscle growth.

GHRP-6: Stimulates growth hormone release, increasing energy levels and aiding muscle growth.

HGH Supplements

CrazyBulk HGH-X2: Boosts HGH production, increases energy levels, and helps build muscle mass.

HyperGH 14x: Promotes muscle growth and improves performance.

GenF20 Plus: Maintains optimal HGH levels, aiding in muscle growth and anti-aging.

PGH-1000: Enhances strength and stamina.

Sytropin: Supports physical fitness, anti-aging, and andropause.

Summary

Storing peptides and human growth hormone (HGH) properly is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and ensuring safety. Peptides should ideally be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C for up to 2-4 weeks when mixed with bacteriostatic water, while freezing them at -20°C or lower extends their stability for several months, but avoid thawing and refreezing. When reconstituting peptides, use bacteriostatic water instead of sterile water to maintain potency for a longer duration (2-4 weeks versus 2-3 days). Use chemically inert containers, like glass or high-quality plastic vials, and ensure they are tightly sealed. Maintain sterility during reconstitution and storage to prevent bacterial contamination.

Use reconstituted peptides as soon as possible to avoid degradation in solution. Popular peptides for muscle growth include Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Hexarelin, Sermorelin, and GHRP-6, while CrazyBulk HGH-X2 is a common supplement to boost HGH production. Always check the specific storage recommendations for each peptide, as they can vary.

Remember, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

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Ostarine For Beginners: The Ultimate Guide

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Ostarine, also referred to as MK-2866 or Enobosarm, is among the most extensively used and researched Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). Initially developed to combat muscle-wasting diseases, it has gained immense popularity among athletes and bodybuilders for its muscle-preserving and performance-enhancing benefits.

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How Does It Work?

Ostarine selectively binds to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues, promoting protein synthesis and osteogenesis. Unlike anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), which interact with androgen receptors throughout the body, Ostarine specifically targets certain tissues, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects such as hair loss, high estrogen levels, prostate enlargement, or virilization in women.

Practical Benefits of Ostarine

Muscle Preservation

Ostarine is well-known for its ability to maintain lean muscle mass, especially during calorie deficits. Studies have shown that it prevents muscle wasting while sustaining strength and endurance, making it ideal for cutting cycles (Dalton et al., 2011).

Muscle Growth

Although its muscle-building capacity is milder compared to stronger SARMs or AAS, Ostarine effectively promotes gradual, high-quality muscle gains without excessive water retention.

Improved Recovery

Athletes have reported enhanced recovery times with Ostarine. By reducing muscle breakdown and increasing nitrogen retention, it allows users to train more frequently and intensively.

Bone Health

Ostarine positively impacts bone density. Research indicates its ability to increase bone mineralization, potentially making it a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis (Narayanan et al., 2008). For athletes, this translates to a reduced injury risk and stronger skeletal support during heavy training.

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Potential Side Effects

Mild Testosterone Suppression

Ostarine can suppress natural testosterone production, particularly at higher doses. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is recommended after cycles to restore hormonal balance.

Dyslipidemia

Like most SARMs, Ostarine can affect lipid profiles, potentially lowering HDL (good cholesterol) and increasing LDL (bad cholesterol).

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Some users report mild elevations in liver enzymes during use, though these usually return to normal after discontinuation.

Long-Term Effects

Unknown As a relatively new compound, the long-term effects of Ostarine on health are not fully understood.

How to Use Ostarine Correctly

Dosage and Cycle Recommendations

Ostarine is typically dosed at 10–30 mg per day, depending on the user’s goals and experience level:

For Cutting: 10–20 mg per day to preserve muscle and aid fat loss.

For Bulking: 20–30 mg per day to promote lean muscle gains.

Cycles generally last 6–8 weeks. Longer cycles or higher doses may increase the risk of side effects, including testosterone suppression. With a half-life of approximately 24 hours, Ostarine allows for convenient once-daily dosing.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

We highly recommend PCT following Ostarine cycles, especially for doses exceeding 20 mg per day, to restore natural testosterone levels.

Ostarine Alternatives

For beginner bodybuilders looking for alternatives to Ostarine, here are some popular options:

  1. RAD 140 (Testolone): Known for its excellent muscle-building and fat-burning properties, RAD 140 is a favorite among those looking to gain lean muscle mass.
  2. LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): This SARM is highly effective for increasing strength and muscle mass, making it a great choice for beginners.
  3. Cardarine (GW-501516): Although not technically a SARM, Cardarine is popular for its ability to enhance endurance and fat loss.
  4. YK-11: This SARM is known for its ability to promote muscle growth and strength, similar to anabolic steroids.
  5. S23: Effective for cutting cycles, S23 helps reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass.
  6. Andarine (S4): This SARM is used for both bulking and cutting, offering muscle preservation and fat loss.

These alternatives offer various benefits and can be chosen based on individual goals and preferences. It's always important to research and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

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Overall

Ostarine (MK-2866) is a versatile and beginner-friendly SARM, offering significant benefits for muscle preservation, recovery, and lean growth. Its selective action and mild side-effect profile make it an attractive option for athletes and bodybuilders seeking an edge in performance and aesthetics. However, responsible use, including appropriate dosing, cycle length, and post-cycle therapy, is crucial to minimizing risks and maximizing results.

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