DRAPER POSTS - BIG D TALKS

The Steroid Caveat

The steroid caveat . . . . .

At our World Gyms in Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz there are no apparent steroid users. A look, mentality and behavior betrays the user and his distinct attitude separates him. Soon it becomes obvious that his goals and motivations are not in harmony with those around him and he chooses to move on down the line. On some ocassions drug users [hi-tech bodybuilders] are encouraged to take up residence in a nearby competitor's gym where they'll be more comfortable and appreciated.

We have a wide cross section of trainees at the gyms - moms, grand dads, kids, cops, lawyers, doctors, local bodybuilding champs, world class tri-athlete stars - not unlike IOL. There is no pervasive arrogance [some minor conceit, yes], no flaunting, no bullies, no "babes" [well, one or two acceptable thongs, perhaps], no hideous bellowing. I have observed that drug use within the healthy gym atmosphere Laree and I choose to present is destructive. Even conversations about "roids" are unhealthy, opening the secure door and knocking over the can of worms. 'Roid gossip engenders an associated grumbling, loose temper, discontent, envy and obsession not to be perpetuated.

I offer no advice on the matter as I know very little. I simply say "don't". It's complex, complicated and highly technical. It's reserved for the pros, and you have a better chance at playing in the World Series or Super Bowl.

Careful not to feed a frenzy, I might ask a question or two, or make a comment . . . . Are you a bodybuilder or do you just want the body? Do you love your training, your goal and your growth or do you just want the body, now, at any expense . . . except work, discipline and courage? You want the Degree but not the school and the education? (I'll take take the medal, thanks, just don't want to achieve it.)

Think . . . .What happens when you stop? You've got to stop sometime. It's a lonely road down. Emotions crash. Training often stops. Cold.

Who pays for it? Where do you get it? It's illegal and the docs say no. How much do you take and where do you draw the line? Side effects? Hormones?

The point . . . . Get the drugs out of your mind. Soon. Whoever doesn't is looking at obsession and disappointment. They're looking down and not up. Get real. If we have something on our chest about this troubling aspect of our sport, life style, or love affair, I humbly suggest we toss it on the Line, be done with it, quickly, and move on. We can link newcomers to our thoughts to give them insight or answers. This stuff, you will find, tends to erode our foundations and deteriorate the environment.

God bless the pros. . . . . . .For us here on IOL it's a seductive and forbidden fruit.

Over and out . . . . dd

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