Everyone Is Using Steroids, So Why Not You?

[@GENIRYODAN]

I want my health. I'm not in a social media ego trap. That's why I don't use steroids.

[@nihalbhamrah4726]

Its easy to say that when you look that good but not for all

[@riczz4641]

@@nihalbhamrah4726 Most people that look good on steroids were gonna look good regardless because they trained and ate right. You have no idea how many teens in my gym are taking gear and barely look like they even train. If you can't do it without gear, you are not gonna be able with gear either. Prove it to yourself first and most likely you will find out once you are there that the body you achieved naturally is enough for you.

[@Staroy]

@@nihalbhamrah4726 lol should I call you mister?

[@trenaceandblackmetal5621]

Steroid health risks are overblown

[@pablosanchez6144]

@@nihalbhamrah4726Train hard, smart and be patient and you eventually will get a damn good physique too, also it’s quite overblown how much that physique matters

[@_alex_y.not_]

Kids are depriving themselves of the journey of learning about themselves by speeding it up with PEDs and only focusing on the destination. "Why would I want it to take longer than 6mths?" Because you'll learn where you really stand as a person and how hard you're actually willing to work.

[@TAL20013]

There's guys in my gym that are juiced up to the gills, using piss poor form, with obscenely heavy weights, and I overhear them talking about training, and I just think to myself "you have no fucking clue, because all your muscle is from abusing steroids"

[@taylorhillard4868]

Because the destination is the only thing that matters. The journey is the obstacle. A lot of us already know how hard we are willing to work, because we've given all we have. I can't speak for anyone else, but I've put the last 5 years of my life on hold for this. I haven't been able to eat dinners with my family, I haven't been able to tend my garden (because I'm too sore to do anything most days). I'm down to only 5 or 6 foods that I'm allowed to eat anymore, and I haven't been able to clean the house in months. I would gladly cut my feet off with rusty butter knives to have the physique I need, but unfortunately that's not how it works.

[@coacheugeneteo]

Agreed! Great point 🫡

[@nihalbhamrah4726]

But its been almost more than 1.7 years and still no results even after hard training and calorie counting and meditation and supplements like creatine protein fish oil calcium etc its a waste pf money and time

[@gur262]

​@@taylorhillard4868 I listen to death grips, they go" I am the beast I worship" and I nod. Every rep a prayer. Yup, I am strong. This is fun. Not always , sure, but often. I've been through not wanting to go to the gym _forced due to back pain, for years. Then something shifted.

[@nikitamarynich1794]

2 words: Instant gratification. It is the plague of modern society. No discipline, no self control, no patience or enjoying the journey. We're doomed.

[@Oliver_BN]

While they might not be the people who are highlighted the most online, there are people out there living for the process and enjoying that despite all this. Keep the hope up! All is not yet lost.

[@yo25999]

Yup, people want magic pill fixes for everything nowadays. They want the results without the effort.

[@gigabytes5955]

You're dead wrong about that. Instant gratification would mean you just inject yourself, no working out needed. you still need years of hard work even with PED's.

[@iche9373]

@@nikitamarynich1794 Sometimes the journey can be a nightmare if you have 2-3 dead end jobs in order to pay your bills every month

[@michalsedlarik8889]

Not true all the times. Dumb kids are floaded with these juiced up super models and their beauty standards are inflated, because of that your average joe is not good enough. Therefore they use gear and get Above average/good looking and then the below average joes look at them and do the same getting to at least average etc. etc. It is a vicious cycle(quite literally). So it is also about something that is not atainable naturally for the average person.

[@Mahatheyew]

I started lifting in 2009 when I was a teenager in the Zyzz era. I considered many times to take the dive, did all the research, weighed up the pros and cons, but could never bring myself to commit. But my love for lifting never died and here I am 15 years later with a lifelong natty physique that I'm truly proud of. No health side effects, no balding, muscles that don't disappear and aren't determined by what gear I'm injecting. I'm in my 30's and thank my younger self for staying away from steroids.

[@jayraitt9023]

You are awesome man. I've been there, I get it. It was the military that kept me out of trouble during that era of my life, I'm proud of people like you. Keep it up and don't be a stranger to the kids in the gym!

[@GVS]

Don't just think about what you want now, but what your future self will want as well. You're living for them, too...hopefully.

[@coacheugeneteo]

Wise words my friend 🫡🤝

[@5lim.0]

Future me wants huge arms and tiny 🥜

[@ShaunMyandee]

I really liked the clips of John Meadows in the positive wrap up section because I think Eugene is really the inheritor of John's style. Humble, knowledgeable, kind and non judgemental. While we miss John all the time we're lucky to still have Eugene.

[@coacheugeneteo]

🙏🙏

[@realBatman-89]

Hell of a compliment.

[@Arpin_Lusene]

For me, it's 2 reasons: 1. Health and longevity, cause I know I would abuse it once body dysmorphia kicks in. 2. It's expensive to maintain, and I'm not planning to become a pro body builder or fitness influencer/coach so being really jack means nothing to me than just being really jack for the sake of being really jack.

[@xomox5316]

Its not expensive and its not unhealthy, late 40s started taking it helped me lose 40lbs and add alot of muscle my blood work is much better.

[@Megaduckatron]

Can’t speak to the health. But gear is as cheap or cheaper than supplements.

[@CHEFPKR]

I've been training for 20 years, lots of ups and downs, but never once have I thought of PEDs. Instead, when I feel stuck or I hate my routine, I try to learn a new physical skill. Martial arts, as a prime example. Not for everyone, but skills outside body building can feel super rewarding.

[@coacheugeneteo]

I hear ya on that. BJJ, calisthenics and running really opened things up for me a LOT the past 10 years!

[@V3n.]

Don't forget boxing!!

[@gigabytes5955]

If you're over 40 why not take PED's? I'm not saying take tons of it, just TRT and the occasional boost. You think Arnold doesn't?? You think Stallone looks like that at 70 because he isn't???

[@50_Pence]

Great advice.

[@adammankind7266]

You said the key word: learn. It's the right way to BE

[@quinlansmith5425]

Really excellent video - one thing I’ve noticed is that there seems to be an immense amount of almost “inherent distrust” that’s been generated as a result of so many younger influencers admitting to taking steroids. The frustrating thing about this is I see hundreds of comments every day using that as an excuse to not workout or improve their health. This has spread across to folks who are (in my opinion) pretty clearly natural. Thus you have a two fold issue of tens of thousands of younger folks thinking steroids are the only option to get into great shape…and then deciding to do so - or choosing to just not workout at all because it’s “not achievable naturally”. Just some thoughts - but thanks for the great perspective and video on this topic!

[@wrongwayeditz3638]

People who take steroids looks way older than their age

[@nikitamarynich1794]

@@thescarecrow897 Dude he's 22. Wait until he hits 30.

[@MorTphyr]

@@thescarecrow897 dude looks absoluterly fucked lmao have you seen his recent vids??

[@Brunorola]

@@nikitamarynich1794 Plus he looks older than 22. More like 30 to be exact.

[@menowin7]

which is a good thing when your in ur 20ies

[@wrongwayeditz3638]

@@menowin7who are you replying to me or the other

[@FreshDougan]

I was pressured into taking gear in my high school and college years playing d1 football at the highest level(I'd say more that half of us were taking gear). After stopping it's been pretty brutal to see my strength and physique deteriorate. Plus my liver took a decent hit because I was drinking a lot as well. Be smart and be safe. Answering a couple questions: we were mostly using test, deca and anadrol or anavar. Other compounds for injuries like BPC157. This stuff wasn't a secret. A lot of staff encouraged, supported and advised us on this stuff. It's almost necessary to be a starter. Also I graduated in 2020 for those of you who assume I must have been playing in the 80s or whatever lol.

[@donnymcjonny6531]

What sort of stacks do they use

[@FreshDougan]

​@@donnymcjonny6531 What was popular then was test, deca and anadrol. Cheating the test is the big issue. And it's easy. You get tested initially to find your base levels. Start off on steroids and stay in range. They won't even test for compounds. A lot of us were up near 2000ng/dl but it was steady from the start so no red flags. You turn on the TV and watch any college football game you can see whose on gear. And it's a lot of them.

[@FreshDougan]

Back then the popular stack was test, deca and anadrol. Cheating the test is easy. Come in on steroids. They develop your base levels and only check for compounds if you jump over it significantly. A lot of us were up around 2000 ng/dl but it was like that from day 1 so no red flags. So many college players are on gear and it's even higher in the NFL...

[@skillzilla111]

Which half of you was taking gear?? Were the guys using gear generally better at football?? Or were the guys who were good not pressured into taking gear.

[@FreshDougan]

​​​​​​@@skillzilla111The guys who start in HS stay on it. That's where it all starts. As long as your levels don't change they don't look for that shit. I was a D end. All of us were on gear on the d line and linebackers. Even if someone isn't blasting people take compounds to recover. And yes the ones on gear are way better. Except our running back was on and kept tearing his knees up. So that is a potential problem for some. Generally speaking I'd say at least 50% of the players who play D1 college ball are on something. And that is higher in the NFL...

[@JohnWick-yz8ke]

I really wish this channel was the biggest fitness channel on the platform. Eugene is an authentic person, always making quality considered content.

[@TrickyMicky123456]

Its sad. A lot of young people I know on steroids seem to have created a narrative that doesn't exist. They are going to show the haters when in reality there are no 'Haters'. Literally nobody cares - majority of people will glance and be like he looks like he works out. A 2 second thought, that's it. Also beleive looking the part will bring success which is not true at all. Steroids and really expensive cars on finance to look the part. It's a shame.

[@aamirh3567]

THIS! men are so emasculated that they pump their body full of drugs to externalise their armour as opposed to their internal strength. They are still boys dressed in a bodysuit.

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Yep, just another body dysmorphophobia.

[@fattlane1866]

Yup. It does nothing to address the actual problem they have, their own insecurities

[@MR12AMAZING]

There are definitely haters. Majority of people don't glance and think "oh he looks like he workouts" unless said person looks dyel. The fact that steroid users are so demonized on the internet and people who are natural are praised as if they're holier than thou and have this moral superiority shows there is something there. Go to any major fitness influencer and you'll see thousands of comments of people criticising them for being on juice and 9 times out of 10 it most definitely stems from jealousy. If one truly didn't care then they wouldn't bother to leave a comment.

[@calebnelson1283]

Love the emphasis on living authentically. Reframing things in that light is such a healthy approach to making decisions in general.

[@Paul-yk7ds]

Agreed

[@rachelpidduck549]

Eugene is my favorite fitness youtuber! The way he articulates himself and communicates is so easy to follow and listen to. Plus, he just gives no bullshit, unbiased content. The best.

[@HFitness-2003]

This video kind of summarizes the point from one video you did a while back ( Unhappy with your body? Watch this). That is to actually look at ones values and then make the decision to move forward with said thing you want to do. Once again showing that introspection (especially for younger people) is needed. Thank you for a great video Eugene! Your videos always make me think and I like that 🙂

[@Anonpost-3]

True shit

[@MR12AMAZING]

Put a shirt on, nobody cares about your mid physique.

[@mosubekore78]

6:35 ah the survivorship bias, they are only aware of the small population that succeeded, but majority of steroid users are not that great.

[@coacheugeneteo]

Exactly

[@cayden-]

the message at the end about thinking who you want to be -> doing what it takes -> then getting to have that initial goal become your reality is great. thanks for the wisdom eugene

[@YaStarz]

Disadvantage of steroids: early death Advantage of steroids: early death I think I should go back to therapy.

[@s010xl3v3ling]

At least you will look good in your casket.... Even I should go to therapy.

[@j.f.almeida9081]

Arnold, Doria... got lucky but a lot has gone early.

[@ReheatedDonut]

*steroid abuse

[@MR12AMAZING]

Advantages: You can acquire the physique of a Greek god and get worshipped by million of men on the internet🤣.

[@frecklenuckle4450]

@@MR12AMAZING that sounds like a very heterosexual desire to have

[@ZachSeaman]

The realization that people are living backwards is so profound. Many can’t wait to have the effects before they have put in the causes by being and doing. I do wonder about the order of “doing” vs. “being” and whether you are something before you do things. “Do, Be, Have” feels closer to my own experience, as I didn’t start out with the idea that I was that but was doing the similar things to them. Loved the video and appreciate the nuanced perspective you bring to your videos!

[@PhotonBeast]

Agreed. I had a friend that was always chasing the 'have' so that they could 'be'. And it was as you and Eugene noted; they were never happy, never making progress, always looking for something to 'fix' things. I tried to gently encourage them/teach them that they gotta be happy first - or perhaps more accurately, to accept where they were starting from. To love the things they HAD done right and in the past so they could build off that.

[@ArM-wo6wd]

Very nicely said about people living their lives backwards, Eugene. I'm in my early twenties right now, and only recently figured that out on my own. And it has made by far the biggest positive difference in my life.

[@FitnessFAQs]

Healthy message brother, well done

[@coacheugeneteo]

Thank you Daniel!

[@anvimea5491]

In all honesty, I didn't expect a fresh perspective on this topic, having seen so many other videos about it. Thanks for your thoughtful input.

[@coacheugeneteo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Black-Circle]

@@coacheugeneteo why do enhanced guys give horrible advice that leads to over training when 1 set to failure is all you need as a natty. clowns like your friend mike isreatwat

[@herrmanselcher1632]

Showing John as you’re saying “what’s that costing you” 💀 I just want to express my gratitude because you are one of the key people that inspired me to quit bodybuilding. I’m 23 and started gear at 18, never took much, had a lot of cycles that were cut short, tried “alternative” ways of cruising and finally decided that the lifestyle isn’t for me. I’m on actual trt now, not off fully because truthfully I’m scared of it and the chance of not recovering. That being said, I feel much better, happier, I think I look better and I’m actually getting stronger than ever at the gym now that I’m actually looking after my health. You’ve really given me perspective by contrasting the way you trained back then and now and helped me gain the courage to make that decision. I was good at forcing myself to eat, but now I enjoy simply eating good, healthy food and training just because it’s something I love doing. I think you do a great job of communicating your past on top of the fitness advice, it’s having an impact.

[@SalmanRohit-h9y]

Eugene's smirk in that thumbnail is just epic 😂

[@samiryan214]

I think he was using a B12 shot for the demo, lol.

[@knobjob2839]

TRT at 23 is a valid reason?? Dude...🤦

[@taylorhillard4868]

@@knobjob2839 I mean. If you actually need it. There are 23 year olds with varicocele that basically don't have testicles. Alex is not one of those people, but there are young people who do need trt to function properly.

[@waskus]

He is a joke, ofc he dosent need trt, only reason hes numbers would be low, is that hes on/off gear.

[@Galuche1L1U]

It's valid if it's for a medical reason, where other avenues have been controlled for (sleep, diet, lifestyle, diseases, etc). But yeah, that's realistically going to be 1 in 100 of 23 years olds on TRT out there.....

[@coacheugeneteo]

In case you misunderstood me - I DON'T agree with Alex's decision to go on TRT at 23 for the "health" reasons he claims... But there are absolutely cases out there where men may need to use TRT for strictly medical reasons if they are hypogonadal

[@YouTubeChillZone]

You don't put enough emphasis on saying directly that people with low testosterone are physically unable to maintain muscle mass. It seems obvious but it is not obvious considering the constant comments about whether someone is natural or not. Just make it simple you look at dude he claims low T and his big - it's a lie

[@l_eel_em]

Thanks for making this video Uncle! Definitely a topic that needs to be discussed more with how much it’s being glorified nowadays 👏🏼

[@boyunderbridge]

Send noods

[@MitchFPT]

God I want this to go viral. You bring up so many good points, especially just the aspect of laying out your goals instead of jumping the gun and blasting gear then releasing what you want later doesn’t align with what you’re doing. Which it may be to late … Great video like always !

[@kennethdarlington]

22 y.o. mister olimpia... I've honestly thought he was like 35 y.o. with 15+ years of gym experience Wow

[@rz1974]

hes 29 now, but yeah still looks a lot older than he is, gear will do that to ya

[@davidwave4]

I love this. It's important to know what your intrinsic desires are and move towards them instead of letting those other folks dictate them.

[@edwardsohn1287]

Unrelated to the video, but I like your current hairstyle and I think it compliments your aesthetics very well. Definitely an upgrade from all of the different hairstyles that you had before

[@coacheugeneteo]

Thank you very much!

[@Lizzzzzzzy9999]

It never stops to baffle me how much hate and discouragement there is in the comment sections of (especially young) male fitness influencers, like these examples shown in your video. Just a bunch of men dragging each other down, creating an echo chamber of distorted body image. I'm watching this from a distance, being a middle aged woman who loves lifting, but in a casual, just-wanna-be-fit-and-look-decent way. Thanks for being such a reasonable and relatable voice Eugene, your content is much needed.

[@growngamer12]

5 years steroids were a taboo topic…… now everyone is honest and open about it to a point where it’s completely glorified by social media 💀

[@MrMap-z3e]

Thats why wwe guys never talk about it

[@BrPerera]

from 7:32 it turned personal. thanks for sharing these. most people look pass these aspects of bodybuilding and tragically face the consequences.

[@Flahtort]

8:33 - was really expecting to hear words like "...tell you about sponsor of today's video."

[@coacheugeneteo]

😂😂😂 I hope you were pleasantly surprised

[@Flahtort]

@@coacheugeneteo , i always pleasantly surprized when I watch your videos, Eugene)

[@slipperyfish7560]

For me it's simple - I don't like roided physiques. The physiques that inspire me are not on gear - Will Tennyson, Jesse James West, Jeff Nippard, The Bioneer, Sean Nalewany, Alex Leonidas, etc. I mean I started going to the gym because of Pewdiepie and I think he has a great physique. And eventhough you're not a lifetime natural if I could even have half of your physique, that would be insane for me

[@motozappa225]

Alex Leonidas and his peers, like BOM and GVS are such inspirations bro

[@StopTheDamnTape]

This is a great and refreshing perspective. I agree that natty physiques pushed to the higher levels look fukn phenomenal. The massive roided physiques are genuinely grotesque and weird as fuk looking imo.

[@damianoaimino1714]

The current phisique of Eugene is achievable naturally if you have good genetics

[@BM-pt6sy]

This. People will sneer at you for "having low standards" but in reality, achieving a noticeable physique naturally is a pretty high standard. It just won't look impressive in clothes for most of the year. I've always thought roiders just look bad compared to a natural athlete with similar proportions (although that comparison is extremely rare to be able to make). It might be something about the muscle "texture", or the way that the muscle bellies always look full/pumped. If you look at drawings and sculptures of athletes from the renaissance like that of Ruben and Michelangelo you can see a lot of detail which you can also see in gifted and hard working athletes like gymnasts whom you can sometimes tell are natural from things like nonexistent traps, and so on.

[@motozappa225]

@@BM-pt6sy you an isolate and take your traps, upper body in general to a higher level as a natural but that takes effort. A roider can just roid and have them bulge out cartoonishly while doing sets of sitting on the couch

[@CraigVernon]

1. Good diet 2. Good training plan 3. Good hydration (water) 4. Good sleep 5. No alcohol 6. No cigarettes 7. No drugs 8. Reduce Stress 9. Positive attitude 10. Determination & Consistency to stick with all the above Why not try all these things before taking gear? Don't just take it because so many others are and you see it all over social media, be yourself and do it differently. Don't be a little puppy dog following everyone else.

[@daltonthomas5723]

Since you told me not to be a lil puppy dog following everyone, Ima keep smoking and drinking 💯

[@YassineSABRI00]

Because it's a long list and too much commitment for the doomed boys on social media, they want instant gratification. In this new era where everything is related to speed, they can't be patient and enjoy the journey.

[@halden3014]

On 6,7, and 8, replace no with little to non

[@lordhandsomeswag1854]

because it takes years and people are used to getting things instantly in this age of convenience

[@taylorhillard4868]

@@CraigVernon I did. Didn't work.

[@VetinariClone]

I like being fit, I like have muscles, but ultimately, the one thing I’ve always prioritized in life is my brain. My brain is me. If I diminish my brain’s capacity, I’m diminishing myself. I’m not a brainy guy and can’t afford to lose the little I have, frankly. Anything that reduces my mental capacity, short or long term, is something I’m unlikely to touch.

[@mateuszgawlik5528]

I think it would be great if you could create video about your previous gear use. Tell young people about your experience.

[@socloseagain4298]

Be. Do. Have. That is such a great explanation about many things in life. We often think that if we only get X first Y will naturally follow but we often find that is not the case 🙂

[@coacheugeneteo]

Yes!

[@atypicalnihilist]

I too have been training for 7+ years natty and yet I'm nowhere close to looking like Alex. Does that mean I want to take steroids? Hell no. Like I would be grateful if I can achieve his physique as my lifetime peak. It gives me something to work towards and I'm someone who enjoys the journey more than the destination. Looks like these days everything is hyper inflated due to social media. Even a 0.0001 percentile physique is somehow not "enough". Sam, Mike and Chris compete so I understand. But Alex justifying steroid use after being influenced by Togi of all people is crazy. There are several natty youtubers that are successful which means that Alex is not held back by his physique but by his mediocre personality that doesn't offer anything unique to the viewer which explains why his KZbin is very dead compared to when he had the shock factor of his physique. Lets see how much personality he gains from steroids.

[@catherinebyrom6307]

Can always rely on Eugene for the most profound take on a subject - especially the part about living your life backwards

[@Ghetto_Bird]

0:21 is all you need to know

[@robbiediaz9893]

Literally clinical hypertension. Insane

[@soma8468]

When you go to watch a training video but also get healthy lifestyle and positive psychology tips. Love all of Eugene’s videos!

[@coacheugeneteo]

Thank you! 🙏

[@innominatum9906]

Had a coworker who wanted to lose weight as I had done over couple of years. His idea of losing weight was to keep eating what he always had but then just include a large amount of vegetables on top of that. His plan was to do that and run 10km every day. I told him that his plan wouldnt work and that going too hard in the start would 100% make him fail and stop. He ran for like a week and then stopped. I couldnt get him to understand that 90% of a weight loss happens in the kitchen. Eat less and more healthy. I told him I didnt do any training at all for like the first year because I didnt want to hurt my joints. He accused me of using drugs to lose weight and got angry. He was sure that I was on stimulants to suppress my appetite and that me being more upbeat and happy wasnt because I was healthier - but because of drugs. 5 years later as of today; I lost some more weight and have done training with dumbbells for about a year. Him? Gained weight and is adamant that I cheated to get healthier.

[@StopTheDamnTape]

Amazing how the human mind works “I can’t succeed at x goal so you must of cheated somehow” - oh well, fuck ‘em mate, you tried to help, he was too dumb to listen.

[@PhotonBeast]

I had that experience with a friend. I tried to gently get them to start small and start slow. Like, they drank a lot of zero suger soda every day which, sure, zero sugar, but not exactly great either especially in big quantity. I suggested starting with just tracking how much soda they were drinking (they didn't know, but I could see they went through at least a six pack on a slow work day and more after work) to get a baseline understanding of how much but also when to start to learn body cues and triggers. Then, they could cut 1 can and/or replace it with a cup of water. Do that for a few weeks until it's habit. Then cut another can. Etc etc. But they resisted and instead INSISTED that they would and could drop down to 3 cans a day, period, cold turkey, and other restrictions, with nothing to replace the habit or hydration. It of course failed and became too hard and frustration to maintain all the restrictions they had placed on themselves literally overnight. And it'd be the same thing with other areas - they'd lose water weight but then get concerned that their weight loss was slowing down. They'd get concerned about day to day, week over week, changes rather than long term monthly progress that factored in the exercise they were doing (and thus, some amount of muscle gain). Ultimately, they took short cuts and lost weight but like... they haven't changed what they're doing in any meaningful way so that weight is sitting in the Phantom Zone waiting to come back.

[@innominatum9906]

@@PhotonBeast Yeah thats also a problem that many seem unable to understand. It literally is a lifestyle change. Some manage to lose a ton of weight by doing extreme diets with unsavory food for like a year - then go right back to their old ways - and wouldntyaknowit, every lost pound comes right back. There is nothing wrong with having a bag of chips, a slice of cake or a pizza every once in a while. Just gotta know that a bag of chips is like 700kcals and if your daily caloric intake is 1500 - do you really wanna spend half on that? Hell, my weight also fluctuates. To keep track I weigh myself every two weeks. I eat very healthy and kinda low calories monday to friday - then "save" up for some good dinners during the weekend. Losing weight and maintaining it is extremely simple but it isnt easy when you've had a lifetime of bad habits 😅

[@PhotonBeast]

@@innominatum9906 I think you touched on another aspect too of mindset. "Spend" your calories on something rather than restricting your diet. Making it a slightly more positive action you're taking (so something you're choosing to do) rather than a negative inaction.

[@jayraitt9023]

I've gained 80lbs of muscle, over 10 years. Started lifting at 19, had no idea what i was doing. The military beefed me up a little. Turning 22/23 and having my "adult male" hormones and body changes beefed me up a little bit more. A decade of lifting later i went from 6', 137lbs 20%bf, to 6', 210-220lbs (fluctuations based on hydration, creatine usage, carb and electrolyte load), 16%bf. That SOUNDS like insane progress, but it took me TEN TEARS. And im not stopping. Thank the LORD these sarms/roids werent as accessible then as they are now. Thank the lord for military drug testing and healthy social pressures. Thank the lord for deployments to keep focus and keep me out of trouble. It makes me so sad when i see kids talk about wanting to do SARMS/SERMS/Roids/ect. Im a big believer in earned privileges. Eating spicy food is a privilege, you cant handle it unless you start somewhere and eat more and more spicy food. Playing musical instruments or drawing art is a privilege. Even talented people (and most musicians are NOT "talented") still werent good at first and had to earn their skill through practice. For most humans, having muscle and a healthy flexible body is a privilege. You have to earn it. If you try to "hack it" or "speed it up" the consequences will come for you. And these kids dont deserve that hell. Theyre just kids addicted to tik tok who want to feel self appreciation. Stay clean and off gear people. Please.

[@MR12AMAZING]

80lbs of muscle naturally is damn near impossible, even over a ten year period. If that's legit then you have to realise that 99% of people won't achieve that same rate of progress regardless of how hard they work. You're obviously genetically gifted so it's easy to talk from your perspective.

[@jayraitt9023]

@MR12AMAZING I appreciate that compliment. I was a PARTICULARLY skinny kid, so gaining the muscle made me look more "normal" rather than buff for the longest time. Now I look like I have muscle haha. I was 137lbs at 6' tall when I went to boot camp. That is really really slender. So me being around 210 on average now feels good, but I DEFINITELY don't look like a bodybuilder or hardcore weightlifter or anything. I just look muscular and in shape. I think because I started with such a skinny and weak body it allowed me to work hard, usually harder than others, and stay more consistent than others. Being the skinniest kid in boot camp, in my training school, one of the skinniest in my first units, and so on really pushed me to just work harder... And eventually work smarter. Turns out a consistency of 3x a week and bit of cardio and protein goes a LOONNNG way, and will put you "buffer" than 90% of the population. But. It has to be consistent. MOST people I've worked out with in my years have gotten bigger than me, faster than me and stronger than me, VERY quickly. I just didn't gain muscle quickly... But I was blessed because I kept gaining it. Blessed from a genetic standpoint and also a mental standpoint, but I can also thank the military for that. Most of the people with the "food genetics" I knew stopped lifting weights and now in their 30s complain about their knees and back and drink too much. I'm glad i didn't have the "good genetics" because turns out I DO! Just the long term version of them lol. Which I'm glad, and would prefer. I definitely did not prefer that at 22 when I was skinny and all my friends were buffer and I was trying to meet girls LOL. But I prefer it as a grown man. It's all about the long term. I'm glad I'm entering "real adulthood" (30s and up) with a healthier mindset and a long term goal. I think my genetic limit might be low 220s with low body fat, and I'm going to keep going. 15% body fat for me my abs are not very visible (only when flexing) but I FEEL good. So there's that.

[@issaosama4937]

I am 31 now I remember when I was 16 my trainer offered me steroids at the time I refused but it was a very common thing back in the day. My point is it’s not a new phenomenon or epidemic it’s just been more talked about due to social media

[@0xszander0]

False. It was very common, but has become even more common now. Just look at the data. More people are using steroids than ever and that number is still going up. And yes that is partially due to social media.

[@b-rare]

My uncle took me to buy steroids at 16. It was m1ts a dirty disgusting pill form. I remember I took one pill and then threw them in the garbage. Thankfully I did that

[@b-rare]

@@0xszander0it’s just not as stigmatized today as it was before . People are more open about it

[@issaosama4937]

@@0xszander0data from which country and what organisation if you don’t mind me asking? So I can check it out.

[@redlfclegend24]

@@issaosama4937I’ve seen a study, that spoke of almost 8% among teenager. Insanity.

[@nathanshepherd9659]

love having your down to earth/wise perspective in this industry. Thanks Eugene!

[@mybootscamewithoutstraps]

I was diagnosed with hypogonadism and now take HRT because I didn't create any testosterone myself. There was no other way around the issue. It's not cool to take steroids. For people like me, I take just enough to feel good and that's it.

[@aodoemela]

^^^

[@samiryan214]

You can't build a freak physique with a TRT dose, lol.

[@christislord6136]

This is the result of major insecurity and the need for approval from others. Within reason, its normal to feel insecure and want approval, we are social beings. But because of social media, its way beyond the threshold of normal/healthy. Its sad really. Hopefully everyone starts to realize it before too long.

[@MestizoMentality]

I don't understand how people are not in jail for promoting & doing steroids on social media?

[@jordan3398]

why should they go to jail

[@MestizoMentality]

@ cause it's illegal where I come from

[@michelangelo759]

Impossible to prove in court

[@jordan3398]

@@MestizoMentality so I should be put in jail if I were taking steroids and I said I like them they make me feel great

[@michaelvanderlaan5629]

I don't think addicts should be jailed, but the suppliers should.

[@drakehero64]

Eugene is such as wise guy and its great to get some lessons from someone so experienced in this field.

[@coacheugeneteo]

Thank you! 🙏

[@mattsmith3049]

If your goal is to be an IFBB pro, and it’s truly your goal and reason you lift weights, then by all means take steroids. People who take them casually and don’t compete or don’t make a living off fitness in any way make no sense to me.

[@t4d0W]

This. I tried to imagine the cost and maintenance if I would take it recreationally and isn't really worth it for what I already do with diet/sleep/training. Even Brian 'Liver King' Johnson took steroids so he can be his own mascot for his supplement company. His only problem was lying that he attained his physique (along with his tortoise shell abs) as a natty lifter.

[@mytrung]

Really great video Eugene. I used to be in that boat too and now I’m 30+ I don’t care to be the most jacked guy. Slowly realizing the happy balance of life. But it’s definitely been a long journey to be okay with that. Again really great message

[@jeanvictorhajjar]

I'm sure it was a coincidence, but it really hit home when at 8:17 you see John Meadows while you mention "What is this costing you" 😢

[@ironbullet9956]

Don’t think soo it’s the unfortunate consequence of using drugs for a prolonged period.

[@smirbelbirbel]

I don't think that was a coincidence. It really is sad.

[@super_heroes]

March 1st I got a bad AC Joint sprain in my shoulder and my collarbone is slightly out of place. I promised myself that several months later in November once fully healed I would get back in the gym. BPC 157 is something that sounds paramount to my Joint getting stronger and improving the healing process through muscle strengthening around the ligaments in my shoulder

[@FerintoshFarmsPhotography]

Honestly, you should have spent more time warning about side-effects. Cause in most of those jesse videos where he is interviewing younger guys about the side-effects they have no idea cause everyone online just glorifies it.

[@t4d0W]

I think the reason why they gloss over the side-effects portion it is because its not great content. Plus it varies per person and their condition along with what other medications they are already taking. The more comprehensive steroid user who have the resources do their blood tests, have a physician they can consult who knows their medical history as well with another 'expert' who knows about dosages/stacks. Along with needing other medication to counter act what the steroid usage introduces (crazy back acne, hair loss, etc.) Young people who aren't as educated about the drug won't as prepared with the resources.

[@Paul-yk7ds]

I love your emphasis on thinking about who you want to be and consciously choosing that

[@leothepuppp]

i'm a trans man who chose who wanted to live as a man, and started working on it, when i became an adult i realised i loved working out and i've been doing it for years this year i decided i wanted to live as a man and live my truth without annoying anyone, so i decided to medically transition, i am doing so and it's been a weird thought that technically i'm not natural cause i am taking testosterone but not for gym purposes i realised i did what you concluded on, i thought who do i wanna be? what can i do to change that? and then i'm getting naturally these results

[@motozappa225]

In this case you're natty as you don't produce. If you'd take test (for just existing) and gear as well, in that case nah bro you ain't with the natural chads anymore

[@AverageMojaveMailman]

Genuine question:- Why did you decide to play in a higher difficulty?

[@leothepuppp]

@@AverageMojaveMailman honestly even tho i'm playing on harder difficulty i'm genuinly enjoying myself for the first time ever after 25 years, i feel like me, don't know how to properly express it but i 100% feel like i'm transforming into myself is it more challenging? yes, 100% but it's worth it to me

[@leothepuppp]

@@AverageMojaveMailman idk if this would make sense but i tried to live as a girl and convince myself to live like one, nothing wrong with that of course, but i always felt like there was something wrong with it, i was depressed and when some friends started to refer to me as a guy/man i felt really happy without knowing why, i still have gender dysphoria but the hormones and being able to get surgery in a few months makes it all better, of course it doesn't solve my problems but i'm no longer angry or sad with who i am or how i look

[@altairtheeagle]

@@leothepupppwas your sexual preference affected by the test or where you into the same thing prior? I hear some bodybuilders turn gay on huge amounts of gear

[@bensmith3384]

Love your casual knowledge bombs man. It's inspiring. Cheers

[@rando9574]

steroids or testo for guys is similar to plastic ass implants for girls. its just lol

[@jonathanwynne6925]

imagine dropping your drawers to stick a needle in your ass on the regular 😂

[@marc-andrehogue114]

No, it is more like transitioning

[@michelangelo759]

Not even close

[@hiphopstrongman]

@@michelangelo759It’s very close. They’re things being done to garner more attention without having to train as much or as hard.

[@natekandy]

The algorithm needed this balance. Thank you for posting this

[@coacheugeneteo]

Thank you! 🙏

[@mattheweley]

I guess I missed that Eugene plays music and hangs with polyphia? Someone clue me in please!

[@ZZZ-dt6mf]

Simple for me. Im 28. Trained natty for 7 years with a strict diet, never missing a workout. I know i will be doing it for a long time to come, knowing the risks involved. Im glad i did not start at 18-20 or so tho, too unstable mentally.

[@mattnemec2234]

Thanks Eugene for always keeping it real, I competed naturally this year and it put it all into perspective, bodybuilding is a long term process and to compete at the pro level is slow and even with steroids you need to have a plan in place long before touching anything.

[@JustinKeithD]

You are my absolute favorite fitness content creator. Love your stuff, man.

[@coacheugeneteo]

I appreciate that!

[@ahmarcamacho8404]

Jokes on them, when I was 13, my grandma told me I had the best physique she'd ever seen.

[@StopTheDamnTape]

I hope things didn’t go escalate from there…

[@Madchris8828]

Probably one of the best videos on this topic I've seen. I generally think 99 percent of people shouldnt ever touch them.

[@StrengthAndConditioning61]

I was feeling like crap, depressed, listless, no libido. Went to the doctor and she wanted to put me on anti depressants but I didn't want them. She did bloodwork and my testosterone was at 75ng per deciliter. Put me on 200mg of cypionate every 2 weeks and now I'm fine, no depression, everything works again. I also ended up losing 142lbs and started exercising regularly and eating a whole foods clean diet and now I feel absolutely fantastic at 61yo 6'2 and 205lbs. So for me it was life changing and I don't want any more than what I'm getting

[@kefka1033]

Many such cases! And for a lot of young men you can realistically bounce back from depression from life style changes alone, and the hormones will balance everything out. Glad to hear you're doing better!

[@b-rare]

Your case isn’t comparable to this video

[@trenaceandblackmetal5621]

Every 2 weeks?

[@eugenepoon]

Really enjoying this nuanced take between fearmongering and glorifying/peer pressuring

[@Ash-os7fc]

Roidcels just can’t stop taking the L

[@tobtobsaitama8428]

I’ve been following you since 2016 and I’ve always really enjoyed watching your outside the box thought pattern approach to training. It doesn’t stop here either, I also have ran gear for almost two years but prior training for 10 natural, although I loved being on it. Actually being natural afterwards does affect me to even now (two years off). Being young and taking ped’s ofc there’s no sides so young people won’t kno but, later in life. Things do effect you tho potentially minor still make you think ‘maybe I should’ve stayed natty’. If you read this and you’re only 2-3 years in training, don’t take ped’s just wait. If you can diet, cardio and train consistently over years… then after such a long time natural maybe think about juicing bc at the end of the day we can look like animals natty. We don’t need juice trust

[@b-rare]

The way I always look at steroids is this. If you plan on taking them for life, and you plan on making a business out of it, and you plan on competing , then take steroids. Otherwise forget it. Just remember when you come off the roids, you shrimp back to reality. You do not keep your gains from the roids when you come off they slowly (and quickly) disappear so that’s why I say if you’re going to take it you might as well tell yourself you’re doing it for life. It’s also very unhealthy and expensive . But knowing all that, if you’re making money selling protein and t shirts on your KZbin channel and have followers and competing I would say yes do roids . But if you’re none of the above it’s a pure waste. Again, don’t forget you lose “all of your gains” when you come off cycle. You might be able to maybe maintain a bit of it for a little while and then it’s gone and everyone will know you took roids and also your mental state will be pure depression and that’s how guys get addicted to steroids you have to keep taking them. And then the longer you take them the more expensive and unhealthy and also your body can stop producing test. My uncle for example was on and off roids his entire life. If I guess I’d say he took roids for like 3-5 years straight of his life (on and off). He’s had heart failure, and his body produces ZERO testosterone . He actually needs trt. If you have zero test it’s so unhealthy for you so he “needs” trt now. It’s so bad guys. And he’s a short fat man zero maintained muscle zero anything pure ugly looking guy lol .

[@kuznecoffjames]

I get the impression that a lot of people are still running away from something-I was one of them (body-image issues, loneliness, feeling like there's a "hole" inside that needs to be filled). I myself have realized that those insecurities are not innate, and based on negative identities that are often adopted as an adolescent. But they have been around for so long, we feel like it's a core part of our identities. It's not as if anyone exits the womb with body image issues, which means that if they arose from conditions that they may also begone; these insecurities are not immutable. Letting go of these insecurities means that one can love their body and themselves in any state, which is the ultimate goal. True self-love applies to any state at any time, having no reservations whatsoever, and is even retroactive; there should be no days in which one doesn't love oneself. And that is the result of having no conditions for this love, which a lot of people (my past self included) have trouble understanding and feeling. Having visible muscles is nice, but what happens when they disappear? There may be a certain self-deprecating feeling that follows, because part of the perceived value of the self identity was caught up in that possession. But to not be caught up in these games of self-worth being attached to one's actions, status, aesthetics, possessions, etc. is truly freeing, and removes the pressure associated from doing them. I myself still go to the gym, no longer out of fear of not looking good, but because I view it as a way to improve my longevity. The aesthetics happen to be a nice side-effect that I hardly value anymore compared to what I thought was important. Each day is a blessing, and to create conditions that would allow me to live even another day-without feeling the struggle of grasping and forcing-is the greatest gift I could give myself and others with respect to my life's practice.

[@0xszander0]

Even though Dr Mike & Jared are and look bigger. I think Eugene looks a lot better. More real, cleaner skin. Just healthier.

[@kapoioBCS]

Eugene was on steroids

[@deepblouxstrength]

I really appreciate this video, Eugene. I find myself researching how much my weighted calisthenics (aka streetlifting) numbers would improve if I were to hop on gear. But I'm also highly aware of the type of person I am - I'm going to want more and more and I'm afraid that the darker emotions of anger, depression, and feelings of disrespect from others will drive me to go to the extremes. I personally don't think Alex Eubank has matured yet, mainly because he's so young and completely lives his life for his online audience. It takes a certain level of maturity to understand and honor your true motives for anything that you do.

[@rbasi25]

I have no respect for steroid users tbh.

[@Sammich88]

You may have a holier than thou mentality.

[@DengDeng-xe4un]

Why

[@Dank_Lulu]

As an adult, I know in hindsight what I would and would not have been okay with as a teen. And I know for a fact I would have been okay with a great deal many things, that would shorten my lifespan, even end it before my 20s. And I would love it and be willing to pay the price any day. This is why I completely agree with not only this video but with this approach to life and criticising others' choices in general. It's not about telling others to do things as you tell them to. It's the opposite - asking others if they're doing the things they're doing for themselves and not because some told them to. Which is, unironically some proper dad energy. 💪

[@AliveOnArrival]

Guns don't kill people, rappers do.

[@Reppintimefitness]

No we don't 😂

[@OscarKo]

What an amazing video. What a great life lesson. This is not about steroids use, this is about life choice. What you do is always a result of who you are. Choosing who to BE is the most important decision of anyone's life.

[@Jawo788]

Dont forget all the fake nattys on social media😂

[@SilasIC]

Brilliant message man.

[@JoshuaKevinPerry]

Teenagers have been taking gear since the 60s. Father was on DBOL for highschool football and college.

[@AbelAlbonetti]

Best video I’ve seen on the topic!

[@GamaDaGreat]

I did a cycle of Test to jump start my production because they were out of wack due to major life stress coupled with a brain tumor that did its own fuckery. While I was on it I felt happier than I had in literal years, life didn’t seem so shitty and I genuinely had several break throughs with my relationships and it vastly improved my mental health on top of the gains and motivation to get back in the gym. I continue past the single cycle because I have a super addictive personality and could already tell I would take this too far

[@gman3229]

Great vid. Been training most of my adult life naturally, and the main reason I'll probably never go on roids is because; good or bad, my physique and fitness achievements are all me. I never have to ask, was it me or the steroids. Plain and simple

[@kentaromildh4189]

You have such a good take on this, more people should think like you.

[@Vincent-qh4rg]

Great content mate!

[@diesdas0815]

I really like that you dont demonize roids! Its not helping people to make informed decissions

[@justbeige7787]

Awesome video Eugene! Hits home!!

[@Truth_Enjoyer]

Thumbnail convinced me, im hopping on gear tomorrow

[@DavidHernandez-yb5pz]

Taking PEDs will make the gains come on faster and easier but it'll make your overall life much harder, especially if you do it the right way. It's also very expensive. More so the blood tests, organ imaging, and health supplements to counteract some of the negative side effects of PEDs.

[@omegamoonspell]

Be, Do, Have is a REALLY good advice. Didn't expect to receive this knowledge while taking a load in the bathroom.

[@seriousgoat5785]

This man is the father I never had lol! But it's quite compelling the whole video itself, because when you are young and "hungry" , you don't think about the future, it's always I want it now, but good things in life take time to get built, and maybe social media says I'm usless and not doing well, since I don't have a house or earn 6 figures at 20, but I'll belive in the path I'm aiming towards to, also adding a little bit of progress to it every day. Great Vid!

[@coacheugeneteo]

Thank you! 🙏

[@LionBsl20]

Every time a kid asks me about it, because I work at schools around the country and world wide really, I always advocate against it. I never used it. I was very close. and being an example of fitness and modelling holistic living, it helps them to know they don't need it.

[@johnd5619]

Excellent video. @9:08 Really resonate with this part where you talk about most people having it backwards.

[@isaiahanderson7237]

I don’t want to take steroids because I value my natural body and health. I’m also a teenager who is working out more for longevity and general fitness than aesthetics unlike most of these people who take PED’s. Plus I’ve read how these can wreck your mental and physical health and I don’t think this is worth it only to be able to train more often/ get bigger muscles.

[@ActualHumanPerson]

As a diabetic I can attest that's how a lot of people treat insulin. The direction I got from from the doctors and the recommended dietary advice through the paperwork I was given was fairly antiquated garbage. You really have to dig for information yourself.

[@coacheugeneteo]

That's such a shame!!

[@AdeelKhan-uu2pv]

Absolutely beautiful video! God bless!

[@somnathdey158]

I don't use steroids because when I am lifting weights I feel serenity, combine that with no Instagram I am cool. I am doing what I like slowly improving enjoying the journey learning different techniques and crazy new forms. Also I don't want social validation, it's just my love for lifting, excersize and being healthy overall that keeps me going.