Competing in the IFBB NPC for females and males is a highly competitive and challenging sport. The big question that many aspiring athletes have is whether or not they need to use Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) to be successful in this sport. Today, Cory and I dive into this topic.
The conversation started by discussing whether or not it is necessary to use PEDs to compete in bodybuilding. It truly depends on the athlete’s long-term goals. If an athlete is committed to becoming a professional bodybuilder, then the use of PEDs may be necessary. However, if someone just wants to compete regularly and is not as committed, then a more cautious approach to PEDs may be taken.
It is important to understand the risks and side effects of PEDs. No PED is risk-free, and some can cause significant side effects, especially for women. Some PEDs can cause virilization, which is the masculinization of the body. Some of the noticeable side effects include clitoral enlargement, which is debatably irreversible, and deepening of the voice. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of these risks when considering the use of PEDs.
It is also important to take a process-oriented approach to bodybuilding rather than a results-oriented approach. Bodybuilding is a long-term commitment, and athletes should focus on getting better with each competition rather than getting too caught up in winning. We encourage athletes to take time off between competitions and to listen to their bodies.
We also discussed the importance of genetics when it comes to PEDs. Everyone responds differently to PEDs, and genetics play a significant role in how well an athlete can handle them. Therefore, it is essential to understand your body and how it responds to these drugs.
In this discussion, we provide valuable insights into the world of bodybuilding and the use of PEDs. Competing in bodybuilding is a long-term commitment and athletes should take a cautious approach to the use of PEDs. It is extremely important to understand the risks and side effects of PEDs, take a process-oriented approach, and listen to your body.
