Tell me about general fitness

[.:Rob:.]

Ok, I started this thread because I hope to join the army next January and I need to work on my stamina (mainly my running). I'm not just your average lazy teenager who spends his time eating junk food and sitting at a computer or watching the tv most of the time. Although I probably would describe myself as lazy. For the last two or three years I've been following a fairly strict high carb, low fat diet to help with my weight training. I'm 6" 1' and weigh 12 stone (around 170 pounds) with an around 7% body fat level.

You can probably tell from this information that I'm pretty big (in a muscley way, not a fat way:p). but I know that this won't help me all the way through the army training - sure I'll fly through the lifting exercises, but what I'm really worried about is the 1.5 mile run. I've been working on bodyweight exercises like press-ups and dips (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.php?Name=Dips+-+Triceps+Version). I tend to fill myself up with as many chemicals as I can afford to keep my muscles building and keep me going.

I spent most of last January on steroids (please don't start complaining and warning me against using them if you have no experience or don't know what you're talking about - they are safe in the correct doses - it's testosterone, you don't see every male with high testosterone in the world dying of heart failure now do you?) and I plan to go back on steroids for at least a couple of months before I join. Anyone who has used them before should know that they turn you into a machine and they are well worth the side-effects - which are usually seriously exaggerated on tv and in articles you read in newspapers on the internet.

So basically I really want to know what sort of distances I should be running to get started (keeping in mind that I haven't done any running for about four years because cardio slows the whole "bulking" process of bodybuilding). Right now I can probably barely run 500 metres.

Any advice you can give me is much appreciated whether it's on working out, my diet or motivation (something I need a lot of help with - as I told you before I can be pretty lazy).

Thanks in advance :goodjob2:

[Mes Tarrant]

I probably won't be much help unless you want a motivational pep talk ;) but can I ask you (since you actually know something about this), what exactly are the most common side effects of steroids? Also, does the army allow the use of these?

Seeing as how you're very very fit, I don't think you'll have any trouble with the 1.5 mile run. Just run a bit at first and then increase your time as you go along. We had to run the mile in high school every once in a while and I had no trouble, without any sort of preparation or even a good diet. ;)

[CoLd BlooDed]

(please don't start complaining and warning me against using them if you have no experience or don't know what you're talking about - they are safe in the correct doses - it's testosterone, you don't see every male with high testosterone in the world dying of heart failure now do you?)

My teacher just went over steroid use in a very unbiased discussion in class not too long ago (for strength class). Just so you know, 'just testosterone' is an understatement, and steroids is new which is why they don't know the definate long term effects. So you have no stance saying they are safe or not.

Plus, since you're putting so much testosterone into your body, you know it makes your brain cancel production of its own? That's why your balls have shrunk.

I've taken M1Ts but that's it, just so I could regain my size after two months of doing nothing (during the months of my broken collar bone and T3 popping), then I stopped. In the end, they're not worth it. If you stopped using steroids and working out, you know you'd lose it all, right? Then what's the point of putting all that shit in your body? :lol:

As for the running and stuff, find a long case of stairs, go up and down, go on the treadmill, go on an exercise bike, walk places instead of driving, hike... there's lots of things you can do to work on running (which, once you think about it, doesn't impede bulking up whatsoever).

[.:Rob:.]

I probably won't be much help unless you want a motivational pep talk ;) but can I ask you (since you actually know something about this), what exactly are the most common side effects of steroids?


They can cause bad acne spots (avoidable by paying special attention to skincare - using a lot of facewashes regularly, that sort of thing, I never had any problems), the increased testosterone makes you overly competative and agressive. I'm not sure if this was some sort of placebo effect, but I definately felt quite depressed a lot the last time I took them and I was always very serious.


Also, does the army allow the use of these?

Officially no, but my friend who used to want to join the Marines tells me that some do use steroids to keep them going through the training - his uncle was in 42 Commando apparently so he hears quite a bit from him.


Seeing as how you're very very fit, I don't think you'll have any trouble with the 1.5 mile run. Just run a bit at first and then increase your time as you go along. We had to run the mile in high school every once in a while and I had no trouble, without any sort of preparation or even a good diet. ;)
I'm definately far more muscley than other people, but I wouldn't say I was fit. I have trouble running and get out of breath easily.

And btw, when it comes closer to actually leaving to begin training, I just might take you up on that pep talk;):p.

[.:Rob:.]

and steroids is new which is why they don't know the definate long term effects.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known to have used steroids, and how old is he now?


Plus, since you're putting so much testosterone into your body, you know it makes your brain cancel production of its own? That's why your balls have shrunk.

I swear on my grandmothers urn, my balls never shrank. That's a myth - the only way you can know is through first hand experience. Besides that's from huge doses over long periods of time. I'll be using small doses for a few months. As I said they're safe in small doses.

If you stopped using steroids and working out, you know you'd lose it all, right? Then what's the point of putting all that shit in your body? :lol:

I don't plan to stop working out any time soon, the day I stop working out is the day I stop caring about my appearance - so it won't matter if I lose it all:p.

As for the running and stuff, find a long case of stairs, go up and down, go on the treadmill, go on an exercise bike, walk places instead of driving, hike... there's lots of things you can do to work on running (which, once you think about it, doesn't impede bulking up whatsoever).
Ok, thanks for the advice. I'll give it a try:goodjob2:

EDIT: Sorry for the double post, I meant to edit the last one.

[wasup]

I was pretty impressed by those figures until I heard the steroid use :P Just kinda takes the achievement out of it i guess

Anyways, I had a similar problem. I didn't want to run because it 'counteracts' your bodybuilding or whatever. But really, just eat enough and you'll be FINE. Especially with those steroids....

Just start running for about 20 minutes. Bust your ass. Then go up to 30. That's usually what I do, unless i'm really tired i'll run for 20. 1.5 miles is nohing, really.

[CoLd BlooDed]

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known to have used steroids, and how old is he now?

One person out of how many who've used steroids? :p

I swear on my grandmothers urn, my balls never shrank. That's a myth - the only way you can know is through first hand experience. Besides that's from huge doses over long periods of time. I'll be using small doses for a few months. As I said they're safe in small doses.

Are you using anabolic steroids? It's not a myth, it's scientific fact. Your body stops producing its own testosterone and it shrivels up your nuts. Lots of my friends have done cycles and they noticed a significant shrinkage once they finished.

I don't plan to stop working out any time soon, the day I stop working out is the day I stop caring about my appearance - so it won't matter if I lose it all.

That's a good way of putting it. :p

[Mes Tarrant]

I don't understand the connection between testosterone and ball size. Well firstly why doesn't the testosterone in the steroids keep them at the same size, and secondly do they shrink because less sperm is produced?

*sits with a bag of popcorn and eagerly awaits reply*

[.:Rob:.]

I typed a few key words into Google and came up with an article that said this:
Importantly, men who take androgens (steroids) either by mouth or injection for body building shut down the production of hormones for sperm production.
I guess any report of steroids affecting testicle size would be due to the cut off sperm production. This is only temporary though, a few weeks after a man stops using steroids sperm production continues as normal.It's not a myth, it's scientific fact. Your body stops producing its own testosterone and it shrivels up your nuts. Lots of my friends have done cycles and they noticed a significant shrinkage once they finished.
Ok, it is fact but the changes in ball size aren't permanent - unless large amounts are taken for a long period of time. I never noticed anything though when I took them. Also, did you ever see the documentary "The Man Whos Arms Exploded"? There was a man on there who gave his own son steroids. What sort of father would give his son steroids, knowing that they would do him harm? (and don't say a bad one :p) He had been dealing with steroids all his life and he knew that in the correct doses, steroids are safe.


I've made a basic plan to prepare myself, and I've ditched most of my weight training (apart from overhead tricep extentions) so I can lose some of the muscle I've built up (I want to be lighter so that I can run and do exercises like press-ups that are important to the army more easily).
Ok, so here's my fitness plan:

____________________
(1) 2x2 minutes of sit-ups
1 minute "plank" stress position
Press-ups: 20, 12, 7, 6
____________________
(2) 20 minute run
Overhead tricep extentions - 5 sets of 10 reps to failure
10 pull-ups
____________________
(1) 2x2 minutes of sit-ups + 1x1 minutes of sit-ups
Press-ups: 25, 15, 10, 8
____________________
(2) 25 minute run
Overhead tricep extentions - 5 sets of 10 reps to failure (10% weight inc.)
11 pull-ups

-Repeat continuing with the same difficulty increases

So tell me what you think - am I going too hard or too easy on myself? And are there any other changes I could make to improve my plan?

[Mes Tarrant]

Also, did you ever see the documentary "The Man Whos Arms Exploded"?

Hehehe. :p I've seen that and I don't think that's an appropriate documentary to be using to support your argument.

(Off topic: Have you seen "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off"?)

[.:Rob:.]

Hehehe. :p I've seen that and I don't think that's an appropriate documentary to be using to support your argument.
Actually It's a perfect example of the over-use of steroids, he simply took it too far and had been abusing (not using) them for years. I'm planning to use them for a couple of months - and it's starting to look like I won't be able to get hold of any any time soon anyway - and I join next January.


(Off topic: Have you seen "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off"?)
Is that a (fairly sick:p) joke?

[Mes Tarrant]

It's not a joke. This guy had a condition called EB. Stands for.. something to scientific for me to remember. Very very powerful documentary.

[.:Rob:.]

Ok, I'll check it out - I can't seem to find it anywhere online though:confused:.
I found this (http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/B/boy_whose_skin_fell_off/index.html)though.

[Mes Tarrant]

Ok, I'll check it out - I can't seem to find it anywhere online though:confused:.
I found this (http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/B/boy_whose_skin_fell_off/index.html)though.

Yes that's him! I haven't tried looking for it online, I saw it on TV. It might be on youtube or something?

[Oneironaught]

Wow, talk about self-contradiction!

First you're NOT lazy then you ARE lazy.

First you DO fill your body with as many chemicals as you can:

...I tend to fill myself up with as many chemicals as I can afford to keep my muscles building and keep me going.

...then you DON'T:

...they are safe in the correct doses...

Any advice you can give me is much appreciated whether it's on working out, my diet or motivation (something I need a lot of help with - as I told you before I can be pretty lazy).

Thanks in advance :goodjob2:

Here's some advice: Quit trying to use "chemicals" as a crutch. Either work on your stamina - and whatever other things you want - or give it up. The only way you're going to feel better about yourself (and this threads seems like nothing more than that) is to do the work required to do so. Do you seriously intend to be popping a bunch of crap every day for the rest of your life? Because that's exactly what you're setting yourself up for .

[Oneironaught]

...and the contradictions keeping going and going and going and...

First the guy IS using in the correct dosages:

He had been dealing with steroids all his life and he knew that in the correct doses, steroids are safe.

...then the guy IS NOT using in the correct dosages:

Actually It's a perfect example of the over-use of steroids, he simply took it too far and had been abusing (not using) them for years.





Also, did you ever see the documentary "The Man Whos Arms Exploded"? There was a man on there who gave his own son steroids. What sort of father would give his son steroids, knowing that they would do him harm? (and don't say a bad one :p)
Uhmm... a BAD one! You're actually using - as your argument - a guy who openly admits that he and his circle of friends are so damned addicted to steroid use that they're beyond hope. Are you even thinking about anything you've said in this thread? I'll go with NO. And, yes Regis, that is my final answer. Gee... What part of "arm exploded" leads you to believe that moron was using "in the correct dosages"?

And you seriously think some one like that is fit to administer drugs to his child? What the hell are you thinking, man?

Hehehe. :p I've seen that and I don't think that's an appropriate documentary to be using to support your argument.

(Off topic: Have you seen "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off"?)
I absolutely agree with Mes :D (I've seen that boy. He's been dealt a terrible hand in life.)


Alright, this calls for another bout of advice: Dude, you seriously need to reconsider what you're talking about doing. Your story is so full of holes and contradiction that it's more than obvious that you have not properly weighed the options before you decided to go crazy with steroids.

Seriously, you need to think before you act. Then, when you think you've come to the best conclusion - considering your posts in this thread - you need to sit down and start that thinking process all over again.

[.:Rob:.]

1. I was talking about separate people with the steroid uses thing (sorry for any confusion there). The person over-using steroids was the focus of the documentary, the guy who I said knew what he was talking about wa a guy featured in the documentary but wasn't actually "the man whose arms exploded".

2. And again the man who gave his son the steroids wasn't the one who got obssessed and made his arms explode. That was another guy who was (just like his son) perfectly healthy.

3. I wouldn't say he's "fit" to give his son steroids as he's not qualified but you have to consider that he has been using them most of his life and has experience taking them with no negative affects to himslef.

4. I am definately lazyer than most people. Hence the weight training, it's the easiest possible way to look and feel good with minimum physical exertion. And considering the suppliments I take (creatine, glutamine, whey protein, amino acids)

5. Ok the "as many chemicals as I can was an exaggeration. I take a lot of supplements, but I have no intention of killing myself.

Here's some advice: Quit trying to use "chemicals" as a crutch. Either work on your stamina - and whatever other things you want - or give it up. The only way you're going to feel better about yourself (and this threads seems like nothing more than that) is to do the work required to do so. Do you seriously intend to be popping a bunch of crap every day for the rest of your life? Because that's exactly what you're setting yourself up for .

I'm honestly not trying to feel good about myself. I'm just really relying on this whole army career thing because there is nothing else as I've done badly in my GCSE's. But I'll think about what you said.

[CoLd BlooDed]

I wouldn't say he's "fit" to give his son steroids as he's not qualified but you have to consider that he has been using them most of his life and has experience taking them with no negative affects to himslef.

If you're talking about the guy who gave his son steroids, then you should know he actually had a massive heart attack.

[.:Rob:.]

If you're talking about the guy who gave his son steroids, then you should know he actually had a massive heart attack.
Was that actually mentioned on the "The Man Whose Arms Exploded" - The programme? Or did you hear about that afterwards? Because I don't remember that on the actual show, it's been a while since I saw it though.

Anyway, there is plenty of reason for people to think that steroids are bad for you, but you'll find that most of the cases where steroids affected people badly are where the person who has had heart or liver problems has actually taken far too much of the stuff and has absoloutely no idea what they are doing.

If you go to websites such as Bodybuilding.com and search for "steroids" you'll find plenty of articles that discuss steroids from the perspective of experienced bodybuilders who have used them and had no problems whatsoever. People seem to get hung up on the stuff they hear about on the news and all the stuff they hear from other people who don't know the first thing about steroid use.

Maybe steroids aren't for everyone, but I found that steroids improved my whole life. After taking them I was far more outgoing and extroverted than usual. I made new friends and started to actually stand up for myself (something I always had trouble with in the past). I had a friend who obviously had far higher than average testosterone levels - he was stronger, faster and more muscular than me despite our exercise programmes (not to mention more confident and popular than me). The only exercise he had was boxing - which involved press-ups, sparring, running and sit-ups. I spent hours every day lifting weights trying to bulk up and yet he somehow was always more "bulky" than me. Even though the exercises he did should have made him lean like Brad Pitt he is built more like Vin Diesel. I found my self-esteem constantly lowered because I felt incapable of keeping up with some of my friends who seemed to be having an easy time keeping the physique that they wanted. I felt less capable than other people. I actually started to get pretty depressed. A week after I started to take steroids everything changed, I had belief in myself and I found that I was confident and more able to do what I wanted with my physical appearance.

If anyone has a problem with steroids then they should steer clear of them, but I find that they make me a better person and find that my life is improved if I take them. I probably benefit from steroid use more than some other people because I seem to have lower than average testosterone levels, which isn't exactly useful given my choice of lifestyle. You might say that I could benefit from legal testosterone boosters - but the results from using regular, legal testosterone boosters are hardly comparable to the results from steroid use. The fact is that people are different and you can't say that steroids are "good" or "bad". It depends entirely on the person using them.

[Mes Tarrant]

I wonder why some guys are obsessed with body building. They kept putting more and more muscular men on the cover of romance novels and sales have dropped drastically. I'd prefer someone with some flab around the belt line than Vin Diesel (ewwwww). :D Well, another off-topic post from me.

[.:Rob:.]

I wonder why some guys are obsessed with body building. They kept putting more and more muscular men on the cover of romance novels and sales have dropped drastically. I'd prefer someone with some flab around the belt line than Vin Diesel (ewwwww). :D Well, another off-topic post from me.
I don't consider myself a bodybuilder, and I don't really understand what is going on in the mind of a bodybuiler. Personally I find this
http://www.bodybuilder-photos.com/galleries/2003/2003-11_NAC_Int_Deutsche_Meisterschaft/images/bodybuilder_IMG_1410.jpg
discusting, and it's the last thing I'd want to look like. I don't think that bodybuilders are most interested in attracting women and looking good though, I just think that for some reason they become obsessed with bulking up and having the most "stand out in the crowd" muscles. Maybe they like the attention and being different. After all, on the "The Man Whose Arms Exploded" documentary they made a point about small people bodybuilding to compensate for their lack of height - infact that was where the man who took all the steroids resulting in his arms exploding got started bodybuilding - he didn't like being small and started to like all the attention and fame he was getting from his ridiculous arm size.

[CoLd BlooDed]

Was that actually mentioned on the "The Man Whose Arms Exploded" - The programme? Or did you hear about that afterwards? Because I don't remember that on the actual show, it's been a while since I saw it though.

Nope, it was on the show. The guy claimed it was from 'stress, unhealthy eating, having to get up for work early, etc.', but really, how would he know?

Anyways, I can't argue with what you said. To each his own, right? I'd rather have the satisfaction of getting big on my own terms, but that's my ideology.

fter taking them I was far more outgoing and extroverted than usual. I made new friends and started to actually stand up for myself (something I always had trouble with in the past).

Haha, that's what happened to me after I started doing ecstasy in grade 9. :?

[Oneironaught]

And the contradictions keep coming and coming and coming...

Seriously, man. Have you read a single thing you've said? Steroids are obviously NOT the way to go yet you keep trying to convince yourself that they are.

Maybe steroids aren't for everyone, but I found that steroids improved my whole life.
...but I find that they make me a better person and find that my life is improved if I take them.

Oh, boy. Here, I'll let YOUR OWN WORDS say what I wanted to:

...the increased testosterone makes you overly competative and agressive. I'm not sure if this was some sort of placebo effect, but I definately felt quite depressed a lot the last time I took them and I was always very serious.

As I've said: In your case, you need to think this over real hard. Then when you "think" you've come to the right conclusion, you need to start all over again because I can almost guarantee that it'll be the wrong answer; you know, given your history and all :p

I'd prefer someone with some flab around the belt line than Vin Diesel (ewwwww).
*Raises hand and jumps up and down*

[Spamtek]

I very seriously, very personally recommend that if you want heightened levels of steroids coarsing through your veins, to find ways to increase natural production of testosterone by your body rather than injecting. Humans have a longstanding track record of epically failing when trying to improve upon the body's own design, by injecting chemicals or nutrients into it that it makes on its own or isn't designed to handle at all.

There's no doubt you can get high testosterone levels by ramping up the steroid use, but you need to realize that human health is an incredibly intertwined, interconnected thing. In the human body, testosterone production is bound to be tied up in innumerable different processes, all of which help the body actually use that testosterone correctly and safely. When you bypass that mechanism and inject it into your body directly, you cause all sorts of mayhem, and put your body into a state that it's not prepared to handle. It wasn't expecting testosterone, but suddenly here it is - and it's not sure what to do with it. Will you get results? Sure - but it will not be safe.

If you want higher testosterone, then you should be willing to engage in lifestyle activities that will get you there the authentic way. For instance:
Saturated fat in the diet increases testosterone levels considerably - by raising cholesterol levels, which testosterone is derived from.
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids also seem to encourage the body to produce more testosterone.
Ejaculation, from masturbation or otherwise, makes your testosterone levels take a nosedive that it takes a complete week to recover from fully. In the meantime, prolaction production is increased which increases fatigue or "laziness" and preferentially moves body fat to "feminine" areas of the body.
Abstention from soybeans and other phytoestrogenic foods will keep you free from chemicals that might antagonize testosterone production.


You say you're eating a high-carb low-fat diet (worst possible diet for testosterone production), and being a young adult I'm assuming you polish your wand (or get it polished) fairly regularly (probably the best way to make sure your natural levels of testosterone are low, all the time). I personally would suggest editing those things and dropping the roids.

edit: I just want to personally mention how drastic an effect abstention from sex/masturbation really does have on energy, motivation, and confidence levels. Once a day keeps me sedate and unmotivated, and god forbid I try popping my cap twice in one day - I'll be lethargic, apathetic, and have no greater urge than to lie down and take naps. For at least half a day after the fact, anyways.

[.:Rob:.]

Oneironaught, I'm not contradicting myself, I'm just not making out that the steroids were perfect. I'm just saying that the good effects they had on me made the bad effects worth putting up with. To be honest the constant seriousness and lack of irritating stupidity that is normally a part of my personality was a bonus - even if I felt pretty down some of the time, in the end I was made a better person and was a lot better off.

There's no doubt you can get high testosterone levels by ramping up the steroid use, but you need to realize that human health is an incredibly intertwined, interconnected thing. In the human body, testosterone production is bound to be tied up in innumerable different processes, all of which help the body actually use that testosterone correctly and safely. When you bypass that mechanism and inject it into your body directly, you cause all sorts of mayhem, and put your body into a state that it's not prepared to handle. It wasn't expecting testosterone, but suddenly here it is - and it's not sure what to do with it. Will you get results? Sure - but it will not be safe.

If you want higher testosterone, then you should be willing to engage in lifestyle activities that will get you there the authentic way. For instance:
I'm sure these methods all work perfectly well in increasing testosterone production, but it has nowhere near the effects of steroids. And as I said before I am willing to risk the negative effects it will have on my body. If bodybuilders and athletes can handle this stuff for months and even years at a time, then I'm sure I can handle a couple of months. And considering my apparent lack of testosterone which I mentioned earlier, the steroids won't have the same effect on me as someone with average or above average testosterone levels anyway. They'll probably just bring me up to par with other people.

If any of you can find an article that states (with proof of the research it is based on) that steroids are permanently damaging to a persons health through use over small periods of time, with doses of steroids that aren't ridiculously excessive, then I will have to seriously consider whether or not they are worth the risk. But otherwise I will continue as planned and will benefit massively from them. When it comes down to it everyone knows that steroids can be dangerous from what they hear on the news, tv or from other people. But these are cases where high doses have been used over long periods of time.

[Mes Tarrant]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused now. Why are you only going to take them for a couple of months?

[.:Rob:.]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused now. Why are you only going to take them for a couple of months?
It's mainly a cost thing. Last time I payed over £30 for two weeks worth of the cheapest stuff I could find.

[Mes Tarrant]

Ohhhhh I see. Well, if you're only going to do it for a couple of months, will it be worth it? Since the benefits will just disappear after that.. or will you be able to sustain what you've gained from brief steroid use?

[.:Rob:.]

Ohhhhh I see. Well, if you're only going to do it for a couple of months, will it be worth it? Since the benefits will just disappear after that.. or will you be able to sustain what you've gained from brief steroid use?
As far as I know the results gained after steroid use are no more temporary than the results of regular exercise without steroid use, so I should be able to sustain the gains. The only thing that should change once I stop taking the steroids is that my stamina will be lower - but that doesn't mean that any muscle gains will be lost.

[Oneironaught]

As far as I know the results gained after steroid use are no more temporary than the results of regular exercise without steroid use, so I should be able to sustain the gains. The only thing that should change once I stop taking the steroids is that my stamina will be lower - but that doesn't mean that any muscle gains will be lost.
No, but what will change is that you'll suddenly be NOT taking steroids yet still doing the same cop-out routine. Then, you'll realize "how much better off you are doing steroids" (kind of exactly like your current situation) and think "Well, hell, steroids aren't so bad. I might as well just keep taking them. After all, look at all the wonderful things they do for me: I'm depressed, overly mean and aggressive, can't loosen up and have fun. Yeah, steroids really are my saving grace."

Like I said, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment and for a lifetime of steroid use. "I'll only do it for a few months" doesn't convince me for some reason. It's probably because I've heard that too many times in my life, nearly every time resulting in the obvious outcome that I predicted at the onset.

Even if I thought steroids were completely safe I still would be strongly urging you to not partake because it becomes a cycle of mental dependence.

You asked for opinions so that's what I gave you. But, do what you want. It's your life - your body. Just don't post a thread next year crying about the "great things" that have been bestowed upon you from your choice of actions. I just might show up to say I told you so :bigteeth:

[.:Rob:.]

Even if I thought steroids were completely safe I still would be strongly urging you to not partake because it becomes a cycle of mental dependence.
But you're confusing me with bodybuilders and professional athletes who abuse steroids. I'm only trying to get a little stamina boost and increase my ability running and doing bodweight exercises like press-ups, sit-ups and pullups, I'm not obsessed with what I'm doing like those people who spend their lives on steroids and suffer heart problems later in life. The chances of me becoming dependant are very low. I've even stopped weight training so that I have more energy for doing cardio - the last thing I need right now is to bulk up any more. I'm not comparing myself with other people and obsessing over my appearance like athletes and bodybuilders. So I'm far less likely to go down the same path as them.

Just don't post a thread next year crying about the "great things" that have been bestowed upon you from your choice of actions.
That wasn't the purpose of this thread, I just wanted some advice on boosting my stamina and doing cardio workouts. The whole steroid thing just started up a huge debate all on its own.

[wasup]

Uh, why take steroids if its just for a steroid boost, then? Why not just eat right, get enough sleep, and... yeah, that's about all. If you really need a boost, take a caffeine pill before running, or something.

[.:Rob:.]

Uh, why take steroids if its just for a steroid boost, then? Why not just eat right, get enough sleep, and... yeah, that's about all. If you really need a boost, take a caffeine pill before running, or something.
That's like saying why drive somewhere when you can walk? I'll get there a lot faster. I have very little will power and am way worse at everything I've ever tried than anyone else I've ever met. I'm one of those people who was always picked last at school for PE. I stopped turning up for PE about a year and a half before school ended because I was such a joke. Part of it isn't even that I'm unfit and can't run far. It's that I run weird anyway. When I run people stare because I look stupid. I run at around 11pm so that there are no people around, but that's not the point, I aim to have that fixed as soon as possible. The steroids get rid of the side of me that wants to give up, go home and spend the rest of my life labouring. As much as anything it's that the steroids give me determination and the will to carry on. It's a mental as much as it is a physical thing.

Without steroids I won't believe in myself and I'll probably end up at nightschool working towards a job that I don't want. But I'll go for it anyway just because it's the easy way out. With steroids I'll have the motivation to carry on.

[Mes Tarrant]

Aww. :D All you need for motivation is some support from your peers! And that's free, as opposed to steroids. I know that feeling of not being motivated. Maybe you're not motivated because you haven't found something you're interested in.

Lots of people who were picked last in PE end up ruling the world, ya know? It's those jocks and bitches from high school who the world forgets about once they grow up.

[Spamtek]

I can attest that just having a bunch of friends who unconditionally think you're a worthwhile human being can do inconceivable things for your self-esteem and motivation - I used to have some, and lost them all two years ago when I moved and it's been downhill since then. It sounds improbable, maybe, but I swear to god that just knowing someone out there thinks you're worth the time of day is enough motivation to conquer the world with.

Since we're all avoiding the point, though, and since you're dead-set on injecting yourself with success instead of working for it, actual fitness tips: What's your aerobic exercise like? How often, how long, and how high-impact? long-term/endurance running, like jogging for an hour, is a sure bet to do nothing other than get you tired and see minimal results. Have you tried High (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training) Impact (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw40.htm) Interval Training (http://www.musclemedia.com/training/hiit.asp)? I don't know too much about it but apparently studies have been done and it increases fitness and burns fat much faster than typical lower-impact aerobic regimens (that you do for an hour a day), and you seem to only have to do it 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes a session. I've tried it a couple times and can attest that you're not doing any less work than a normal running regimen, you're just doing it all in a much shorter time frame. It feels good to get completely worn out in less than 15 minutes.

Generally aerobic and anaerobic workouts that focus on long distances and high rep quantities tend to not build muscle or work you out as much as they just wear out your skeleton and fatigue you. I'd recommend that for whatever you're doing, try doing as little as possible of it at maximum effort instead. Instead of running for an hour a day try something like HIIT, instead of doing 5 sets of a 20-rep exercise at the gym, do as few as you can with as much weight as possible doing each rep as slowly as you can, trying to reach failure or near-failure as fast as possible.

[.:Rob:.]

Aww. :D All you need for motivation is some support from your peers! And that's free, as opposed to steroids. I know that feeling of not being motivated. Maybe you're not motivated because you haven't found something you're interested in.

Lots of people who were picked last in PE end up ruling the world, ya know? It's those jocks and bitches from high school who the world forgets about once they grow up.
Thanks, Mes - appreciate your support. :goodjob2:

I can attest that just having a bunch of friends who unconditionally think you're a worthwhile human being can do inconceivable things for your self-esteem and motivation - I used to have some, and lost them all two years ago when I moved and it's been downhill since then. It sounds improbable, maybe, but I swear to god that just knowing someone out there thinks you're worth the time of day is enough motivation to conquer the world with..
Yeah, I think you're right there. And I'm thinking of joining a gym with one of the few good friends I have left which should be a lot of help.

What's your aerobic exercise like? How often, how long, and how high-impact? long-term/endurance running, like jogging for an hour, is a sure bet to do nothing other than get you tired and see minimal results. Have you tried High (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training) Impact (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw40.htm) Interval Training (http://www.musclemedia.com/training/hiit.asp)?
I've heard of it but never really payed it that much attention. I'll give it a try. Right now I basically do a half hour jog and that's all the cardio I get (pretty pittiful, I know).

instead of doing 5 sets of a 20-rep exercise at the gym, do as few as you can with as much weight as possible doing each rep as slowly as you can, trying to reach failure or near-failure as fast as possible.
I've really stopped weight training altogether now as bulk isn't really necessary for the army - as it is I should fly through the lifting tests. Thanks for the advice, Spamtek:).

[LucidMike14]

steroids are decieving anyway. they may make your muscles bigger but they also weaken bones and can be harmful to the body. i would just keep running though if you want to get in shape. i am a track athlete and run long distances, and my best advice is go on long runs to get better. Or, get on a track and time yourself

[LucidMike14]

No, but what will change is that you'll suddenly be NOT taking steroids yet still doing the same cop-out routine. Then, you'll realize "how much better off you are doing steroids" (kind of exactly like your current situation) and think "Well, hell, steroids aren't so bad. I might as well just keep taking them. After all, look at all the wonderful things they do for me: I'm depressed, overly mean and aggressive, can't loosen up and have fun. Yeah, steroids really are my saving grace."

Like I said, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment and for a lifetime of steroid use. "I'll only do it for a few months" doesn't convince me for some reason. It's probably because I've heard that too many times in my life, nearly every time resulting in the obvious outcome that I predicted at the onset.

Even if I thought steroids were completely safe I still would be strongly urging you to not partake because it becomes a cycle of mental dependence.

You asked for opinions so that's what I gave you. But, do what you want. It's your life - your body. Just don't post a thread next year crying about the "great things" that have been bestowed upon you from your choice of actions. I just might show up to say I told you so :bigteeth:

I agree. Just look at Chris Benoit, killing his family from 'roid rage'.

[.:Rob:.]

steroids are decieving anyway. they may make your muscles bigger but they also weaken bones and can be harmful to the body.
Anabolic steroids are substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. They are used to promote masculine features, increase growth, build muscle tissue, and strengthen bones. (Taken from a Yahoo Health article (http://health.yahoo.com/topic/musculoskeletal/resources/article/healthwise/uq2428).)

And yes, they can be harmful when the doses are too high.

i would just keep running though if you want to get in shape. i am a track athlete and run long distances, and my best advice is go on long runs to get better. Or, get on a track and time yourself
Yeah, the plan's to be running 1.5 miles as that's the test they use in the army. Thanks for the advice LucidMike14.