Admiration. Fear. Disgust. Such terms often accompany an egregiously muscular physique. For better, or for worse, the general public remains enamored at the sight of a sidewalk cracking specimen despite any moral or aesthetic reservations they may carry. The need to even reference “morals” only exists due to the persistent demonizing of steroid use commonly associated with bodybuilders. More often than not the sheep of society will discredit a well-developed physique as nothing more than fictitious mass inflated by chronic drug abuse. These rampant displays of ignorance are a significant contributing factor for the sport’s inability to garner societal acceptance and financial interest from more conventional corporate contributors. A near-sighted perspective when considering that their absence places an inhibition on further athletic advancement beyond its current limitations. The policy in and of itself is contradictory to the very heart of competition. Competitors – true competitors, not mere participants – aspire to reach new tiers of human physical performance and despite many wasted pennies at the wishing-well, the viability of X-Men style genetic mutations is beginning to look bleak. If mainstream audiences continue to expect furthering degrees of superhuman abilities then they must come to understand the need for a superhuman physiology. 

It is hardly news worthy to comment that PEDs(Performance Enhancing Drugs) exist at the upper echelon of nearly every competitive activity known. Yet, the populace is dumbfounded upon discovering that their favorite athletic icon has been dabbling in “extracurricular” supplementation between batting practice. Bodybuilding’s double-edged sword is its lack of subtlety regarding the more illicit elements that accompany it. Bombastic displays of freakish mass do little to quell steroid accusations, which, in truth, are usually correct. Consequently, bodybuilding is self-defeating by nature and continually fails to infiltrate sports programming networks or any significant level of mainstream exposure. Although Kai Greene has seen some success outside of wearing posing trunks, his reach is still quite limited when compared to the charismatic career of Arnold, who’s classic lines were befitting of Hollywood.

Despite the bastardization that stems from its use, steroids are more often than not referred to with a positive connotation in present day culture. Simply attach “on steroids” to the end of a noun and it instantly resonates a complimentary tone. Although the concept of needle-based drug usage will remain taboo around the dinner table, the popularity of PEDs within the fitness industry is higher than Snoop Dogg could ever hope to be. Ever since the Archduke of Anadrol, Bostin Loyd, expunged the extreme nature of bodybuilding culture, online forums have essentially transitioned into a pissing contest of Tren and Superdrol. This poses a quandary of a question: take the plunger and get country big or stand around in an extra schmedium tank top while wearing your D.A.R.E. sticker from middle school? Fortunately you do not need to compromise your childhood ethics in order to obtain a God-bod. For all their physically potentiating prowess, the novelty of risqué ‘roid usage wears faster than vital health markers. 

Satire aside, there are notable anabolic alternatives presently available on the market. DHEA based prohormones have seen a surge in popularity since DASCA all but razed grey-area designers entirely. Traditionally, DHEA compounds have been overlooked due to being far less cost effective than their more readily active counterparts. Supplement industry innovator, Redcon1, however, has released a well-rounded line of these prohormones that afford the modern iron monger supraphysiological gains without supraphysiological side-effects. By introducing an ingenious Liposomal delivery system into its formulation, Redcon1’s SOMAL products are capable of achieving a standard of bioavailability nearing one-hundred percent. This exceptionally high conversion rate into the target compound allows users to experience the benefits of exogenous hormone usage without compromising the monthly food budget. Those who desire sheer mass and aggression would be wise to sample the tantalizing taste of SOMAL-4’s final form, Testosterone. As the predominant male hormone, no other compound shares its muscle potentiating effects. Alternatively, individuals who prefer less dramatic, leaner mass gains should reference SOMAL-1. Although a structural derivative of Testosterone, the introduction of 1-Testosterone via SOMAL-1 does not raise estradiol or impart a sudden spike in weight gain to the degree that Testosterone does. Rather, it exhibits a high binding affinity for androgen receptors that grant it superior strength enhancing properties, which makes its use advantageous in both bulking and cutting applications.

Rest assured, these two-stepping precursors meet all legal compliances despite their renowned effects on strength and mass acquisition. Lunge your way over to Redcon1.com, or download the app, to learn how SOMAL-1 and SOMAL-4 will allow you to reach your highest state of readiness.

In a society propagated by social media and instant gratification, the concept of substantial, visible results are a lure to those whorish for attention. That is not to say every participant falls into this category as bodybuilding has existed in some form or another for the better part of a century preceding the advent of the Internet. There is, however, no refuting the correlation between the growth of online socialization and the growth of muscular interest. Unfortunately, the use of this new technology within the industry has birthed a warped perspective of the bodybuilding lifestyle. It is disheartening to watch the “Drugs and Butts” of Instagram take precedent over the “Blood and Guts” of the 1990’s. While the dwindling number of draconian diehards forge iron in their under-furbished torture chambers, a new breed of “lifter” has emerged. These commercialized sikkunts have infiltrated the bodybuilding scene with excessive hair gel and cutoff tank tops that wouldn’t pass for a bench towel. What has prompted an entire underground culture to surface as a flamboyant display of manbuns and Gym Shark apparel?

For all of its many benefits, social media often misrepresents, or falsifies, the lives of industry figures. While the populace may feel they are gaining insight into the day-to-day activities of these athletes, they are merely fed excerpts of a much more complex storyline. What is made visible to the public eye is a calculated strategy of hashtags, filters, and image choices. Seldom are followers privileged to seeing the less glamorous aspects of mass acquisition. The use of regimented training, precisely calculated nutrition, and performance enhancing drugs is often downplayed or vehemently denied. Pump sets, cheat meals, and claiming natty, however, have struck a chord with casual gym-goers across the Internet. These individuals are particularly susceptible to unscrupulous marketing tactics and for them it is far too enticing to reject an acronym laden PopTart plan. Although they may have convinced themselves that cookies don’t count, the truth of the situation is that this subset is merely in love with the idea of bodybuilding, but revile the necessary applications involved.

Similarly, a common fallacy is the notion of finding motivation. Certainly, there is a lot of quality content that can assist in strengthening a preexisting mindset, but the idea of discovering an outside force to coerce an otherwise unwilling participant is flawed at best. Motivation is a pure intangible that must come from within oneself. To develop a God-like physique for the purpose of impressing others will inevitably result in continued self-dissatisfaction and, ultimately, the total abandonment of such a pursuit. The very nature of bodybuilding is a selfish one and the extreme rigors required of it will break the will of any who do not fully embrace its difficulties. Passion is the greatest driving force in any endeavor and it is this very passion that removes limitation to afford new opportunities in achievement. The tools and knowledge can be obtained with a simple search on Google, but the desire to overcome adversity is internal.

This changing of interests within the industry has incited concerns over the longevity of open-class bodybuilders. As trends ebb and flow with the tides of society, bodybuilding purists will stay the course and continue to push the boundaries of physical development. Their steel determination cannot be weathered and is the deciding factor in what will preserve this elite group amidst “aesthetic’s” sudden rise in popularity. As is true in all aspects of life, complacency is the nemesis of progress. Take a position to challenge yourself with new experiences and discomfort.