The trend of muscle building will never end. In years to come, more and more people will be seen using body-building supplements to look more attractive and muscular. Undoubtedly, you will have intense workouts to work on your muscles. The journey is going to be quite long.
However, some people bank on anabolic steroids to increase their muscle mass and improve athletic performance. Although these are prescription-only medicines, some people take them without consulting a doctor and then experience several side effects.
It is no wonder that people who are prescribed this drug misuse it to build their bodies. Men of all ages, including adolescents, have been reported misusing this drug. People with body dysmorphic disorder are at the top of the list. People think that taking anabolic steroids will make them strong and look more attractive, but you are living under the impression that you think so. It can be dangerous, and you can be addicted to it.
What is anabolic steroid?
This is a synthetic testosterone hormone that helps with repairing and building muscle. Medical experts prescribe this synthetic hormone drug to those males who suffer from delayed puberty or the loss of muscle mass due to a medical condition.
Unfortunately, some people use this drug for faster recovery of muscle and reducing fat. This shortcut for bodybuilding has a lot of side effects that most of people are not aware of.
However, it does not mean that you cannot use the anabolic steroid for non-medical reasons. It is quite common among professional athletes. Other than them, this is sought after by security workers, cops and construction workers.
This is also popular among people who belong to the fashion and entertainment industry. They use this product to improve their physical appearance.
How does anabolic steroids work?
Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in your body, while anabolic steroid is an imitation of this hormone. It consists of the same properties as the testosterone hormone. As it goes into your body, it starts increasing the production of muscle tissues. This hormone will affect your body in two ways:
- Anabolic that helps maintain bone mass and muscle mass. It also helps with the fastest recovery from an injury
- Androgenic that helps develop masculine characteristics such as testicles, facial hair, deep voice and muscle mass.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone, but it is naturally developed in women as well but in a very small amount.
What are the side effects of using anabolic steroids?
There is no doubt that anabolic steroids can improve the recovery of your muscle at a faster rate, which means strong building of muscle. You will be able to train more effectively and longer, but unfortunately, this synthetic testosterone hormone has some side effects.
- Some people notice fluid retention that makes their muscles look soft and bloated
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Nerve damage could be the result of injecting steroids
- Mood swings, aggression, depression and increased libido
- Scarring causing acne
- Some men also may experience prostate problems, baldness, erectile dysfunction, involuntary long-lasting erection
- Young people can experience premature balding, acne scarring, and stretch marks on the chest
- Long-term effects of such steroids include severe acne, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, nerve damage due to needle use and muscle damage.
Strategies that help build muscle
Whey protein is the best supplement to build muscle. However, if you are taking any steroids, you should consult your doctor first. Gym trainers are not medical practitioners, so you should never have blindfolded trust in them. If you are not advised to take this drug, you should never do.
Everyone’s body is different. You might experience severe side effects that others may not. So, just because others have not experienced bad symptoms of using such steroids, you should not be tempted to use them.
It is a long process to build muscle. If you rely on body-building supplements, make sure you ask a GP about their side effects before using them. It is a must to understand how your body works. After the age of 30, your body will start losing muscle mass up to 8% in a decade. Your testosterone levels will also start to decline after you turn 40.
Simply whey protein and body-building supplements will not come in handy to improve your strength. It would help if you relied on resistance training. You can slow down the muscle depletion rate by lifting heavy weights longer.
According to experts, weight training is the best way to build muscle and slow down the depletion rate. It is crucial to do a mix of the right exercises. Here is how you can effectively implement weight training exercises to build and prevent muscle loss.
- Get a personalised training programme from an expert trainer
Make sure that you contact an expert and licensed trainer. They will be able to design a personalised training programme for you. Virtual workouts are also possible nowadays if you do not have enough time to go to a gym every day. Once you learn the basics, you can do it on your own. However, you will have to buy some equipment. You can use non-homeowner guarantor loans if you do not have enough money.
- Use free weights
Free weights are the best tools to improve your muscles. Dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells are way better than machines for strengthening your muscles. However, if you have balance issues, you are suggested to use machines. If you want to use free weights, it will be safer to do so while sitting.
- Weight and repetitions
It depends on your body how many reps and sets you will need to improve and strengthen your muscles. For instance, older men are allowed to have fewer reps with heavier weights, while young people can opt for more reps. If you are a person with mobility problems, you should use lighter weights and more reps. Ask your trainer what will be an ideal option for you.
- Raise the bar
Do not forget to challenge your body as you progress. Once you are comfortable with weights or the level of intense training you have been doing for days, weeks or months, you should increase the difficulty level. It is a must to gain muscle strength.
The final word of Muscle-Building Products: What Are Their Side Effects?
If you want to build muscle, you should try to avoid using any body-building products that involve the intake of steroids. These steroids are synthetic testosterone that might interfere with the normal functionality of your body. You may experience severe side effects. Your health may be distorted. Do not use these supplements without consulting your doctor.
If you have been prescribed it, you should still be careful about the symptoms you have after consuming it. If you experience any side effects, you should discontinue anabolic steroids.
