How Much Stronger Do Steroids Make You? The Truth Might Surprise You!

Summary

In this video, Dr. Mike discusses the impact of steroids on strength, debunking myths and providing insights based on Greg Knuckles' research. He explains that while steroids can enhance strength by about 10-15%, they do not make one drastically stronger. Dr. Mike emphasizes the importance of genetics and training over pharmaceutical interventions, and advises against expecting miraculous results from steroid use.

Takeaways

• 💪 Steroids can increase strength by approximately 10-15%, but not to the extent of 50% or more.
• 🏆 A comparison of lifters in drug-tested and untested federations suggests that the strength difference is around 10% on average.
• 🤔 The assumption that everyone in tested federations is cheating is flawed, as there are many legitimate drug-free lifters.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Personal experiences and observations from the speaker indicate that the actual strength gains from steroids are often less than expected.
• 🚫 Steroids do not make someone unbeatable or turn them into a completely different person in terms of strength.
• 💊 The effects of steroids are more pronounced over long-term use, rather than short-term or acute dosing.
• 💉 Growth hormone (GH) is not as effective for increasing strength as people might expect, and its main benefit is for hypertrophy and recovery.
• 💦 GH can increase muscle hydration, making muscles look fuller but not necessarily stronger.
• 🔝 Super heavy lifters do not necessarily benefit more from steroids due to decreased strength-to-weight ratios as they get bigger.
• 🧬 Genetics and time spent training are the most significant factors in determining strength levels, more so than the use of steroids.
• 🚼 The idea that taking steroids can make someone stronger than all natural lifters is a myth; hard work and genetics play a more crucial role.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the impact of steroids on strength, specifically in the context of powerlifting.

What is the average percentage increase in strength attributed to steroid use according to the script?

The script suggests that the average percentage increase in strength due to steroid use is about 10 percent, with some nuances between weight classes and genders.

What does the script say about the prevalence of cheating in drug-tested powerlifting federations?

The script argues that cheating is not rampant in drug-tested powerlifting federations, especially in the United States, as many athletes are genuinely drug-free.

What is the role of genetics and training in determining strength levels according to the script?

Genetics and the time spent training are the biggest explanatory factors for determining strength levels, even more so than the use of steroids.

What is the script's stance on the effectiveness of growth hormone (GH) for increasing strength?

The script suggests that growth hormone is underwhelming for increasing strength compared to what people expect, though it can help with recovery and reduce injury risk.

How does the script differentiate between the acute and chronic effects of steroids on strength?

The script differentiates by stating that while steroids can provide a small immediate boost in strength, most of their effectiveness comes from long-term use, building actual strength over months or years.

What does the script suggest about the impact of adding muscle mass on strength-to-weight ratio?

The script suggests that as muscle mass increases, especially in heavier weight classes, the strength-to-weight ratio decreases, which can counteract some of the strength gains from added muscle.

What is the script's view on the importance of not focusing on who is using what in terms of performance-enhancing drugs?

The script advises not to worry about who is using what, but rather to focus on doing one's best to get stronger, as genetics and training are more significant factors.

What is the script's opinion on the potential for a pharmaceutical intervention to significantly increase strength?

The script expresses a wish for such an intervention but acknowledges that, currently, steroids do not provide a revolutionary increase in strength, and no such miracle drug exists.

What advice does the script give to those considering using steroids to increase their strength?

The script advises not to get hopes up too high about the potential strength gains from steroids, as they may be pleasantly surprised but should not expect a dramatic transformation.