How Big of an Advantage Do Steroid Users Have in the Gym? Science Answers

Summary

In this episode of 'Muscle for Life', Mike Matthews discusses a study comparing the training and supplementation habits of steroid-using and natural bodybuilders. The study reveals that steroid users perform significantly more training volume, often with higher rep ranges, and less rest between sets. Despite using more advanced training techniques and questionable supplements, the steroid-enhanced bodybuilders gain more muscle mass with potentially suboptimal training, highlighting the profound impact of steroids on muscle and strength gains.

Takeaways

• 💪 Steroids significantly enhance muscle and strength gains, allowing users to do more volume and recover faster than natural bodybuilders.
• 🧠 The common belief among steroid users that they still need to be knowledgeable about diet and training is not entirely accurate, as steroids can yield results even with suboptimal practices.
• 📊 A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research compared the training and supplementation habits of 147 natural and 40 enhanced bodybuilders.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Enhanced bodybuilders reported doing 24 to 40 sets per major muscle group per week, compared to 12 to 24 sets by natural bodybuilders.
• 🔢 Enhanced bodybuilders also trained in higher rep ranges, averaging 13 to 15 reps per set, while naturals averaged 1 to 6 reps per set.
• 🤸‍♂️ Advanced training techniques like supersets, partial reps, and tempo training were more common among enhanced bodybuilders (98%) than naturals (90%).
• 📉 Less than half of enhanced bodybuilders periodized their training (50%) compared to a majority of natural bodybuilders (71%).
• ⏱️ Enhanced bodybuilders often rested for shorter periods between sets, with 23% resting only 30 to 60 seconds, compared to just 4% of natural bodybuilders.
• 💊 Both groups took supplements, but steroid users were more likely to take supplements of dubious value like EAAs, BCAAs, and HMB.
• 📚 The study suggests that steroid users may be less knowledgeable or skillful in bodybuilding due to the forgiving nature of steroids on training and diet mistakes.
• 📈 Steroid users in the study weighed an average of 18 pounds more than natural bodybuilders, highlighting the significant impact of steroids on muscle mass.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the podcast episode discussed in the script?

The main topic of the podcast episode is the impact of steroids on muscle gain and strength, and how it compares to natural bodybuilding practices.

What was the study's focus regarding steroid use in bodybuilding?

The study focused on comparing the self-reported training and supplementation practices between performance-enhancing drug users and natural bodybuilders.

How many participants were surveyed in the study mentioned in the script?

The study surveyed 147 natural bodybuilders and 40 enhanced bodybuilders.

What were some of the key differences in training volume between enhanced and natural bodybuilders as reported in the study?

Enhanced bodybuilders did significantly more volume per major muscle group per week, with 24 to 40 sets compared to natural bodybuilders who did 12 to 24 sets.

What was the average rep range for enhanced bodybuilders in the study?

The average rep range for enhanced bodybuilders was 13 to 15 reps per set.

How did the use of advanced training techniques differ between the two groups in the study?

Enhanced bodybuilders were more likely to use advanced training techniques such as supersets, partial reps, tempo training, and pre-exhaustion, with about 98% using such techniques compared to about 90% of natural bodybuilders.

What was the difference in periodization of training between enhanced and natural bodybuilders?

About 50% of enhanced bodybuilders were periodizing their training, while about 71% of natural bodybuilders did so.

What were the differences in between-set rest times reported in the study?

A larger portion of steroid users rested just 30 to 60 seconds between sets, while a larger share of natural bodybuilders rested more than two minutes between sets.

What was the average weight difference reported between steroid users and natural bodybuilders in the study?

Steroid users weighed about 18 pounds more on average than natural bodybuilders, with steroid users averaging about 210 pounds and natural bodybuilders about 192 pounds.

What is the context provided for the 18-pound weight difference mentioned in the script?

The context provided is that the average person can gain about 30 to 45 pounds of muscle over their lifetime, making the 18-pound difference significant.

What is the name of the sports nutrition company mentioned in the script, and what does it offer?

The sports nutrition company mentioned is Legion. It offers all-natural and transparent formulations, clinically effective ingredients and doses, free shipping on all U.S. orders, affordable international shipping, and a no-hassle money-back guarantee.