Bodybuilding, a sport known for its colossal physiques and chiseled aesthetics, has been experiencing a troubling shift.
The relentless pursuit of size and mass has led to the increased use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), with disastrous consequences.
As we approach the 2023 Olympia, renowned bodybuilder Samir Bannout has stepped forward to address the dangers of these “stupid protocols” and the deadly amounts of drugs infiltrating the sport.
In the golden age of bodybuilding, athletes prioritized clean-cut striations and achieving that perfect aesthetic look.
However, as the sport evolved, the era of the mass monster emerged, overshadowing smaller yet more finely chiseled bodybuilders.
This shift in focus towards sheer size over aesthetics has far-reaching repercussions.
The Alarming Spike in Bodybuilder Deaths
Recent years have witnessed a troubling surge in the number of bodybuilder deaths, with a growing belief that these tragedies are closely related to the excessive use of steroids and PEDs.
One poignant example is the untimely passing of beloved bodybuilder Shawn Rhoden in 2021 at the young age of 46.
What is particularly concerning is that bodybuilders are experiencing heart attacks at increasingly younger ages, causing alarm among the older generations of the sport.
Addressing the Health Crisis: Samir Bannout’s Sobering Insights
Samir Bannout, a respected veteran of bodybuilding and the 1983 Mr. Olympia, is among those sounding the alarm on the escalating steroid abuse.
He recently used The Muscle Maturity podcast as a platform to emphasize the hazards of current practices.
In the podcast, Samir Bannout reflected on a different era in bodybuilding, recounting that “twelve weeks before a show, we did a reasonable amount” and prioritized health.
Regular blood tests were conducted to ensure their well-being, with the commitment to not cross the line. However, today’s athletes are resorting to perilous levels of drug use.
Samir Bannout minced no words in describing the current protocols as “stupid.” He expressed genuine concern for the safety of these athletes, urging coaches and competitors to reconsider their approach to the sport.
He underscored that such extreme drug use is deadly and unsustainable.
Size vs Quality: A Pivotal Debate
Samir Bannout’s most poignant argument revolves around the necessity of distinguishing between size and quality in bodybuilding.
He conveys that the relentless pursuit of size often results in a “watery, hazy” look, in contrast to the clear, clean-cut muscularity of the past. He emphasizes that quality is paramount, and he’s not alone in this perspective.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, the seven-time Mr. Olympia winner and a legendary figure in bodybuilding, shares these concerns.
He has publicly stated that the sport is becoming increasingly dangerous due to the excessive use of drugs.
Arnold Schwarzenegger believes that athletes never intended to utilize such quantities of drugs to achieve massive size. This, in his view, has made bodybuilding “the most dangerous sport in the world.”
Rich Gaspari, another prominent name in the sport, has consistently raised awareness of the dangers of PED abuse.
He underscores the potential health risks faced by younger athletes who use PEDs and the potential long-term damage to still-developing bodies.
A Plea for Safety and Responsibility
The unchecked and dangerous use of PEDs in bodybuilding has already resulted in tragic consequences.
While addressing this complex issue remains a challenge for professionals in the sport, there is a growing consensus that safety should take precedence.
As the bodybuilding community grapples with these critical matters, the question remains will the sport find its way back to its roots, prioritizing quality over mere size, and safeguarding the lives and health of its athletes?