I'm going to carry on the debate (because I want to and I can
) a little.
I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to change anyone's mind on this as my views are pretty clear, but my personal choice is even clearer - I don't have a want or a need to ever touch gear in any form they are available, not because I disagree with them, but because of the damage they can do to you if not used properly. My fear/concern is also that you are pushing your body beyond it's natural enveloppe. Whilst I know (we all know) it's perfectly feasible to do it safely if you're sensible about it and don't go too far, maybe gain a bit of lean mass that you just were struggling to acheive or for whatever reason you don't have to justify your reasons for taking any supplement really, it's your body/your choice. Like any supplement some work better for you some don't - however gear categorically works if used well and properly. However it still requires, a) a good high protein diet b) a lot of hard work in the gym. You won't see much results from sitting at home or doing some bicep curls. They aren't a magic potion like in Asterix & Obelix.
Whilst I'm not scared of needles I feel they should only be used by doctors in times of necessity (I've had 3 blood tests, and 2 injections ever in my life, though I have given blood). So I wouldn't even get a tattoo on that basis.
I think certain bits of gear can really help enhance your natural ability without turning you into a freak, but vs. a natural trainer they do give you the edge (sometimes in terms of composition, size, strength, one of the other, all, or sometimes none - it really depends).
I personally don't see it as cheating - if you're not competing and you've reached your genetic limit and you're doing it for yourself, then what's wrong with that? Even if you are competing, just compete in the tested federation where gear is allowed, therefore not cheating as everyone is on the same playing field.
The only person you "cheat" is yourself, if you're really concerned about it but heck I've taken amino acids, and natrual herb extracts and as part of my diet have lots of "health" foods, such as green tea, coconut oil, and foods containing lots of zinc, magnesium, vitamins b and c etc.... I'm just taking the "more difficult" route to enhancing the nurtrients in my blood but it's still "artificially" increasing the percentage of certain nutrients in my body above it's "natural" level - though I do love lots of these natural extracts you can get and that certain nations and cultures have been using for years!
Anyway back on track whilst I am very impressed at Tank's and other's vehement disdain for "gear" and am also in admiration of their ability to surpass even high end lifters naturally, whilst I wouldn't do it, I believe it is just giving nature a helping hand to boost your ability. Just like in medicine we give people antibiotics or anti-inflammatories - whilst your body has the ability to do it itself, it makes it quicker and more efficient.
Being sensible with them is perfectly fine and you can achieve some good results, quicker than naturally - the results arent' exclusive.
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