STEROIDS EXPLAINED – WHAT ARE STEROIDS?
Steroids are chemicals, like hormones, that our bodies produce to regulate our internal systems. Steroids can be produced naturally or synthesized in a lab. In this article, we will talk about synthetic steroids.
TYPE OF STEROIDS
There are three major categories of steroids:
- Sex hormones
- help in reproduction and identifying sexes.
- Corticosteroids
- topical creams that help fight inflammation in the body and regulate our immune system.
- Anabolic steroids
- man-made anabolic steroids. They increase muscle growth, alter the body, and enhance athletic performance.
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR ANABOLIC STEROIDS?
Testosterone, Dianabol, Deca-Durabolin, Anavar, Winstrol, and Trenbolone are considered the most popular anabolic steroids used by Canadian fitness enthusiast and beginners.
TESTOSTERONE
Is the main male sex hormone. It handles a male’s reproductive health. And also helps create and sustain muscle tissue and strength.
Testosterone should be the foundation of every cycle. It is the most vital hormone for a bodybuilder.
Testosterone as a synthetic anabolic steroid can be found in Canada under a few different versions, based on the speed of its action:
- Sustanon: slow and fast-acting.
- Testosterone enanthate/Testosterone cypionate: slow-acting.
- Testosterone propionate: fast-acting.
Males cannot function without testosterone, it is the most important hormone for a bodybuilder to use and as such should always be the base of absolutely every anabolic cycle, which you will learn more about later.
DIANABOL
It is well-known for producing rapid and large muscle mass.
Dianabol is used with Testosterone in a cycle. More strength means greater hypertrophy, which results in more muscular mass.
It’s a testosterone-derived steroid known for creating very fast and dramatic muscle mass gains
Always used by first-time users as part of their first cycle and as a powerful kick-starter to any muscle-building cycle.
DECA-DURABOLIN
A popular bulking steroid used during the off-season.
It’s an effective long-acting injectable steroid. Deca helps to improve bone mineral content and collagen production. One of the most popular and most commonly used injectable anabolic steroids in Canada.
It’s a favorite among Canadian bodybuilders when it comes to off-season mass gaining cycles.
ANAVAR
It is safe and has few side effects. Anavar is a great choice for beginners.
Anavar is the only steroid that can doesn’t need a Testosterone base.
Despite its mildness, Anavar can help you gain a lot of muscles. It promotes lean mass gain without any water retention.
Although mild, Anavar can provide some impressive muscle gaining results, and is the only anabolic steroid that does not need to be paired
The biggest advantage of Anavar is the fact that it’s an oral steroid, it’s not an injection, it’s side-effect friendl
WINSTROL (STANOZOLOL)
Is used during a cutting cycle. It can also work as a lean mass builder as well.
Winstrol works by drawing out the subcutaneous fluids beneath your skin. This is how bodybuilders get a shrink-wrapped appearance.
Winstrol can also make other anabolic steroids more powerful. We’ll dive into it in another article.
Winstrol works best with testosterone as a base. It is known to damage the liver. A liver protection supplement is a good practice when using Wintstrol.
TRENBOLONE
Is the most potent anabolic steroid on the market. Trenbolone is five times stronger than testosterone in muscle development and strength.
It is not only an effective muscle builder but also a powerful fat-burning steroid as well.
Trenbolone was first developed to enhance lean muscle growth in cattle. It was later developed for human use.
Although powerful, also has many negative side effects. Knowing how to use it is important to avoid negative side effects.
Trenbolone should always pair with testosterone as a base.
HOW DO STEROIDS AFFECT YOUR MUSCLES – AND THE REST OF YOUR BODY?
Steroids bind to androgen receptors in the body. This allows them to reach the nucleus, and bind to DNA to activate protein synthesis.
Protein synthesis along with proper rest and nutrition makes up the holy trinity of muscle building. They work by creating an environment that allows your body to grow and keep more muscle.
When you’re on steroids, your body changes in more ways than one. Your demeanor changes. Brain cells have androgen receptors. Steroid use may result in a change in personality. More aggression, temper, and sexual are notable changes.
Prolonged steroid use increases your red blood cell count, making your blood thicker.
If taken without proper knowledge it may lead to hormonal disbalance in your, will lower your natural testosterone, can potentially lead to depression and reproductive health issues.
All these can be countered of course with a knowledgeable and proper approach to using anabolic steroids and managing your steroid cycles.
HOW DIFFERENT STEROIDS IMPACT MUSCLE GROWTH & PERFORMANCE
All steroids can be divided into three groups based on which base hormone they’re derived from:
- Testosterone derivatives
- Dianabol
- Turinabol
- Equipoise
- Halotestin
- DHT Derivatives
- Masteron
- Anavar
- Anadrol
- Winstrol
- Primobolan
- Proviron
- Deca-durabolin
- Trenbolone
- Trestolone
- Nandrolone derivatives
- Deca – Durabolin
- Trenbolone
- Trestolone
Each of these groups contains members of the steroid family. And each one impacts muscle growth and performance in its own way.
Some anaboilc steroids focus on the growth of strength and muscle mass. Dianabol and Anadrol are great examples.
While some aim to increase lean muscle, decrease fat, and boost athletic performance like Winstrol.
Trenbolone is the best steroid for changing your physique. It focuses on insane muscle gain and fat loss. But Tren also has a negative impact on athletic performance.
WHY DO CANADIANS USE STEROIDS?
Canadians use steroids for performance enhancement, muscle growth, and fat loss. But the main reason is that they want fast results.
From Olympic athletes to ordinary gym-goers, Canadians of all spectrum use anabolic steroids to improve their results both on the field and at the gym
Canadians, like the rest of the world, do not shy away from using, be it for performance enhancement, muscle building, or fat burning. They are here to stay, and the more educated you are about them, the more chances you have to not damage your health.
HOW COMMON ARE STEROIDS IN CANADA?
In a nationwide survey of young Canadians, 83,000 reported to have used anabolic steroids. Out of those, 29.4% reported that they used injectable steroids.
In this survey, looks and athletic performance were important factors.
Canadians use anabolic steroids for two main reasons. They want to improve their athletic performance or aesthetics. It can also increase sex drive, energy levels, and reduce recovery time.
Most men can build up to 40 to 50 pounds of muscle naturally in their lifetimes. Women can gain somewhat less – 20 to 25 pounds of muscle naturally.
The amount of muscle a man or woman can build is genetic. Some people build muscle faster, some build slower. Women are always building slower.
Anabolic Steroids help you surpass these imposed limits. With them, you can expect to build muscle 16 times faster.
How frequent is steroid usage among teenagers in Canada?
A research was carried out in Canada to investigate the prevalence of steroid usage among teens and young adults. The research discovered that 1.6% of those polled had used steroids at some time in their life. Men made up 82% of individuals who reported taking steroids.
It’s difficult to estimate how many Canadians use steroids. According to one poll conducted by the Canadian Centre for Drug-Free Sport, 2.8% of Canadian students in Grade 6 and higher had taken anabolic steroids in the year before the survey.
This suggests that a tiny fraction (1.6%) of the sample population of Canadian teenagers and young adults acknowledged to taking steroids. It’s crucial to remember that this statistic is based on self-reported data, which means it depends on people being honest about their steroid usage. As a result, the real prevalence of steroid usage in Canada may be greater or lower than stated.
Why is there an upsurge in the usage of steroids for bodybuilding in Canada?
It is important to note that the motivation behind steroid usage often revolves around bodybuilding rather than improving athletic performance. Many individuals, particularly young Canadians, aspire to achieve a specific aesthetic ideal or muscular physique.
Steroids are seen as a shortcut to rapidly enhance muscle growth and definition, leading to an increased desire to use them for bodybuilding purposes.
Bodybuilding competitions and the associated culture emphasize extreme muscularity and low body fat percentages. To compete at a high level, some individuals may feel compelled to use steroids as a means to gain a competitive edge and surpass their natural genetic potential.
Additionally, many young Canadians experiment with various substances in an effort to enhance their sports performance. Addressing this issue poses a significant challenge for educators, health professionals, and sports authorities who must find effective ways to educate and protect individuals engaged in such practices.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF STEROIDS
Incorrect steroid use can lead to a myriad of health issues. They range from acne to heart disease and cognitive deficiencies.
Common side effects of improper steroid use:
- Hormonal imbalance
- High cholesterol
- Cardio vascular problems
- Heart and reproductive health issues,
- Emotional imbalance
Responsible use can prevent common side effects and affect. Side effects may be reversible once steroid use is halted.
Anabolic steroids are ranked low for abuse when compared to other, more harmful, drugs. They pose little risk to one’s health, mental well-being, and to society. Do not take other drugs when using anabolic steroids.
HOW ARE STEROIDS TAKEN?
They can be used topically, taken like a pill, or injected.
- Topical creams
- Creams are the least common type of steroid treatment. They can be prescribed as TRT treatment and are uncommon for bodybuilding.
- Oral
- Oral steroids are taken like a pill. Some popular oral anabolic steroids are Dianabol, Anavar, and Winstrol.
- Intramuscular injections
- Intramuscular injections are the most common type of anabolic steroids. Glutes, quad muscles, and shoulders are common injection sites
CYCLING, STACKING, PYRAMIDING, AND PLATEAUING
These are some of the most used terms when it comes to steroid usage.
- Cycling
- a cycle lasts 8-12 week period
- Stacking
- is combining different anabolic steroids for better results
- Pyramiding
- is a dosing technique. It is used to increase then taper a dosage during a cycle
- Plateauing
- a techinque used to prevent anabolic steroids from becoming ineffective. This is done by a sudden change of steroid types during a regular cycle
THE BEST STEROIDS FOR BEGINNERS
The best for beginners are: Testosterone, Anavar, and Dianabol.
Testosterone variants are the best choice for all beginners. It is the best because it mimics your natural testosterone. Examples include:
- Testosterone propionate
- Testosterone enanthate
- Testosterone cypionate
- Sustanon
Anavar is an oral steroid with mild side effects. It also doesn’t require testosterone to be used.
Dianabol is for bodybuilders who want to gain a lot of muscle mass. D-ball stacked with testosterone can provide you with mind-blowing results.
Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone (CDMT), often known as Oral Turinabol, has been shown to increase energy and stamina, allowing for more intense exercises.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY STEROIDS IN CANADA?
The best place to buy premium Anabolic products in Canada is online.
You always get fast delivery, secure payments, and excellent customer support.
ONLINE
Buying online can be done discreetly from the comfort of your home. Get to have them delivered fast, with same-day delivery options. Online Steroid Shops offer excellent customer service and a variety of high product quality.
GYM
Buying at the gym is common, but has its drawbacks. There is an exposure risk, as you might get in trouble or be labeled for using anabolic steroids. People who sell drugs at the gym are likely to share wrong information to influence your decision. Their selection might not have what you want.
Final Thoughts: Canada on Steroids
Anabolic steroids have been used for over half a century by people of all ages. The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in Canada is more prevalent than initially assumed. They are an amazing shortcut for athletic performance and physique.
Anabolic steroids are not dangerous to take. Side effects may be prevented via education and careful usage. However, before using any equipment, you should always get the advice of a professional. You may learn more about this by reading our basic instructions.
Sources:
- Adverse effects of doping with anabolic androgenic steroids in competitive athletics, recreational sports and bodybuilding (2018 Dec) by Elena Vorona, Eberhard Nieschlag
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids: How do they work and what are the risks? (2022 Dec) by Peter Bond, Diederik L Smit, Willem de Ronde
- Abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids and bodybuilding acne: an underestimated health problem by (2007 Feb) Bodo Melnik, Thomas Jansen, Stephan Grabbe
