Steroids have been a controversial subject in bodybuilding for decades.
While many professional bodybuilders claim they’ve achieved their impressive physiques through strict diets and rigorous training regimens, others have openly admitted using performance-enhancing drugs like steroids to achieve success.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 bodybuilders who have openly admitted using steroids during their careers.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Perhaps the most renowned bodybuilder of all time, Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted to using steroids during his competitive career.
When he was winning numerous Mr. Olympia titles in the 1970s, when such use wasn’t illegal, Schwarzenegger believed it necessary for maintaining an edge in competition.
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Nowadays though, Schwarzenegger advocates for drug-free bodybuilding and emphasizes hard work and dedication towards the sport.
Dorian Yates
Dorian Yates, six-time Mr Olympia winner, has been candid about his use of steroids during his bodybuilding career.
In interviews, he talked about feeling pressured to use performance-enhancing drugs in order to keep up with competitors and how these drugs enabled him to achieve such an incredible physique without them.
Ronnie Coleman
Ronnie Coleman, eight-time Mr Olympia champion and physician, has openly discussed using steroids during his career.
He maintained a natural state until 30 and then felt it necessary to use performance-enhancing drugs in order to remain competitive.
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Furthermore, Coleman stressed the significance of proper nutrition and training alongside steroid usage.
Lee Priest
Australian bodybuilder Lee Priest has admitted using steroids during his career
Priest is open about their role in his success, but also stresses the significance of genetics and hard work for achieving such an impressive physique.
Flex Wheeler
Flex Wheeler, one of the world’s most impressive bodybuilders, has admitted using steroids for performance enhancement.
Although he has acknowledged using these substances, Wheeler also emphasizes his genetics and dedication to the sport as key factors in his success.
Rich Piana
Renowned bodybuilder and entrepreneur Rich Piana was up front about his use of steroids throughout his career.
He often discussed it on social media platforms such as Instagram or in interviews, believing that most professional bodybuilders use performance-enhancing drugs at some point.
Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler, four-time Mr. Olympia champion, has openly discussed steroid use in podcasts and interviews.
While acknowledging its role in his success, Cutler also emphasizes the significance of hard work and discipline for success.
Phil Heath
Seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath recently revealed everything he was using as a competitive bodybuilder.
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Phil hadn’t talked about his steroid use before but now seems to be more open about it as we are seeing more former professional bodybuilders discuss their use.
Chris Bumstead
Chris Bumstead, two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, has recently admitted using steroids in one of his YouTube videos.
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Although he’s been upfront about using performance-enhancing drugs, Bumstead still emphasizes the significance of training and nutrition when achieving his impressive physique.
Chestbrah (Said Shavershian)
Chestbrah, brother of late internet sensation Zyzz (Aziz Shavershian), has also admitted using steroids.
Recently awarded his WBFF pro card, Chestbrah’s real name is Said Shavershian and he’s open about using performance-enhancing drugs.
Like others on this list, Chestbrah emphasizes the significance of hard work, dedication, and proper nutrition alongside steroid usage for achieving an impressive physique.
Conclusion:
While many professional bodybuilders have admitted to using steroids during their careers, it’s essential to remember that these athletes also possess incredible genetics, discipline and dedication to the sport.
Steroids may have played a role in their successes but were not solely responsible for them.
The world of bodybuilding continues to develop and the debate surrounding performance-enhancing drugs will remain an important aspect of it going forward.
