Steroids and (tested) powerlifting

Mr Giggles

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I was hoping we could get a discussion on this topic. It would be interesting to talk about. Simply put: is tested powerlifting really natural?

Maybe we look at too much instagram nowadays, but one thing that I notice since getting into the powerlifting scene, is that everyone seems to be breaking records these days with many 18 year olds (males and females) lifting 3/4/5/6 x their bodyweight and yes, this seems to be in the IPF. Now, when I try to enter into a discussion about this, most powerlifters tell me its simply due to 8 hours of sleep, reasonable genetics, dedication and organic chicken breasts. Steroids could not possibly play a role because they are in the IPF and drug tested. Honestly, I don't deny that these people work hard and are dedicated at their sport. I think most of us who love a sport and compete in it, are! But, seriously, when you look at the records between tested and untested lifts, the difference seems to be pretty small.

Coming from a bodybuilding background, my opinion is that bodybuilders tend to be more open about their drug use and the influence it has on their performance. But also, they seem to be more realistic about the fact that many people at the top, DO TAKE ASSISTANCE. Even in natty, tested competitions. Its all part of the competitor mindset: you do whatever it takes.

Now, from my experience so far and training in a few strength-orientated gyms, you never really see people lifting the crazy numbers we see online. Not even close. Hell, the few guys that do come into the gym outfitting everyone by a mile tend to be those that are trend out their minds and look like they could step foot on a bodybuilding stage.

It seems (in my mind) that the powerlifting community wants to hold so badly onto the dream that steroids play a insignificant role in lifting insane numbers and that even at the top in the IPF, its all genetics and dedication. You pass a drug test, you are 100% natty.

I am just ranting, but like crossfit, does powerlifting have a steroids problem as well? Even in natty shows.
 

Jstrong20

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Lance arm strong was tested for years and never caught. People will always use gear. I’m sure some are natural though and true freaks do exist.
 
rob112

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Most feds don’t make you actually test unless you put up a pro total. Even then technically someone could just be off cycle. It’s stupid because in powerlifting no one cares if you use gear, so there is no reason for people to compete in natty classes who aren’t...but egos get in the way and somehow that makes some people feel good.
 

Mr Giggles

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I agree that there are (some) natural freaks out there. But I think alot of people way overestimate just how common these genetic outliers are. The reality is, is that you are more likely to come across people who are or have juiced to get to the top, then simply someone being a genetic outliers.
 

Mr Giggles

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Most feds don’t make you actually test unless you put up a pro total. Even then technically someone could just be off cycle. It’s stupid because in powerlifting no one cares if you use gear, so there is no reason for people to compete in natty classes who aren’t...but egos get in the way and somehow that makes some people feel good.
Well I guess your more likely to be successful if you manage to slip through the net and compete tested. Also, outside of the USA, the main fed is IPF, so untested is much less common to come across.

Here in Holland, I don't think there even is a untested fed.
 
rob112

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In the states there are tons of untested federations that try to make it comfortable for untested lifters(and they are from what I have been to).

I get you would be more competitive, but internally I don’t get it. I get lying to become a pro ball player who makes money in a sport that doesn’t allow it. I don’t get doing it in a sport that allows it and doesn’t pay. To each their own I guess.
 

Mr Giggles

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In the states there are tons of untested federations that try to make it comfortable for untested lifters(and they are from what I have been to).

I get you would be more competitive, but internally I don’t get it. I get lying to become a pro ball player who makes money in a sport that doesn’t allow it. I don’t get doing it in a sport that allows it and doesn’t pay. To each their own I guess.
Competitor mindset. Do whatever it takes I guess.
 

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