Bodybuilding, Steroid Use, and the Modern Masculinity Crisis

The narrator recounts how his fascination with bodybuilding began at age 11 or 12 after seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Terminator." This initial exposure to a muscular male physique, a stark contrast to his conservative upbringing, sparked a desire to achieve a similar physique. He describes looking at himself in the mirror, realizing his body was far from his ideal, a feeling that has persisted.

As an adult and a director, the theme of the body unconsciously appeared in his films, exploring what bodies communicate and what people endure for them. Moving to Montreal, where bodybuilding culture was more prevalent than in France, he began training regularly. This routine became a ritual, a habit, and an addiction, serving as a "health insurance" against overindulgence for his high-strung personality. He notes the gym environment, once intimidating and niche, has become mainstream, with an increasing number of young men participating. This rise in "gym culture" prompts questions about the motivations behind lifting weights and the lengths people are willing to go.

The Drive for Muscularity

Several individuals share their motivations for bodybuilding:

• Early Inspiration: One person, a former sporty kid, was inspired by a retired bodybuilder phys ed teacher. He also linked the desire for a muscular physique to attracting women during puberty, aiming for an "Apollo" body.
• Aesthetics and Self-Worth: Another individual emphasizes that being stronger isn't the primary goal; it's about aesthetics and feeling good about oneself. He views a well-built body as something that cannot be bought, earning respect.
• Overcoming Insecurity: A young man, who gained 45 kg in 1.5 years, recounts feeling inferior and being the last picked in sports during his youth. His father's absence also contributed to his anxiety and low self-esteem. Training gave him self-confidence, and he realized people looked up to him. He describes his intense workout routine, doing multiple sets of shoulder presses with varying weights.

Evolution of the Male Ideal and the Rise of Steroids

The ideal male body has changed significantly over time. In the late 1800s, strongmen like Eugen Sandow popularized muscularity. Ben and Joe Weider, from Montreal, further spread this vision by creating the Mr. Olympia competition and mentoring Arnold Schwarzenegger. While the 1960s briefly favored slimmer physiques, the 1970s saw the emergence of gym chains, making bodybuilding accessible. Today, physiques once considered exceptional, like Arnold's in the 80s, are now standard in Hollywood.

Inspired by celebrities and fitness influencers, millions of young people are transforming their bodies. Luca, an aspiring professional bodybuilder, aims to compete in Mr. Olympia. He details his rigorous preparation, including 40 minutes of fasted cardio daily to burn fat and achieve a caloric deficit, training 5-6 times a week. Despite weighing 104 kg, he feels "fat" and "chubby" compared to his competition goals, highlighting the extreme self-perception in the sport.

The discussion then shifts to performance-enhancing drugs:

• Historical Context: The use of performance enhancers dates back to the late 19th century with Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard's experiments with animal testicle extracts. In the 1930s, Adolf Butenandt synthesized testosterone. By the 1970s, anabolic steroids were being experimented with by bodybuilders in California.
• Modern Usage: The popularity of these drugs has grown exponentially. Syringe disposal bins are now common in gyms. Newer products like SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are also popular, especially on social media, and are seen as a "gateway drug" to steroids. Many young people perceive pills as less harmful than injections, equating them to supplements.
• Accessibility: The internet is flooded with ads for these products, and they are readily available online through thousands of websites, often illegally. These sites offer various injectable and oral forms without quality control.
• The Adonis Complex and Muscle Dysmorphia: Dr. Harrison Pope, author of "The Adonis Complex," explains three factors fueling anabolic steroid use:
  1. Effectiveness: The drugs work incredibly well.
  2. Societal Emphasis on Muscularity: Muscular images are ubiquitous.
  3. Pathological Body Image Concern: Many individuals develop muscle dysmorphia, or "bigorexia," where they perceive themselves as too small despite being very muscular.
• G.I. Joe Example: Pope illustrates the increasing societal emphasis on muscularity by tracing the evolution of G.I. Joe action figures. The 1964 G.I. Joe was an ordinary man, but by 1975, he had started to gain muscle, and by the 1990s, he appeared to have used anabolic steroids. Pope believes this emphasis on male muscularity will continue and potentially worsen.
• Personal Struggles with Body Image: Individuals express their constant self-assessment, often feeling "small" despite their size. One bodybuilder states, "It's never enough."

The Reality of Steroid Use

The black market for steroids is efficient, with orders arriving within days. Many bodybuilders openly discuss their use or intent to use:

• One individual admits he will "definitely" start using soon, planning 400 mg of testosterone with Anavar. His parents are aware.
• Another states that to achieve his goal of competing in Mr. Olympia, he cannot remain natural.
• A personal trainer, who coaches 40 clients, openly uses 400 mg of testosterone tabs weekly and has used SARMs. He highlights the significant difference in gains between natural and enhanced athletes (5 kg vs. 9-14 kg annually).
• A young man recounts taking MK-677 (a SARM) and then RAD140, which led to heart palpitations and a heart rate of 220-225, almost resulting in death. He also noted increased aggression among his friends who were also using various steroids.

The internet, particularly platforms like Reddit and YouTube, provides a wealth of information on steroid use, often referred to as "broscience." Many products, like Equipoise, are not intended for human consumption (Equipoise is for horses). Betamethasone, another steroid used by bodybuilders, led to the disqualification and later death of a racehorse.

Health Risks and Consequences

The side effects of these products are numerous and severe:

• Tremors, night sweats, nausea, muscle cramps, injection-induced coughing.
• Loss of libido and erection, testicular atrophy, cessation of natural testosterone production.
• Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts).
• Serious heart problems (heart attacks, strokes, hypertension), leading to death.
• Acne, cancer, lethargy.
• High dependence rate (around 30%), exceeding heroin, cocaine, or alcohol.
• Steroid users are nine times more likely to be convicted of violent crimes, twice as likely to be treated with antidepressants or antipsychotics, and have a mortality rate three times higher than the general population.

Chris Bumstead, a popular bodybuilder with nearly 20 million Instagram followers, is admired for his physique and openness about the risks. He acknowledges that bodybuilding is not healthy but emphasizes regular blood tests and medical supervision to make it "as healthy as possible." He prioritizes living a life he loves, even if it means a shorter lifespan.

A doctor explains that steroid users often develop a false sense of security from their lab results, comparing it to repeatedly stretching a rubber band until it snaps, even if it looks fine beforehand. Users will be on testosterone for life.

Addressing Steroid Use: Different Approaches

• Denmark's Suppression Model: Denmark implements random anti-doping tests in participating gyms to deter steroid use. Individuals who refuse testing face the same restrictions as those who test positive, including being banned from the gym for two years. This approach aims to reduce steroid use but may push users to independent gyms.
• Scotland's Harm Reduction Model: Scotland has adopted a harm reduction policy, similar to that for drug users, by opening clinics dedicated to steroid users. These clinics provide information and support, promoting safer use. Research suggests that for every $1 spent on harm reduction, there's a $20 saving. The clinics have seen a significant decrease in the use of harsher compounds like Trenbolone. They also advise against steroid use for those under 21 due to developing hormonal systems.

The Psychological Impact and the "Manosphere"

Luca, the aspiring bodybuilder, falls ill with pneumonia in both lungs, coughing up blood, forcing him to cancel his competition. He attributes his weakened immune system to prolonged use of Trenbolone. This experience serves as a turning point, making him realize the need to rid his body of toxic substances. He describes feeling like a "superhero" and "immortal" while on steroids, with increased confidence and improved physique.

The discussion then turns to the influence of figures like Aziz Shavershian, known as Zyzz, who emerged in 2009. Zyzz, an Australian fitness influencer, gained fame for his physical transformation and promoted an aesthetic of lean muscularity and symmetry. His death in 2011 at age 22 from a heart attack, with toxicology reports never made public, cemented his legacy. His fans, the "Zyzz army," use the Poseidon's trident emoji to symbolize power and a vision of masculinity.

The rise of "manosphere" influencers like Andrew Tate is also explored. These figures promote a vision of a "high-value man" focused on mindset, muscle, and money, often with misogynistic views. They emphasize going to the gym as a core component of being a "real man."

A sociologist explains that this phenomenon reflects a "crisis of masculinity," a recurring theme throughout history. The new aspect is how online influencers strongly link gym attendance to being a "real man." This provides a sense of certainty in a world where gender roles are increasingly questioned, consolidating masculinity on a physical level. While traits like strength, stoicism, ambition, and sacrifice can be healthy, problems arise when they become the only acceptable traits for men. Men who strictly adhere to these norms often face more social and psychological issues.

Personal Journeys and the Search for Belonging

Many individuals share their personal experiences of bullying and insecurity that led them to the gym:

• One person found that bodybuilding filled an "emptiness" and was motivated by social media posts about physique and life success.
• Another started going to the gym after being beaten up in school, seeking to look good and avoid further violence.
• The narrator himself, growing up gay in a religious family, experienced bullying and violence. He learned to build a body and identity that conformed to acceptable norms, realizing that asserting masculinity through his body was a way to find his place. He acknowledges his ongoing struggle with body image and the pursuit of an "illusory goal," admitting he will "never be an Arnold."

The gym often becomes a sanctuary. One individual, after a difficult breakup, lost 11 kg and felt empty, even contemplating suicide. He sought therapy but found solace in the gym, using it to release steam. He emphasizes that training shouldn't solely be driven by anger and hurt. For many, the gym is a "home" where they find a sense of community, like "brothers and sisters."

The narrator concludes by reflecting on his own journey and the broader implications of this culture, acknowledging the complex interplay of personal insecurity, societal pressures, and the pursuit of an idealized physique.