Warning: Contains discussion of weight, weight loss, and steroid use some readers may find upsetting.
A YouTuber embarked on an experiment to evaluate the real differences that occur when working out with the aid of steroids for 100 days, compared to a ‘natural’ workout regimen. The results were ‘insane’.
Despite the known risks of steroid use, numerous gym enthusiasts still resort to these substances to enhance their performance and muscle growth.
YouTuber Jeremy Either decided to examine the impact of working out over a period of 14 weeks with steroids versus a ‘natural’ approach to uncover the potential differences.
In a video he posted, Jeremy states: “I’m seeing so many new lifters immediately hop on gear, I want to prove that you don’t need steroids to make amazing progress.”
This leads to the question: What did his experiment ultimately reveal?
Two participants, Brandon and Todd, joined Jeremy in this experiment. Brandon adhered to a natural approach, while Todd incorporated steroids into his workout routine.
The progress of both individuals was meticulously tracked, including metrics like body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and weight.
DXA scans were employed to evaluate the total fat and muscle mass for both participants, alongside ultrasounds across major muscle groups to determine specific growth areas.
Initial measurements showed Todd weighing 183 lbs with 19% body fat and 148 lbs of lean mass.
Brandon’s stats were 148 pounds in weight, 13.6% body fat, and 128 pounds of lean mass. Despite Todd’s greater experience with weightlifting, Jeremy noted Brandon was leaner at the start.
So, how were their workout plans structured?
Jeremy ensured Brandon’s exercise routine was designed to ‘maximize the challenge’ and facilitate rapid muscle gain, teaching him how to train effectively to failure.
Brandon acknowledged that the training was ‘extremely hard’ and occasionally ‘painful’.
On the other hand, Todd’s steroid-boosted body performed at a much higher level, allowing him to train for two hours compared to Brandon’s one-hour sessions. The steroids intensified his workout volume and intensity, helping him achieve ‘more muscle growth’ and enabling longer, more intense training sessions with effective recovery.
The participants were also placed on specific diets aligned with their workout plans, with Brandon using creatine to naturally boost his results.
After 100 days, what were the outcomes for both men?
In just 30 days, Todd added two centimeters to his shoulders, but Brandon’s measurements remained unchanged. Todd expressed dissatisfaction with his body image despite the progress.
After 100 days, Brandon commented: “I feel like my strength has really been progressing well. At the beginning of the challenge, I was dumbbell pressing around like 50-55lbs and now I can do three sets of 10 with 75, so I think that’s a pretty good improvement.”
On the final day, Todd’s body fat was down to seven percent, with a weight loss of over 10 lbs and a gain of over 13 lbs in muscle, results Jeremy described as ‘insane’.
Brandon’s body fat was 13.5 percent, his weight increased to 154 pounds, and he gained ‘5lbs of pure lean muscle’.
Ultrasound results indicated Brandon experienced ‘more growth’ in his delts, biceps, and a specific leg muscle.
Jeremy concluded: “While I respect Todd’s choice to hop on gear, in my opinion, unless you’re as dedicated to competing as Todd or need testosterone for health reasons, the risks simply aren’t worth it. Brandon is proof that with the right approach, us nattys – ‘natural’ worker-outers – can still make incredible progress without putting our health at risk.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone, contact the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). You can reach them on their free hotline at 1(888)-375-7767, open Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CST.