Gregg Valentino thinks hardcore gyms are dying – and that it has a negative impact on the community of bodybuilding
In episode three of GI Conversation With Gregg Valentino, host Vlad Yudin continues his in-depth conversation with Gregg Valentino, one of bodybuilding’s most controversial figures. Known for his outspoken views and a tumultuous past, Gregg Valentino delves into a variety of topics, from the decline of hardcore gyms to his time in prison for selling steroids. As always, Valentino provides unfiltered opinions on the state of bodybuilding, steroids, and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), offering viewers a unique perspective into his complex world.
Gregg Valentino On The Decline Of Hardcore Gyms
The episode begins with Vlad Yudin asking Gregg Valentino about Johnny Lats’ gym, a well-known hardcore bodybuilding facility in New York. Valentino reveals that he has indeed trained there and has fond memories of both the gym and its owner, Johnny Lats. He describes Lats as a “great guy” who even lent Valentino some equipment when he needed it. According to Valentino, Johnny Lats’ gym was more than just a place to work out; it was a community hub for hardcore bodybuilders to come together and push their limits.
Yudin then shifts the conversation to a broader question: Does Gregg Valentino think New York is lacking in hardcore gyms today? Valentino responds by pointing out that it’s not just New York, but the entire world that is losing its hardcore gym culture.
He laments the rise of chain gyms, which cater to a mainstream audience and focus on making money rather than fostering a true bodybuilding environment. Valentino notes that even legendary hardcore gyms like Gold’s Gym have turned into commercial chains, losing their original gritty appeal. In his view, the essence of what made bodybuilding culture so special has been diluted by the rise of these commercial fitness centers.
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Gregg Valentino on His Arrest and Time in Prison for Steroid Dealing
Vlad Yudin steers the conversation into more personal territory by asking Gregg Valentino about his well-documented arrest for selling steroids, including the famous photo of Valentino being arrested by two police officers. Valentino openly discusses how his experience differed from the typical steroid bust, as he was arrested by local police rather than federal agents, which landed him in a local jail rather than federal prison.
Gregg Valentino recalls his time dealing steroids with surprising candor, admitting that he wasn’t particularly cautious. He would leave steroids and other substances lying around in plain sight at his gym, almost inviting trouble. Eventually, someone tipped off the authorities, though to this day, Valentino claims he doesn’t know who it was. He pled guilty and was sentenced to three months in jail, followed by six years of probation—a lighter sentence than he had expected.
Gregg Valentino shares an intriguing story about a stash of $250,000 he had hidden in a safety deposit box for his father. The authorities discovered the money and wanted to confiscate it, suspecting it was from Valentino’s illegal dealings. However, they couldn’t fully prove the money was connected to his drug sales. In a deal to reduce his prison sentence from 3–5 years to just 3 months, Valentino agreed to forfeit the money. He considers himself lucky to have avoided a longer sentence, especially considering the harsher penalties that drug dealers face today.
The Decline in Steroid Quality and Valentino’s Experience with PEDs
The conversation takes a turn towards Gregg Valentino’s expertise in steroids and PEDs. Yudin asks if Valentino ever considered starting a legitimate business in the field, such as a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) clinic, given his extensive experience with these substances. Valentino admits that he never seriously considered it, citing his poor business acumen. He jokes that while he was a successful drug dealer, he was a terrible businessman, missing out on opportunities to maximize his profits.
Valentino goes on to discuss the current state of steroids, particularly how the quality has diminished since many substances have moved to the black market. According to Valentino, the steroids that bodybuilders use today are inferior to the pharmaceutical-grade products that were more accessible in the past. He highlights the popular anabolic steroid trenbolone, commonly known as “tren,” which now often causes the infamous “tren cough”—a side effect that, according to Valentino, didn’t occur with the pharmaceutical versions from previous decades.
He also draws an interesting comparison between the widespread use of black market steroids and the controversy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Valentino points out the irony of people who criticize the vaccine for being unsafe, while simultaneously injecting themselves with homemade, black market substances of unknown origin.
The Danger of SARMs and Valentino’s View on the Future of Steroid Dealing
Vlad Yudin asks Gregg Valentino about the rising popularity of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), a class of performance-enhancing drugs often marketed as a safer alternative to steroids. Valentino is quick to dismiss this notion, stating that SARMs are “certainly dangerous” and should not be considered a safe option, particularly when taken orally. He emphasizes that while he doesn’t condemn steroid use, he was always aware of the risks involved.
The conversation then shifts to the question of how illegal steroid sellers manage to operate openly online without getting caught. Gregg Valentino believes it’s only a matter of time before these individuals are brought down by authorities, though he acknowledges that today’s drug laws are far stricter than when he was arrested.
He suggests that many modern steroid dealers, who make significant money from athletes and bodybuilders, are likely to cut deals with law enforcement to avoid losing their wealth and assets when they are eventually caught.
When Yudin asks how Gregg Valentino would navigate the current climate if he were still a drug dealer today, Valentino candidly admits that he doesn’t know. With stricter laws and the proliferation of SARMs, insulin use, and home-brewed substances, Valentino says he wouldn’t want to be a drug dealer in today’s world.
Wrap Up
Episode three of GI Conversation With Gregg Valentino offers a fascinating look into the gritty side of bodybuilding and the world of steroids. Through candid discussions about his past, Valentino sheds light on the decline of hardcore gyms, the deteriorating quality of performance-enhancing drugs, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding steroid use.
His raw honesty and insider knowledge make this episode a compelling watch for anyone interested in the darker side of bodybuilding culture. As the series continues, viewers can expect more of Valentino’s unfiltered insights and unique perspectives on the sport and its surrounding controversies.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
