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News

Samir Bannout on Injecting Into Calf: “They Will Die And You Won’t Be Able to Walk”

by Jonathan Salmon Published on Jan 5, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Samir Bannout warns bodybuilders not to inject into their calf muscles.

1983 Mr. Olympia champion Samir Bannout recently warned bodybuilders about injecting gear into their calf muscles. There are some bodybuilders who have utilized their calf muscles as injection sites for gear usage and it has had devastating results according to Bannout. The bodybuilding legend spoke on the subject in a recent podcast urging bodybuilders to be careful.

Utilizing performance enhancing drugs is a pretty controversial subject in the sporting world. There are many who believe taking the substances is a form of cheating. These detractors believe utilizing gear means an athlete lacks the integrity and willingness to train and perform at a high level naturally. That said, the notion of utilizing PEDs isn’t so uncommon in certain sports. Strength sports like bodybuilding in particular have less of a stigma on PED usage.

But just because the usage of PEDs is less scrutinized doesn’t mean that it’s regulated. Many bodybuilders follow their own approach to injecting PEDs. Some inject into their glutes, others into their shoulders, and others into their calves. The calf injection in particular is frowned upon by 1983 Mr. Olympia and legendary bodybuilder Samir Bannout. In a recent podcast Bannout spoke on injecting into the calves as being a death sentence for the muscle.

“Please listen, anytime you inject something into the head of your calves, your calves will die!” said Samir Bannout. 

Bannout Warns Valliere

Samir Bannout did not mince words. In his opinion calf injections are an absolute no go. Bannout even went so far as to implicate that Iain Valliere could be a victim of the calf injection process.

“I definitely know Iain is not posing as a Mr. Olympia champion — not good enough,” said Samir Bannout. “But I have to point out to a lot of people out there, and I want you to take this seriously, and I don’t need to do this in a derogatory way or being rude. If you notice on Iain’s calves, both heads of the diamond part of the calves is messed up. And I don’t know if I should be talking about it openly.”

To be fair, this is only speculation on the legend’s part. Samir Bannout appears sincere in his belief and is coming from a good place. While it could potentially ruffle some feathers, Bannout is choosing to be honest about his opinions rather than shy away.

Samir Bannout reiterated that injecting into the calf means the muscle will atrophy and fade.

“Your calf muscle will die. I don’t care who you are. So take this advice from me, and I’m not going to list the name of who had that problem before, but I can list at least five or six people – very well-known famous people that have done that. They took the shot in their calves to bring a more diamond kind of look, but it’s completely backfired. You guys got to listen to me.”

To hear more from Samir Bannout on the subject click here.

What do you think of PED usage in bodybuilding?

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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

About Jonathan Salmon

Managing editor of Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. He has been writing about bodybuilding, combat sports, and strength sports for over 8 years. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

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