Samir Bannout speaks about TRT in a recent interview.
1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout had a great deal to say about using Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and knocks its detractors. The bodybuilding legend knows a thing or two about building muscle into your advanced age and shares his thoughts about why using TRT is a no-brainer for those who need it.
Over the last decade, TRT has gained a great deal of attention from the fitness world. Professional athletes have benefited from the treatment in the past like famed MMA legend and former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort. But it didn’t take long before the treatment was banned in certain professional sports. But for those involved in strength sports or for those who simply want to experience an elevated level of well-being in their advanced age, TRT could be considered a boon. Bodybuilding legend Samir Bannout is also singing the praises of TRT and speaking on its benefits.
The 1983 Mr. Olympia champion, Samir Bannout has been involved in bodybuilding for over four decades. Through his many ups and downs with dealing with the IFBB Pro League, Bannout has carved out a legacy in bodybuilding that has garnered him a great deal of respect.
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Bannout Talks TRT
After a recent proposal by the US DEA to limit Telehealth prescriptions made the news, many in the fitness industry have been speaking out about the potential decision. Should the proposal become law it would likely limit access to many treatments including TRT. In a recent interview, Samir Bannout tackled the issue of TRT, voicing his opinion and addressing the detractors of the treatment.
“It’s a no-brainer,” said Samir Bannout. “It’s smart if you need it. If you need it you do it. Is it healthy to do? It is 100 percent healthy to do. We’re not doing it to become Arnold or Sergio Oliva or winning. You do it, it will improve your health. You will be healthier when your testosterone in the middle range or slightly above the middle. But if your range is way too low you’re stupid if you don’t. You’re stupid. You’re dumb if you don’t. So, you do that accordingly. You go get tested.
“If you weigh below on the scales, you need to do TRT whether you like it or not. Some people may be exempt because some people are genetic freaks, some could still be in the middle range or above even a 60 or 70. Some people but maybe one per 100,000 or every 5,000 people you may find one that have an okay range at that age.”
What About Natural Options?
Samir Bannout didn’t write off utilizing natural methods of increasing testosterone. That said he also acknowledges that TRT is a great option for those who truly require it.
“In my opinion, you get tested. If you’re against using drugs you could use certain things like maybe HCG, use something like shilajit or maybe do Tongkat Ali. You can try natural stuff. You can give it a chance and see if it enhanced your production naturally by all means. But most people cannot respond and it’s not good enough. You need to have TRT to put you where you’re supposed to be and I’m not saying you need to take a lot but no take your ratio and you’ll be okay.”
What do you think about Samir Bannout and his opinions on TRT?
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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.