Victor Martinez discusses the realities behind PED use and how it affects sex drive and sexual taste
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, Victor Martinez covered everything from steroids and sexuality, protein shakes, Kevin Hart’s training split, rice cakes, and whether eating carbs after 5 p.m. really matters.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed this week:
- Victor Martinez answers: Can PEDs change who you are attracted to?
- Protein shakes – when they’re good and when they’re bad.
- Victor reacts to Kevin Hart’s workout routine – is it impressive?
- Rice cakes & bodybuilding – are they really a healthy snack?
- Nutrition timing – should you really stop eating carbs after 5pm?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more in-depth breakdown recapping the entire conversation. Let’s dive in!
This week’s episode of the podcast is brought to you by Transparent Labs. If you would like to try Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein for yourself, save 10% OFF using code GENIRON10.
For a limited time, Transparent Labs is giving away a FREE Protein Starter Kit with every Grass-Fed Protein subscription! This kit includes a shaker bottle and a variety pack of 5 single-serving protein pouches in their top flavors, so you can find your favorite.
Steroids and Sexuality: Do PEDs Change Who You’re Attracted To?
The first fan question of the week asked something many people may wonder but rarely say out loud: “From your experience, do any compounds affect your sexuality or taste in who you are attracted to while on gear?”
Victor Martinez didn’t hesitate. He joked that taking performance-enhancing drugs is not going to suddenly make someone attracted to a different gender. In his experience, steroids do not change your sexual orientation. What they can change, however, is libido.
Victor explained that when you’re on PEDs, you generally fall into one of two extremes. Either your sex drive increases dramatically, almost like you’re 18 years old again, or you become hyper-focused on bodybuilding to the point that everything else fades into the background.
In some cases, the elevated testosterone and other compounds create a strong spike in libido. In other cases, the athlete becomes laser focused on training, recovery, and the way their body feels and performs. That focus can override distractions, including sex.
It’s not about changing who you’re attracted to. It’s about how your hormones influence your drive and where you channel your energy.
Vlad followed up with a related question. If steroids increase libido, does that increase the risk of cheating?
Victor’s answer was firm and clear. “There’s a difference between a player and a cheater.”
He explained that if someone is single or in a relationship where both partners understand the boundaries, then having fun is a personal choice. But if you’re in a committed relationship and you cheat, you can’t blame steroids. Just like you can’t blame alcohol or any other substance.
According to Victor, personal responsibility doesn’t disappear because your hormones are elevated. He made it very personal, saying that if his partner cheated on him and blamed it on being drunk, he would have no sympathy and would show her the door.
The message was simple: PEDs may increase sex drive, but they don’t make your decisions for you.
RELATED: Bodybuilders Are Dying – An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Are Protein Shakes Good for You?
The second fan question shifted the focus to nutrition: “Are protein shakes good for you or not?“
Victor Martinez gave a balanced answer. Protein shakes can absolutely be good for you. The key word is convenience.
In bodybuilding and fitness, hitting your daily protein intake can be difficult. Preparing multiple whole-food meals takes time. For busy people, protein shakes offer a fast, easy way to make sure they’re getting enough protein.
Victor said his favorite time to use a protein shake is right after a workout. Post-workout nutrition matters. After training, your body is primed to absorb nutrients. A shake is easy to digest and quick to consume. You don’t have to carry around a full meal in a container.
That said, he made an important distinction. Protein shakes should not completely replace real food. Whole food sources of protein like chicken, beef, fish, eggs, and other nutrient-dense options provide vitamins, minerals, and other benefits that shakes do not fully replicate. Protein powder is a supplement. It is not a replacement for an entire diet.
For anyone wondering if protein shakes are healthy, the answer from the Generation Iron Podcast is clear: yes, they can be, as long as they are used as a tool and not as a crutch.
Kevin Hart’s Training Split: Is It Impressive?
One of the main topics of the episode was the training routine of actor and comedian Kevin Hart. His weekly split looks like this:
- Monday – Lower Body
- Tuesday – Rest
- Wednesday – Chest
- Thursday – Back
- Friday – Full Body
- Saturday – Full Body
- Sunday – Active Recovery, Light Cardio
That is six training days with one rest day, plus added cardio and active recovery.
Victor Martinez had a surprising reaction. He said he does not find this level of dedication impressive. His reasoning was blunt: when you’re rich, you have no excuse not to be in shape.
With access to trainers, private gyms, top-tier nutrition, and flexible schedules, staying fit should be manageable. From Victor’s perspective, discipline is still required, but the obstacles are fewer.
That said, he did point out one issue with Kevin Hart’s split. The six days back to back every week can be taxing. Recovery is a major part of any successful training program. Without adequate rest, the risk of overtraining increases.
However, context matters. Kevin Hart is not trying to become a professional bodybuilder. He is not training to add massive size. His goal is to stay lean, athletic, and healthy. For that purpose, this split can work well.
The routine mixes lower body, upper body, full-body sessions, and active recovery. For someone aiming to maintain a strong, lean physique, it is more than enough.
The takeaway is that workout splits should match your goals. Kevin Hart’s plan fits his lifestyle and objectives. It may not be ideal for a competitive bodybuilder, but it does the job for overall fitness.
Why Do Bodybuilders Eat Rice Cakes?
Another topic tackled a common bodybuilding stereotype: rice cakes. Why do so many bodybuilders eat rice cakes? Are they healthier than regular rice? Is it about volume and feeling full?
Victor Martinez is no stranger to rice cakes. He explained that the real issue is portion control.
If you eat an entire box of rice cakes in one sitting, they are not healthy. Just like any other carbohydrate source, calories add up quickly. Overeating anything can derail your progress.
But rice cakes have one major advantage. They are a relatively light, low-fat snack that can help satisfy cravings. Compared to processed snacks like chips, cookies, and candy, rice cakes are a much cleaner option.
Victor described them as a way to “kill the craving.” When you want something crunchy or need to put something in your mouth to feel satisfied, rice cakes can act as a buffer. They divert you from eating something worse.
Are they a completely healthy snack? No. Are they significantly healthier than regular rice? Not necessarily in a dramatic way. However, they are simply convenient, easy to portion, and lower in fat than most snack foods. For bodybuilders managing strict diets, that matters.
The key, once again, is moderation.
RELATED: A Complete Guide To Some Of The Best Bodybuilding Snacks
Is It Okay to Eat Carbs After 5 p.m.?
The final major topic addressed a long-standing diet myth: Is it okay to eat carbs after 5 p.m., or should you only eat protein at night? Victor Martinez broke it down in simple terms. When people talk about cutting carbs in the evening, they are usually talking about weight loss.
The idea is that if you eat a large amount of carbohydrates late at night, you may go to bed with unused energy stored in your body. For some people, reducing carbs in the evening can help create a calorie deficit and support fat loss. However, the timing of carbs is not a universal rule.
Your metabolism plays a big role. Some people naturally burn energy faster. Genetics matter. Activity level matters. Total daily calorie intake matters even more.
If you are training in the evening, carbohydrates after 5 p.m. might make perfect sense. Your body needs to replenish glycogen and recover.
Victor’s broader point was that context always matters in nutrition. Blanket rules rarely apply to everyone. Instead of obsessing over the clock, focus on total calories, macronutrient balance, and your specific goals.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast stayed true to its core style. The hosts did not sugarcoat their answers. They focused on real-world application rather than theory.
For fans of bodybuilding, fitness, and honest conversation, the Generation Iron Podcast continues to deliver straightforward insight. Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin consistently bridge the gap between hardcore bodybuilding culture and everyday fitness questions.
This episode in particular addressed topics that many people think about but rarely discuss openly. That combination of experience, realism, and transparency is what keeps listeners coming back.
If you care about performance-enhancing drugs, nutrition timing, celebrity workout routines, or simple diet strategies like rice cakes and carb timing, this episode offered clear answers without hype.
And as Victor made clear more than once, whether it’s training, diet, or relationships, the foundation is always the same: discipline, responsibility, and knowing your goals.
