Victor Martinez weighs in on the alarming rise of steroid use among teens
The Generation Iron Podcast, hosted by Victor Martinez, Ehsan Farahi, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin, recently covered a range of topics from prison workout regimes to the modern-day steroid epidemic. Most notably, Victor Martinez warned that there has bee a massive increase in steroid use that will lead to increased deaths down the road.
Victor Martinez leads the pack again this week on a wide range of topics including:
- The truth about prison inmates’ shredded physiques
- How long should you train naturally before steroids?
- The alarming rise of PED abuse in young people. Are we in a steroid epidemic?
- Debunking high protein intake and kidney stones
- The biggest mistake most make when training light weight with more reps
As you can see, the topics this week vary across a wide spectrum ranging from PED use, tips on fitness diets, and training advice. Let’s dive in!
Fan Question: Prison Inmates’ Shredded Physiques
A fan posed an intriguing question: How do prison inmates manage to achieve shredded physiques despite having limited access to nutritious food, while regular gym-goers struggle despite having access to everything?
Victor Martinez provided a compelling explanation, highlighting that the primary reason inmates achieve such impressive physiques is due to the abundance of time and lack of distractions. In prison, there are no smartphones, internet, junk food, or other habits that can divert attention from fitness. Inmates’ routines are primarily composed of sleeping, eating, and working out. This focused environment allows them to dedicate themselves fully to their fitness goals without the temptations and distractions prevalent in the outside world.
To put it simply, there are not cheat meals in prison not because of strong will power but because there are literally not cheat meals available. Ever.
Victor’s Journey: Natural Training Before Steroids
When asked about his natural training period before turning to steroids, Victor did not specify the exact number of years. Instead, he emphasized the importance of having a supportive environment and a coach who did not push him towards steroids at a young age. Throughout his teenage years and early 20s, Victor trained naturally, learning what worked and what didn’t, and developing effective techniques.
This foundation of natural training allowed Victor to understand his body’s capabilities and limits without the aid of steroids. He stressed that a good coach should never insist on steroid use, leaving the decision to the individual.
Victor also noted that young bodybuilders often turn to steroids prematurely when their real issue lies in their diet. He shared his own experience of overcoming a plateau by meticulously adjusting his diet, underscoring the importance of trying various diets to find what works best for one’s body before considering performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
The Steroid Epidemic: Insights from Jeff Nippard and Victor Martinez
Jeff Nippard’s assertion that we are living in a “steroid epidemic” and his belief that steroid use at a young age can impair brain development sparked a significant discussion. Stating specifically,
“THE BRAIN DEVELOPS IN VERY, VERY HIGH LEVEL WAYS WELL INTO YOUR LATE 20S. IN SUBTLE WAYS THROUGH YOUR ENTIRE LIFESPAN. SO, UNTIL ABOUT YOUR MID-20S, I’D SAY THERE’S A HIGH PROBABILITY STEROIDS WILL STUNT YOUR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT.”
Victor Martinez agreed with Nippard, attributing the epidemic to the pervasive influence of social media. Unlike the past, where steroid knowledge was limited to gyms and personal interactions, today’s social media platforms have made information about steroids widely accessible.
Victor pointed out that the easy access to steroids via online sources has led to increased usage and, consequently, more health risks. He emphasized the need for parents to be vigilant and proactive in educating their children about the dangers of steroids. Victor stressed that raising awareness is crucial, as many people remain oblivious to the widespread use of steroids among young individuals. Without awareness, combating this epidemic is challenging.
“More people are using it and more people will die.”
– Victor Martinez on steroid abuse in the United States
RELATED: Bodybuilders Are Dying – An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Protein Intake and Kidney Stones
The podcast also addressed concerns about high protein diets and their potential link to kidney stones. Referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s newsletter, which suggested that high protein diets do not directly cause kidney stones, Victor concurred but added that neglecting other nutritional needs and insufficient hydration are significant factors.
“STUDIES SUGGEST THAT HIGHER-PROTEIN DIETS ARE NOT A DIRECT CAUSE OF KIDNEY STONES. HOWEVER, IGNORING OTHER NUTRITIONAL NEEDS WHILE EATING MORE PROTEIN COULD INCREASE YOUR RISK.”
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
Victor advised that instead of worrying about protein intake alone, individuals should ensure they drink enough water and maintain a balanced diet. He highlighted the early symptoms of kidney stones, such as lower back pain, dark urine, and yellowing eyes, urging listeners to seek medical advice if they experience these signs.
Inspirational Story: Nigerian Bodybuilder Overcoming Adversity
Victor gave a heartfelt shout-out to a Nigerian bodybuilder who suffered severe burns on 75% of his body due to an explosion. Despite his injuries, this bodybuilder has continued to inspire others by promoting a positive outlook and demonstrating that economic hardship should not be a barrier to fitness.
Victor praised this individual’s resilience and encouraged listeners to support his recovery by donating. This story serves as a reminder of the power of social media to inspire and bring about positive change.
The Rock’s Training Philosophy: Light Weights and High Reps
Finally, the podcast discussed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s preference for training with lighter weights and higher reps. Victor agreed that this approach makes sense for The Rock, given his age. Heavy lifting with low reps may yield minimal results and increase the risk of injury for older individuals.
Victor clarified that lighter weights and higher reps do not mean using weights that are too easy to lift. The goal is to use manageable weights that still provide a challenge, ensuring continued progress without risking injury.
Wrap Up
The Generation Iron Podcast continues to be a valuable resource for fitness enthusiasts, offering a blend of practical advice, personal experiences, and thoughtful discussions on contemporary issues. From addressing misconceptions about prison workouts to highlighting the steroid epidemic and providing insights into effective training methods, this episode was both informative and inspiring. Victor Martinez, along with his co-hosts, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about bodybuilding and fitness.
By covering these diverse topics, the podcast not only educates its audience but also fosters a sense of community and support among fitness enthusiasts. Whether discussing the disciplined routines of prison inmates or the responsible use of steroids, the Generation Iron Podcast remains committed to promoting healthy, informed, and sustainable approaches to bodybuilding.
You can watch the full episode above! And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
