Why Use Steroids? 

As a natty, a 600lbs dead, 500 squat, and 350 bench is very impressive. You are a monster sir.

As a 32 year old natural bodybuilder that has been considering using gear in the last few months, feeling discouraged, I needed to hear this. Thank you for inspiring me again.

It's a shame the fitness industry isn't full of people like you. I've followed a slew of people over the last ten years and you are the best.

Even for looks: When you as a natural think you cant be aesthetic, its not the lack of steroids you have to fix, but your body dysmorphia.

I drove up to Sactown this weekend and dropped by the gym. I’m super impressed with how your business has grown and I wish you the best luck going forward as a father, husband and gym owner. Wanted to buy a shirt, but I’ll grab one online. I got a cool picture of me in front of the gym. You’ve been my favorite fitness RU-vidr for 5 years and I’ve been encouraged and inspired to keep training by your honesty, positivity, and the straightforward nature of your videos. Keep it up brother.

Good video! I'm not sure how old you are, but having been on the side of the coin where I took steroids for 9 years, I understand avoiding them now with having a family and wanting to live longer. I don't necessarily regret having done it as it opened some doors, but with a wife and baby now, it's off the table. It's not just about me anymore. You grow up. I'll never stop the pursuit of strength, but nowadays I have to be smarter about it. I respect the video though. Staying away from the temptation and being a lifetime natural is no easy feat anymore with the ease of access to them!

Fact: You ARE a role model to many people. It's because you are the person you are. Getting on gear would really churn the viewership and probably your gym membership, too.

I think we've reached a tipping point where more people will watch guys like you BECAUSE you look natural. People have had enough of the juiced up lying influencers that we can never look like without going on gear.

I think Alan has the best and healthiest mindset ever when it comes to lifting

I went through a steroid hell a number of years ago. In truth, I had emotional and mental health problems which made me obsessed with the gym. It was quite toxic. Then I went to "the dark side" and started taking steroids. All my mental health problems magnified. Without doubt, the darkest time of my life. How did I stop? By addressing the root cause of my problems and finding healthy solutions. That was hard too, but at least there was light at the end.

As someone who first learned to Squat, Bench & Deadlift from your videos I just want to say a big thank you for sticking to your morals your outlook on life in general. I’ve recommended you to every friend who’s started their lifting journey and it shows later down the line the difference your videos have compared to other fitness RU-vidrs.

Awesome video. Reminds me of something Rod Serling said about writing: “If you need drugs to be a good writer, you’re not a good writer.” Replace writer with athlete and it still works.

Good talk track. I'm still managing to push my numbers but it's a slower and harder process. On the brightside setting new rep PRs, or accomplishing similar top lifts at a lower body weight is still winning to me.

9:04 "salami scrotum" omfg, that had me rolling! Thanks for that laugh! Totally caught me off guard with that one!

I am 24 years old, and not naturally strong. Hell I'd consider myself pretty weak. But your videos helped me so much. I went from Starting Strength and struggling to squat 135 with good form, to 295x5 the other day. Which I know what people will think, that isn't even a lot. But it's a lot for me. I think that's what matters. In this day and age, we compare ourselves so much to other people, it's hard to sit with and feel accomplished for our own feats. It's important to accept who we are. That doesn't mean complacency, but love, patience, and understanding. That's where progress should come from, not from jealousy or frustration. Thank you Alan.

This is the part of the journey of strength training that no one talks about. Getting older and recognizing your best is behind you and asking yourself if you're willing to take the next step.

Salami scrotum or sunburned nutsack actually made me snort while laughing 🤣🤣 it took me awhile to find and get interested in this channel, but it quickly became one of my favourites. The steroid junkies can sell all the bullshit they want, The humble and down to earth approach is far more valuable in my books. Keep doing what you do 👍

And that is why your YT channel is by far my favorite channel, I'm sure I'm not alone on this one.

Very well thought out Alan. I, like you, have spent my life and career in and around the gym and working out. At 58 currently, I am so proud of myself for staying away from the temptation that surrounded me, especially back in the 80's when I was in my early to late 20's , working and working out at Steroid central Golds Gym San Francisco when it was on Valencia St. in the Mission. God there were some freaks there taking all sorts of shit, and getting huge, beating up and or killing (in one case) their girlfriends, meanwhile I was the guy with the "potential" whom my co-workers kept pushing the juice on. I came close but knew enough to know that it is a slippery slope and as I was more athlete than bodybuilder I stuck by my guns and am about the healthiest 58 year old I know. Peace! Rest in peace, Michael Thurmond!

Good on ya man. You’re a good fella.

Serious truth bombs, Alan. You continue to earn my major respect.

the liver king jab is 9000% deserved, always love to hear your thoughts on these things

You seemed to have preserved your values over time. I think that comes from a strong upbringing. If your gym was near me, I’d definitely feel comfortable having my kids train at your gym one day.

Alan, as personal trainer myself ,and training center owner i have to say that this video is pure gold,as long time follower of you, since your very first videos on how to squat and dead lift,( you made me buy all Rippetoe books lol )i remember watching the video with Meg squats and the other trainers years ago, and couldnt agree more with your point of view.... thank you very much for all you give to the fitness community, and being an inspiration. Kind regards from Tenerife, Spain

My life goal is attaining this dude's legs.

Allan I met you at Disneyland about 5 - 6 years ago and your still one of my fav RU-vidrs Thanks for all your help

Great points and great video, Alan. I'm 52, I've lifted since I was 18, and lifting for me has always been about lifetime goals -- the kind of person I wanted to be when I turned 40 or 50 or 60 or 70. I have taken years off from lifting to do other athletic pursuits, like rock climbing, squash, soccer and volleyball, but I will never give it up, not completely, and Alan you head the nail on the head talking about steroids and your lifetime goals too. Cheers

As a dad trying to stay healthy and strong for my kids, I’m with ya man. They would appreciate my longevity and independence in old age (God willing!) far more than my size.

I've been following you consistently for the last couple of years now. Honestly I've learnt to squat & deadlift correctly from your videos only. I really appreciate your thoughts and your honesty. Keep hustling 💪

I stayed natural my whole life and, at 45 am so glad I did. Happy and proud of my 505 squat, 610 deadlift and 410 bench..... but I knew I would need to gain unhealthy bodyweight to get any stronger. Now just staying ripped and having fun doing calisthenics and being outdoors

Steroids honestly ruined my life and ruined the love of lifting I had when I was natural

Per your first video I often have the thought now “If I were on gear I wouldn’t know my true potential”. Last week I hit 375 at 41 yrs on bench and I am completely nat. I would hate to have psychologically robbed myself of the extremely hard fought goal of getting where I am. Thanks for the vid.

Watching you grow so much for the past 6+ years has been so inspirational dude. You have been a huge influence for me and how I train. Thanks man.

Great video, love how honest and humble you are. Very refreshing in this community.

Alan, as a former Untamed Strength member, I moved back to SoCal, I can attest to all you possess solid Honor, Integrity, and Fidelity, you are the real deal, a class act. Untamed Strength is an awesome place because of the tone set by you, and all the members, especially the fantastic ladies of the gym Tara, Ginger, and Tiana, and Poka (gym mascot) too! I wish you much luck and prosperity for the future, for the gym, your wife and kids. You are a fantastic role model for your kids, and the high schoolers you work with. Best, Curtis.

Bro, you're such a Gem for the Gym/Fitness world out there. I can't imagine how many young fellas getting mislead to buy shitty unhealthy sups or even being tempted to get into using Steroids and destroying their health. Due to social media now i see a lot of very young dudes between 16 and 19 getting into ROIDS and it makes me sad that they feel like having to take this to achieve what?? There are not many people with integrity that are actually honest and take care for our fellow brothers and sisters. You are the right role model. Thanks Alan

Another solid take from Adam Paul. Your takes are always super level headed and awesome

If you're a non-pro, it's insanity to hop on gear. Do you really want to sacrifice your heart, liver, kidneys, health, decades of life/health, testicular fortitude, etc., for more muscle just "for looks"? You'll be shackled financially too and hooked for life...

Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 That was the most heartfelt, honest and real take on staying a natty I've ever seen. You're a grounded, fantastic inspiration who's got his priorities figured out. Thanks for posting this! I hope this gets huge exposure.

Man, this video is pure gold. Thank you for putting such a high quality content as well as congrats for keeping your integrity to the top, definitely a person to look up to.

I had some goofy cycle prepared, and then I kept seeing all this conflicting shit about PCT and what ancillary stuff to take, realizing if I got gyno, I had no way to pay for the surgery, and then just realizing that nobody pays me to lift weights. I'll never be a pro athlete in any capacity lol. There's no reason to fuck up your endocrine system just for the sake of getting stronger, unless you're like 1 in a million and there's career potential involved.

Man I vividly remember that video because it was the moment I started following Meg squats too. Damn 6 years. Thanks for all the content through all the years.

This is EXACTLY what I have been preaching to my son and his friends. I am sharing this with them all. As a new power lifter, even lifter at starting 43, I’m 46 now, I have that internal battle of going on some magic potion that can keep me competitive. That black cloud of guilt is a B! State records as a 100% natty > never winning American record on gear 💪🏼

I've always felt this channel puts off a great vibe and attitude towards training. Alan is just a likeable, good dude, who puts absolutely everything into training, it's very admirable. I haven't watched the channel in YEARS, and completely forgot about the "train untamed" at the end... something about the tone of this video made it feel COMPLETELY out of left field, and absolutely hilarious. Love that its still his "signature" after all this time growing the channel!

when I first started my powerlifting journey, I turned to your videos for form. I didnt have anyone to ask personally. since then I have went on to set state national and world records in drug tested IPL and USPA meets. I want to see how strong my body can be natural. you still got way more in the tank. At 47 years of age, Im still setting PRs and will until I can't. I, like you am a lifetime Natty, nothing against anyone who does use PEDs, I just want to see what my body is capable of on its own. one day the ache for power will return and I want to see how far you can take your body naturally. trust me your PR's can fall naturally.

As a hobby/recreational lifter, PEDs make no sense to me. Seeing PR: s go up is fun, but I'd just feel like everything I did was fake. Building a skill set and understanding the craft is everything to me and if I can't do it natty, why do it? I intend to keep lifting for the next 50-something years. When it comes to social media and such, I just can't take enhanced people seriously. "With these three simple exercises... and my vitamin pills, you'll be as jacked as I am!"

Thanks for the thoughts and your attitude.

I needed to hear this. thanks man 👍

"Taking the scenic route" is one of the best ways you can describe the mindset of staying natty. It's about the journey, the act of simply coming in and trying to reach your goal is enough for me. Lifting is like how Albert Camus described Sisphyus rolling the rock up the hill, with a smile.

Actually one of the best responses I’ve seen, was thinking about taking them for a while but you and others have shown me its not worth it, quoting you “doesn’t make me a better person” natural is healthier and better for you and the people around you mentally as well

I'm so glad to hear someone say this. I share these same thoughts. I used steriods briefly in my 20s and saw the effects when I stopped. I didn't want to continue the cycle like you said always having that dark cloud and worrying about losing gains. I have been natural since and feel like it was that right choice for me. My gains are genuine and stick around as long as I can continue to lift. Im in my 40s now and still getting stronger with hard work and dedication.

Alan you've always been an inspiration for my lifting journey, I view your progress as a goal I could reach without steroids. You've always told me hard truths about general lifting and health that have helped me and changed the way I look at health. Having watched you for so long I also respect seeing how much you've learned and changed. Best wishes to you and your family.

Always enriching content. Thank you so much for sharing your thougths! Greetings from Germany.

Yet another reason Im glad I support and go to Untamed. Good shit Alan

Your videos have taught me so many things, how to deadlift, squat, overhead press... I know the proper technique and I am honestly grateful that a guy like you exists. I've found out about you thanks to my older brother, but since we can't see each other very often, he told me to visit your vids for a reference. Be relieved, it has been almost a year since I moved the bar. :D

Really solid video. I've been considering getting on steroids recently as I feel I'm not as strong as I should be, but what you said about being happy with what I've been able to achieve really spoke to me. Thanks for this vid and all the other videos you've done.

You are so solid bro. I wish there were more guys out there like you. I'm about 6ft tall and about 160#. I got up to about 169# last winter and was able to deadlift 240, squat 205, and bench 155. That was an accomplishment for me. I've lost some muscle since then and intend to hit the weights again regularly as the weather cools and my work slows down over the winter (I pour concrete for a living). Looking forward to incrementally making gains over the years slowly but surely. My goal is to hit 225 on bench. I believe I can get there with time. No steroids for this skinny boi.

For me strength training came as something to do to recover from bad habits and addictions. So i’ll never take any drug for it. I fell in love with these sports because it improves me, and the rest is just added benefits. Drugs would just ruin for me.

Thanks for the honest and insightful video Allan

Great video Alan. I've been a subscriber for years and remember when your original video on the subject came out. Glad to hear your thoughts on the topic, how your views have evolved, and how your decision remains the same. Much respect for you.

I absolutely hate that I need to take testosterone for health reasons. I can't not take it; without the injections, I literally become a zombie, unable to get up in the morning, unable to concentrate, total anhedonia, feeling awful every day, and that's not withdrawal, but my natural state (before I ever began TRT). I hate that I have to take it, because now that I'm healthy (at 450 ng/dL, which isn't super-man levels) I can't lift without someone wondering or implying that I'm cheating. To all you people who don't need steroids or hormones, ENJOY IT. You're living MY dream. I can never compete or do anything "clean" because I'm on drugs by default just to exist, much less lift. I would trade so much to just not have to take medicine for the rest of my life, and having slightly better lifts would be the first thing I'd trade.

Alan, class act! Your journey is impressive in every aspect, as lifter, as videoartist, as coach. Thank you for this one. It’s proof you’re a role model for young people. I bet your a great dad, too. Without hearing the mother.

Strangely your videos haven't popped up for me in a while! Looking good and keep up the great content.

Sage words. appreciate your time and effort to get this message out.

About 7-8 years ago I needed to lose weight and get back into shape. You were the first person on RU-vid I came across and I have followed you since because your stuff is actually real and genuine. Appreciate that you are staying natty!

You just touched all the reasons why, at 56, I never took any drugs to enhance my size or strength. Did I set any records or become notable in any sport? No. But I’m a fitness addict with no regrets or drastic regression-other than periods I didn’t lift. No guilt and no regrets! I don’t judge users, it was just always a point of self-pride to stay natural. Continued blessing to you and family . “TRAIN UNTAINTED” 😜

This was good to listen to. I have noticed a difference in the way people see me and treat me since I declined from my peak strength at 29/30/31 years old. Similar to what you described. I have been back & forth trying to put the muscle back on and match and beat my PRs but ultimately finding it unsustainable to train how I did when I was at peak strength and mass. When I was bigger and stronger, I noticed sometimes that people at my unit generally took my input more seriously and that felt good. It has been a journey experiencing the change in self-confidence and realizing it might be time to pursue some different goals and training approaches. There are other frontiers of fitness than peak strength. For example, Stamina and endurance is a great frontier to explore as human lungs don't fully develop until age 20-25 or later for some. Those attributes certainly WOULD improve quality of life for most, and be helpful to everyday life for parents, military, nurses, or pretty much any profession. A nother point I needed to hear from your video was just that you don't need to take steroids or even be at peak strength to look and feel good. Anyway, this was a long comment but thanks for the uplifting share today. It really helped get my mind right.

Thanks Alan . You keep people in the gym because of your honesty. You show people an attainable gym lifestyle and it’s awesome. I really appreciate you and your videos

One of the reasons why I appreciate your content, and I'm sure it's the same for others, is your honesty and openness when it comes to the things you do. A lot of the stuff you post is about your own learning curves, and for some of us, that is what really matters to us. Having a good time in the gym with good people and having an improved quality of life because of it is enough reason to keep being more "natty" than to take steroids and to chase numbers.

As someone who started going to the Gym to lose weight for health reasons, and now have an added goal to build more muscles, increasing My strength to lift more, I've come to know the existence of Steroids but honestly like what Alan said it really is counterproductive in the long run, really appreciate him making this video. We need more people like him that really represents this perspective.

Great perspective, and great points you made. Thank you Alan!

I think I needed this video more at this exact moment than I can ever explain to you. Thank you very much!

Thanks Alan. I always thought I would go on TRT once I turned 40, but telling myself "this doesn't life anything else in my life" is something that I never thought about!

Big respect From Tunisia 🇹🇳...am waiting to long to hear something about stroids...this video Come in time... 90% of athletes in Instagram are messing with hormones it's a sad truth specialy when you see a young powerlifters seeking for Testosterone instead of working on their form and program

Insightful and genuine as always, thanks Alan.

Love you Alan! Incredible content as always.

I'm with you. My deadlift squat and bench might be laughed at by other people but I put in the with for what little I got. I'm proud of doing it naturally. No one would ever look at me and claim I was using, so I don't have to worry about that. I'm not going to fault someone for it, but why not try and push your limits naturally. Keep building yourself up, being a devoted man and God Bless!

Alan, I’ve been following you since 2015 and gotta say that you are truly someone who I idolize. From everything you have accomplished in life, to everything you teach, it’s definitely benefited me more than just in the gym. Thanks for everything you do man.

You are the best! Thanks for your honesty

Well said, nice work Alan! Great video!

This might be weird, but I really like that you've shown off pictures of your physique over the years because it gives me a good "standard" of what a natural lifter looks like or can look like. There's so many fake nattys. Whenever someone asks me if someone is on steroids I find a picture of you at your various weights to compare it to. obviously genetics play a role as does time spent training. But a lot of my friends are dumbfounded when I pull up pictures of you or henry caville or any other guy whos really strong with years of training. It puts it in perspective how warped peoples expectations are about lifting.

This is a very mature approach. I think the best use for steroids to is to repair athletic injuries faster when applicable under medical supervision for both dosing and physical therapy.

We need a lot more people like you in the fitness industry. Thank you so much for your clarity of thought and passion for genuine health.

really like this perspective. Thank you

The longer I've been into the fitness the more I realize it's about the journey not the destination and that's what keeps me coming back. Very thankful I've stayed natty.

I’ve done steroids. It was fun. I don’t recommend doing anymore than one cycle. You have to have mental fortitude to not abuse it and know what you are doing.

I want to be that 70yr ripped dude at the gym still putting up respectable numbers and be an inspiration to the younger guys

Really appreciate this message. I agree 100% and admire Alan for this.

Props buddy! Much respect.. I've been watching your videos on and off for years, and you've always been a legit dude. And I can't believe how lean you've gotten! You used to be a real fat boy like me :)

Love the perspective! Personally, I wouldn't use them for many of the same reasons you brought up and, again like you, I get why some people do to reach certain goals. At 44 years old, though, I can definitely also relate to the idea that my strongest lifts are likely behind me. It can be a bit of a harsh realization at times.

It's been a wonderful motivation to listen to you all these years mate, whatever you decide now or in the future just keep being honest to yourself.

Thanks for keeping it real and honest!

Makes alot of sense to me. Great answers

Thanks Alan. Full of truths. People take steroids because on way or another they don't think they're good enough.

Great video Alan. I admire your Honesty and Sincerity.🏋🏻‍♂️

I literally just subscribe to your channel because of this video and now the respect I have for you!!! I have been following you for a while but just saw this video watched it and just gained so much more respect for you !!!!! Keep up the great work bro !

Alan the legend giving us the 💯. Much respect brother

I don't think steroid guys are generally any more satisfied with their strength or muscle mass than natties. It just takes the numbers you tell yourself you'd be happy with higher. Let's say you're not a great bench presser, and you tell yourself you'd be soooo happy if you could bench 3 plates. Then you start taking steroids, and lo and behold, you eventually do bench 3 plates. Are you going to be happy with it? No, cause now you're enhanced, and now you're pissed off you can "only" do 3 plates even with steroids. So next you say if you could just bench 4 plates, you'd be soooo happy, and on it goes.

Very thoughtful, thank you for sharing.

This is the first time I've ever seen you but from your video and from what people are saying about you in the comments, I fully support and encourage you and wish you success in all areas of your life!! Keep it up! You're strong minded and good role model.