It's even more impressive what he has done with strongman exersises such as tireflip, farmer walk and atlas stones. He's so freaking strong in those mobility movements
@@BM-si2ei yeah his numbers, in my opinion anyways, are so high that I'm surprised that he doesn't have any kind of record in anything. I know plenty of people that did steroids and never got that strong. I bet a lot of records are pretty well padded by "natural" lifters though. I haven't watched his videos in a while. Did he actually compete in anything?
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.
I'm 32 and just getting started. Thanks for sharing your age because I feel like an old man. I seems like everyone I see or talk to about working out is somewhere between 14-25.
@@FirinMahLazer1 hey, I just turned 44, fine tune your macros/micros ( check out Stan Efferding Vertical diet) and general health with a blood panel. dial in sleep hygiene and get methodical on a training program ( I like starting strength) the "old man" feeling goes away !
@@A-A-RonDavis2470 Someone told me "how you look in your 30s is going to determine how you look in your 60s" and it scared the shit out of me. No way I can let this be the start of a downhill slide for the next 30 years. I'm getting my ass into shape believe me.
Society in a Hollywoodized/fitness influencer world knows how good dedicated hard-working people on gear can look, that's become the gold standard and there's no unseeing it for anyone. Those people aren't fake strong, they're unnaturally strong...huge difference. Even Alan who's trained his whole life looks like a turkey neck compared to the ripped guys on PEDs taking photos of themselves. Can't help but respect they look great, can't help but wonder if that much dedication to the craft is worth it generally speaking when rent is due by the 1st of the month.
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!
A wise decision especially since after using steroids for so long to maintain the effects you no longer need large doses. Unless you've come down from dosages completely to zero? If so, how much time did you need to get back to "normal", I'm curious. I have been on steroids myself since 2017 from 2020 only TRT sometimes I wonder how long it may take me to completely stop using it's why i ask.
@@TH-camChillZone I've been on nothing (no TRT, no sarms, no turkesterone, nada) for 22 months. November will be the two year mark. It took me about a year and a half to feel "normal". As Allan discussed, I pretty much lost all of my strength coming off and had to start back at square one. I'm still trying to climb back to some extent. It depends on how long you were on and how hard you cycled as far as recovery time. It's not an easy journey, but I've talked to some others who have pulled it off as well.
@@PeteRubish Thank you for your response. Thanks to you I have another opinion that it is still worth being on TRT I have taken things in the past but TRT allows me to keep 80% of what I had on the cycle so I will not give it up, especially since my markers are perfect. I started to be interested in the path to naturalness, but everyone I ask replies the same that they need over a year to come back and lose everything 😐
@@sagebauer1077 You're right, I found myself TRT is good enough to keep most of what I did on high doses although I must admit that I would like to know how much a world-class competitor like Larry has to take.
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 have a lot of respect for Alan, his fitness level and strength, I would not think it is possible for a natty. I look up to him. He raises the bar for all nattys. all hail the natty king..
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 TH-camr 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.
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 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.
Proud of you man. That isn't an easy road to go through and come out the other side a changed person, so that's super impressive. No amount of steroids could make you as strong as you are now.
@@cinqtonic504 Thank you for your very generous and kind reply. You're right, getting through something like that takes a lot of strength and something to be proud of. I really appreciate your message. Best wishes to you going forward too.
@u⃞ p⃞ s⃞ t⃞ a⃞ n⃞ d⃞ e⃞ r⃞ that he had mental heath problems going into it. It’ll make you more of who you are, so if you have anger or emotional issues it’ll amplify that. Only go into it if you’re stable and life is stable
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 TH-camrs.
💯 💶 he's really smart . not saying I don't listen to advice from guys who juice because it's still very relevant if they understand strength...but I like his message. I never usually post comments but just wanted to pay some respect where it's due. he's not Kalimuscle...lol he lied just to get clout or maybe he really was dumb enough to think people would believe him..but he's still funny sometimes to watch. he went nuts a few times and he really was mad...about the gay for pay ohh maan 🤣 he lost his breath in that vid.
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.
You can be proud of yourself for being able to squat nearly 300 pounds for 5 reps!!! That’s A LOT! Anyway, I feel like while squats, deadlifts and bench press etc. are absolutely building strength and can build a ton of that, we tend to disconnect it from life. High numbres are clearly motivating, but one might have higher numbres, but got no significant difference in everyday life, running speed or whatever.
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...
Sacrifice? Dr Mike Israetel says if you take less than a gram weekly of the safer compounds you most likely won't experience any of what your saying. Prove him wrong...
Would cruising on low doses of test count as what you described? Not I'd do it but just wondering if you'd categorise blasting gear and cruising on test in the same range
Guy you listen to too much scare people the truth is that a good dose has no side effects other than testicular artrophy. For a year I have been on 78mg a week, I have been regularly checked, my markers are in perfect condition. What you write about can only happen if someone does everything wrong or is simply greedy
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.
@@swansong5960 Agreed. The biohacker part of me wants to see just how far we can take the human body with chemical interventions. However, the traditionalist part of me wants to see the natural peak of human physiology forged by impeccable work ethic and nutrition.
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.
And achieving other physical feats too. I am an early intermediate lifter, and I don't just want a 300 kg deadlift and 100 kg+ OHP etc., but also I wanna be able to do a handstand, a walking handstand, a backflip, and I want use my physical abilities. I wanna go places, lift real things, have children and go out in nature with them and use my strength to carry us forward. I wanna go to the North Pole.
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.
I chose to remain a work in progress and stay the course because its natural and fun to me. I lift as much as I can, jog-run as much as I can and take the protein shakes to maintain overall health.
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
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
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
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!
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 💪
@@BO2Letsplay the benefits of steroids are not worth the side effects. When I was natural I was very in tune with my body. When it came to training, nutrition and mental state. I knew how my body reacted to what I ate and how I trained. Steroids changes this especially during pct. You go from feeling great on cycle to feeling like shit during pct and feeling weaker than when you where natural. This yo-yo of gains then loses I hated vs the generally linear gains I had when natural. When I natural I could train hard 365 days a year. Steroids changed me mentally giving me depression and anxiety. Also the first time you experience some for of ED will make you regret steroids. I think ruining a healthy HTPA axis with steroids (which I had) is not worth it.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm generally pretty curious to hear how steroids change people's approach and mindset to lifting and life in general, and if talked about more it could help people make more informed choices, whereas some people might gloss over long term health effects and defer it to their future selves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
@@adam_bbing yeah but fix some aspects of your lifestyle and I bet many of the “low T symptom” guys will feel a lot better. Genuinely hypogonadal people who can’t produce enough T to have a decent quality of life, are the minority. Stay natty my friends
@@adam_bbing I call bullshit on most of these "low t" dudes. I agree with Nito that the vaaaassst majority would benefit from simple lifestyle changes.
@@swansong5960 I don't have any numbers on this issue, but personally I've tried a lot of stuff and made a lot of changes to my lifestyle and they didn't do shit to my low T. It's not bullshit but you can believe whatever you want. TRT saved me. Literally it saved my life and I will never go off T unless I have no other choice.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 👍
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.
I’m the same. 6’1” 165. I also used to pour concrete. (Truck driver now, way easier on my back!) My lifts are shit, but I’ll keep grinding away naturally
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.
"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.
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 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!"
Same thing I was thinking. unless you're getting paid millions of dollars as a professional athlete, whats the point of gear? never understood why anyone would take it unless they were getting compensation to do so.
The way I see it, I will always lift weights. Therefore, I have a lot of time to get stronger. I also want to prove that natural guys can be strong. Yes, genetics play a role. But with everything else in alignment, you can get strong.
Not a PED user myself, but do you have the same view on straps, belts, shoes, wraps and sleeves? Wouldn't they also be non-natural ways of lifting weights, as it isn't 'you' who is lifting the weight?
@@seanjones8444 None of these impact health metrics whatsoever. They don’t increase muscle mass, or alter neuromuscular activation. But steroids absolutely do
Gear or not, gains aren't forever. People always talk about coming off of steroids like you'll shrink back to being 100lb bodyweight at 10 years old. If you stop training, or get too old, PERIOD... you will lose gains.
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.
About 7-8 years ago I needed to lose weight and get back into shape. You were the first person on TH-cam I came across and I have followed you since because your stuff is actually real and genuine. Appreciate that you are staying natty!
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.
I’ve been in HRT for 6 years. I’m 45. I took cycles of steroids for years starting at age 19. It screwed my endocrine system bad. They are not worth it!
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 hear you, just like in my career there are tests that stand to boost your pay scale quickly (IT certification tests). I know guys who have passed naturally and ones who have cheated. There have been surprises in both lanes. But, I'd rather be an honest failure than a dishonest success because the soul can only handle so many cuts before it's just shreds of what it could have been.
state records don't mean shit though in most cases. in Powerlifting there are so many different feds, weight classes, age divisions, and types (raw, raw w/ wraps, bench/dead only). Powerlifting isn't a heavily participated in sport, also worth noting most powerlifters are male. If I competed as a junior, before I even knew what powerlifting was, I'd STILL be holding the records for my state. But even then, I knew guys who were much stronger than me at the same age and we were close in weight. I'd respect someone with a well rounded elite total WAY more than someone who's been training for 2yrs with a few state records under their belt because they never had any genuine competition.
I’ve been a casual follower but this video made me angry I haven’t watched more of your content. Respect for putting your personal opinion on this out there in this way. Great job
Good take. At what point would replacement therapy be on the table? When you can't sleep? When you can't get it up? When you can't keep focus? I think this conversation looks different at 60 than in your 30s.
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
Good for you Alan. I’m disgusted with almost all the strength and bodybuilding influencers on TH-cam. People lying to their followers, spreading lies and misinformation. You are one of the very few with integrity and honesty. Much respect.
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” 😜
My plan for when the gains slow down is to move into endurance or a sport, I think David Goggins said that the thing with motivation is that you need to find it everyday
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.
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.
If you are depressed, lethargic, have no drive, no sex drive, due to low natural testosterone (like I had), it most certainly does increase your quality of life and can benefits other than muscle building. I'm talking about conservative TRT doses, not blasting. Very few side effects. It's not all about muscle building or strength gain. Testosterone plays many roles in the body, and has helped many people in those areas.
I tried 'roids just out of curiosity for a brief time and yes it worked, but as you said at 4:50 - working out suddenly became boring. I knew every PR and all the progress is just credit of the steroid, I myself achieved nothing.
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.
Thank you for this video, one of my close relatives was raving about going on tren, we watched this video together and he changed his mind. Thank you my friend. big fan, im also new to strongman. watch your channel all the time
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.
Sylvester Stallone is a counter point to that. If anything steroids are an excellent way to improve health and longevity for older guys whose natural supply fell off a cliff
Ive never used them, I somtimes wonder WHAT IF but I'm mostly to scared to use them. Ive had cancer, my dad had cancer twice, my brother and mother both had cancer...so its kinda common in my familie. My fear would be taking roids and then superboosting some cancer cells/tumor I have in my body that I am unware of... I'm not really against roids, I just tell people when the subject comes up to make sure they see a doctor for their bloodwork, and proper cycle on and off.
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.
Been listening to this man for yrs. Gear or no gear, he is educated, speaks well, and is a great representative for strength training. Absolutely love this guy. And always remember.............TRAIN UNTAMED!!!!!!!!
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!
I don't particularly see why being natty is something worth respecting. It just means there's less dedication there usually. In Alan's case the impressive thing is that he got ped numbers while being natty. Otherwise, six of one/half dozen of another, we're all just making lifestyle choices- and being natty is both cheaper and less complicated
@@james3876 being natty means not putting something that can cause ligament and joint damage and enlarging of the heart. Many many cases of premature deaths are factually reported annually. I'm sure there is a smart way to use but why use at all unless, like he said, you are trying to be the best in the world. I have no TH-cam following. I have no Instagram. No gym. No sponsors. I'm 43 years old. I'm one of the strongest people in my circle and I'm 5'9". There is nothing to be ashamed of. You can have your opinions, but that's all they are is opinions.
@@james3876 I guess most people in the fitness industry have the same mindset as you nowadays, which is why it's a shithole. Literally calling someone "less dedicated" because they don't wanna inject drugs into themselves. We are long due for another extinction event at this point.
@@fredmann5019 how do steroids cause ligament and joint damage? I use them because there's no reason not to unless you don't love training. PEDs = look and feel better, people instantly respect you if you stand out for being jacked as hell, sex is CRAZY while on gear, more female attention, higher mass/strength ceiling. If training and making progress is something you really love, why would you opt to NOT continue progressing for a longer period of time? As long as you get bloods done and don't abuse the harsh androgenic stuff, they're really not dangerous at all. Just 500mg test will lean you out a bit, allow you to eat more and better partition nutrients (glycogen rather than fat storage, which makes you look full and pumped as fuck), make you stronger in the short term, but allow you to continually progress significantly farther than you would've gotten naturally. It's definitely not for everyone, but I love everything about the gym. My whole life revolves around it so it's a no-brainer for me. If you just lift casually to get out of the house and kind of stay in shape, probably not worth it. But for me the positives massively outnumber the negatives
@@micskra As I stated before, I have no issues with people being on gear or cycling. It's just not for me. I feel more accomplished doing it naturally. I'm happy that it works for you. Best of luck to you on your strength journey and God Bless.
When I started training I was obsessed over both muscle and strength gain like many newer lifters, but nowadays I enjoy the process much more, experiment with different methods and accept the slow but sure gains. Many other long-term natural lifters seem to have adopted a similar mindset. I'm curious to know if steroid users also reach a similar approach, or if the steroids become a "black cloud" (as Alan put it) that compels them to keep pushing the limits in both dosages and training. I think the most important consideration is that steroids aren't something that you can "hop on" and then "hop off" when you're done with it. Instead of helping you get to your end goal faster and keep it, much of the gains will be lost and all you're left with is potential long-term negative health effects.
At the end of the day your left with nothingifting weights here and there is ok but your bot getting better at anything go try boxing or something learn a skill instead of worrying about looks
Such a good take. My son is a little over a year and a half old and my priorities have changed so much from lifting to family. My relationship with my wife and my son, building a family and a great life are my priorities. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wrestle with the prospect of not being as strong as I was once. It makes me feel like less of myself, but I’m slowly starting to realizing that having a 500 vs 600 deadlift makes zero difference in my relationship with my wife, my son, my work life or my social life. Needed this video. Thanks, Alan.
Just being happy with what you have is almost a lost concept these days, at least for some. When you know you have put in the work and have fought hard for your results then one should be happy and proud of that!
Yes, Alan pretty much solidified the main reason underpinning (pun intended) why I'd never use steroids... the moment you stop using you start to regress. Then the gym, lifting weights, something that I enjoy, would become a burden. "What's the point?" would tarnish every session.
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.
@@Kaledrone I mean, honestly, it wouldn't be a bad thing. Lol! Seriously though, it's not about getting better forever. It's about realizing that your body changes as you get older, and you're maybe not going to be able to do some of the stuff you used to. But, in your mind you don't feel any different. A friend of mine put it well. He trained like crazy to try and hit a 5 minute mile (which used to be no biggie for him). He was in good shape to start with, and phenomenal shape for a 50 year old. No matter how hard he trained (and he trained damn hard) he couldn't crack the five minute mark, and he said it felt like he had lost a gear or something. Bottom line, I do what I can to maintain my lifts and always will. But in the end, biology catches up with all of us and what you used to do may not be attainable anymore. I don't sit around and mope about the good ol' days, but I'd be lying to say it isn't a bit of a bummer sometimes when I can't progress like I used to or lose ground quicker than I used to. That's all I meant.
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.
The truth is that the psyche plays the biggest role here, you can not take steroids and have this problem. Ultimately, it is up to us whether we understand our limits on steroids or not
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!
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.
I admire the honesty. But I 100% agree. I dont use steroids because I dont want health problems. Thats my main reason. I also wouldn't feel like I was being healthy. Its counterproductive. Fitness should be about health above all else
I think you hit the nail on the head with this topic. You mentioned integrity! That alone is worth more than any of the benefits to taking steroids that you mentioned. You can’t inject or swallow anything to have integrity. You have separated yourself from the fakers out there, who are just out for quick cash. We need more role models like you because there is an epidemic of young men and women now all going the easy route to gains. There is a price to pay for short cuts in life and faking it. Well done and l really enjoy your content and I look forward to more content based on natural development in strength. Cheers
Once I had my daughter, longevity became the goal, not being the biggest guy in the room. As long as I can be stronger than any of her future boyfriends, I’ll be ok.
Speaking from my own experience - I have been taking TRT for 2 years now. I'm 37 and always had some low self-esteem issues. This has improved massively after I started doing TRT. I'm willing to take more risk in all aspects of life which is a positive for me, since I have always been extremely careful about everything which made me not do anything at all.
Im in the same boat, started at 29. 140mg/week + 60mg/week nandrolone has been a life changer and no adverse effects in the bloodwork. I dont think most people realize how much enhancement you can get in the gym and in life from a very mild dose. Dont have to blast
Man, don’t you find it sad that you can’t solve this by yourself and the only way is by taking drugs? Low self esteem has not much to do with drugs, but with yourself. The problem is still there, and it won’t disappear. You basically choose to become dependent to a drug in order to keep your life “normal” there’s clearly an amount of people that probably due to multiple reasons don’t produce enough testosterone, but the percentage is minimum. Some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease, is it worthy to go through it if it’s something that you could solve by yourself, without any drugs?
@@ZsoltMagyarcr dude no need to go hard on them like that without any knowledge of their situation. By the sounds of their symptoms, they were likely low test and needed a prescription
@@ZsoltMagyarcr You sound extremely judgemental. I have researched the subject for 10 years while working out naturally and decided it was worth a try. I feel better than ever and I have no measurable side effects. I'm 37 not 17, have a masters in computer science and make decent money. I really don't see the issue. It's not the extra muscle mass that gives me a confident boost, if that's what you think. It is having higher test levels that gives me more confidence and a sex drive like I was 20 again.
@@ZsoltMagyarcr Sorry but you don’t know what you’re talking about. The “risk of heart disease” study for TRT patients was in the elderly. There is not currently any data on younger, healthier men taking TRT.
Talking about your integrity is, what makes you very authentic, compared to the other "fitness" youtubers. Thanks for that! Be true to yourself and do what you want to do!
Feeling like you've earned it through hard work and not because you've taken some compound will always be reason enough for me. Not to deny the insane hard work top athletes on gear put in, but their goals are not my goals.
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
A breath of fresh air for fitness TH-cam. I’m roughly same age as Alan with 2 young kids. I want to be there for them as long as I can. I love training and competing and will do both as long as I physically can. I may not be WSM, but there will always be a goal to chase.
I started watching your channel in 2016. I havent kept up with YT fitness at all / thought of you today. You are looking healthy and fit my dude. New Thrall
As a natty, a 600lbs dead, 500 squat, and 350 bench is very impressive. You are a monster sir.
It's even more impressive what he has done with strongman exersises such as tireflip, farmer walk and atlas stones. He's so freaking strong in those mobility movements
500 lb squat for reps, no less. I just hit 405 for the first time and it was a 10/10 RPE. Repping 500 is nuts.
@@BM-si2ei yeah his numbers, in my opinion anyways, are so high that I'm surprised that he doesn't have any kind of record in anything. I know plenty of people that did steroids and never got that strong. I bet a lot of records are pretty well padded by "natural" lifters though. I haven't watched his videos in a while. Did he actually compete in anything?
@@89PigDestroyer i know he's competed in multiple powerlifting comps
Agree those are solid lifts. I'd like those numbers myself. Still working on it 😀
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.
Keep it up bro and dont let it pull you in just yet. Learn whats truly important to yourself first.
I'm 32 and just getting started. Thanks for sharing your age because I feel like an old man. I seems like everyone I see or talk to about working out is somewhere between 14-25.
@@FirinMahLazer1 32 is literally prime. You need to re-work your foundation of lifestyle. You shouldn't be feeling the slow down until your 50's.
@@FirinMahLazer1 hey, I just turned 44,
fine tune your macros/micros ( check out Stan Efferding Vertical diet) and general health with a blood panel.
dial in sleep hygiene and get methodical on a training program ( I like starting strength)
the "old man" feeling goes away !
@@A-A-RonDavis2470 Someone told me "how you look in your 30s is going to determine how you look in your 60s" and it scared the shit out of me. No way I can let this be the start of a downhill slide for the next 30 years. I'm getting my ass into shape believe me.
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.
Its because u can't get views, when u don't even look like u workout.
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.
Society in a Hollywoodized/fitness influencer world knows how good dedicated hard-working people on gear can look, that's become the gold standard and there's no unseeing it for anyone.
Those people aren't fake strong, they're unnaturally strong...huge difference. Even Alan who's trained his whole life looks like a turkey neck compared to the ripped guys on PEDs taking photos of themselves.
Can't help but respect they look great, can't help but wonder if that much dedication to the craft is worth it generally speaking when rent is due by the 1st of the month.
General Kenobi???
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!
A wise decision especially since after using steroids for so long to maintain the effects you no longer need large doses.
Unless you've come down from dosages completely to zero?
If so, how much time did you need to get back to "normal", I'm curious.
I have been on steroids myself since 2017 from 2020 only TRT sometimes I wonder how long it may take me to completely stop using it's why i ask.
@@TH-camChillZone I've been on nothing (no TRT, no sarms, no turkesterone, nada) for 22 months. November will be the two year mark. It took me about a year and a half to feel "normal". As Allan discussed, I pretty much lost all of my strength coming off and had to start back at square one. I'm still trying to climb back to some extent. It depends on how long you were on and how hard you cycled as far as recovery time. It's not an easy journey, but I've talked to some others who have pulled it off as well.
@@PeteRubish Thank you for your response.
Thanks to you I have another opinion that it is still worth being on TRT I have taken things in the past but TRT allows me to keep 80% of what I had on the cycle so I will not give it up, especially since my markers are perfect.
I started to be interested in the path to naturalness, but everyone I ask replies the same that they need over a year to come back and lose everything 😐
@Barrett405 Larry is coming off most of the steroids (taking smallish TRT dose still) so we'll find out pretty soon
@@sagebauer1077 You're right, I found myself TRT is good enough to keep most of what I did on high doses although I must admit that I would like to know how much a world-class competitor like Larry has to take.
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.
Like liver king...
I have a lot of respect for Alan, his fitness level and strength, I would not think it is possible for a natty. I look up to him. He raises the bar for all nattys. all hail the natty king..
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 TH-camr 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.
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 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.
Proud of you man. That isn't an easy road to go through and come out the other side a changed person, so that's super impressive. No amount of steroids could make you as strong as you are now.
@@cinqtonic504 Thank you for your very generous and kind reply. You're right, getting through something like that takes a lot of strength and something to be proud of. I really appreciate your message. Best wishes to you going forward too.
@u⃞ p⃞ s⃞ t⃞ a⃞ n⃞ d⃞ e⃞ r⃞ Not enough fiber in his diet.
@u⃞ p⃞ s⃞ t⃞ a⃞ n⃞ d⃞ e⃞ r⃞ that he had mental heath problems going into it. It’ll make you more of who you are, so if you have anger or emotional issues it’ll amplify that. Only go into it if you’re stable and life is stable
What compounds and dosages?
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 TH-camrs.
I think Alan has the best and healthiest mindset ever when it comes to lifting
💯 💶 he's really smart . not saying I don't listen to advice from guys who juice because it's still very relevant if they understand strength...but I like his message. I never usually post comments but just wanted to pay some respect where it's due. he's not Kalimuscle...lol he lied just to get clout or maybe he really was dumb enough to think people would believe him..but he's still funny sometimes to watch. he went nuts a few times and he really was mad...about the gay for pay ohh maan 🤣 he lost his breath in that vid.
For real
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.
295 is a lot man! Congrats!
300 POUNDS! Bro 300 pounds is 300 pounds
You can be proud of yourself for being able to squat nearly 300 pounds for 5 reps!!!
That’s A LOT!
Anyway, I feel like while squats, deadlifts and bench press etc. are absolutely building strength and can build a ton of that, we tend to disconnect it from life. High numbres are clearly motivating, but one might have higher numbres, but got no significant difference in everyday life, running speed or whatever.
What you at now?
Your only benchmark is yourself yesterday.
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...
Sacrifice? Dr Mike Israetel says if you take less than a gram weekly of the safer compounds you most likely won't experience any of what your saying. Prove him wrong...
Would cruising on low doses of test count as what you described? Not I'd do it but just wondering if you'd categorise blasting gear and cruising on test in the same range
Shackled financially? Negative, I’ve spent more on Starbucks than I have on steroids.
How can you have that username but not understand what 125mg/week can do?
Guy you listen to too much scare people the truth is that a good dose has no side effects other than testicular artrophy.
For a year I have been on 78mg a week, I have been regularly checked, my markers are in perfect condition.
What you write about can only happen if someone does everything wrong or is simply greedy
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.
All the best current fighters are on steroids. Come on Ramsey.
They would still be the best without them though. At least most. They have to use to stay competitive at the top .1%
@@ianvav
I really love the idea of drug free category and open category. But the the problem is people lie.
@@swansong5960 Agreed. The biohacker part of me wants to see just how far we can take the human body with chemical interventions. However, the traditionalist part of me wants to see the natural peak of human physiology forged by impeccable work ethic and nutrition.
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.
Taking the natty route just like Mike O'Hearn, Simeon Panda, Kali Muscle, CT Fletcher💪 very commendable this day and age
And achieving other physical feats too. I am an early intermediate lifter, and I don't just want a 300 kg deadlift and 100 kg+ OHP etc., but also I wanna be able to do a handstand, a walking handstand, a backflip, and I want use my physical abilities. I wanna go places, lift real things, have children and go out in nature with them and use my strength to carry us forward. I wanna go to the North Pole.
I read this in your voice
@@pointbky Well most important thing, Bryce, is Alan is following these Natty Legends
Good on ya man. You’re a good fella.
Better to be a smart fella than a fart smella
And that is why your YT channel is by far my favorite channel, I'm sure I'm not alone on this one.
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.
I chose to remain a work in progress and stay the course because its natural and fun to me. I lift as much as I can, jog-run as much as I can and take the protein shakes to maintain overall health.
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
King mindset
decent lifts for a natty. Very decent. I imagine you are quite heavy to hit those numbers.
@@stevepace-first8617 decent? Really? Youve got to give him more credit
Just hop on low dose TRT and watch your quality of life improve in all aspects.
@@dominico3737 As you say. Great lifts.
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
💯
Serious truth bombs, Alan. You continue to earn my major respect.
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
Allan I met you at Disneyland about 5 - 6 years ago and your still one of my fav TH-camrs
Thanks for all your help
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!
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 💪
Same for me. I do miss the heavy metal Intro though
DO NOT MOVE THE BAR! I hear that Alans voice every time I set up to deadlift!
@@deanpeterson1006 I feel his gaze in the back of my neck every time.
Allan's deadlift tutorial is the all time greatest
Steroids honestly ruined my life and ruined the love of lifting I had when I was natural
Could you elaborate please? Cheers
@@BO2Letsplay the benefits of steroids are not worth the side effects. When I was natural I was very in tune with my body. When it came to training, nutrition and mental state. I knew how my body reacted to what I ate and how I trained. Steroids changes this especially during pct. You go from feeling great on cycle to feeling like shit during pct and feeling weaker than when you where natural. This yo-yo of gains then loses I hated vs the generally linear gains I had when natural. When I natural I could train hard 365 days a year. Steroids changed me mentally giving me depression and anxiety. Also the first time you experience some for of ED will make you regret steroids. I think ruining a healthy HTPA axis with steroids (which I had) is not worth it.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm generally pretty curious to hear how steroids change people's approach and mindset to lifting and life in general, and if talked about more it could help people make more informed choices, whereas some people might gloss over long term health effects and defer it to their future selves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Not always healthier if you're actually low.
@@adam_bbing yeah but fix some aspects of your lifestyle and I bet many of the “low T symptom” guys will feel a lot better. Genuinely hypogonadal people who can’t produce enough T to have a decent quality of life, are the minority. Stay natty my friends
@J Doc based noble natty
@@adam_bbing
I call bullshit on most of these "low t" dudes. I agree with Nito that the vaaaassst majority would benefit from simple lifestyle changes.
@@swansong5960 I don't have any numbers on this issue, but personally I've tried a lot of stuff and made a lot of changes to my lifestyle and they didn't do shit to my low T. It's not bullshit but you can believe whatever you want. TRT saved me. Literally it saved my life and I will never go off T unless I have no other choice.
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
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.
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.
9:04 "salami scrotum" omfg, that had me rolling! Thanks for that laugh! Totally caught me off guard with that one!
that burn was top notch
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.
Another solid take from Adam Paul. Your takes are always super level headed and awesome
Let's see Paul Alan's squat.
Impressive.
@@ghostsmoke11 how much can you dreadlift?
@@ghostsmoke11 those thighs. the tasteful thickness of them
@@06alepea1 DO NOT MOVE THE BARBELL
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.
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 👍
Liver King is the personification of all the worst things in the fitness industry. He encapsulates it all in a sunburned scrotum package.
nobody is selling you anything bro, the more dyels the better it makes us look
@@cattlecumwewlad6941 *worse
Saw this comment before I got to that point in the video and it still had me laughing out loud 😂
@@igorpipuk7754 trannies literally have a higher t level than the average natural hypertrophy parroter
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.
The urge is immeasurable, but we humans have the will to control our minds and self integrity is the most important.
I’m the same. 6’1” 165. I also used to pour concrete. (Truck driver now, way easier on my back!) My lifts are shit, but I’ll keep grinding away naturally
@@Sam_splatter rock on bro!
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.
I remember it too. I feel very old.
Yea same. Whatever did happen to Meg lolz?
@@erekthus I still follow her and she still makes great content!
I follow her.... If you know what I mean 😏
@@urgamecshk yeah, down bad.
This is the most no b*llshit fitness video I've ever saw and I loved it
"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.
yes! just grind it out, day by day.
also keeps your nuts, hormones, mood etc. intact haha
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 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!"
Same thing I was thinking. unless you're getting paid millions of dollars as a professional athlete, whats the point of gear? never understood why anyone would take it unless they were getting compensation to do so.
The way I see it, I will always lift weights. Therefore, I have a lot of time to get stronger. I also want to prove that natural guys can be strong. Yes, genetics play a role. But with everything else in alignment, you can get strong.
Not a PED user myself, but do you have the same view on straps, belts, shoes, wraps and sleeves? Wouldn't they also be non-natural ways of lifting weights, as it isn't 'you' who is lifting the weight?
@@seanjones8444 None of these impact health metrics whatsoever. They don’t increase muscle mass, or alter neuromuscular activation. But steroids absolutely do
Gear or not, gains aren't forever. People always talk about coming off of steroids like you'll shrink back to being 100lb bodyweight at 10 years old. If you stop training, or get too old, PERIOD... you will lose gains.
Sage words.
appreciate your time and effort to get this message out.
Yet another reason Im glad I support and go to Untamed. Good shit Alan
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.
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.
About 7-8 years ago I needed to lose weight and get back into shape. You were the first person on TH-cam I came across and I have followed you since because your stuff is actually real and genuine. Appreciate that you are staying natty!
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.
I’ve been in HRT for 6 years. I’m 45. I took cycles of steroids for years starting at age 19. It screwed my endocrine system bad. They are not worth it!
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 hear you, just like in my career there are tests that stand to boost your pay scale quickly (IT certification tests). I know guys who have passed naturally and ones who have cheated. There have been surprises in both lanes. But, I'd rather be an honest failure than a dishonest success because the soul can only handle so many cuts before it's just shreds of what it could have been.
state records don't mean shit though in most cases. in Powerlifting there are so many different feds, weight classes, age divisions, and types (raw, raw w/ wraps, bench/dead only). Powerlifting isn't a heavily participated in sport, also worth noting most powerlifters are male. If I competed as a junior, before I even knew what powerlifting was, I'd STILL be holding the records for my state. But even then, I knew guys who were much stronger than me at the same age and we were close in weight. I'd respect someone with a well rounded elite total WAY more than someone who's been training for 2yrs with a few state records under their belt because they never had any genuine competition.
I’ve been a casual follower but this video made me angry I haven’t watched more of your content. Respect for putting your personal opinion on this out there in this way. Great job
My life goal is attaining this dude's legs.
Good luck
Good luck!
Good luck
Lood Guck!
Had Alan never lifted a weight in his life, his legs would still be as jacked. Genetics! That said, Good luck buddy.
A genuine person and most importantly true to yourself and family. Keep up the good work.
Makes alot of sense to me. Great answers
Good take. At what point would replacement therapy be on the table? When you can't sleep? When you can't get it up? When you can't keep focus?
I think this conversation looks different at 60 than in your 30s.
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
مراحب
Good for you Alan. I’m disgusted with almost all the strength and bodybuilding influencers on TH-cam. People lying to their followers, spreading lies and misinformation. You are one of the very few with integrity and honesty. Much respect.
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” 😜
My plan for when the gains slow down is to move into endurance or a sport, I think David Goggins said that the thing with motivation is that you need to find it everyday
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.
You are doing it right. Long term it’s better not to as someone who did and does use them.
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.
If you are depressed, lethargic, have no drive, no sex drive, due to low natural testosterone (like I had), it most certainly does increase your quality of life and can benefits other than muscle building. I'm talking about conservative TRT doses, not blasting. Very few side effects. It's not all about muscle building or strength gain. Testosterone plays many roles in the body, and has helped many people in those areas.
I tried 'roids just out of curiosity for a brief time and yes it worked, but as you said at 4:50 - working out suddenly became boring. I knew every PR and all the progress is just credit of the steroid, I myself achieved nothing.
The most honest video I’ve seen. My respect for you has grown exponentially.
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.
Tis a good idea
They were invented for medical purposes in the first place
@@Shvabicu def. I just never realized they had this application. It makes intuitive sense though.
Thank you for this video, one of my close relatives was raving about going on tren, we watched this video together and he changed his mind. Thank you my friend. big fan, im also new to strongman. watch your channel all the time
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.
Sylvester Stallone is a counter point to that. If anything steroids are an excellent way to improve health and longevity for older guys whose natural supply fell off a cliff
You're what the industry needs far more of. Thanks for being you.
Ive never used them, I somtimes wonder WHAT IF but I'm mostly to scared to use them. Ive had cancer, my dad had cancer twice, my brother and mother both had cancer...so its kinda common in my familie. My fear would be taking roids and then superboosting some cancer cells/tumor I have in my body that I am unware of...
I'm not really against roids, I just tell people when the subject comes up to make sure they see a doctor for their bloodwork, and proper cycle on and off.
Steroids immediately accelerate all genetic diseases that are inevitable
Good thinking. That stuff is familial. No use jumping back in front of the bullet you hopefully dodged just for a better Instagram pic!
that last vid with mark bell, silent mike and meg squats was 6 years ago?! where the f is time going 😭
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.
Been listening to this man for yrs. Gear or no gear, he is educated, speaks well, and is a great representative for strength training. Absolutely love this guy. And always remember.............TRAIN UNTAMED!!!!!!!!
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!
I don't particularly see why being natty is something worth respecting. It just means there's less dedication there usually. In Alan's case the impressive thing is that he got ped numbers while being natty.
Otherwise, six of one/half dozen of another, we're all just making lifestyle choices- and being natty is both cheaper and less complicated
@@james3876 being natty means not putting something that can cause ligament and joint damage and enlarging of the heart. Many many cases of premature deaths are factually reported annually. I'm sure there is a smart way to use but why use at all unless, like he said, you are trying to be the best in the world. I have no TH-cam following. I have no Instagram. No gym. No sponsors. I'm 43 years old. I'm one of the strongest people in my circle and I'm 5'9". There is nothing to be ashamed of. You can have your opinions, but that's all they are is opinions.
@@james3876 I guess most people in the fitness industry have the same mindset as you nowadays, which is why it's a shithole. Literally calling someone "less dedicated" because they don't wanna inject drugs into themselves. We are long due for another extinction event at this point.
@@fredmann5019 how do steroids cause ligament and joint damage? I use them because there's no reason not to unless you don't love training. PEDs = look and feel better, people instantly respect you if you stand out for being jacked as hell, sex is CRAZY while on gear, more female attention, higher mass/strength ceiling. If training and making progress is something you really love, why would you opt to NOT continue progressing for a longer period of time? As long as you get bloods done and don't abuse the harsh androgenic stuff, they're really not dangerous at all. Just 500mg test will lean you out a bit, allow you to eat more and better partition nutrients (glycogen rather than fat storage, which makes you look full and pumped as fuck), make you stronger in the short term, but allow you to continually progress significantly farther than you would've gotten naturally.
It's definitely not for everyone, but I love everything about the gym. My whole life revolves around it so it's a no-brainer for me. If you just lift casually to get out of the house and kind of stay in shape, probably not worth it. But for me the positives massively outnumber the negatives
@@micskra As I stated before, I have no issues with people being on gear or cycling. It's just not for me. I feel more accomplished doing it naturally. I'm happy that it works for you. Best of luck to you on your strength journey and God Bless.
I think this physique and mentality Is the best I've ever seen you looking and you have shown a true change through your TH-cam journey.
When I started training I was obsessed over both muscle and strength gain like many newer lifters, but nowadays I enjoy the process much more, experiment with different methods and accept the slow but sure gains. Many other long-term natural lifters seem to have adopted a similar mindset. I'm curious to know if steroid users also reach a similar approach, or if the steroids become a "black cloud" (as Alan put it) that compels them to keep pushing the limits in both dosages and training.
I think the most important consideration is that steroids aren't something that you can "hop on" and then "hop off" when you're done with it. Instead of helping you get to your end goal faster and keep it, much of the gains will be lost and all you're left with is potential long-term negative health effects.
At the end of the day your left with nothingifting weights here and there is ok but your bot getting better at anything go try boxing or something learn a skill instead of worrying about looks
Such a good take. My son is a little over a year and a half old and my priorities have changed so much from lifting to family. My relationship with my wife and my son, building a family and a great life are my priorities. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wrestle with the prospect of not being as strong as I was once. It makes me feel like less of myself, but I’m slowly starting to realizing that having a 500 vs 600 deadlift makes zero difference in my relationship with my wife, my son, my work life or my social life. Needed this video. Thanks, Alan.
Always enriching content. Thank you so much for sharing your thougths! Greetings from Germany.
Hell yes! That's a man with integrity and a great example. RESPECT! More people like you is needed.
Just being happy with what you have is almost a lost concept these days, at least for some. When you know you have put in the work and have fought hard for your results then one should be happy and proud of that!
Yes, Alan pretty much solidified the main reason underpinning (pun intended) why I'd never use steroids... the moment you stop using you start to regress. Then the gym, lifting weights, something that I enjoy, would become a burden. "What's the point?" would tarnish every session.
You are one of the good "fitness TH-camrs" keep up the good work and messaging.
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.
You’re probably the strongest now that you’ll ever be again. But, you have the benefit of knowing that and appreciating it.
@@arbitrary_mike7833 Great perspective, man. Cheers!
Then maintain your lifts, why is it a harsh realization? Do you all just want to get better forever or something?
@@Kaledrone I mean, honestly, it wouldn't be a bad thing. Lol!
Seriously though, it's not about getting better forever. It's about realizing that your body changes as you get older, and you're maybe not going to be able to do some of the stuff you used to. But, in your mind you don't feel any different. A friend of mine put it well. He trained like crazy to try and hit a 5 minute mile (which used to be no biggie for him). He was in good shape to start with, and phenomenal shape for a 50 year old. No matter how hard he trained (and he trained damn hard) he couldn't crack the five minute mark, and he said it felt like he had lost a gear or something.
Bottom line, I do what I can to maintain my lifts and always will. But in the end, biology catches up with all of us and what you used to do may not be attainable anymore. I don't sit around and mope about the good ol' days, but I'd be lying to say it isn't a bit of a bummer sometimes when I can't progress like I used to or lose ground quicker than I used to. That's all I meant.
I'll take longevity over immediate size and strength gains. But i would take Test once im like 40 or older and need to get my T levels back up
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.
The truth is that the psyche plays the biggest role here, you can not take steroids and have this problem.
Ultimately, it is up to us whether we understand our limits on steroids or not
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!
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.
I admire the honesty. But I 100% agree. I dont use steroids because I dont want health problems. Thats my main reason. I also wouldn't feel like I was being healthy. Its counterproductive. Fitness should be about health above all else
Thanks Alan. Full of truths.
People take steroids because on way or another they don't think they're good enough.
I think you hit the nail on the head with this topic. You mentioned integrity! That alone is worth more than any of the benefits to taking steroids that you mentioned. You can’t inject or swallow anything to have integrity. You have separated yourself from the fakers out there, who are just out for quick cash. We need more role models like you because there is an epidemic of young men and women now all going the easy route to gains. There is a price to pay for short cuts in life and faking it. Well done and l really enjoy your content and I look forward to more content based on natural development in strength. Cheers
Once I had my daughter, longevity became the goal, not being the biggest guy in the room. As long as I can be stronger than any of her future boyfriends, I’ll be ok.
Idk, these teenagers are popping sarms like candy. Good luck 👍
@@rafmatt1607 at least he will outlive those guys and be the victor in the end
Holy Cow. An honest and logical discussion on the pros and cons....Subscribed and Thank You - How refreshing.
Speaking from my own experience - I have been taking TRT for 2 years now. I'm 37 and always had some low self-esteem issues. This has improved massively after I started doing TRT. I'm willing to take more risk in all aspects of life which is a positive for me, since I have always been extremely careful about everything which made me not do anything at all.
Im in the same boat, started at 29. 140mg/week + 60mg/week nandrolone has been a life changer and no adverse effects in the bloodwork. I dont think most people realize how much enhancement you can get in the gym and in life from a very mild dose. Dont have to blast
Man, don’t you find it sad that you can’t solve this by yourself and the only way is by taking drugs? Low self esteem has not much to do with drugs, but with yourself. The problem is still there, and it won’t disappear. You basically choose to become dependent to a drug in order to keep your life “normal” there’s clearly an amount of people that probably due to multiple reasons don’t produce enough testosterone, but the percentage is minimum. Some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease, is it worthy to go through it if it’s something that you could solve by yourself, without any drugs?
@@ZsoltMagyarcr dude no need to go hard on them like that without any knowledge of their situation. By the sounds of their symptoms, they were likely low test and needed a prescription
@@ZsoltMagyarcr You sound extremely judgemental. I have researched the subject for 10 years while working out naturally and decided it was worth a try. I feel better than ever and I have no measurable side effects. I'm 37 not 17, have a masters in computer science and make decent money. I really don't see the issue. It's not the extra muscle mass that gives me a confident boost, if that's what you think. It is having higher test levels that gives me more confidence and a sex drive like I was 20 again.
@@ZsoltMagyarcr Sorry but you don’t know what you’re talking about. The “risk of heart disease” study for TRT patients was in the elderly. There is not currently any data on younger, healthier men taking TRT.
Talking about your integrity is, what makes you very authentic, compared to the other "fitness" youtubers. Thanks for that! Be true to yourself and do what you want to do!
Feeling like you've earned it through hard work and not because you've taken some compound will always be reason enough for me. Not to deny the insane hard work top athletes on gear put in, but their goals are not my goals.
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
A breath of fresh air for fitness TH-cam. I’m roughly same age as Alan with 2 young kids. I want to be there for them as long as I can. I love training and competing and will do both as long as I physically can. I may not be WSM, but there will always be a goal to chase.
I started watching your channel in 2016. I havent kept up with YT fitness at all / thought of you today. You are looking healthy and fit my dude. New Thrall