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QUESTION: Hi Scott, love your magazine bro! I picked it up at copy from Jeff and Dom at your booth at the Ottawa Championships. I’m thinking about doing my first cycle and using Testosterone Cypionate or Deca to gain some quality size this winter. I’m 19 now and weigh in at around 170 pounds most days with 15¾ inch arms, 24 inch legs and a good sized chest. Any advice on what I should take?

ANSWER: Glad you came out to support the OPA and met Jeff Lavictoire who handles our event marketing across Canada. Let’s start by saying many guys are tempted to experiment with steroids because it’s a sure-fire way to build muscle fast. Heck I used steroids when I was in my early twenties and got my weight up to 275 pounds and had 19 ¾ inch arms! Wait a minute, did Scott Welch just admit to previously using steroids? Yes and steroids indeed do work but scientists simply do not know what the side effects for their use will be which is one of the major reasons why I’ve been natural since. I also lost my hair in the process which I regret to this day. Another reason I stopped is that I learned that without the perfect genetics I would never become Mr. Olympia no matter how hard I tried, how smart I became or what I took. Genetics make all the difference.

Natural Testosterone Output

What many teens lose sight of is the fact that your body produces tons of testosterone in your teenage years and in your twenties. It’s no secret that a common concern for all competitive bodybuilders, power lifters and all strength athletes is the decrease in natural testosterone production as they age. It’s a serious problem for some and a set back in training for others. Recovery times are longer, muscle strength and endurance levels aren’t what they used to be and you start wondering why this is happening. To answer that question you have to go back to your younger days and look at the time when your body was flush with testosterone and you felt like you could train forever and never stop. When a male goes through puberty testosterone levels are through the roof. It is the catalyst for masculinity and growth. According to Dana Bushell, testosterone is produced naturally by the testes at a rate of 4-7 mg daily, or 28-49 mg a week. This average production will last up until the age of 30. During that time, energy levels, strength, endurance and recovery will be at an all time best and an overall feeling of strength will be prevalent. It’s actually the best time to train and make considerable gains as you are taking full advantage of the raging hormones pulsating through the body. Once you reach the age of 30 it starts to slowly fade away. At an average decrease of 1% per year, or 10% per decade, testosterone levels will drop and some of that feeling of strength and power may decline. 

Your Physique Gets Better Developed With Time

Even though experts say you don’t hit your bodybuilding prime until you are into your 30’s (due to muscle maturity and experience), it’s hard not be a bit discouraged knowing what is happening at the hormonal level. But stay positive and keep in mind that most modern Mr. Olympia Champions were crowned while in their late thirties! With proper supplements backed by science, sound sports nutrition, scientific training methods and hard work, you can match the results you would get from low doses of steroids but it’s going to take more time. If you do decide to use despite my recommendation to not, make sure you speak with your doctor and lawyer so that you are aware of both the health consequences and the legal consequences of taking steroids here in Canada.