pumped 2

I have been reading the book Pumped and I have learned many things about steroids. As I am learning the dangers I began to wonder why athletes are using steroids. After reading the “Bulking up, Sliming Down” I learned that athletes are using performance enhancing drugs for two main reasons. One reason is that they are trying to enhance their body’s response to training.  Steroids like testosterone, are supposed to work with, rather than replace the effect of training. Another reason why people use steroids is to improve performance during competition. Drugs such as stimulants are used to improve endurance in aerobic events. Steroids are also used to alter a body composition, increase body mass, increased strength in particular muscles, achieve faster times in sporting events or to simply Increase weight lifted.  In a society that has accepted the use of chemicals it seems natural to turn to chemical to improve athletic performance. Most people can’t judge whether a chemical will achieve the desired results or whether it will cause harm. But kids and adults are willing to do anything to get that extra edge.

People are also included by media and pop culture, where steroids are relevant. In baseball stars such as Alex Rodgriez, Roger Clemens, and Barry Bonds have all been involved with steroids or have reportly done the drug. Kids who are trying to get an extra edge on completion, or are trying to make it through minor league baseball are the ones using steroids. With stricter rules in professional baseball, the steroids usage has declined. If tests that are used in professional sports can be implemented to high school level, I believe the numbers of steroid use will decrease.