How can I sit here and tell you that I got not only healthier but in the best condition of my competitive bodybuilding career? Simple... I used ephedrine. Here's my story about ephedrine and how successful I was without it. Learn more.
|
Article Summary:
Darin was addicted to ephedrine for a time several years ago.
As he sees it the effects of ephedrine are more placebo than anything.
Darin actually saw better results when he gave up ephedrine.
|
Is Ephedrine Worth The Trouble For Competitive Bodybuilders?
It took me a long time to work up the courage to write this article. I hope it comes off with good intentions to you as I am sure that I am going to get in hot water with a lot of people with this one.
The bottom line is that if you are thinking of using ephedrine or if you have been using if for a long time; stop. The negatives of ephedrine far outweigh the positives.
I took ephedrine (I should say over-dosed on ephedrine) for 10 years straight. I am not proud of it, but it is the truth. I first learned of the fat burning cocktail back 13 years ago when one of my mentors, Bill Phillips starting telling the world the truth about the bodybuilding world in his magazine Muscle Media 2000. He started to tell what the bodybuilders really were taking versus what the supplement ads were claiming.
He reported that the combination of 200 milligrams of caffeine, 25 milligrams of ephedrine, and one aspirin was the best fat burning cocktail ever. And you know what; I think that he was correct, because it worked very well for me, and just about every other guy in the gym who wanted to see their abs and get ripped.
How can I sit here and tell you that I got not only healthier but in the best condition of my competitive bodybuilding career at the age of 43? Simple, I was hooked on ephedrine until July 1, 2004. That is when the WNBF, the professional organization for drug-free bodybuilders that I compete with, banned the use of ephedrine to stay in stride with the International Olympic Committee in hopes of getting recognized as a sport.
At that point I was forced to stop taking ephedrine. Before July 1, 2004, the highest I ever placed in the "Worlds Show", which is by far the toughest competition because of the higher amount of prize money was 14th. On Nov. 6th, 2006, to my amazement, I placed 7th in the heavyweight division in the WNBF "Worlds Show", totally clean of all ephedrine and "fat burning" supplements.
 Click To Enlarge.
Author Darin Steen, Was Hooked
On Ephedrine For 10 Years.
Are Supplements Over-Rated?
Main point; all supplements and "fat burners" get entirely too much credit. You see, I believe the placebo effect is incredibly real & powerful. What ever you believe to be absolutely true, deep in your gut, with a strong sense of certainty, is true for you. It works every time.
Lifting weights, doing cardio, eating small meals often, goal setting, being positive, hanging around others that are focusing on making healthy fat loss lifestyle choices burns fat, builds muscle, gives you "real energy" and allows you to be the best you that you can be. In fact, it is the world's only "True Fountain of Youth" that exists.
I have long had a suspicion that it was not the "creatine" that I took before and after intense weight training sessions that made my muscles feel that "scorching pump". But it was the quick released carbs that were the real fuel for the "tightness".
I can tell you that I have been off of all supplements and fat burners since I finally saw the light. And the next time I compete, I will look better than ever. How exciting to me to not only look better, but feel better, be more balanced, and have proof that my blood, organs, and internal systems are all functioning better.
After being "forced" to go off of ephedrine not only did I place 7th, but my preparation leading up to the contest was much more effortless. Being balanced in my contest preparation is very important. Not only do I run my own 3 corporations, but I am happily married with two wonderful daughters. Simply put, I can not just lift, do cardio, eat, and sleep.
Click To Enlarge.
Author Darin Steen Can't Just
Lift, Do Cardio, Eat, And Sleep.
No offense to anyone, but it is very common for competitive bodybuilders to; not tell the whole truth about their supplement/drug usage, & to get severely out of balance (especially in the 12-16 weeks leading up to a contest).
Does Ephedrine Work?
Does ephedrine work for fat-burning? Does any supplement do what the manufacturer claims? I do not believe anyone will ever be able to prove one way or another. You see there are simply too many variables to control, most ads are not telling the truth, and the placebo affect is very strong.
You see, if you believe deep down in your core, with an absolute sense of certainty that the ephedrine cocktail is the worlds best "fat burner", then you are going to eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day with the right portion and source of protein, fats, and carbs.
You are also going to get to bed early so you can wake up an hour earlier than normal and get your "Intense Interval Cardio" session in first thing in the morning in a fasted state. You are going to focus on your goals, be positive, build a social support team of healthy, fit, & energetic individuals; and above all else, expect to see ripped abs in only 84 days!
Now, what I propose to you is do everything in the above paragraph, except take the "ephedrine cocktail" and see which one works best. Keep everything the same, except the one variable, and see which produces greater results. Is it possible to do that?
Yes it is, and I did it. Not only did I get leaner, with more muscle, but I got healthier on the inside. My blood profile became much less acidic and more alkaline, my kidney (I only have one) and liver became healthier, & my adrenals and thyroid became much less stressed. Every part of my health improved drastically; my sleep, my ability to focus, my concentration, my attitude and my spirituality.
Don't get me wrong, I think that if ephedrine, or ephedrine type fat burning products are used in minimum doses and cycled on and off properly, they can be a positive. But most of us can't be that mature and disciplined.
The problem here is that our human instinct is to think that more is better. "Well if 25 milligrams of ephedrine twice per day, once in the morning and once before weight training can get me to 12% body fat then 50 milligrams of ephedrine can get me to 7%, and instead of only taking it for 8 weeks, I will take it for 6 months straight & so on.
I believe that I do not have an addictive nature. The only thing that I believe I have been addicted to in the past is athletic competition, being positive, and ephedrine. So if I can get hooked on anything negative, so can many others.
Conclusion
I can only assume... from what I have seen I believe that 90% of all competitive bodybuilders whether they are willing to admit or not are relying on ephedrine and getting severely out of balance and unhealthy, especially in the 3 months leading up to a competition. It is like a dark little hidden secret amongst an inner circle of competitors.
I am so glad that the organization that I compete for, the WNBF finally banned ephedrine. Just another sign to me that something good can always come from what we at first perceived as bad news. Always look for the silver lining in every cloud. Because it is there; as long as you keep asking the right questions.
I realize that I am going to piss some people off. But I feel my message needs to get out and can help more than it will hurt. If you are not happy with me or my message, then I propose you look in the mirror and ask yourself some real good questions. Good bye and God Bless! Until next time;
Recommended Articles
We've established that there are supplements that will help obtain optimal results; it's time to look at why you should be taking them. Here are four great examples of how fat burners can help a well planned exercise and diet plan!
Fat burners could provide huge benefits to supplement the correct lifestyle, so here are 5 ways NOT to use fat burners, and why. I also share my experiences using these products and know that if they are used correctly really do work!
Summer is here and we are all hoping to show our best set of abs ever. This question is for those who want to learn more about non-stimulant supplements because there are so many who react (rather uncomfortably) to the stimulant based ones.
Recommend this article to a friend by e-mail here!
 Back To Darin Steen's Main Page
Back To The Articles Main Page.
Related Articles
Ephedrine - A Dangerous Drug?
About The Ephedra Ban: How It Effects You!
What Really Killed Steve Bechler? It Wasn't Ephedra!
|
Discounts & Deals - Sign Up!
(5 characters minimum)