How Often Should You Workout on Steroids? (Surprising Truth)

Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
Published by Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: November 15, 2024
FACT CHECKED by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Our content is meticulously researched and reviewed by an expert team of fact checkers and medical professionals. They ensure accuracy, relevance, and timeliness using the latest reputable sources, which are cited within the text and listed at the end of the article. Before publication and upon significant updates, we confirm factual accuracy, committed to providing readers with well-informed content. Learn more.

As an athletic trainer, I've seen the effects of steroid use.

While steroids have medical uses, recreational use might be illegal and risky, which is why I aim to guide those considering steroids toward safe practices.

Drawing from my extensive experience and observations in the gym, coupled with in-depth research and conversations with fellow trainers, I’ve crafted a nuanced perspective on the safe frequency of workouts while on steroids.

Quick Summary

  • To maintain safety while using steroids, it's recommended to work out at least two to three times per week, avoiding overtraining and allowing for adequate rest.
  • Exercising for more than two hours on steroids can increase cortisol levels, potentially harming cardiovascular health.
  • According to the study "Effects of Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids in Athletes", athletes using anabolic steroids can experience strength gains of about 5–20% from their initial strength.
  • Personally, I believe in the importance of seeking medical advice and considering natural alternatives over steroids for long-term health and fitness goals.

Should You Train More on Steroids?

A man doing bicep curls

You should not train more on steroids, regardless of whether you are a beginner or a professional athlete, because doing so may lead to overuse and eventual health problems.

Of course, it is without a doubt that working out on performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) can help you build muscle mass and lose weight.

From my personal journey and witnessing countless others, I can attest that beginners must tread carefully. Overexertion early on isn’t just about the physical toll; it’s a psychological battle, a dance with temptation where PEDs can seem like the shortcut to meeting escalating workout demands [1].

Similarly, athletes who have been in the industry for an extended period may not benefit from working out too often.

How Long Should You Train While on PEDs?

The amount of time you should train while on PEDs depends on the drug you choose, dosage amount, and duration of your cycle.

Additionally, you should never work out for longer than two hours during steroid use. Doing so may cause your body to produce too much cortisol, which can negatively affect your cardiovascular health, among other things, according to the National Library of Medicine [2].

I remember the first brush with PEDs, an uncharted odyssey where temptation and caution waged war. In the silent recesses of the soul, a truth emerges - the journey with PEDs isn’t a reckless plunge but a measured dance, where each step, each dosage, is a careful negotiation between ambition and the sanctity of well-being.

However, I must suggest healthier alternatives to anabolics with natural ingredients, which are much safer to use even for the long term.

Coupled with a well-structured resistance training program, they can help you gain muscle and emphasize certain male features noticeably faster.

Furthermore, steroid users who have experienced deteriorating health and appearance may benefit even more from legal steroids, which have never caused hair loss, depression, or high blood pressure among my clients.

How to Safely Train on Steroids?

Lifting EZ curl bar training biceps while in steroids

Whether you train with steroids or their natural counterparts, there are a few tips you should keep in mind for safety and maximum muscle growth, strength, and speed.

Full-Body Workouts Could Reduce Your Weekly Workout Schedule

Full-body workouts may allow fewer weekly sessions and more muscle growth.

This approach works all muscle groups simultaneously, potentially reducing frequency and enhancing recovery with rest days.

Working Out On Each Muscle Group Daily May Require More Sessions Per Week

Daily muscle group workouts can increase weekly sessions.

Split training, recommended for steroid users, focuses on different muscles each day, allowing for intense workouts and recovery.

Giving Your Body One To Two Rest Days Per Week Can Improve The Effectiveness Of Your Workouts

Resting on the couch after training and doing workouts

According to research, excessive training without adequate recovery may impair muscle building.

This is because overtraining can lessen your muscles' ability to exert effort.

Excessive training can cause muscle and central nervous system (CNS) fatigue [3].

These fatigues can prevent you from performing at your best in the gym.

“Overexercising is counterproductive and can actually be dangerous to your health.”

- David Miranda, Physical Therapist

They can reduce your ability to fully activate your muscles during a set, provide less muscle fiber stimulation, and result in less productive reps and sets, all of which are beneficial to maximizing the potential for effective and faster muscle growth.

Effective Workout Routine While on PEDs

Man doing bicep training using barbell

According to research published in Medium, doing giant sets and supersets can help you maximize the effect of workout routines while on PEDs [4].

A giant set is a circuit of at least three different types of moves for a specific body part, performed one after another with little to no rest in between.

Here are examples of workouts that you can do for your upper back muscles:

After doing these, rest for a few minutes to catch your breath and repeat.

On the other hand, superset training includes alternating two sets of exercises with little to no rest.

This means you do a set of the first exercise, then go straight into the second set.

Then, rest and repeat the pattern until you've completed all the specified sets.

For example, do a set of biceps cable curls and a set of triceps dips one after the other until all sets are done.

Effects of PEDs

I’ve tasted the intoxicating allure of PEDs, felt the surge of invincibility, watched as muscles carved themselves from the chisel of chemical potency.

Yet, in the silent moments of reflection, the transient nature of such power dawns - a fleeting spectacle, a momentary escape from the immutable laws of nature and biology.

These benefits are possible because they increase testosterone (T) levels in the body [5].

As a result, men's sperm production, energy, and mood may improve.

For this reason, many bodybuilding enthusiasts choose legal steroids to boost T-levels naturally without compromising their health.

Consider your lifestyle before using PEDs. Daily alcohol consumption combined with steroid use can significantly increase liver disease risk.

Legal steroids with natural ingredients are an even more sensible option to boost your energy, focus, and endurance if you have an existing medical condition.

What to Watch Out For

An athlete consulting to a health professional

I remember the first time I considered taking PEDs.

First, never take steroids without consulting a doctor. Doing so can put your well-being at risk and cause severe health issues like liver and kidney damage.

Additionally, you should always take the dosage amount recommended by the doctor.

According to the PubMed Central, If you take more than the recommended amount, you may suffer side effects like manic depression, which can lead to “roid rage”, among many other serious short-term and long-term side effects [6].

While we've delved deep into the physical aspects of steroid use, it's crucial to also address the psychological terrain that comes with it. Mood swings, aggression, and a rollercoaster of mental states can be a byproduct.

FAQs

Do You Recover Faster on Steroids?

You can recover much faster on steroids because they speed up the body's natural processes of glycogen replenishment and protein synthesis.

This means you may be able to heal damaged muscles more quickly, and work out for more extended periods, more frequently, and at a higher intensity.

How Long Does It Take To Build Muscles on Steroids?

The amount of time it takes to build muscles on steroids varies depending on many factors, including your fitness level, the intensity of your workout routine, and the diet you follow.

According to research, an increase in muscle size and strength can be seen in as little as three weeks.

Should You Train Harder on Steroids?

You can train harder while on steroids because they can aid in a faster workout recovery process, allowing you to get bigger muscles faster.

But you should avoid overtraining, as excessive exercise can raise cortisol levels and strain your mind-muscle connection, preventing you from attaining neurological recovery and performing at your best while working out.


References:

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20048269
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435910/
  4. https://medium.com/@JamesPaterson2016/3-workout-tips-to-maximise-the-effect-of-anabolic-steroids-81bb4cf65585
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482418/ 
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3827559/
Was this article helpful?
YesNo

About The Author

Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC is an ex-National Soccer player turned MMA and Kickboxing champion, with ACE CPT and PN1-NC certifications. His advice is rooted in education and experience, ensuring that readers receive scientific and battle-tested insights. His mission is to empower his clients and readers to realize their potential and become the best versions of themselves.
Learn more about our editorial policy
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Sport & Exercise Science from University of Hertfordshire. He's a Health & Performance Coach from London that brings a unique blend of academic knowledge of health supplements and practical exercise experience to the table for his readers.
Learn more about our editorial policy

You May Also Like

Your guide to Kali Muscle and if he's using steroids
By Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC 17 days ago
Is Kali Muscle on Steroids? (The Truth) 
Should You Do Calisthenics Every Day (What You Should Know) Featured Image
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 18 days ago
Should You Do Calisthenics Every Day? (What You Should Know)
Spilled supplements on orange background
By Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC 18 days ago
Does a Pre-Workout Break a Fast? (3 Ingredients to Avoid)
Your guide to preworkout and sleep
By Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC 18 days ago
Will a Pre-Workout Keep You Awake? (+ How to Avoid Insomnia)
your guide to a pre workout budget
By Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC 18 days ago
Why Is Pre-workout So Expensive? (Price vs Cost)
A woman holding a single pill
By Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD 18 days ago
Can Fat Burners Affect Fertility? (Peer-Reviewed Studies)

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our scoring system is the result of objective testing data and subjective expert analysis by a team of fitness coaches and medical experts. Our scoring factors are weighted based on importance. For more information, see our product review guidelines.
BlackFriday Banner