Jesse Norris is a former American elite powerlifter who holds multiple world records in the 198 lb (90 kg) weight class.
Before getting into powerlifting, Norris played football and track and field. He began powerlifting at age 14 to train himself as an athlete.
I’ve coached and assisted many athletes in their powerlifting and weightlifting contests, and I’ve closely observed how men in the 198-lb category lift. Norris’s total weight lifted goes way beyond what’s typically pulled in his weight category, which makes me suspect he’s not drug-free.
So, after much research and analysis of his strength and physique, I’m going to shed light on his possible steroid use.
Jesse Norris’s Signs of Steroid Use
In a 2015 video interview with Mark Bell, Jesse stated, “I don't want to sit here and say I'm natural. But regardless, I would like to show people that it is possible to train without performance-enhancing drugs and be successful.”
Although he has not made a public statement about using steroids, there are a couple of observable signs that show he potentially used PEDs outside of competition.
This suspicion is not new in powerlifting history; the sport has seen evolving patterns of steroid use since its early days, reflecting broader trends in athletic performance enhancement.
Crazy Strength Accomplishments
Norris's record lifts in his weight category, including a bench, squat, and deadlift total ten times his bodyweight, are extraordinary for his age.
Such exceptional strength, highly uncommon as per Mayo Clinic reports, fuels suspicions of steroid use for performance enhancement [1].
Slight Gyno
Examining Jesse's photos reveals potential pseudogynecomastia symptoms, notably puffy nipples, a common gynecomastia form.
My experience as a fitness trainer confirms that anabolic steroids, a primary gynecomastia cause per a 2001 National Library of Medicine study, are prevalent among bodybuilders [2].
While Jesse's symptoms are mild, suggesting possible steroid use, it's crucial to consider other hormonal imbalance causes for pseudogynecomastia.
Norris’s Stats
- Age: 28 (12 August, 1993)
- Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
- Weight: 205–215 lbs (88.5–93.0 kgs)
Here are Norris’s competition records:
- Squat: 766 lbs (348 kgs)
- Bench Press: 441 lbs (200 kgs)
- Deadlift: 821 lbs (373 kgs).
Norris’s Suspension Competition Suspension
In 2016, Norris, aware of impending drug tests in his federation, tested positive for banned stimulants.
This underscores the intricate legal and ethical challenges athletes face, striving for excellence while adhering to fair play and regulations.
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Interestingly, Norris's positive test stemmed from a now-discontinued pre-workout supplement, Craze, known for methamphetamine-like chemicals, rather than steroids.
Is It Possible to Naturally Obtain Jesse Norris’s Strength and Physique?
Yes, it is possible to naturally obtain Jesse Norris' strength and physique. Innovative training methods and nutritional strategies can empower natural athletes to push their limits, even in the absence of performance-enhancing drugs.
Replicating the strength and physique of elite athletes like Jesse Norris naturally is often challenging due to genetic limitations in muscle development and strength gains.
From my experience as a fitness trainer, I've seen many powerlifters constrained by genetics. Therefore, I advocate for a natural bulking stack to surpass genetic limits, particularly for those in competitive weightlifting and powerlifting.
While proper training, nutrition, and commitment are crucial in achieving personal bests, setting realistic goals and focusing on individual progress is vital. It's more beneficial to prioritize health, well-being, and sustainable growth rather than solely aiming for a specific aesthetic or strength level.
What Would It Take To Bulk Up Like the Norris?
Diet & Supplements
Norris adopts a flexible diet, focusing on high protein intake and minimal fats, favoring clean carbs like whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.
For powerlifters aiming to enhance performance, I recommend legal steroid alternatives. These can naturally elevate testosterone, promote muscle growth, and boost strength, essential for excelling in competitions.
Below is a list of supplements he consumes:
- Whey Protein
- Casein Protein
- Pre-Workout
- CLA
- L-Carnitine
- Fish Oil
Tough Training
Norris, like many dedicated athletes I've trained, commits to his sport with six to seven training sessions weekly, resting only as needed.
His regimen includes lifting heavy weights, typically in the two-to-eight-rep range, occasionally incorporating higher reps for muscle hypertrophy.
Norris doesn’t necessarily follow a strict program and simply lifts based on what his body requires.
“He's [Norris] freaking savage, but he expects a lot from himself. He's not too concerned with what other people are lifting. He's trying to push himself to the limits.”
— Mark Bell, Pro Powerlifter, Inventor of the Sling Shot, Founder of Power Magazine
FAQs
Has Jesse Norris Ever Been Banned for Using Steroids?
No. Norris was never banned for steroid use, but he was suspended after a failed drug test for taking the pre-workout Craze — a stimulant disallowed by the federation in which he was competing.
Does Jesse Norris Have Health Issues Due to Steroids?
Norris does not seem to display any health issues related to steroid use.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/performance-enhancing-drugs/art-20046134
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11715139/
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