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 14 to train himself as an athlete.
I’ve coached and assisted many athletes for 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 on his strength and physique, I’m going to shed light on his possible steroid use.
Quick Summary
- Powerlifter Jesse Norris has used steroids in the past and was suspended by the USA pool league powerlifting board.
- Norris openly displayed some signs of steroid usage like crazy strength accomplishment when lifting weights, and some signs of pseudo gynecomastia.
- Supplements like whey protein, pre-workouts, CLA, fish oil, and L-carnitine can help you bulk up like Jesse Norris.
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.
Crazy Strength Accomplishments
Norris is known for some of the most incredible lifts in his weight category (see stats below).
He is one of few athletes whose bench, squat, and deadlift total is ten times his own bodyweight.
Given his age, such strength is highly uncommon, which makes me suspect that he most likely took PEDs to boost his strength and performance [1].
Slight Gyno
Take a close look at some of Jesse’s photos. You’ll notice that he seems to show symptoms of pseudogynecomastia (one of the most common forms of gynecomastia): puffy nipples.
A 2001 study found that anabolic steroid consumption is one of the leading causes of gynecomastia [2].
And gynecomastia is commonly found among bodybuilders who consume anabolic steroids.
Although Jesse’s symptoms don’t seem too severe, the light presence of pseudogynecomastia could indicate that he possibly took anabolic steroids. But we can’t be certain since pseudogynecomastia is also caused by hormonal imbalance from other factors.
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 would compete in a federation that required he be drug tested, and he was found positive for banned stimulants.
Given that he knew they’d administer a drug test, it could have been an honest mistake on his part.
However, in Jesse’s case, the failed drug test was not because of steroids but a pre-workout that was no longer in the market (Craze).
It was known for containing chemicals similar to those in methamphetamines.
Is It Possible to Naturally Obtain Jesse Norris’s Strength and Physique?
For his body weight, obtaining Norris's strength and physique naturally is likely impossible unless you're one of few genetically gifted men.
It is important to note that attempting to replicate the strength and physique of elite athletes like Jesse Norris solely through natural means can be challenging for most individuals. Genetics significantly determines an individual's potential for muscle development, strength gains, and overall physique.
Many powerlifters are limited by genetics, so I recommend you take a natural bulking stack to push beyond your genetic peak. I especially recommend this if you're competing in weightlifting and powerlifting.
In additional proper training, nutrition, and dedication can help individuals reach their personal best, it's essential to set realistic expectations and focus on personal progress rather than attempting to match the achievements of genetic outliers. Prioritizing health, well-being, and sustainable progress is important rather than solely chasing a specific aesthetic or strength level.
What Would It Take To Bulk Up Like the Norris?
Diet & Supplements
Norris is fairly liberal with his diet plan. He consumes as much protein as he can while avoiding fats. And he sticks to only clean carb sources such as whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and sweet potato.
Below is a list of supplements he consumes:
- Whey Protein
- Casein Protein
- Pre-Workout
- CLA
- L-Carnitine
- Fish Oil
Tough Training
Like most professional athletes, Norris takes his sport seriously and trains six to seven times a week. He only takes a rest day when he feels his body truly needs it.
He lifts extremely heavy weights in the two-to-eight rep range. He sometimes throws in a higher rep range to assist with 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.
Is Jesse Norris a Steroid User?
Being one of the strongest athletes for his weight category raises suspicion about Norris’s steroids use. Although he has tested positive for banned substances, his failed drug test was not on account of steroids.
But because he still competes in untested competitions, I suspect he most likely took PEDs, but we can’t say for certain.
If you’re a powerlifter looking to build your numbers, I highly suggest doing so using powerful legal steroid alternatives for men. It will naturally boost your testosterone levels, enhance muscle growth, and increase strength — everything you need to kill your next contest.
Stay dedicated and work hard towards your goals. Find mentors and never give up.
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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