The Best Anabolic Steroids for Muscle Power, Strength & Growth

These are the least-favored types of articles to write, yet the most popular with readers. The paradox being that discussing the misuse/abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) suggests AAS are the sole determining factor for the achievements of bodybuilders and athletes; legitimizes illicit and undirected use by vulnerable and ignorant adolescents and young adults; exposes readers to temptations and choices; and promotes the illicit distribution of AAS, profiting unscrupulous individuals, which hampers the acceptance of expanded indications for prescribed and monitored use. Yet, readers seek the physical rewards attainable only when AAS augment resistance training’s effects as well as the support of a suitable diet and lifestyle. The rewards to many from AAS are not merely physical or “physique,” but can also enhance social standing, financial gain, job opportunity/security, self-esteem and ironically, health, when used in a conscientious manner.

 There are three responses that are most commonly sought after by young, recreational AAS misusers: power, strength and size. These are by no means exclusive, and most seek a component of all three. Power and strength are often used synonymously, but there is a difference. Power is a metric that is most relevant to athletic performance, referring to the amount of force a muscle can produce per unit of time. The standing high jump is a commonly used measure of power. Strength is the amount of force that can be exerted in a single effort. This is best represented by the one-rep maximum (1RM) lift in the bench press, squat and deadlift.

 Measuring Power and Strength

 Both power and strength can be measured in absolute terms or relative terms. For example, a 242-pound powerlifter benching 500 pounds is stronger than a 181-pound lifter benching 405 pounds. However, the 181-pound lifter has greater relative strength, as his max is a greater multiple of his bodyweight— 405/181 = 2.24 versus 500/242 = 2.07. Similarly, many athletes are capable of generating greater power, despite being relatively weaker (i.e., less strong) than their powerlifting counterparts. It makes the use of the term powerlifter somewhat confusing, doesn’t it? Take the example of a shot-putter. He may be able to throw a shot 60 feet or greater, whereas a powerlifter whose strength is much greater may not reach half that distance. This demonstrates that power is an expression of the combination of a learned skill set combined with the balanced and coordinated actions of numerous muscle groups, as well as the rate at which the force can be generated. Strength is a more raw, gross motor skill, performed to demonstrate the maximal force that can be generated by large muscle groups in a controlled lift.

 Size is perhaps more applicable to bodybuilders, and most recreational lifters, as they are not measured in competitions of strength or performance, rather presentation. Granted, it is a presentation that demonstrates a regimen of disciplined diet and training in a goal-directed manner, but the events themselves are scored as pageantry. The general public, while espousing the goals of becoming healthier or improving one’s physical function, is typically motivated by image and social response to a greater degree. Size can be measured in a number of ways: bodyweight; arm/chest/thigh circumference; clothing size; site-specific measures that incorporate symmetry as a target; and even highly technical measures of muscle volume. In considering size, bodybuilders also take into consideration the composition of the increase (i.e., lean, hard mass versus general or even “doughy” gains).

 Combining Several Agents

 Most articles of this type will focus on single AAS that might seemingly provide power, strength or size exclusively. In fact, this is not the practical experience of the AAS-using community. Certainly, most neophytes or the timidly cautious will see quickly realized gains from a single agent cycle, as will be briefly discussed. However, once a person has developed a substantial base muscle mass and has prior exposure to AAS, the “optimal” response typically requires a combination of several agents. There is a saying that “no cycle is as satisfying as your first one.”

 So, prior to discussing single types or examples of AAS that may be more appropriate for improving power, strength or size, it is important to consider what the decades-long experience base of AAS users has determined as the foundation for drug-induced gains.

 It is useless to discuss the AAS-induced gains if the training and diet, as well as lifestyle, are not emphasized, first and foremost. AAS aid in increasing the training response and tolerating the stress of training and diet. Thus, any AAS-related success is predicated upon adequate training and diet— consider those two factors first so that the health, legal and social risks associated with AAS use do not fail to result in the anticipated benefits due to poor planning or execution.

 For neophytes taking a single AAS, there are definitely differences between the various AAS that can preferentially promote power, strength or size. However, for the neophyte, the primary factors involved in the decision are access and ease of use. Hence, the popularity of oral AAS— specifically, the well-known dianabol, Winstrol and even Anadrol-50.

 East German Doping Regimens

 Consider what the doping regimens were in the 1960s through 1980s, revealed when East German (aka German Democratic Republic) documents uncovered the state-sponsored doping program.¹ Their athletes, beginning at an age of perhaps as young as 10, maybe even younger, were doped with oral AAS to provide a rapid response and rapid clearance, as well as certain injectable AAS (e.g., testosterone propionate, nandrolone phenylpropionate, etc.). The oral drugs used included Dianabol, Turinabol and Mestanolone, primarily. The doses produced health consequences, along with the obvious physical gains, using doses that would be considered common in many circles of recreational use today (10 - 60 mg/day). Of course, this was anticipated, as these athletes were entered into the doping program prior to or during adolescence, and included female athletes in equal number to the males. With these relatively non-specific AAS, East Germany went from being a defeated and bankrupt country post-World War II to an Olympic powerhouse brimming with national pride. Of course, other countries were involved in similar programs, just not in as organized and methodical (and documented) fashion.

 The current contrived scandal regarding the WADA and IAAF deciding that Russia (and only Russia?) must have a doping program— coincidentally, as it stands in opposition to the United States in many foreign policy matters— has resulted in Russian athletes being at least temporarily banned from international competition.² A travesty to the rule-abiding athletes, and a woeful repeat of the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games wherein politics stripped athletes of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that had been the goal of years of training and sacrifice.

 Returning to the topic, Dianabol and similar AAS were very effective at increasing power and strength, as attested to by the gold medal performances of the East German athletes. It is interesting to note that the East German protocols provided lower doses to “skill” athletes as opposed to Olympic lifters and shot-putters.¹ Additionally, these oral AAS are also effective at promoting mass gains, though not a quality, hardened mass. For that, the more appropriate single agent may be stanozolol or oxandrin, though the amount of mass gained will be considerably less, as will be the strength gains to a degree. This remains true in modern times, as the infamous stripping of Ben Johnson in his record-setting Olympic win was due to the detection of stanozolol, and many Major League Baseball players were reported to test positive for stanozolol as well.

 Aromatizable vs. Non-aromatizable AAS

 One factor differentiating the “size/power/strength” AAS and the AAS used by bodybuilders in pre-competition training is the concept of aromatizable versus non-aromatizable AAS. Aromatizable AAS are those that can be converted in the body to estrogenic metabolites— hormones with female sex hormone effects. Yes, this can lead to “bitch tits,” mood disruption and other negative side effects. However, a component of estrogenic stimulation is necessary for maximal size and strength enhancement, an understudied area of research.³ This is why in meat production facilities, such as cattle ranches, a combination of hormones is often used, including tibolone, which contains female sex hormone properties or Revalor-S (trenbolone and estradiol combination).⁴

 Those for whom power, strength and size advantages are critically necessary employ the use of numerous agents, as mentioned previously. In addition to stacking two or more AAS, other adjunct drugs are commonly used, depending upon the resources and risk tolerance of the individual. Note well, none of these regimens is being recommended or condoned. Further, as the cycles become more complex, of longer duration, or increase in peak as well as cumulative exposure, the risk of adverse events (i.e., side effects) escalates.⁵

 Base Drugs Maintain Body’s Response to Training

 In the athlete with access to a wide complement of performance-enhancing drugs, it is common to see cycles (or persistent use) hallmarked by a base foundation of drugs, with periodic inclusion of more goal-oriented drugs.

 The base drugs, similar to the protocols reported to be associated with athletes exposed during the BALCO scandal, or doping revelations such as occurred with a legion of Tour de France cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, are dependent upon the needs of the athlete.⁶ For power athletes, one needs to factor in the need to accommodate weight-class restrictions, agility or power:mass ratios; similar considerations relating to body mass are relevant for strength athletes as well, given most competitions are weight-class events. Even gains in size need to be moderated for many athletes, either to maintain a restricted weight or to balance symmetry in bodybuilding. Of course, those who compete in endurance events or long-duration competitions have additional needs.

 Base drugs essentially need to maintain the body’s response to training, tolerate diet and promote metabolic health. It does little good to put on size if one is experiencing depression, type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, insomnia, etc. Power athletes often experience overuse injuries, over-reaching or over-training states, chronic inflammation, fatigue, hypervigilance and a myriad of other issues. A base of injectable testosterone is nearly always part of a complex cycle, though drug-tested athletes may use a low-dose cream or even oral testosterone undecanoate to maintain a physiologic or slightly elevated testosterone concentration. This maintains the metabolic, endocrine and neurosteroid functions of testosterone. AAS have different properties and metabolites that do not replicate the effect of testosterone, and thus account for many of the challenges involved when testosterone is not maintained.

 As many athletes depend upon a total exposure to supraphysiologic, aromatizable AAS to promote maximal gains, both aromatase inhibitors and SERMs (e.g., Nolvadex) are commonly used to minimize the risk of estrogen excess. However, it is important not to completely suppress the effect or presence of estrogens— especially estradiol, as estrogens are involved not only in muscle function and response, but also a myriad of health-related pathways (e.g., lipid and glucose tolerance, cognitive and neuroprotective effects, antioxidant functions, etc.). Other classes of drugs used as performance enhancers are also commonly misused/abused in the quest for power/strength/size. These include insulin; growth hormone/IGF-1; beta-2 agonists and non-specific stimulants (e.g., clenbuterol, Adderall) and others.

 Best AAS for Power, Strength and Size?

 Now, before unveiling what may be the best AAS for power, strength and size, three final comments. First, in regard to both size and strength, there is a well-described dose-response relationship.⁷ In other words “more is better” with better referring to the gains, not better health or a better decision. Second, everyone has had a personal experience that colors his/her opinion as to what works best. Do not be surprised to see your favorite Baskin-Robbins “31 flavors” of AAS missing. Third, the choices will be based in part on accessibility to the illicit misuser/abuser. It does little good to discuss a THG or nebivolol— two AAS that played a prominent role in the BALCO scandal when they were custom synthesized for a select group.⁸ Granted, they are likely available in certain venues, but not circulating in gym locker rooms.

 The AAS that generally serve the roles of power, strength and size enhancers are trenbolone acetate, Anadrol-50 and testosterone propionate, respectively. This list may surprise many, but consider the factors of each. I refer the reader to William Llewellyn’s excellent book for a more comprehensive discussion of each.⁹

 Trenbolone, chemically related to THG, serves to enhance muscle growth and differentiation of satellite cells with subsequent fusion of myoblasts to muscle fibers.^10,11 It is also a “dry” steroid in that it will not add a great deal of body mass aside from muscle growth. These are factors sought in training for power performance, and successful as demonstrated by the Olympic and professional athletes reported in the BALCO scandal and others using THG. Note, THG was used in preference to trenbolone as it was not detectable, not because it held any innate advantage that was reported.

 Anadrol-50 is an extremely potent oral AAS that provides rapid increases in both size and strength, and can be dosed to peak immediately prior to or following training. Anadrol-50 also affects the mental and mood state of the misuser, increasing aggression and tolerance to pain. Unfortunately, it is also hepatotoxic (damages the liver), and can cause outbursts and excessive responses to provoked aggression.

 Testosterone propionate is an aromatizable AAS, and it has the greatest variation in peaks and troughs following injection. The change in muscle and bone mass seen with testosterone is due to more than the cumulative dose, but to the peak concentration reached, and testosterone propionate results in the sharpest peaks.¹² To attain the same effect with longer-acting esters would result in a prolonged excess in testosterone, and likely result in adverse effects related to DHT or estradiol conversion.

 There is the list, one that will be contested hotly, but consider the properties of the drugs relative to the goals being sought. Further, each of these is relatively accessible. Note, again, this is not a recommendation or endorsement. Consider the consequences of any misuse of AAS strongly, and be aware of the many risks that are inherent with the practice.

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