Did Arnold Schwarzenegger use steroids?
Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most celebrated bodybuilders in history. Known for his seven Mr. Olympia titles, action-packed Hollywood career, and political tenure as the Governor of California, Schwarzenegger’s impact on bodybuilding is unparalleled. However, one question often arises: Did Arnold Schwarzenegger use steroids?
The answer is yes Schwarzenegger has openly admitted to using anabolic steroids during his competitive bodybuilding years. Unlike many athletes who deny or obscure their past, Schwarzenegger has been transparent about his use, highlighting the vastly different legal and medical landscape of the time.
For more on Schwarzenegger’s life and career, check out his Wikipedia page.
Schwarzenegger’s Admission of Steroid Use
In multiple interviews, Schwarzenegger has openly discussed his steroid use during the 1960s and 1970s. He stated that he used testosterone and Dianabol, two of the most common anabolic steroids at the time, under medical supervision.
- Steroid Types Used: Testosterone and Dianabol
- Dosage: 100 mg of testosterone weekly and 15 mg of Dianabol daily
- Purpose: Enhancing muscle mass and recovery while competing in Mr. Olympia and other bodybuilding contests
- Medical Supervision: Unlike many modern users, Schwarzenegger obtained these substances legally and under the guidance of doctors
According to Men’s Health, Schwarzenegger emphasized that steroid use in his time was considered standard practice for elite competitors and was not viewed with the same stigma it carries today.
Legal Context of Steroid Use at the Time
It’s essential to understand that Schwarzenegger’s use of steroids was legal at the time.
- Before 1990, anabolic steroids were not classified as controlled substances in the United States.
- The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 changed the legal status of these substances, making them illegal without a prescription.
- Many bodybuilders of Schwarzenegger’s era used steroids without breaking the law, as they were easily obtainable through doctors.
For more on steroid regulations, refer to People.
Schwarzenegger’s Current Stance on Steroids
Despite his past use, Schwarzenegger is now a vocal critic of modern steroid abuse in bodybuilding. He argues that excessive steroid consumption is dangerous and often goes unsupervised, leading to severe health risks, including:
- Heart disease
- Liver damage
- Hormonal imbalances
- Psychological effects like depression and aggression
Schwarzenegger has urged young bodybuilders to avoid steroids and focus on natural training, emphasizing that long-term health is more important than short-term gains. As he stated in an interview with AOL:
“I recognized that at that time, we did things that were legal. But now, I tell young bodybuilders: don’t take them. The risks far outweigh the benefits.”
Conclusion
While Arnold Schwarzenegger did use steroids, his experience was within a legal and medically supervised framework. He acknowledges his past but strongly discourages steroid use in modern bodybuilding. As one of the greatest athletes of all time, his voice carries weight in the ongoing conversation about performance-enhancing drugs.
Hi, I'm Dave Moffat the founder and Chief Editor of steroidsourcetalk.com and certified International Personal Trainer and Certified Nutritionist. My passion has always been bodybuilding but with 15 years' experience in weight loss programs too, it's hard not to mention all that when you're working at your fitness level fullest (I hope). When Im not in the gym or spending time away from my family i often think about what advice would help others achieve theirs goals just like these inspired mine.
