Mal O’Brien is a big name in fitness and bodybuilding. He’s really strong and a lot of people look up to him because of his amazing muscles.
People often wonder how he got so strong. Did he do it all naturally, or did he use something like steroids to help him get stronger faster?
In this article, we will explore how to spot signs of steroid use or natural strength. We’ll also look at what we know about Mal O’Brien’s own fitness journey to see what we can learn.
Does Mal O’Brien Take Steroids?
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Mal O’Brien has taken steroids.
She has never confessed to using steroids in public, and there are no records of failed drug tests.
But, just like with any sports star, we can’t say for sure if someone has used stuff like steroids unless they’ve been tested and it’s been proven.
We should remember that it’s not fair to say someone used steroids without real proof.
Common Signs of Steroid Use
Steroid use among bodybuilders can manifest through various physical and behavioral changes. Here are some common signs:
Rapid muscle gain: Steroids make muscles grow quicker, so if someone’s muscles suddenly get really big, they might be using steroids.
Excessive body hair and facial hair (in women): Steroids can make more hair grow all over the body, even on the face, and this can happen especially in girls.
Acne: Steroids can trigger acne outbreaks, not just on the face but also on the back and shoulders.
Fluid retention: Steroids can make your body hold onto water, which makes tissues swell up and look puffy.
Enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia): Some steroids mimic estrogen, which can lead to breast development in men.
Behavioral changes: Steroids can make people have mood swings, get angry easily, feel irritable, or act differently than usual.
Deepened voice in women: Anabolic steroids can cause a deepening of the voice in women, which is usually irreversible.
Baldness and hair loss: Some people who use steroids experience pattern baldness or accelerated hair loss.
Increased training capacity: Steroids can help you work out longer and recover quicker, so if someone starts working out a lot more and doesn’t seem to get tired, they might be using steroids.
Changes in libido: The use of anabolic steroids can lead to changes in sexual desire, either increased or decreased.
It’s important to note that these signs are not definitive proof of steroid use, as they can also be caused by other factors. The only surefire way to know if someone is using steroids is through drug testing.
Who is Mal O’Brien?
Mallory “Mal” O’Brien is a young star in the world of CrossFit, which is a type of exercise that combines lots of different workouts. She was born and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and started doing CrossFit when she was just a kid. It wasn’t long before everyone noticed how good she was at it.
In 2022, when she was only 18, Mal came in second place at the CrossFit Games. This made her the youngest person ever to get a top three spot in this competition. People started talking about her a lot after that.
When Mal works out, she shows off her amazing strength, speed and never-give-up attitude. Her training includes really tough exercises that push her body to its limits.
But in 2023, Mal had to take a break. She said on Instagram in May 2023 that she wouldn’t be competing in the North America East Semifinals, which meant she was done for the season. We don’t know exactly why she decided to do this, but she did say she had some personal issues to deal with.
Even though she had to stop competing, people in the CrossFit community still really respect and admire Mal. They love her determination, hard work and athletic skills. Right now, she has over 732K followers on Instagram. She uses her account to share what her workouts look like, competitions she’s in, and what’s going on in her life.
Reasons Why Mal O’Brien Looks Natty
Mal O’Brien possesses physical traits that indicate she may be a talented athlete without using steroids.
Here’s a breakdown based on the points mentioned:
Lack of Facial Hair
Steroid use can lead to increased facial and body hair in women, a side effect of the hormonal imbalance it causes. Mal O’Brien does not show this sign, which indicates she might be natural.
Normal Voice Tone
Anabolic steroids can cause a deepening of the voice in women. Mal’s voice appears to be within the typical range for her gender and age, suggesting she might not be using steroids.
Lack of HGH Gut
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and certain steroids can lead to an enlarged abdomen, often referred to as “HGH Gut” or “steroid belly.” Mal O’Brien does not exhibit this characteristic.
Proportional Shoulders
Steroids can cause the shoulders to become much larger than the rest of the body. This happens because there are many androgen receptors in this area. Mal’s shoulders, while muscular, are proportionate to her physique.
Minimal Vascularity
Steroids can increase vascularity, making veins more prominent. Mal’s blood vessels look normal for a well-trained athlete, which suggests she may not be using steroids.
Reasonable Body Fat Levels
Some steroids promote extreme leanness. Mal, however, maintains a healthy level of body fat, indicative of a balanced diet and regular exercise rather than steroid use.
Is It Possible To Bulk Up Like Mal O’Brien Naturally?
Becoming as muscular as an athlete like Mal O’Brien depends on a few things: your genes, what you eat, how you train, and how dedicated you are.
Your genes can decide how fast and how much muscle you can build. Some people are born with genes that help them grow muscles more easily.
What you eat is really important too. If you want to build muscle, you need to eat lots of protein and more calories than your body burns every day. You also need to get enough sleep because that’s when your muscles have time to recover and grow bigger.
How you train matters a lot. Regular workouts that are tough and focus on strength training and resistance exercises can help you build muscle.
But remember, getting a body like Mal O’Brien’s naturally takes a lot of time, hard work, discipline, and patience. You also need to be realistic and understand that everyone’s body is different and responds differently to exercise and diet.
A source from Vitalized Future says it’s almost impossible for females to bulk up while staying under 12% body fat, even with good genes and training.”
Even if you work out and grow stronger, it’s difficult to become as muscular as top athletes like Mal O’Brien without using drugs.
Always remember to stay healthy and safe when you’re trying to build muscle. Talk to fitness professionals or a doctor before you start any new workout or diet program.
Conclusion
Mal O’Brien has achieved impressive physical conditioning. It may be impossible to reach her level without using performance-enhancing substances.
Natural bodybuilders can achieve significant muscle growth and strength gains through genetics, diet, training, and dedication.
It is important to remember that any fitness or dietary program should be approached healthily and sustainably. Consulting a professional for advice before starting is strongly recommended.
With these principles in mind, anyone can set out on their journey towards achieving remarkable
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.
