Competing Clean?
By Dr. Rick Kattouf
II
Competition; it’s what drives so many of us at athletes.
Competing against ourselves and competing against others can bring out the best
in us. For competitive athletes, it’s not uncommon to have a ‘I’ll do whatever it takes’ mindset. As
potent and powerful as this mind set is to become the best athlete possible, it
can also cause athletes to cross the line. The phrase ‘Performance Enhancer’ is
commonly used in all sports. Performance enhancers basically come in 2 flavors:
Legal performance enhancers and banned substances. Let’s take a closer look as
defined by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency)
and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
When athletes hear the word ‘doping’ and ‘banned substances’,
they may associate this with Anabolic Steroids (more on this later). And yes,
while anabolic agents are banned substances, there are many other supplements
(over-the-counter), prescription medications, etc., that are banned as well. And
there is a very good chance that athletes are not even aware of such banned
substances. The current official definition of doping as defined by the World
Anti-Doping Code is as follows, “Doping is defined as the occurrence of one
or more of the anti-doping rule violations set forth in Article 2.1 through article 2.8 of the World Anti-Doping Code.”
Let’s take a closer
look at a supplement that can be purchased over-the-counter and is found in a
number of nutrition supplements, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). As a result, if an athlete is using DHEA
and/or DHEA is in one of their nutrition supplements, they are using a banned substance.
CLICK
HERE for the Athlete Guide to the 2017 Prohibited List and CLICK HERE for the Athlete Guide to the 2018 Prohibited List. Other ingredients
that can be found in some nutrition supplements, such as insulin-like growth
factors (IGF-1), is also on the prohibited list. Bottom line is this, sure,
these supplements are available over-the-counter, but this does not mean that
they legal (both in and out of competition). And an athlete’s response of, ‘but I bought this over-the-counter’,
does not give exemption. As athletes, we must be very aware as to what we are
putting in our bodies, take full responsibility for it and ensure we are
competing clean. Be sure to visit SUPPLEMENT411 to
ensure that you are not using nutrition supplements that contain banned
substances. In addition, be sure to check the prescription medication(s) you
are taking, CLICK HERE
The Elephant in
the Room
It’s understandable that as individuals get older, they want
to feel as youthful as possible. They want higher energy levels, increases in
libido, increases in strength, increases in stamina, etc. These wants have
caused individual to seek out the fountain of youth. As a result, a buzz-term
has surfaced, TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy). Let’s just cut right to
the chase. What is testosterone? Simple, it’s an anabolic steroid. Yes, an anabolic
steroid. The same anabolic steroid that, all too often, professional (and many amateur)
athletes get busted for and are then crucified in the media. But in a strange
twist, when an individual is being administered TRT under the care of a
physician, they give themselves a pass. OK, look, even if your Dr. diagnoses
you with Low-T (low testosterone levels), and you start to take testosterone
(creams, gels, pellets, injections, oral), it’s still a banned substance. You
are taking anabolic steroids. Call it TRT if you choose, but bottom line is
that you are taking a prohibited substance, anabolic steroids. And no, using
the excuse, “but I have Low-T”, or, “but my Dr. prescribed it” does not get
you off the hook. This is not like being late for middle school and bringing a doctor’s
note. Often times, an age group/amateur athlete will try to minimize their use
of doctor Rxd testosterone with a statement such as, “it’s no big deal. My testosterone was so low, I’m just taking a small
amount to get my levels back to normal.” No big deal, huh? Ok, let’s roll
with that. If it’s not a big deal, then let’s do this. Athletes, understandably
so, enjoy sharing their athletic accomplishments and PRs on social media. I get
it, you are proud of what you accomplished. So, if the testosterone you are
taking is no big deal, be sure to post the following, “I just crushed my PR…and I’m taking anabolic steroids!” And be sure
to #USADA #WADA. Now let’s see what not a big deal this is.
Athletes want to get the most out of themselves and the most
out of their body. Athletes want to challenge themselves, physically and
mentally, and they want to stretch their comfort zone. This is that competitive
drive and fire that athletes have within them. Let’s do all we can to ensure we
are competing clean. Let’s maintain the integrity of the sports we compete in.
And let’s be sure we keep ourselves well informed of the rules, stay within
those boundaries, compete at the highest level possible and compete clean. If
an individual chooses to use testosterone or some other banned substance, that’s
their choice…just don’t pin a number on.
Key resources for Athletes & Coaches:
*If you want to keep sport clean, pleases share this article.
WORKOUT SMART, EAT RIGHT, GET RESULTS®!
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Rick Kattouf II, O.D. is a
2x Best-Selling Author and Fitness & Nutrition expert and has been named
one of America’s PremierExperts® and one of the World Fitness Elite® Trainers
of the Year. He has been seen on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates around the
country as well as in the USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Ironman.com,
Livestrong.com, FIGHT! Magazine, Florida Cycling Magazine and The Independent
in the UK. Rick is the CEO/Founder of TeamKattouf® Inc, CEO/Founder of
TeamKattouf® Nutrition LLC, CEO/Founder of Virtual Gym LLC, Creator of
TeamKattouf® Nutrition Supplements, Host of Rx Nutrition, author of Forever
Fit, Creator of 5-Round Fury® Nutrition Supplement, 5-Round Fury Fitness®
workout app, Creator of Coach2CEO, Creator of Fuel Keeper®, Entrepreneur and
Inspirational Speaker. Dr. Rick has personally coached individuals in 30+
states and 10+ countries.
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0 Comments
Daleoos
Excellent Coach!
