effects of
Anabolic steroids in the fitness industry
Exploring the effects anabolic steroids has on the outer and inner body. Developing further on to cell mutation, displayed through print and fabric manipulation.
muscle growth
lifestyle
steroids
weightloss
fitness
Profession competition work
Health
inspirations
better lifestyle
Issues
Benefits addicted to the ‘perfect body’
health
confidence
cell mutation
steroids
muscle growth
benefits myths dangers
Misuse
Anabolic
Unrealistic
Types
Body builders athletes Take them to improve and move them up a level
Growth hormones often taken together
steroids
stronger & more dangerous
effects increase strength
side effects inside
agression depression addiction
Increase muscle mass faster ability
heart attacks lung & kidney failure men & female hormones change high blood pressure
‘Nazi doctors gave steroids to their soldiers in an attempt to Cell mutation make them more aggressive’
weight gain
Injection - more powerful, stays in the body 6-8 months
Powder Pills - stay in the body for 6-8 weeks
are you aware of the health risks that come with the use of steroids? 22%
‘The abuse of insulin and diuretics can be very deadly, especially if the user is unknowledgable of their proper usage.’ (Steroids: Safe Or Savage?, 2003)
78%
Do you think the use of steroids in the fitness industry promotes false body expectations? 6% 22% 72%
would you ever consider taking steroids to achieve a fitness/body goal? 22%
69%
9%
‘Certainly at the pro level, steroids are used, indeed required, to compete on an equal footing with ones peers who are taking similar substances to gain that all-important edge.’ (robson, 2006)
Results from my survey showed although people said they were aware of the health risks which come with taking steroids, they are still likely to take them to achieve the unrealistic ‘perfect body’ which is conveyed through fitness models. This lead me to want narrow down my research and delve further into substance and the effects of which it has on the body, inside and out.
substance
Outer
INNEr
Steroids taken orally usually come on the form of a pill. It takes these water-soluble pills three to four weeks to clear the body.
photogrpahy representing the differant forms of steroids and ways it is taken
Photogrpahy representing muscle mass/growth - an outer effect from anabolic
The oil-based injections take six to eight months to leave the body.
when lifting heavier weights it creates tiny micro-tears in muscle fibers. The body’s natural repair process repairs the tear and then overcompensates by adding bigger cells to build a stronger fiber. Over time, this repeated process of teardown and re-build will result in muscle growth.
illustration inspired by the testosterone cell
testosterone its self isn’t effective when taken orally or injected as it is naturally and radially broken down by the liver. pharmacologists surmount this problem by suspending the cells in oil to help them remain in the body for weeks even months
print development from paint bubbles
when body fat reaches below 9% vascularity will be visible, this isn’t sustainable all year round for the every day person.
Prints include hand rendered fabric samples which were edited and manipulated digitally to create exposed muscle effect.
Print development representing the damage caused to cells from anabolic steroids
If I was to carry on with this research i would continue to experiment with prints, fabric manipulation, photography and illustration to support a trend publication of sports wear inspired by the effects of annabolic steroids.