Performance Enhancers: A Confession from A-Rod

Last week was a revelation to baseball. Alex Rodriguez admitted using performance enhancing drugs while with the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003. A lot of people were disappointed – former team mates and coaches, but more importantly, millions of fans who look up to him.

Rodriguez has been adamant in expressing his regrets on ever using performance enhancing drugs. He said he was sorry; he was caught in an “everybody is doing it” era and there has been overwhelming pressure for him to prove himself. However, he was also fervent in his statement that he has not taken anything of that nature since 2003 and he has given his word of honor to educate people especially the youth on the harms of drug use.

Incidentally, there has been an increase in actions and measures taken against illegal drugs including steroids. Among teenage athletes, as much as 6% admitted to having tried performance enhancing drugs. Another survey reported on the access to steroids and other performance enhancing supplements of students in middle and high school. It was reported that “18.1 percent of eighth graders, 29.7 percent of high school sophomores, and 39.7 percent of seniors” stated that obtaining steroids was “fairly easy” or “very easy.”

This is very alarming indeed. With incidents like the one with Alex Rodriguez where performance enhancing drugs are known to be used in the pro-leagues, high school and college athletes will find another reason to rationalize steroid use. “If A-Rod uses it, why should I?” will be a common argument.

One of the most common performance enhancing substances is creatine. Other common substances and drugs used to improve athletic performance are: protein supplements, amino acids, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, chromium picolinate, ginseng, anabolic steroids, and growth hormones.

It’s scary to experiment with illegal substances, even those which are not regulated. Without extensive research on these substances, you may just end up wasting your money and your career.

The best way to improve athletic performance is proper nutrition, a sound training plan, and healthy mental and emotional states.

Believe in yourself!

You are far more capable of improving your game than a tab of steroidal pills.

Check out this link, get your Top 3 Sports Performance Tips free report and learn safe and effective ways to improve athletic performance!