Millard, this got me thinking - one day we should start a discussion about what the ideal amount of muscle is - that is bound to spark a lot of debate! I'll write a short piece, maybe with some of these studies that look at the place of muscularity in evolution and mating choices, if you like?
If you're just an average guy, you just have to stay objective about the risk Vs reward of doing stronger and stronger cycles with increasing health damage for diminishing returns of gains. For most guys being even at 80% of their max potential with steroids is still going to put them in the top 1% of men and you can get there with just a few good cycles.
If you compete then this no longer really applies. It's just the nature of the game that whoever takes the biggest risks wins (or dies).
Solid
And would be a good discussion.
I think one the most "damaging" things is bodybuilding communities... even ones like Meso
(Dont get me wrong, I think it's a positive place and I believe that communities like this do more harm than good.. but bear with me)
I look at the guys here at Meso and think "Holy fuck... I look like shit"
So where we communicate and interact about bodybuilding/Powerlifting and steroids also effects our dysmorphia.
But the clear reality is...
It's not true.
My friends/coworkers also say "Bro, I seriously wish I could look like you"
People stare at me when I lift in the gym...
My ego also kicked in hard the other day... I was out front of Union station ( Downtown Toronto) for an hour, waiting for a guy who was late for a meeting.
In that hour, not one person walked by in better shape/size than me. (I know... pretty fucking egotistical to stand there and think that way lol)
BUT
I look at Meso and see guys like Size28/Mac/Brandaddy/Malfeasance/ Eman/PA (And so many more) and I think I'm small and weak lmfao
Perspective... perspective .. perspective
Hence why I believe it's so important to compete against yourself primarily.