In the current age of social media, influencers, fitness, and bodybuilding image often seem to go hand in hand. Platforms like YouTube have opened doors for individuals to gain rapid popularity, and with this, the impact they wield over their followers is unparalleled. A prominent voice emerged with cautionary advice about a new viral sensation, Sam Sulek.

IFBB Coach Greg Doucette shared deep concerns regarding the 21-year-old’s meteoric rise to YouTube stardom and the looming risks attached to it. Although Sulek has garnered significant attention, there’s a dark shadow cast over his achievements. Notably, Doucette and other fitness figures, including Jeff Cavalier, have recognized the telltale signs of steroid use. Both the sudden extreme muscle gains and visible side effects, such as acne, have made many in the fitness community wary.

An underlying fear for the new bodybuilding generation

The rapid ascension of influencers like Sulek poses a potential threat to impressionable viewers, especially teenagers. Observing someone articulate and knowledgeable achieving such results might tempt them to follow a similar path. Though Sulek hasn’t openly discussed the drugs he might be using, Doucette and other veterans feel the need to address the risks attached to performance-enhancing substances. Doucette also showed an article related to Sulek. It was titled as “RIP in Advance: Bodybuilding World Passes Harsh Verdict as 21-Year-Old Steroid-Enhanced Fitness Influencer Goes Viral”

While some might assume these videos are to gain views and “clout,” Doucette emphasizes that the intention is educational. And aiming to deter young viewers from potential harm. Having dedicated over a decade of his life to physical education and health, Doucette finds it disheartening. When accused of capitalizing on trending topics solely for views.

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He argues that leveraging popular names like Sulek ensures that his educational message reaches a broader audience. As a seasoned bodybuilder and coach, Doucette’s expertise provides valuable insight into the real-world consequences of drug use in the fitness community.

Personal experience and perspective on Sam Sulek

Recalling his youth, Doucette remembered the days when he was a competitive bodybuilder at 17 and 21. And achieving significant milestones while staying natural. He was uninformed about the rampant use of steroids in the bodybuilding arena until he ventured into larger competitions.

Doucette says he took steroids to get an IFBB Pro card, but it had consequences. After abusing steroids for years, witnessing its detrimental health impacts on peers. He chose to quit, leading to significant health setbacks.

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Now at 48, Doucette emphasizes the importance of cardiovascular health, commending Sulek for promoting it. His genuine concern for upcoming influencers like Sulek stems from personal experiences and witnessing the devastating consequences of performance-enhancing drugs. For Doucette, the goal remains steadfast: to promote a balanced, healthy life, steering clear of shortcuts that might have long-term repercussions.