![A handful of juniors decided to take the PSAT and while it is not required, those who are taking it must spend their time preparing to make sure they get a good score. "Become familiar with the type of questions that are being asked and the practice that [College Board] offers," PSAT coordinator and counselor Ms. Christina Domicoli said.](https://ayalabulldogtimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-29-12.34.50-PM.png)
Exploring performance enhancing drugs’ influence on the fitness industry
The past few years, performance enhancing drugs have seen an increase in their usage as more and more people within the industry continue to spread lies about whether they use these products. PED’s are not only controversial in terms of the physical attributes they bring but also the major health concerns that come along as well.
March 24, 2023
The fitness industry has seen a tremendous surge in popularity over the years, with health and wellness being a top priority among individuals. With this in mind, the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has also become prevalent among both amateur and professional athletes and has started to influence the fitness industry in several ways.
To start off, PEDs offer several benefits to athletes, including increased strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance. This has led to a culture where performance is valued above all else, with many individuals willing to take PEDs to achieve their fitness goals. This mindset has led to the promotion of unrealistic body standards and an increase in the use of PEDs, which can have serious health consequences.
Since the use of PEDs has increased, it has also led to an increase in competition in the fitness industry. As athletes strive for peak physical performance, those who use PEDs often have an unfair advantage over those who do not, leading to an uneven playing field. This has led to various fitness competitions implementing drug testing to ensure fair play, but the use of undetectable PEDs is still a challenge in many competitions.
Since then, PEDs have led to the commercialization of the fitness industry. There is a growing demand for supplements and other fitness products that promise to improve athletic performance, which has led to the rise of companies that sell these products. With the increase in demand, some individuals may resort to unsafe and unregulated supplements that can lead to serious health complications.
For a long time, the use of PEDs has also blurred the line between fitness and bodybuilding. Many individuals who use PEDs are aspiring bodybuilders, leading to a focus on aesthetics and muscle mass over overall health and wellness. This has led to the promotion of unrealistic body standards, which can be harmful to an individual’s mental and physical well-being.
Considering all of this, the use of PEDs has had a significant impact on the fitness industry. While they may offer benefits in terms of athletic performance, their use has also led to a culture where performance is valued above all else, setting unrealistic body standards and increasing competition in the industry. As individuals strive to achieve their fitness goals, it is essential to prioritize health and wellness in a safe and regulated manner.
