THE EPICENTER

"San Francisco -- The City That Waits to Die," a tabloid recently headlined. We locals (I live just north of S.F.) have gotten so used to hearing warnings and dire predictions -- not that they aren't justified -- that our conversations about living here open with, "When the Big One hits. . .".

We're often at the epicenter of sociological matters too. Today, same sex marriage and steroids are hot topics. Too bad we missed out on Kobe. He plays basketball south of here. But we've got BALCO. You know about BALCO: steroids and sports stars. That's red meat in a newsroom.

Given my interest in working out, it may seem unusual but the details of BALCO and who ingests what, or sells it, doesn't hold my attention for long. I have a passing interest, but that's about all. It is somewhat interesting, for example, how kinder and gentler terms for doping have been coined, probably to soften the impact of possible illegal behavior by our sports "heroes." Inhaling or shooting up illegal drugs has become "substance abuse." And steroids are "performance enhancements."

Bodybuilding has always been a few steps ahead in cutting edge training. Sometimes it has been for the better, sometimes not. I believe things began innocently enough decades ago when bodybuilders first tried steroids. They were not illegal and there was no sinister intent, just bigger muscles. But time has clarified things, and most of the early experimenters realize that it is an ugly genie that got uncorked.

In spite of known health risks and rules and laws prohibiting usage, some bodybuilders still openly tout steroids. I guess they are at least being honest. But most athlete users aren't. The way I hear it, steroids are the most lied about of all illegal drug categories. Some addicts will openly admit to using cocaine, heroin and other hard drugs, but the vast majority of steroid users steadfastly deny it.

The reasons athletes use steroids are no secret. Coupled with heavy training, they make them bigger, faster and stronger. Since competition is the essence of athletics, competitors look for an edge. They always have and always will, and some will go outside the law and/or risk their health to get it. Argue about the ethics or shortsightedness if you want to, but there is no point in denying the reality.

Since the middle-aged and seniors are not competing for positions on a football team, why then is steroid use even worth mentioning? For whatever reasons, some seasoned bodybuilders and lifters, both men and women, do use them. In fact, lots of them do. Strangest of all to me, are women bodybuilders of any age who take steroids. Yes, I agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I speak only for this beholder: It ain't pretty!

My point is that taking steroids is not confined only to young, athletic men. As people age, their bodies produce less testosterone, making them less able to build muscle. Seniors who train regularly and eat well may make enormous improvements; but, on average, we still won't develop nearly as much muscle mass as young people making the same effort. Steroids, to some extent, can even the playing field. So even among seniors, if bigness becomes all-important, some will accept the health risks to achieve it.

Is it, worth it? For me, the answer is easy. I'm 67 years old. Generally, most people at my stage in life have managed to acquire some measure of common sense and are less apt to make bad choices. Risking damage to my body for bigger biceps is clearly a bad choice. Secondly, after a certain point in physical development, I personally find the extremes unappealing. In fact, downright ugly and even grotesque is more to the point. But more important than anything else, I want to stay truly healthy for as long as I can. I simply wouldn't roll the dice when it comes my health. Most people agree with me. But not everyone does. To quote an old workout buddy of mine: "It's your body." He was right. I would only add that they give out just one per customer. Don't be foolish with it. Train regularly and eat right, but be smart and leave the "performance enhancements" alone.