Mrrippedzilla
MIA - PM only
I thought I would post this after Mr P asked about the effects of cortisone (and other cortisol derivatives) on bodybuilding during AAS cycles.
Its not something that alot of users are familiar with & I think some basic info will be useful to advanced lifters who may suffer from injuries and wonder how cortisol would impact their gains.
Intro
Corticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, is the scientific term used when discussing different forms of cortisol (injections, etc).
These hormones have the ability to increase gluconeogenesis (production of glucose), reduce inflammation, increased the release of fatty acids (lipolysis), muscle catabolism, and positive psychological effects.
Now if your a bodybuilder you may be wondering how cortisol can considered to be a performance enhancer if its catabolic?
Well corticosteroids are only catabolic if used for a EXTENSIVE period of time; this leads to chronically elevated levels of cortisol. Its performance enhancement benefits are designed to be short term in order to minimize the catabolic effects.
Benefits
Everyone has heard of professional athletes (NFL players in particular) using corticosteroids in order to maintain the highest levels of performance during periods of injury. The reason for this is because corticosteroids can increase performance SIGNIFICANTLY.
The ability to elevate your blood glucose levels for an extended time and mask the pain of any injuries means our muscles are provided with a huge supply of energy enabling us to go beyond our limits in the gym. In addition to this, its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties covers up any discomfort when increasing the intensity (heavier weights).
Corticosteroids also have a mild stimulant effect that can increase your focus and "pump" in the gym - one of the reasons its banned for performance use by many sports bodies.
Summary
So to summarise, cortisol derivatives do have many benefits if use short term such as better training sessions and maintaining your performance on cycle despite any injuries that may occur.
However, in order to avoid its long term catabolic nature, corticosteroids should never be depended on and should only be used during specific, short term situations where injuries may disturb your progress.
Its not something that alot of users are familiar with & I think some basic info will be useful to advanced lifters who may suffer from injuries and wonder how cortisol would impact their gains.
Intro
Corticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, is the scientific term used when discussing different forms of cortisol (injections, etc).
These hormones have the ability to increase gluconeogenesis (production of glucose), reduce inflammation, increased the release of fatty acids (lipolysis), muscle catabolism, and positive psychological effects.
Now if your a bodybuilder you may be wondering how cortisol can considered to be a performance enhancer if its catabolic?
Well corticosteroids are only catabolic if used for a EXTENSIVE period of time; this leads to chronically elevated levels of cortisol. Its performance enhancement benefits are designed to be short term in order to minimize the catabolic effects.
Benefits
Everyone has heard of professional athletes (NFL players in particular) using corticosteroids in order to maintain the highest levels of performance during periods of injury. The reason for this is because corticosteroids can increase performance SIGNIFICANTLY.
The ability to elevate your blood glucose levels for an extended time and mask the pain of any injuries means our muscles are provided with a huge supply of energy enabling us to go beyond our limits in the gym. In addition to this, its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties covers up any discomfort when increasing the intensity (heavier weights).
Corticosteroids also have a mild stimulant effect that can increase your focus and "pump" in the gym - one of the reasons its banned for performance use by many sports bodies.
Summary
So to summarise, cortisol derivatives do have many benefits if use short term such as better training sessions and maintaining your performance on cycle despite any injuries that may occur.
However, in order to avoid its long term catabolic nature, corticosteroids should never be depended on and should only be used during specific, short term situations where injuries may disturb your progress.