Fitness Volt
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Exercise Guides
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • More
    • CrossFit
    • Mr. Olympia
    • News
      • 2023 WSM
      • Arnold Classic
      • Results
    • Fitness Calculator
    • Mastering The Deadlift
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Exercise Guides
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • More
    • CrossFit
    • Mr. Olympia
    • News
      • 2023 WSM
      • Arnold Classic
      • Results
    • Fitness Calculator
    • Mastering The Deadlift
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
No Result
View All Result
Bodybuilding

Phil Heath: ‘I Never Pushed PEDs Right Away; I Was Competing Natural and Beat Guys That Weren’t’ 

Speaking with Jay Cutler, seven-time Olympia Phil Heath reflected on his disciplined use of PEDs throughout his bodybuilding career.
Doug Murray

Written by Doug Murray

Last Updated onJanuary 5, 2023

Phil Heath on PEDs & Competing Natural

Phil Heath on PEDs & Competing Natural (Credit: CutlerCast/YouTube)

Bodybuilding legend Phil Heath joined Jay Cutler for a candid conversation regarding his diet, work ethic, and performance-enhancing drug use. On the latest Cutler Cast episode, Heath shared that he never heavily abused PEDs and argued that competitors today have become too reliant on drugs before shows. 

During Heath’s illustrious career, he was crowned Mr. Olympia seven times consecutively and, in the process, tied Arnold Schwarzenegger’s record of seven Sandows. Having shared the stage with countless legends like Jay Cutler, Dexter Jackson, and the late Shawn Rhoden, Heath showcased jaw-dropping fullness and conditioning en route to cementing his name as one of the best in the IFBB. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phil Heath (@philheath)

Heath finished third at 2020 Olympia, which was the last time fans saw him compete on stage. However, ‘The Gift’ has teased a return ever since. In fact, back in November, Heath promised something ‘fuc**ng crazy’ for 2023. Despite speculation about a bodybuilding comeback, Heath announced that he would commentate at the 2022 Olympia show instead of competing. 

In his spare time, the former Mr. Olympia has been open about his PED use. Heath offered details regarding his ‘optimal’ bodybuilding cycle while away from the stage recently. And to expand on the topic, he joined fellow Olympia winner Jay Cutler to discuss steroids in bodybuilding and how the practice is starting to affect performance. 

Phil Heath Didn’t Push Steroids ‘Right Away’ Because Of His Genetic Potential 

According to Heath, he started dabbling with PEDs after competing naturally.

“I’m just going to say it here: I was never pushing PEDs like right away. I was competing naturally and beating guys that weren’t. When I met you – that picture – when I show people that picture, they’re like, ‘what kind of stuff were you on.’ Like do you really want to know what the fu** I was eating. That’s the difference. I have those genetics.”

He credits running and playing sports for helping him reach the height of his career. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phil Heath (@philheath)

“I do think playing Division I basketball and running all the time and doing all that work — the stimulation of being a defensive — like I was always in the defense. Imagine being in a squat like a defensive stance non-stop.

We do that for a bodybuilding show being in that same stance doing lunges and all that. I think bodybuilding was the perfect sport but my skin texture is what people don’t realize — that’s what really set me apart from everybody and the person who said that was the late Peter McGough” says Phil Heath. 

During his tenure, Phil was known for having incredibly thin skin, which complimented his physique’s strengths. He added that today’s athletes are sacrificing detail and striations because of shot injections. 

“As you start training, you’re like wait a minute, ‘I can do that now.’ You can see through it. The guys today don’t have that probably because of shot injections, probably because of their training, but as far as the poundage — I never got intimidated by watching someone like yourself or Ronnie [Coleman] thinking that that’s what I have to do to be champion.” 

Phil never pushed himself to lift heavy weight, instead he learned how to effectively move the weight while maximizing muscle stimulation. 

“I never benched more than 500 pounds ever. I never did 200 pound anything not even rows. I tried that shit and my lat felt like it was going to tear off. It just didn’t apply. But I knew also how to stimulate a bicep curl using 50s better than anyone in the industry. I knew how to do that. I always looked at it like if I was going to game-ify lifting weights. 

Meaning basketball players shoot free throws, bodybuilders, we curl or whatever. At what percentage are you doing it perfectly. How many guys do you see online, like wow, it looks good on YouTube but you see no fibers in there. But if I did half that shit, you would see fibers in there because I’m perfecting the weights every time,” Phil Heath said. 

Heath: Guys Today Don’t Have The Confidence To Stop Injecting A Week Before Olympias

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phil Heath (@philheath)

Phil explained that bodybuilders are ‘blurring lines on their physique’ by using heavy amounts of PEDs leading up to shows like Olympia. 

“Well [heavy PED use] is going to thicken the skin. You’re literally putting an oily substance in your body. We all know, getting ready now, there’s probably some dumb ass doing some injection this week [for 2022 Olympia] and they’re going to blur out the lines in their physique. We all know this because they don’t have the confidence of pulling that stuff out weeks before because in their mind — I hate to say it, but they’re an abuser of drugs.” 

“If they stop, they’re going to shrink. Well guess what, you don’t really have muscle then. You have blown up inflammation. You have a bad inflammatory response that could actually be making your organs not work correctly to dry out naturally. That’s why I didn’t have to do certain extremes and stuff like that.” 

Given the mass he’s carried since stepping off stage, many fans have called on Heath’s return. His coach, Hany Rambod, recently gave his thoughts on the matter. Rambod acknowledged that Heath has the mindset, the genetics, and the work ethic to make a comeback, but said it would be difficult to win an eighth Olympia title. 

Watch the full video below: 

RELATED: Olympia President Jake Wood Talks 2023 Masters Olympia and Kai Greene vs Phil Heath Rivalry

Heath believes some bodybuilders have become drug abusers because they can’t limit their use leading up to shows. While PEDs certainly have a place in bodybuilding and other sports, Heath is adamant athletes are relying on them too heavily today.


This news was written by Doug Murray, a News Editor for Fitness Volt. Doug is passionate about strength sports, bodybuilding, and powerlifting, and he is dedicated to bringing you accurate and insightful news reports. He loves connecting with readers and is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions about this news article, please feel free to contact Doug by leaving a comment below.

Published: 5 January, 2023 | 9:11 AM EDT

Stay on top of the latest fitness news and updates by adding Fitness Volt to your Google News feed: Follow us on Google News You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for even more content.
Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard LinkedIn Pinterest
Categories: Bodybuilding News Videos
Previous Post

14 Benefits of Intermittent Fasting (How It Works, Tips, and Possible Side Effects)

Next Post

Strongman Evan Singleton Discusses Mental Health With Eddie Hall: ‘I’ve Tried To Kill Myself More Than Once’

Doug Murray

Doug Murray

Doug Murray is a news writer and editor for FitnessVolt. He has built experience in various sporting fields, including MMA, and has written for a number of leading publications like MMA News, Sportskeeda, and CagesidePress.

Related

Hot or Cold Shower

Hot or Cold Shower After Your Workout: Physical Therapist Reveals The Best Choice

As a strength & conditioning coach in NCAA Division One Athletics and competitive Functional Fitness over the last 10 years...

Sam Sulek Discusses Bulking Cardio

Sam Sulek Discusses Bulking, His Favorite Form of Cardio, and Getting Jacked

There's never a dull moment on camera when bodybuilding influencer Sam Sulek is talking. His massive surge in popularity led...

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joseph Baena

Joseph Baena, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son, Replicates Father’s Poses In Recent Update

Following in the footsteps of a legend is no simple task especially when it's the bodybuilding great Arnold Schwarzenegger. Joseph...

Jeff Nippard Mike Israetel Boulder Shoulders Tips

Jeff Nippard And Dr. Mike Israetel Share Science Based Techniques To Build Boulder Shoulders

Fitness expert Jeff Nippard and exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel shared their top picks for shoulder exercises to achieve complete...

Samson Dauda Rebound Phase Diet

Samson Dauda Shares ‘Rebound Phase’ Full Day Of Eating After 2023 Bodybuilding Season

Samson Dauda is the number three bodybuilder in the world following an immensely successful 2023 season. In a recent YouTube...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

Hot or Cold Shower After Your Workout: Physical Therapist Reveals The Best Choice

Split Jacks Guide: Muscles Worked, Benefits, and Alternatives

Sissy Squat Guide – How-to, Tips, Variations and More

2023 Musclecontest Mercosul Pro Results and Scorecards

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Chick Magnet in the Gym

Sam Sulek Discusses Bulking, His Favorite Form of Cardio, and Getting Jacked

Reviews

Strongest Pre-Workouts

11 Strongest Pre-Workouts for 2023 Reviewed & Ranked

Pre Workouts Without Creatine

12 Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine For 2023

Best Pre Workout Supplements

20 Best Pre-Workout Supplements Review & Ranked by Experts (2023 Update)

Fitness Volt

At FitnessVolt.com Our mission is to help our readers to achieve their fitness goals, regardless of where you’re at on your journey, we are on a mission to educate You with the latest from strength and fitness space. Read more.

Email: sm(at)fitnessvolt.com

Disclosure: FitnessVolt.com has an affiliate relationship with different brands and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. However, our reviews are based on well research backed analysis.

Follow Us

Trending Topics

  • Mr. Olympia
  • Bodybuilding
  • Strongman
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • At Home Workouts
  • Bodyweight Exercises
  • Best Pre-workout
  • Best Fat Burners
  • Bodybuilding Diet
  • Bicep Workouts
  • Triceps Workouts
  • Chest Exercises
  • Back Workouts
  • Leg Workouts
  • Front Squat Guide
  • Calf Workouts & Exercises
  • Forgotten Exercises
  • Jefferson Deadlift

Calculators

  • Calorie Burning Calculators
  • IF Calculator
  • TDEE Calculator
  • Calorie Calculator
  • Keto Calculator
  • RMR Calculator
  • Macronutrient Calculator
  • Creatine Calculator
  • Wilks Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • FFMI Calculator
  • IBW Calculator
  • LBM Calculator
  • Fat Intake Calculator
  • Calories Burned Swimming
  • Calories Per Meal Calculator

  • Food Nutrition Analysis
  • Carb Cycling Calculator
  • Weight Gain Calculator
  • Weight Loss Calculator
  • Calories Burned Calculator
  • Strength Standards
  • One Rep Max Calculator
  • Body Fat Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • Weight Loss Percentage
  • Treadmill Calorie Calculator
  • Body Surface Area Calculator
  • Running Pace Calculator
  • Bench Press Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Water Intake Calculator
  • Body Type Quiz
  • Steps to Miles Calculator
  • Calorie Deficit Calculator
  • Home
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Accessibility
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Syndication
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Copyrights
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Disclaimer

© Copyright 2010 - 2023 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Bodybuilding
  • Mr. Olympia
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • CrossFit
  • Workouts
  • Exercise Guides
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Training
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Supplements
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • Fitness Calculator
  • More
    • News
    • Mastering The Deadlift
    • 2023 WSM
    • Arnold Classic
    • Diet
    • Motivation
    • Videos

© Copyright 2010 - 2023 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.