Lee Priest: Bodybuilding Legend Reveals Steroid Use and Training Secrets

Lee Priest, one of the most iconic figures in professional bodybuilding, recently sat down for an in-depth interview to discuss his illustrious career, approach to training, and views on performance-enhancing drugs. At 52 years old, Priest remains a respected voice in the bodybuilding community, known for his candid honesty and impressive physique.

Early Career and Natural Beginnings

Priest began his bodybuilding journey at the remarkably young age of 13, winning his first competition that same year. He quickly established himself as a prodigy in the sport, competing and winning in men's open classes by age 15. Remarkably, Priest achieved significant success as a natural bodybuilder, winning his first overall Mr. Australia title at 17 without the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

"From the age of 13 to 19, I pretty much won everything," Priest recalled. "At 17, when I was still natural, I won my first overall Mr. Australia."

This early success as a natural competitor highlights Priest's exceptional genetics and dedication to training and nutrition from a young age. It wasn't until he was 19 and preparing to compete internationally that Priest first considered using anabolic steroids.

Introduction to Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Priest's first cycle of steroids came at age 19 when he was preparing to compete in America. He explained his reasoning:

"I figured well, if I'm over there now, the Americans are a lot bigger, maybe because I was still a lightweight which was like under 72 kilos. So I figured well, I better just get on something."

His first cycle consisted of 200 milligrams of Deca-Durabolin for eight weeks. The results were dramatic, with Priest gaining 20 pounds of muscle in that short period. This experience set the tone for Priest's future approach to performance-enhancing drugs - using them sparingly and strategically rather than relying on them year-round.

Priest's Philosophy on Steroid Use

Throughout the interview, Priest emphasized his conservative approach to steroid use compared to many modern bodybuilders. He stressed the importance of establishing a solid foundation through proper training and nutrition before considering performance-enhancing drugs.

"I've always used, not abused," Priest stated. "The most I ever took with testosterone propionate was 400 mg per week."

Priest expressed concern over the high doses commonly discussed online and used by some current competitors. He believes many bodybuilders are taking unnecessarily large amounts of drugs without seeing proportional benefits.

"I do seminars and I'd ask because they always ask me what I'm taking. I'd tell them the truth - 400 mg. And then I say, 'What are you taking?' And it ranged, no joke, from these young kids from anywhere from two grams to five grams of testosterone a week. I'm like, 'Where are you getting that from?'"

Priest advocates for a "less is more" approach, encouraging aspiring bodybuilders to start with minimal doses and only increase if absolutely necessary. He credits his longevity in the sport and current health in part to this measured approach to performance-enhancing drugs.

Training Philosophy and Nutrition

While much of the interview focused on drug use in bodybuilding, Priest emphasized that proper training and nutrition are far more important factors in building an impressive physique. He noted that even when using steroids, he would take extended breaks between cycles:

"From 28 on, in the off-season, I never even took any steroids in the off-season. You'd see me, I'd be up to 280 pounds. I just piled the food in because I loved eating."

Priest believes that this approach - focusing on hard training and eating well during the off-season, then using minimal drugs during contest prep - allowed his body to respond dramatically when he did use performance-enhancing drugs.

Views on Modern Bodybuilding and Advice for Aspiring Competitors

Priest expressed concern over the current trend of young bodybuilders relying too heavily on drugs and neglecting the fundamentals of the sport. He advises new competitors to focus on building a solid foundation before considering steroid use:

"Train and just go as far as you can. Look, if you want to make a career out of competing, still try and get at least five years of foundation work before you even touch a drug."

He also cautions against believing everything read online about professional bodybuilders' drug use, noting that many top pros use far less than internet rumors suggest.

Health and Longevity in Bodybuilding

At 52, Priest remains in excellent health and still maintains an impressive physique. He credits his longevity to his measured approach to drug use and consistent focus on proper training and nutrition. Priest regularly undergoes health check-ups, including cardiac assessments, to monitor his health.

"Every year I get my heart checked because, you know, being an athlete, you have a bit of an enlarged heart just from the training and stuff. So every year I get an echocardiogram and I get a CT scan with contrast put in, and so far it's all been pretty good."

Conclusion

Lee Priest's candid discussion provides valuable insights into the world of professional bodybuilding and the role of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. His emphasis on building a strong natural foundation, using drugs sparingly, and prioritizing long-term health offers an important counterpoint to some of the more extreme approaches seen in modern bodybuilding.

For aspiring bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, Priest's career and philosophy serve as a reminder that impressive results can be achieved through dedication to training, nutrition, and a measured approach to performance enhancement. As the bodybuilding world continues to evolve, voices like Priest's remain crucial in promoting a balanced and health-conscious approach to the sport.

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