learn about these drugs and how they work

Most younger athletes can attest to the fact that the competitive drive to win — and win at any cost — is fierce. as well as the glory of bragging rights and the satisfaction of personal gain, quite often young athletes compete in the pursuit of greater dreams — a medal for their country, a college athletic scholarship or a place on a pro. team.

For a ever increasing number of athletes, winning at all costs also includes taking performance enhancing drugs. Some may seem to achieve physical improvements from such drugs, but what's cost? The truth is, the long term effects of these performance enhancing drugs has not been rigorously studied. And the short term benefits are tempered by many drawbacks.

Take the time to learn about the benefits, risks and many unknown factors regarding so-called performance-enhancing drugs. You may decide that the benefits aren't worth the risks.

The basics of exercise physiology

In most professional and amateur sports, the athletes who win are those with the greatest strength, speed or endurance. Each sport requires certain specific skills, such as the ability to kick a ball a certain distance or hit a home run. Doing so with not just excellent but instead extraordinary strength, endurance or speed could make the difference between a good player and an elite player.