Just as I said at the end of this video, I think a lot of people will have to look hard at themselves and have that internal monologue about whether or not they can accept not being THE best and what that may entail. Are you willing to take the slower, healthier road, if that means others will pass you by and you won't ever be the strongest? Are you willing to be one of the best, but know you won't commit to the price it could potentially take to get to the top and be the best? This doesn't hold true for everyone as I'm sure there are really strong guys at the top who aren't going crazy with doses or cycling year round, but I'd say it applies to at least 95% of those out there. I'm not saying I'm going natty, or giving up cycling, or am the picture of health...but there are smarter, healthier ways to do it and people are losing sight of this. Records will always be broken. You could go for broke and take everything in sight for ten years straight, but chances are someone will still come along sooner rather than later and beat you. Your value can not single-handedly be tied up in what you can lift on a bar. There has to be more there to keep you from going down a potentially reckless and dangerous path. I suggest you guys type in "Dominick Cruz Depression" on youtube and give it a listen. You'll start to see the light.

I wasnt a big Rich Piana fan, but he did say something that changed my perspective. "I've been literally killing myself for 25+ years....for $5 trophies...."

Great video man, you matured a lot over the years.

nowadays a 600lb deadlift isnt even considered impressive

This is why I love Pete man speaks the truth no one talks about man, gets me thinking about shit💪💪💪💪

OG Rubish fans remember Raw Unity

All fueled by instagram. Everyone wants to make a name for themselves lifting weight and looking big these days. It's the pinnacle of vanity. Much more respect for the guys who were grinding at this sport before the rest of the world gave a shit

No wonder Jason Genova isn't competing anymore

I've been around since 2005 and I've seen things change so much over the years, including the lifting culture. I remember it was you, hickson, lilliebridge, and leeman who were the only teenagers deadlifting 800. There were a couple of other guys that were in the 700+ range that have long faded away. Nowadays, post "gear awareness", we have everyone and their brother taking drugs to deadlift 455 or place last in a physique contest. That includes a new social media generation of people trying to cash in on being an "influencer". So their model is to juice their brains out, hoping they impress enough people to get a following. Usually they fall short of their expectations, and fade away just like everybody else. This video is important because it's coming from you. I've long been preaching what you're saying to some of these kids who are delusional as to what lifting (in the context of being extremely dangerous) is going to give them in life. The older I get the more I see that I have much more value than what I can lift or how I look. I'm already enough. I'm nowhere as strong as you, nor do I have the best physique on youtube, and I seriously don't care. Considering 70-80% of the US is medically overweight, my physique is better than 99.9% of the average population and that's good enough for me. My goal is to improve at what I'm doing for as long as it benefits me. It's a much harder road because when you have boundaries and lines in the sand as to what you will and will not do, you will be at a disadvantage in a competitive environment. I will always strive to get stronger and maintain a good physique for the rest of my life. If I never make it to the top, I have no regrets. You've already made your mark on the lifting world and it sounds like you're in a good place. Keep doing you.

Happy with my 405 squat and 405 deadlift. My joints are healthy, no injuries, I’ll take that any day.

There is a overlooked beauty in the sports of Power- and Olympic Lifting: there's nobody i need to beat expect me. Of course i am aware that this doesn't work for pro's. But for us recreational lifters: we should never forget about that we're lifting for ourselves and not for others.

The guys at the backyard meet of the century (including yourself) are the guys that got me into powerlifting, and I wish a lot of those lifters were still around like Chris Hickson

High school kids hitting 1800-1900 raw looking like 30 year old men. All for the likes. It's sad.

what really gets me the most is the people abusing, and never coming off then claiming natural. Like they think we are stupid. Mike Otren is one of em.

I bench 405 RAW and Natty. I actually genuinely appreciate that you released this video, as I have been struggling with the temptation to use gear...and I think this just sealed the deal. Im gonna stay natty, and Im gonna push these genes as far as they can go. Im not competing, im not tryna be the best, Im just tryna see how hard I can push this body of mine.... and so far, its keeping up. Thanks Pete!!!

Meanwhile as life long natty, the distance between 440 and 500 seems virtually infinite

2012/2013, "Backyard Meet of the Century" - 75% of the field not around anymore

This is a great video Pete! Health is always number 1 and I am glad you are promoting that. Exercising should make us live longer, not cut years off our lives. I feel like most people will regret the decisions they made at a young age when they end out with serious health problems later on.

I feel like this is Wheels genetic "gift" if you will. How he responds to gear and/or how much he can handle. Not to discredit any work he's put in at all, but he just does ridiculous lift after ridiculous lift for such a long time now.

Respect, man.

Really appreciate your candor, Pete.

Great advise, everyone wanting or starting powerlifting should here this, You are one of the greatest powerlifters already

Very informative and eye opening video Pete. Just turned 26 and have been natty my last 10 years of lifting. Constantly debating riding the bike but have always been unsure. Thanks for always giving your honest experience!

4:04 ain’t that the truth! You’ve been at the top for years and been smart about it all. Love the outlook, Nothing but respect bro.

This post is exactly why I never got into professional bodybuilding. During my teens I was set on doing just that, until quite a few insiders filled me in on the realities of the lifestyle. I changed my outlook asap and quit while I was ahead. Second best decision of my life, and I thank God for the path I've embarked upon instead.

That was a really good video mate and I'm so glad that you have wised up to the fact and the reality of the sport. This will be my 12th year of lifting competitively and as you are currently experiencing taking the longer slower route to success in the sport is so much healthier physically as well as mentally. I have a lot of respect for you mate and I hope that you still continue to improve and slowly climb back to your numbers. The only thing that I think you left out was the fact that in powerlifting we peak so late in life with the majority of powerlifters peking very late 30s even early 40s. You still have another decade to chase your numbers back and I'm sure that you will see vast improvements over the next three to five years. Thank you for such a well put together video mate greatly appreciated.

Dude thank you so much for this. This is the kind of content that needs to be out there. This is raw truth. I’m 29 and I’ve been getting my blood work done and tracking blood pressure/red blood cell count etc and the results recently for me weren’t great. I’m donating blood every few months and I’m on blood pressure meds now. Will I stop trying to get stronger or stop using aaa? No. But it’s important to know the consequences and I can’t believe how many younger guys I see not cruising properly or cycling off on pct or staying on for a year or more on end without doing bloodwork or working with a doctor. Thanks again man 👌🏻

This video should be shown to anyone who starts out powerlifitng from day 1. I had my time with small amounts of test and a couple of other things, and i went for about a year and a half. but I never had the guts to RAMP IT UP. I enjoyd some nice gains, but the message of this video needs to be shown to new powerlifters as a right of passage. Great video in 2021 and great video evrey year after this!

This is some great, honest and very insightful content man, one again thank you Pete!! It's this honesty that you are known, "famous", and respected for. Your crazy ways earlier might have paved the path, but your honesty has at least contributed the same amount to it. Still being at an elite level while tapering down massively also speaks for itself. Keep pushing man.

This some real ass shit man! This is why I love you bro! Been following you for years man and you’re the only one I still watch lol. Been watching since the washer/dryer and your changes over the years are insane. Still excited to see what you do these next years! I think you’ll still be progressing for years even without crazy doses

I think there is a huge difference between average powerlifters/those who have only participated for a couple of years. and the top tier IPF/USAPL athletes who are much wiser. Something I've noticed on IG is that competitive athletes post much more humble and bland content which receives less attention than a lot of the meatheads powerlifters who end up promoting the sport in such a hyper-masculine way. The gear usage speaks volumes about the morals of people nowadays; they're much more focused on being better than everyone else than being better than what they were previously.

This is a very important discussion, that needs taken place. I have so much new respect for you, in bringing it up. Thank yo.

I deadlifted over triple my bodyweight as a teenager. I used to think about going the gear route, but eventually I dropped the idea. Glad I never decided to pull the trigger. Not worth it. If you've built your base and want to look better, just get leaner.

Thanks, Pete. Really great to see an open and honest perspective like this from a pro. Super great for young guys to hear, so thanks for putting it out there man.

Your perspective and outlook has changed a lot, and you seem healthier physically and mentally. Keep it up man, love the honesty

Thanks for sharing!! As a person that has never used “gear”, but has been offered, and contemplated it, I think it’s ok to work your hardest, and be good with that. The web of stuff coming out will only get thicker because of the higher interest in the sport, and that is what you are saying, and more people will be caught in the web... the out come will be truly a lot of great human potential lost at early ages! Thanks for speaking your truth!

Thanks for your honesty! People want to get quickly to the results, be it numbers or their looks, fame, money, whatever. The advent of social media and all this visual filtering contributes it's part. Talking about sport: I never touched gear, but it took me more than a decade to understand the value in the lesson of building my (mental) strength and body at a natural pace. I can't really see people understanding that value, who are locked up in this numerical-competitive mindset. Persistence is such a rare virtue. Like you said, the stars of today probably won't be around in 5 years. And possibly will be busy paying the price for their perma-blast...

Your speaking straight facts pete, a few years ago at mark bells meet you were there with some of the greats although a lot of them vanished.. like George leeman. I'm glad to see people like you and Eric lillibridge around still kicking it. I'm only 19 just got into powerlifting at 17 and seeing all these crazy instagram videos of these young guys and girls killing it is insane. Drugs will never stop but its crazy to think how BIG the talent pool is, its exciting and scary! Off topic but seeing ppl now not even knowing the names of ppl from only 5-7 years ago is sad let alone those before them.

Pete I appreciate your calm reasoning. As a recreational lifter it can be demoralizing to see others around me smash PRs on the weekly.

Beautiful hound, Pete. And thanks so much for the insight and showing some concern toward the younger people coming into the sport. It's refreshing to hear, and I hope that pushing ones limits while exercising caution regarding long term health and longevity can at least carve out a corner in the powerlifting community as the sport continues to gain popularity.

Truth bombs.. love you Pete your still young at 27 but you got the right mind set going fwd. Your be around for a long time 🙏🙏

Thank you for sharing your thoughts brother

Please understand that your honesty is greatly appreciated. The positive effect you are having on people is bigger than you may think. Thank you for your honesty, for your time, and for your videos.

I’ve been around at an elite level since 2002. Started my first comp in 1993. Seen a lot brother

Thanks for making these videos. Most people are too afraid to talk about it.

Man you hit the nail on the head bro. I've been a competitive strongman and powerlifter for about 9 years, and that entire time, I pretty much came off three times. Ran some crazy doses at times, and definitely doses I had no business being on that early on in my competitive history. As I kind of progressed in the sport, I kind of saw that what I was doing was super fucking stupid, I knew what I was doing was bad for my health but I just was so addicted to being able to deadlift 700 lbs and press 315 over head for a triple, that I disregarded my health and I just kept pressing on trying to f****** continue. And I did push my numbers a little further, but I'm sure I could have taken it way easier, been way more gentle on my body, not had blood pressure that is absolutely unacceptable at any point in any cycle, which was pretty much constant. Like I just looked back and I think about it and it was so stupid. In the last year or so, basically what I've done is back off on the dose hugely, and stick to Max doses of test about 400 mg, but mostly just calling a blast 250 test, throwing a little bit of orals right around a peak in training, and I've hit all-time personal records with that more reserved technique and a much better health. Now I'm actually coming all the way off and I don't plan on going back on for at least 2 years, I'm switching careers from construction to massage therapist so that's 2 years of school. So it doesn't make any sense you know what I mean? But in that time, being clean, I'm going to have to take a really good hard look at my values, and weigh the pros and cons, or risk to reward ratio if I want to get back into it. Because I'm not sure if it'll be worth it in the end. it just depends on where my head's at and where my body is at, but you're right this is something that people don't talk about, and it gets so out of hand and before you know it you've been on for 4 fucking years or whatever in your really like "aw ya, I should probably take a break for a couple months" in your head but then in reality you're struggling to put down the f****** needle. You hit the nail so hard on the head, the psychology of it is absolutely one that deals with the same psychology as an addict, but it's a totally different type of addiction. Guys get hooked on their physique too alongside the higher sex drive and general feeling of well being when you feel strong and pumped all the time. but the consequences are so often overlooked. Every time people ask me about gear now I just recommend that they steer clear, or the only other advice that I can give them is make sure you have your post cycle ready to go otherwise you'll just skip it ended up cruising and blasting forever. And more isn't always necessarily better, I really agree with trying to find your lowest effective dose. This shit can kill you if you go about it wrong. I really wish I waited longer to get on (say more like age of 27 instead of 20) and I wish I planned coming off better between cycles.

This was a great message Pete. I am very happy for you and wish you the best with your health. Enjoy your life 💪

Interesting perspective Pete. I agree with you. Powerlifting will continually have records broken and the sport will get better just like any other sport. Look at basketball players and football players today versus 20 years ago. Athletes are bigger, stronger, and faster today, while having a huge knowledge advantage when it comes to the advances in training, nutrition, and the use of PEDs. This is why I think it is vital to have a different outlook in powerlifting. Compete with yourself and don’t worry about what others are lifting. Realize that even if you are a record holder today, your records will probably not stand years or hell, maybe even months from now. Do powerlifting because you enjoy it and you want to better yourself. You can’t control what others are lifting.

Great post. I wish more elite lifters would be straight up and discuss their gear usage. Props to you, Sir.

Your honesty is extremely refreshing in this industry

Your helping a lot of people. Good job keep doing what you heart tells you to do.

I love these videos. When I was growing up all the big bodybuilding names denied using anything so we'd get crazy expectations of what's possible naturally. When athletes are honest it's better for everyone. I'm old and fat but still trying to improve my numbers, so having realistic natural benchmarks is motivational.

" Your value can not single-handedly be tied up in what you can lift on a bar" this hits home....kinda something i've been thinking/ struggling to come to terms with as of late....

I can’t explain how important it is for stronger, more popular lifters like Pete who have used and been around it to talk openly about gear use and to remind people of the drawbacks and to get their freaking blood work regularly

Much respect for being so real with us

Thank you for this video and for always being so frank. Sincerely thank you.

Thank you Pete! True words right here. Best of luck for you!!

iam a long time fan and fellow powerlifter i remember everything you mentioned, i agree with almost everything you say. long live the washer and dryer time

About 4 minutes in but you hit the nail on the head. Been keeping up with powerlifting for many years since your basement videos got me into it haha. But guys will come and hit huge totals, but then disappear because of heavy gear use and burning out. Longevity is much more respectable imo. Total is one thing, but totaling at the top for year after year is much more impressive. It's like an NBA player having the greatest season ever one year, then is shitty the rest of his career. Is he the greatest ever? No. A total is one thing, but the career and person behind it is another IMO. The guys who come to this sport and stay and keep grinding are the true "warriors." Keep staying healthy. Rather see guys like you hang around for a long time and keep talking about this stuff that never gets brought up.

Great talk Pete really appreciate it and I’m sure many of your other subscribers do too man thanks

Thank you Pete. Videos like this from personalities like yourself are absolutely necessary.

Such a good video! Real talk Pete.

This was an awesome retrospective on gear in powerlifting. You actually went into many details that no one really discusses. Even with gear, various stigmas, and a million different personalities involved in the sport aside, you're still a world class powerlifter and can out deadlift 99% of planet Earth. I'd rather you live into your 80s than the grim alternative.

I watched the Dominick Cruz video briefly and I relate to it so much. There are certain aspects of ourselves that if we never deal with, we most likely won’t be happy. Our humanity and unconscious is urgent and provokes to find greater meaning than things like monetary possessions or how much weight we can put on the bar.

It is crazy . Your 4 years younger than me but I was a fan since the laundry room Deadlifts. Keep it up.

This video aged well.

Respect to you. This video is much different than your old ones in terms to your mindset

Truer words have never been spoken. I have huge respect for you bro and you're as real as it gets!

Great discussion. We need more talking about it

Great insight for sure. Absolute truth brother

You Got a point Man, Shouldn't have to abuse gear to be strong cause honestly it doesn't matter. Someone will always beat you, all you can do is try your best & enjoy what you love to do not risk your life over numbers its not the end of the world if someone has a higher number then you.

Some great insights and your right. Do the best you can do with your health at the forefront. Good luck to you man.

Really good video Pete. Took a lot from it 👍 keep health number 1!! You’re life is worth more then your total!

Ur the man Pete. Thank u for having the balls to b transparent. Appreciate u brother

Respect, good words, health should be the goal, not ego results with drugs. Thumbs up for raising awareness

One of your best and meaningful videos to date. Nothing but pure respect.

I remember seeing Vince Urbank and George Leeman back then for the first time and them being close to my height inspired me further to be strong. They are the reasons I stuck to the conventional deadlift as well. Miss those guys.

Amazing video. Huge respect to Pete for his honesty, it's so refreshing.

This video needs to go viral. Very important message brother

Well said. About time this perspective is shed light on.

Excellent video, Pete. Thanks for your honesty, humanity and modesty. You’re a smart and respectable man. I’ve been weight training for three decades and have opted not to pursue being “the best” because the price is just too great. I am 285 (natural/not overly fat) pounds and one strong SOB, but to be anywhere close to elite would require ... I’m just not interested. I’ve been around the block. Seen too much. And you’re correct: We’re going to begin to see some really horrible shit in the coming years. It’s scary. And sad. Again, thanks for the video and all the best to you, sir.

Standing ovation. That's all I'm saying. I have nothing to add, you said it all and you said it best. The real victory, the real trophy, the real glory here for those of us who are passionate about powerlifting is being able to do it and to make consistent progress year in year out until we're damn old. Whenever I watch videos of 60,70,80-year-old men lifting serious weight, I mean, man, they're the real champions here, they won the damn thing.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I just started lifting weights at 51 years old and competing at 53. I used to think there were very few guys who did gear. Boy was I wrong! I don't do steroids for the reasons you have said. I kind of like being alive. I love that powerlifting is growing but I also believe you are getting more genetically gifted people into the sport also. I can't do all 3 lifts due to 3 blown out discs, but I know someone is going to break my records in Raw bench like I have broken theirs. I know being an old guy I get discounted but I am steroid free. I guess until you are in your 50s you have no idea what it is like to lift heavy in your 50s. I am most people's dads age or grandpas age. LOL!!! I was lucky and didn't get into the sport until later in life. By the time most of the hardcore powerlifters are breaking down, I just got started fresh. I still have good joints and tendons and old man strength. LOL!!! Sorry to ramble but records are meant to be broken. I wish I could keep mine, but as time goes by there is always going to be someone who's goal is to hit a bigger number. I know people get sick of my self promotion, but try being in your 50s and being passionate about the sport and being a nobody even with a bunch of world records. Oh well. I can always be proud I did not do steroids and was considered to be one of the best at my age even if it is for just a short time. I will be 57 in a few months and am still so damn hungry to press more and do better. I am stronger at almost 57 years old than I have ever been in my life. I can be proud of that even if I am totally forgotten. I guess you have to be known to be forgotten though! Keep killing it Pete! Great video!

Appreciate your honesty... it's refreshing. Young kids need to know what's realistic.

Thanks Pete I’ve been struggling lately thinking about making the jump into doing steroids. In a non-tested sport like strongman it’s real tempting but why risk the damage if it might not ever give anything back. As long as your happy doing what you do that’s all that matters. I’m happy competing locally and if I’m still making progress there’s no reason to hop on the juice. The day I stop making progress I’ll consider it again

That dog is going absolute ham.

Great video. This is also why I prefer to compete in tested federations where its more about how much work you put in in the gym & kitchen, not the type/amount of gear you take.

You're awesome Pete thank you for your words

The community needs more people like you Pete who tell it like it is.

I love the honesty man. This is what we want as fans of the sport

This is the same thing George Leeman said just a few months ago when he made that video, "Learn From My Mistakes." Using gear to the point that you're developing jaundice is not only going to hurt your body, it's going to hurt your relationships -- and research shows those are two of the most important factors in living a happy life. There's more to the world than weight on a bar. Thanks, Pete, for reminding the world that.

Love and respect to you Pete..Id rather you live and see you healthy then putting up super human numbers.Thanks for putting all this out here and being so honest.

U got it right on the money man, i wish the sport of powerlifting was more about who can train the smartest and the hardest but in reality who has the best genetics and can take the most stuff and respond well to it seem to be the most predominant factors. Not saying training hard and smart aren't important but it will only get u so far

100% agree with everything you've said, Pete. Nothing but respect for your decision and path you're choosing to take. It's crazy to me how just 5-7 years ago 700 and 800 pulls were nuts to see while now I can hop on social media and see dozens of lifters hitting these numbers. I think it'd be interesting to see the blood work from the dudes blasting year round. Doubt it's pretty.

Finally, someone who is honest both about the contemporaneous reality and his own experience. Thank you.

Great video Pete, the powerlifting og

Thank you for this video. Pete You're the best.

💯💯💯💯💯 glad somebody is being real about it no sugar coating💯💯💯

Sickness! Your a good one , thank you for honesty

Wow..Awesome content brother...You spoke nothing but truth there.