Kori Bogard
Dr. Karin Mendoza
Intermediate English Composition (ENGL-2989-076)
29 March 2013
Word Count: 1,766
Steroids should be legalized
Abstract
The use of steroids and illegal performance-enhancing drugs appears to be growing in professional athletics. More and more high profile athletes are being busted for their use and consequently ostracized by fans and those in the athletic community. Beyond that, there are thousands of other professional and amateur athletes who have resorted to these drugs as well. As someone who has found a passion for all things fitness, and aspires to open up my own gym and train athletes someday, this issue is of high importance to me. Although many have accepted steroids as illegal and a type of cheating, these drugs should be legalized in sports. While it is widely accepted that performance-enhancing drugs pose health risks, I think it is the athletes’ own choice whether or not these risks are worth the benefit. In this research, I will argue why it makes sense to lift the current ban on steroids in professional sports.

The effects of steroids are well known. They will help increase athletic performance and they also come with negative side effects. In a study done by clinical biochemists, it was found that use of anabolic steroids combined with exercise was highly effective. This research took 43 volunteers and divided them into four groups. One group of people took a placebo pill and exercised, one group took a placebo with no exercise, and two groups took an anabolic steroid with one of them exercising. The study found that taking the anabolic steroid increased fat-free mass gain, and muscle size, strength and power. These effects were even greater with exercise. A professional athlete, who undergoes rigorous training, can make some serious gains to increase their effectiveness in their sport. Increased performance