How much do steroids cost in the UK? (July 31st, 2011)

If you have decided to join the dark side and use anabolic steroids, you may wonder how much steroids generally cost in the UK. Before we proceed further into this topic, let’s make it perfectly clear, we do not encourage the use of illicit substances. The purpose of this article is to inform those people who have already decided themselves that they wish to embark in using illicit substances. To give you a general idea on the cost of steroids within the UK (from a fair priced supplier) we compared price lists from a handful of verified suppliers and created our own general price list. So, the price list supplied below is not from one specific supplier, it is a general idea on what price you can expect to pay on average for steroids.

And before we get bombarded with hundreds of e-mails – no, we are not going to point you in the direction of any steroid supplier. Prices were obtained from a trusted source within the bodybuilding community, which we then compared to create the following price list.

Cost of injectable steroids

Testosterone Enanthate 25 amps – £110-130
Testosterone Propionate 100mg/ml 10ml vial – £40-50
Sustanon 250 25 amps – £110-130

Cost of oral steroids

Anavar 100 (20mg) tablets £150-175
Dianabol 1000 (5mg) – £180-200
Winstrol 100 (25mg) tablets – £60-75

Cost of PCT drugs

Clomid 50 (50mg) tablets – £30-40
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) 50 (20mg) tablets – £30-40

Cost of fat loss drugs

Clenbuterol 400 (20mcg) tablets – £60-80
Ephedrine 100 (30mg) tablets – £20-30

Where do you buy steroids? (July 24th, 2011)

You can buy virtually anything online these days – illicit substances, such as steroids, are no different. As such, the days of buying steroids from the guy down the local spit n’ sawdust gym has been replaced with a generation who increasingly try to source information, products and substances online. To make it clear from the outset; we do not encourage the buying or use of steroids and illicit substances. This article is more targeted at those who have decided they do want to source such substances but do not want to get burnt by scammers. That said, we are not about to point you to a web site or e-mail address where you can source such substances. What we will do is explore the various places you may look to buy steroids and discuss which method seems the most fruitful.

Pharmacy and steroids web sites

There are countless pharmacy web sites which advertise steroids for sale, as well as web sites set up specifically advertising steroids and affiliated items such as hormones and post cycle therapy drugs. Many claim to be able to offer this service because they are based overseas where laws are more relaxed.

Whilst it is impossible to dismiss all these web sites, it would be generally a good idea to avoid such web sites when you are looking to buy steroids and other illicit substances. There have been countless people who have been scammed, with the web site either sending duff gear or sending nothing at all.

Avoid

eBay

Selling steroids within the UK is illegal, and as such – eBay will remove any listings it finds which offer steroids for sale. If you do find an eBay seller which is offering steroids and other illicit substances, we would give the same advice as offered above. You run the high risk of receiving no such item, or the seller may send you cheap fake gear. Whilst you always run the risk of receiving potentially harmful substances instead of what you hoped, buying from a faceless seller on the internet with no references amplifies this risk greatly.

Avoid

Someone off a bodybuilding/steroids forum

Your best bet when looking to buy from a trusted online source is to join an online steroid or bodybuilding community and immerse yourself in the conversation and active members. It is unlikely any members will give you any pointers to steroid sources right away, but if you become an active member within a community, it will become a lot easier to message fellow members and ask for advice on where to find trusted suppliers.

Such trusted suppliers are unlikely to come in the form of web sites, but rather suppliers who insist on communicating using a secure, encrypted e-mail service such as HushMail. Once they are happy with who referred you to them, they will likely send through a price list and instructions on how to order. Payments are usually made via cash through special/recorded mail.

Good bet

Guy down the gym

Before the dawn of the internet, most people bought steroids from the guy down the local gym. Many people probably still do. Finding a trusted seller and buying steroids from them is probably easier said than done, and a relationship and possibly a trusted referral may be required before a local trusted source will supply you.

It may be stating the obvious, but do not walk up to someone you do not know, just because they look like a user themselves, and ask where to buy steroids from! Also, do not trust people you do not know. Get to know people in the gym, make friends, and then people will trust you when it comes to sourcing.

Good bet

A drug dealer

This differs somewhat to the above scenario, as we are talking about sourcing steroids from a drug dealer who sells other drugs and apparently just happens to be able to get you what you are after. Whilst the dealer may be able to source you steroids, it is probably best avoiding this option because the dealer is probably clueless on whether the gear is legit or not, and there is a good chance they would not be able to source the post cycle therapy drugs you need once the cycle is ceased, or a suitable anti-oestrogen if you experience such side effects during the cycle.

Avoid

Supplements for runners (July 23rd, 2011)

Supplements for running and jogging

Which supplements may benefit runners and joggers?

Diet and training are obviously vitally important for runners who wish to improve their fitness and performance, but those who want to optimise their efforts may wish to look at specific supplements for runners once these fundamentals are in place. Middle and long distance running requires endurance from the cardiovascular system and many large muscle groups during training and events. As such, it is very taxing and requires plenty of energy. The following supplements are recognised as supplements runners may benefit from within their daily routine.

Isotonic drinks

During intense training and events the body loses electrolytes (key minerals such as sodium and potassium) and fluid in the form of sweat as the body tries to maintain its core temperature. Carbohydrate stores are also depleted. Losing 2% of your body weight in sweat can impair your performance and a 5% loss can lead to heat exhaustion, so maintaining hydration is extremely important.

Isotonic drinks replace the fluid lost through sweating, supply the body with carbohydrate in the form of Glucose (the bodies preferred source of energy for rapid replenishment) and contain electrolytes.

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

Consisting of the amino acids Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine, BCAA supplements are vital to humans and help preserve lean body mass, prevent muscle breakdown during training and preserve energy stores. Runners may benefit from supplementing with BCAAs, as well as ensuring they consume plenty of protein within their diets from a variety of sources.

Glucosamine

According to research, Glucosamine may help renew cartilage and other important joint tissues, and therefore be important for runners who place a lot demand on their joints. However, if you do experience joint pain, the first thing to do is contact your doctor who will advise you on the best course of action to take. Glucosamine should be more seen as a precautionary supplement to maintain joint health; in the same way you buy properly supportive footwear to avoid injury.

Multivitamins

The importance of including a multivitamin within your daily routine really depends on your overall dietary intake. If you include a variety of fruit and vegetables within your diet there would be no need to supplement with a multivitamin. However, if you don’t consume much or any fruit and vegetables, the inclusion of a multivitamin may be wise to cover your bases.

Browse supplements for sale >

Safe sun tanning (July 16th, 2011)

Sun tan safely this summer and on holiday!

Sun tan safely this summer and on holiday!

Having a sun-kissed, golden complexion is a popular desire among the masses in the UK, especially teens who are increasingly using sun-beds and self tanning methods to become darker skinned. While having a tan can be aesthetically pleasing and portray a fit and healthy body; we must realise the fundamental fact that tanning is damaging to the skin and can lead to aged skin, burns, and skin cancer. This article aims to suggest ways in which you can tan in the safest way possible, if you do decide to sit out in the sun or use sun-beds.

Tanning and UV radiation

Although a tan may look healthy and attractive, it is in fact a sign that the skin has been damaged. A sun tan is developed when the skin absorbs UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun rays, causing the skin to darken due to higher levels melanin. The darkened skin therefore becomes less prone to burning at the same level of UV exposure.

A higher level of UV radiation results in a higher risk of skin burning and damage. You can usually find out what the level of UV radiation is likely to be by looking at the weather forecast which should show the UV Index. The index starts at 0 and goes to 10+, with a higher index rating indicating a higher level of UV radiation. The BBC Weather Centre web site has a great explanation of the UV Index.

Difference between sun block and sun screen

Sun screens have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) which can range from 4 upwards. The higher the SPF, the greater protection you will achieve. Dark skinned people and those which do not burn may find a low SPF is suitable for their needs, but it is worth noting most skin experts recommend a sun screen with a SPF of at least 15 so you limit your risk of skin damage. Pale skinned people and those prone to burning may wish to opt for a much higher SPF, such as 35-40.

Sun screen will not prevent you tanning; it will offer some protection so you avoid sun burn and excessive skin damage. This is assuming you pick a sun screen with a suitable SPF, however.

Sun block is different to sun screen – as its name suggests, sun block is designed to avoid any skin damage by totally blocking UV radiation (and therefore tanning).

Sunburn and further tanning precautions

It is a myth that sunburn will fade into a tan. Sunburn is visible damaged blood vessels on the surface of the skin, and should be avoided at all costs due to the risks involved. Sunburn can lead to sun spots, skin inelasticity, and skin cancer. So, how can we avoid sun burn?

  • Use a suitable sun screen (see above for information regarding SPF)
  • Sun screen should be re-applied every twenty minutes and make sure the sun screen is waterproof. Remember the risks remain when you are in water.
  • Avoid the sun when it is excessively high in UV radiation (check the UV Index)
  • Wear suitable sun glasses which block out UV rays to avoid eye damage
  • Do not tan for excessive periods of time, and avoid sleeping in the sun
  • Get out of the sun and apply after-sun cream if you are turning red or feel your skin burning.

Increase your metabolism with 5 steps (June 5th, 2011)

Increasing your metabolism (the rate at which your body burns calories) is an important goal for anybody who is wishing to lose body weight. Outlined below are 5 simple steps which can help you safely increase your metabolism without using supplements or illicit drugs.

1. Eat regularly

It may seem odd to many that eating regularly can help you lose weight, but this disbelief just further illustrates the mistruths and myths which surrounds weight loss and diets! It is all too common for people to drastically cut down their food intake when trying to lose weight, only to be left hungry, de-motivated, grumpy and fatigued. Furthermore, such an approach will turn your own body against you as your metabolism slows as it goes into energy retention mode!

Eating regularly heightens your metabolism; hence why it is recommended you eat 6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of three larger ones. Doing so will also leave you feeling less hungry in between meals, and therefore less prone to snacking. Alternatively, you could eat your three normal meals (although at reduced serving sizes) and also eat healthy snacks (fruit, low fat yogurt, mixed nuts etc) in between them.

2. Drink green tea

Green tea is a natural thermogenic and is commonly used in weight loss supplements due to its ability to increase the metabolic rate. Three to four cups of green tea daily can help you increase your metabolism, as well as supply the body with a whole host of health benefiting substances (see our Green Tea article for more details).

3. Start playing a sport

Increasing your physical activity levels is probably the most obvious way in which you can increase your metabolism, yet we would encourage you to find a way of ensuring the activity is sustainable. Pounding the treadmill for an hour a day is not everyone’s cup of tea, so find something you enjoy and can stick to.

Maybe start going swimming a few times a week or see if a few of your friends would like to play tennis or another sport during the weekend!

4. Include weight training within your fitness routine

Cardio may be your first exercise choice when it comes to weight loss, but do not dismiss weight training. Some weight training can be highly effective if you wish to sculpt a more athletic body and increase your metabolism! Weight training not only uses up calories during the exercising itself, but it also uses a good amount of calories/energy for several hours post training, when the body is trying to recover and repair itself.

5. Eat plenty of protein

Protein rich meals boost the metabolism and also will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Good sources of protein include; fish, meats, chicken, nuts, seeds, and eggs. Whey protein is another high quality source of protein which is great mixed into smoothies and also for post workout shakes.