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| My Story an interview with Steve Michalik |
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MCBB - Please tell us about your beginnings in bodybuilding. When did you realize you had "show" potential? MICHALIK - It was never about potential or being special. It was definitely about the fear of being ordinary that drove me on and on. As early as I can remember, the thought of not living up to and surpassing the potential I've been given with the gift of life was unacceptable. MCBB - Who was your "mentor"? In other words, who was it that taught you the ropes, so to speak. MICHALIK - If anyone, it was my older brother Anthony who drilled into my head the viewpoint of symmetry and structure. He exercised some, but more than that, he was an incredible artist who idolized Davinci and Michael Angelo. He would teach me that the male form could not only be powerful but also beautiful, and like the Universe, balance not substance was most important. MCBB - Your training intensity is legendary. Did you train with a partner all of the time or mostly train alone? MICHALIK - I would use training partners only when I needed to kick things up a notch. I've had a few great partners: John DeFendis, Gus Stefenidis, Joe Reaiche. I loved training myself. I could actually at times leave my body and push myself from the outside - one of Gods great gifts to me. MCBB -Using steroids is a big step for many. Was it a difficult decision for you? MICHALIK - Oh yes. I never liked the idea. I had a choice to make, either use or retire at 22. I felt I still had some years left. MCBB -From your first time using steroids, how did your use progress? MICHALIK - I asked my family doctor about them. He gave me some samples of Dianabol. I was frightened to use them, but he assured me they were harmless. I saw some progress with them. He later suggested I inject with Deca Durabolin. A top French bodybuilder invited me over to Europe to train and attend some contest. While in Europe, I leaned a great deal about steroid and thyroid compounds. It all sort of escalated from there. MCBB - When did you first begin to see negative affects of using the steroids? MICHALIK - After my accident, which left me partially paralyzed for years, I experienced heavily to try and get back to my original form. Around the mid-eighties, I began to not feel like myself. I was a lost soul, driven by the obsession to make a comeback. But the accident had taken its toll and no amount of steroids could give me back what I had lost, and that was the spirit God had gifted me with early in my life. MCBB -What were these effects? MICHALIK - Depression, anger, degradation, joint pains, headaches, nose bleeds, the gamut. MCBB -What was it that happened that finally caused you to stop? MICHALIK - I developed liver tumors that were growing as a result of steroids. MCBB - Looking back on that part of your life, how can you draw parallels to steroid use and other drug addictions? MICHALIK - Any addiction is simply a solution to some problem. When one relinquishes responsibility for self and turns their back on God, they become very empty. Addicts handle this emptiness by escaping to wherever that drug can bring them. MCBB - Is there a specific personality type that are drawn to these image/performance enhancing drugs? MICHALIK - If you don't know self, you will need to use whatever means possible to make up for that lack of self and purpose. MCBB - Are steroids more prevalent today than they were back then? How about availability? MICHALIK - The speed of life has accelerated beyond our spiritual and mental capacity to handle it. Everyone wants their answers and problems solved immediately, if not yesterday. Steroid use certainly is a solution to the problem of growing muscles fast. But every decision has its repercussions. Steroids are available in every gym. MCBB - What percentage of steroids out there today would you say are bogus, causing even worse damage to the user? MICHALIK - Most products out today are fakes or copies. It is a huge industry and very profitable. I know a lot of bodybuilders who suffer from some form of parasite infestation from these products. MCBB - Did you have a support group such as church, family & friends and how did they help you? MICHALIK - No, not really. No one can truly understand what you experience on and off steroids unless you've been there. Back then there weren't too many who could give you understanding and not bury you in sympathy. MCBB - One last question. What is your life like today? MICHALIK - Amazing - purpose driven - learning and growing spiritually. My daily conversations with God are beyond anything I could have imagined. The knowledge and awareness I receive is fantastic. I wish this on everyone. |
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| Steve Michalik * Mr. USA 1971 * Mr. Apollo 1971 * Mr. America 1972 * Mr. Universe 1975 * Appeared in Pumping Iron II: The Women in 1985 Mr. Michalik is Director of Personal Training at Powerhouse Gym, Farmingdale, NY For more information regarding personal training, books, video tapes and other merchandise, email steve at: steve@mramericas.com |
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 Need a treatment referral? Call 1-800-662-HELP or visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov Steroid Abuse Brief Description: Human-made substances related to male sex hormones. Some athletes abuse anabolic steroids to enhance performance. Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible. Effects: Major side effects can include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure, kidney tumors, severe acne, and trembling. In males, side effects may include shrinking of the testicles and breast development. In females, side effects may include growth of facial hair, menstrual changes, and deepened voice. In teenagers, growth may be halted prematurely and permanently. Statistics and Trends: In NIDA's 2004 Monitoring the Future study, 3.4% of high school seniors reported using steroids at least once. Source: NIDA Infofacts: High School and Youth Trends.  Teen Drug & Substance Abuse |
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