In Rio de Janeiro’s fitness clubs, steroid use is not just about building muscle — it has become a social ritual tied to identity and status. Research shows that a large majority of gym-going men admitted to using anabolic steroids to enhance their physiques. Experts explain that these users are often middle-class professionals seeking respect, confidence, and recognition through their appearance. In this environment, steroid use acts as a “rite of passage,” marking progression from beginner to respected bodybuilder within gym culture.
Read the full article here: https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/building-muscles-in-rios-fitness-clubs/
Courtesy of Harvard ReVista.