You’ve decided to take the plunge and become a bodybuilder. Congrats! You are among the millions of people who have decided that a sport in which you can flex your muscles and show off your best features can be both exhilarating and rewarding.
But there are a few things you need to know before you head off to your first bodybuilding competition. Namely, how do you travel with steroids?
Do They Need To Be Treated Differently?
It’s one thing to take steroids for medical purposes, but it’s another to do so solely for performance enhancing purposes. Although it’s generally accepted that most athletes need only moderate doses of steroids to see tangible results, there are still those who would go the extra mile (or more so) to gain an edge over their competitors. The simple answer is no, steroids do not need to be treated differently. They are still the same dangerous drugs they’ve always been. Still, you need to be careful who you share them with and for what reasons.
Are They More Dangerous Traveling Or At Home?
Whether you are a professional bodybuilder preparing for a competition or a recreational user looking for an edge over the neighbors, there are some dangerous side effects you need to be aware of before you travel with steroids. Let’s examine this issue from the viewpoint of both the drug and the traveler.
Steroids are dangerous because, when abused, they can cause significant health problems. These problems include hypertension (high blood pressure), hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart), and increased cholesterol levels. Because of this, it’s best not to take them on a plane if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease or diabetes. In fact, many airlines have restrictions on what kinds of medications you can take while in transit. The bottom line is that they are not safe to travel with. This includes both injected and oral forms.
How Do You Package Them?
Once you have them in your possession, the next step is to package them for travel. You don’t want to risk being prevented from boarding your flight or getting through airport security because you are carrying illegal substances. That being said, steroids are relatively easy to conceal. All you need are some socks, underwear and a belt to hide them in. You also want to make sure you have something to cover the smell. Many bodybuilders travel with antiperspirant sprays and deodorizers. These help mask the scent of drugs so you don’t attract undue attention.
Are There Any Restrictions On Where You Can Take Them?
Just because steroids are easy to conceal and antiperspirant sprays help mask their odor, this doesn’t mean you can bring them anywhere and everywhere you go. There are still some countries where they are completely banned, and in some cases even banned in airport security checkpoints. Take a look at the current status of steroids in the U.S. You may need to check with the federal government to learn if there are any restrictions where you are traveling to, in particular if you are traveling with testosterone.
The bottom line is that you can’t just go where you want with them. You have to consider the rules and regulations of the country or state you are traveling to. Just because they are drugs it doesn’t mean they are legal everywhere. For instance, possession of anabolic steroids can still be prosecuted in Portugal.
Depending on where you are traveling to and/or from, the restrictions on what drugs you can take can change. For instance, if you are traveling between states, you may be able to take your choice of medicine as long as the destination state hasn’t passed some kind of law banning them. If you are traveling internationally, especially to a country where medical marijuana is legal, you may be able to bring your pot (or at least some of it) as long as you don’t try to bring the entire stash. Check the laws in advance so you don’t get stuck with something you didn’t expect when you arrived at your destination.
Even if you obey all the restrictions and follow all the rules, there is still a chance you can get caught and prosecuted for what you are carrying. Just because something is legally done doesn’t mean it’s morally right. Some governments and security agencies are very good at searching for drugs, so if you are going to have them in your possession, it’s best to avoid all risks and do as you’re told. It’s also worth noting that if you get arrested for having drugs in your possession, your travel plans can become rather complicated. You’ll have to find a way to get your hands on some cash, because the only thing the court will give you is a citation and a small fine. This may prevent you from traveling to the place you want to go, when you want to go there. So think twice before you break the rules, especially if you want to travel internationally.
How Do You Get Them On The Bus/Car/Truck/Ship?
The last thing you want to do is have your coach or trainer carry them in a suitcase. This is easily traceable, and carrying drugs is something you don’t want to do even if it’s legal. The safest way to transport them is in the car. Some people also travel with their steroids in their hands, so they can inject them just as they get off the plane. This helps prevent the flight crew from seeing the drugs and getting suspicious. Another option is to bus or truck them to your destination. Make sure the person who has them packs them well so they don’t shift around and break or leak during transit. If necessary, put them in a sealed container (such as a food pack or vacuum-sealed bag) along with some ice to keep them cool on a long ride. Try to schedule your transport as early as possible, so you don’t have to rush to make it to your appointment.
What Do You Do With Them Once You Get There?
Once you arrive at your destination and have your luggage checked, it’s time to let your body relax and recuperate from the long journey. This is when you’ll want to enjoy your newfound freedom and keep your sanity. For those taking oral steroids, this can be a challenge because the drugs can cause severe damage to dental health. If you travel a lot, it’s worth your while investing in some good quality dental floss. This way, you’ll be able to keep your teeth clean and avoid any unnecessary dental work. In addition to this, make sure you carry with you some basic first aid supplies. You never know what could happen on a trip outside your normal routine. Also, don’t forget to pack your contact info in case you get lost or stuck somewhere. This includes your full name, contact details (phone number, e-mail address), country, and the name of the organization that organized the trip (if any).
When Do You Need To Check-in/Check-out?
Checking in early can prevent you from getting stuck at the airport. This is especially important if you are planning on connecting through one of the airport’s layover cities. If you are late checking in, it’s best to arrive at the airport well before the plane’s scheduled departure time. This gives you time to relax, have a snack, and get ready for the flight. Checking out of the airport is also a painless process. Just follow the signs and go through security. You’ll be on your way in minutes. Remember, you can never be too careful, so make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without any hassles. Just remember: whatever you do, don’t get addicted! Enjoy your journey and keep your eye on the prize—a fit and healthy body!
