I started in college, I threw shot put at the amazingly tall height of 5’10”, I didn’t have the height and leverage some of the other guys had, but I was still hungry to compete! I used them to help maximize my strength and my speed, thus increasing my power! When I was done with that, I began competitive powerlifting, I quickly realized that unless I was competing in rested meets, I needed a level playing field, so I continued my use. Now that I’m retired from all competition and awaiting a hip replacement, I use gear to feel good. It’s like TBU said, at a certain age, the body does not perform as it once did. I know I’m only 39, but through sports and competition my body is tired, lots of things hurt that probably shouldn’t, case in point my left hip that will be getting replaced in 4 weeks! Testosterone makes everything feel better, a low dose of NPP e.o.d. Really makes everything feel better. I do manual labor for work, every day, I’m a steam fitter, welder, you don’t stay young in this trade! I’m a lot more cautious with my use now than I was when I was younger, and still competition driven, I keep doses low for the most part… but I’d like to keep that edge until the day they put me in the ground!