When it comes to bodybuilding, Chad Nicholls is well-versed in all the tricks a bodybuilder may use to get the perfect physique. Being a veteran coach, Nicholls has worked with many accomplished bodybuilders to actualize their dream physique. Through his training methods, Nicholls has often prompted his trainees to push their limits like any coach would. However, he took it too far when he nearly risked Ronnie Coleman’s life in 2001 by mistakingly dehydrating him. Yet, his track record of producing Mr. Olympias like Coleman and Big Ramy speaks volumes about his knowledge in the field, thereby making him a credible voice of the sport. In a recent interview, the coach shared his honest opinion on a graving topic in the bodybuilding world, PEDs.

While sharing his thoughts, Nicholls also called out bodybuilders who use PEDs but still claim to be natty. According to Chad Nicholls, in such cases, the bodybuilder might as well take the plunge to the “dark side” instead of keeping up with the facade of being natty.

Chad Nicholls asks to drop the act

Chad Nicholls joined Martin Fitzwater and Stan De Longeaux by Xavier Wills for Desktop Bodybuilding. While the experts discussed various PEDs for muscle growth, they also touched on the use of one substance in particular, SARMs. Nicholls alleged many bodybuilders use Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), and yet, still claim to be natural bodybuilders a.k.a natty.

Enraged by false claims, Chad Nicholls said, “I know a lot of guys like to, you know, say they’re on SARMs and still claim natty or whatever. Like fu**ing get real man. If you’re taking something and it’s not…I don’t care what you’re taking. You are not natty, so you might as well make the jump to the black side…dark side.”

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Chad Nicholls has always been vocal about administering drugs to athletes. It’s not something he prefers to hide. However, there was a time when giving the wrong dosage nearly risked the life of eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.

When the coach received backlash for dehydrating the legend

Back in November 2023, Samir Bannout and John Hansen joined Nick Trigili on The Muscle Maturity podcast. Herein, the three reflected on Ronnie Coleman’s condition during the 2001 Mr. Olympia. Trigli recalled Coleman confessing he was close to quitting that year. It was because the drugs Nicholls gave him, without informing him beforehand, had negatively reacted to his body.

When Coleman had brought his situation to Nicholls’ notice, the coach had simply asked him to drink water. Recalling Coleman’s condition, Bannout remembered that The King was dry as a desert at the time. He alleged that Coleman had drank 24 gallons of water but was still quite dehydrated. Bannout called his condition scary.

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PED use is not uncommon in the bodybuilding world. This is why Chad Nicholls feels if one is brave enough to use them, they should be brave enough to accept it too.