“Leave Open Wounds on My Back”: 24-Year-Old Bodybuilder Left Scarred Due to Horrifying Side Effects of the Sport

The use of steroids in bodybuilding is hotly debated. While bodybuilding legend like Arnold Schwarzenegger has used it and hold no regrets, present-day weightlifter Dave Hartrey has a different tale to tell. In Arnold’s time, the concept of “steroids” was new, and there was not much awareness regarding it; such is not the case now!

As opinions stand divided, Dave and his experience from rampant usage of steroids can be set as an example for many. The Waterford native shares his side of the story, hoping to create more awareness.

The arduous journey of Dave 

Owing to the unregulated and rampant use of steroids, Dave suffered from horrific acne wounds. Because of this, he was rendered housebound for nine months. The muscleman detailed his misery in a TikTok video. The video that first surfaced in August has gone viral and has already amassed 6.4 million views.

As Dave approached the dermatologist to seek a remedy, the specialists described “it [the acne] as something they’d never seen before.” 25-year-old shared the video in an attempt to “raise awareness” about the usage of steroids. He explains his acne spots and comments, “this acne was not like normal spots.” Dave adds that the scars “come up like a boil.” He adds that the acne used to “leave open wounds on my back.”

Read More: “Well, You Are Not Ronnie Coleman”: Pro Bodybuilder Slammed People Justifying Stupid Bodybuilding Mistakes in the Name of 8X Mr. Olympia.

Having learned his lessons the hard way, he adds, “there is more benefit from learning how to train properly and eat properly than taking steroids — when you don’t know what you’re doing.” Until the scars healed completed, Dave was restricted to his house.

What prompted Dave Hartrey to use steroids?

Dave was just 20 when he started to train professionally to pursue bodybuilding. The self-proclaimed fitness enthusiast has been working out since he was a teenager. Speaking about his journey, he remarked that people accused him of taking steroids because he was progressing in the gym.

Knowing that bodybuilding is a short career, he made up his mind to give steroids a try. As he started talking about what the gym individuals recommended, he saw results but could hardly anticipate the future. Dave strictly advises his followers to do the same. He eventually ended up having his first breakout on my back midway through 2020. For the unversed, the Irishman works as an online coach.

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