“There Are No Rules in Bodybuilding”: Chris Bumstead’s Former Coach Reveals Harsh Reality About Steroid Consumption in the Sport

After a lackluster showing at Mr. Olympia 2022, top Canadian bodybuilder Iain Valliere went back to the drawing board. The Olympia contender finished 11th last year and knew some changes were needed. Valliere also skipped the 2023 Arnold Classic to focus on his recovery and have an extended offseason. However, Chris Bumstead’s former coach will step on the Toronto Pro Supershow stage, in June. As the bodybuilding icon prepares for the show, Fouad Abiad invited him to his Bro Chat Podcast. 

During the conversation, Valliere spoke in-depth about his current prep, including exercise, diet, and drug protocols. When he got fan questions about PEDs and sight enhancement oils, the 32-year-old gave his unfiltered opinion on the reality of steroid use in bodybuilding. 

The bodybuilding icon states some undeniable facts

During the podcast, the Canadian bodybuilding icon and Bumstead’s brother-in-law answered some viewer questions. When one viewer asked about the effectiveness of PEDs in fat loss, Valliere said, “They can aid in fat loss.” The bodybuilder also emphasized a disciplined training routine.

However, it is the final question that Valliere said he often gets, even during his Q&A sessions. “This is always such a hard question,” said the pro bodybuilder. Bumstead’s former coach stated he gets questions like “‘What do you think the average amount of drugs is for a pro, or how many pros do you think use SEOs?’ I have no fuc**ng idea!” said Valliere.

While elaborating on the use of sight enhancement oils and steroids, Valliere said fans could rest assured that even some of the best in the business have used both. “It’s not like steroids are okay but SEOs aren’t. It’s all fake bulls**t we’re doing to enhance ourselves anyway… there’s no rules in bodybuilding,” said the Canadian.

While speaking about compounds, the bodybuilder also spoke about another harsh truth of PED usage in bodybuilding.

You only notice the ones who mess up

According to the man who got Chris Bumstead into bodybuilding, SEOs like Synthol can enhance the look of smaller muscles when used correctly. “It’s good for the arms,” said Valliere. “I think we only notice the ones that look bad and then it gives it a bad name,” he explained.

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The Mr. Olympia hopeful also said site enhancement oils use is “a little more hush-hush,” in the bodybuilding community. Vallier’s words ring true considering many times bodybuilders do not talk about using compounds unless something goes wrong. However, it’s more widespread than people think. Hence it’s hard to answer questions like how many pros use such substances.

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Valliere rests his case by saying that if it’s obvious on stage that someone has used a compound to get an unfair advantage, it “should be detracted in a judging capacity.”