Hey guys, a fellow bodybuilder (like all of us) brought to my attention that recently 
some people like Big Red and Joe Hagy have been discussing me on the 
message boards.  Hey, I'm fine with that-I'm open to criticism as I know I have a 
long way to go before I'm even ready to start thinking about competition...but 
this really wasn't constructive criticism at all. 
       First off, they decided that I was making up my stats as the pictures aren't so 
good.  If you want, I'll try and get new and more recent one up that more 
accurately display my physique; both of the pictures are at least three months 
old, and the rear double biceps pose was performed incorrectly (I had my arms 
slightly bent forward so that you really can't see the bicep at all).  I bodybuild for 
the love of the sport, not to impress anyone; subsequently, I find it extremely 
humorous and even sad to imagine myself making up false poundages and 
stats!  Anyone who knows me would say that it's the last thing I would do.  
       Next, they moved on to my supplementation; most notably, the 1-AD.  Now 
let me make a statement here; I do not recommend the use of such products to 
persons under the age of 25; however, it is a choice that every teenager has the 
right to make and any attempt at the restriction thereof cannot be justified.  
Decisions, however controversial they may be, need to be left up to the individual 
and not another supposed 'expert' claiming to know what's best for them.  On a 
side note, my 1-AD supplementation was NOT on my favorite supplement list 
because I do not believe I have received gains from it that were comparable to 
creatine and protein powder.  Since I have started 1-AD, my bodyweight has 
increased from around 210 to 220; however, this was over a seven week 
(bulking) period.  Even with just creatine and protein powder, bulking gains are 
almost exactly the same.  This is not to say that 1-AD is completely useless, 
however; in fact, it is far from it.  The strength gains I received were notable, and 
probably account for a 10-15lb. increase on bench, squats, and deadlifts.  Once 
again, I must note, my bench press was around 270 before the 1-AD, and the 
posted stats I had were very soon after I started this supplement. 
       I find that accusations of me being 'unnatural' and that people such as Big 
Red and Joe Hagy were 'natural' and subsequently 'better' do have some merit to 
them.  They did not use a prohormone and I did; if that constitutes me being 
'unnatural' and them being 'natural' then so be it.  Every person is entitled to their 
own definitions and opinions of success and I would never presume to judge 
others based on my standards.   
       Perhaps most disturbing about these accusations, however, is that they 
believe that the 1-AD not only helped my bodybuilding gains, but were actually 
responsible for them.  Listen, I want everybody to know something; I don't just 
love bodybuilding, I live for it.  I can't describe how upset it makes me when 
people call me lazy and that I'm jut looking to put on size without the time or 
effort.  I don't mean to sound arrogant or conceited, but I have yet to find 
someone who can match the intensity I have in my workouts.  For me to be 
satisfied with my workout, I have to lay out everything I have into those weights.  
I'll work myself within an inch of blacking out, and I'll end it on my knees, puking 
until I think I'm going to faint.  I don't hit this level all the time, but when I do 
there's nothing like the feeling.  It just kills me that, while I'm pouring my heart 
into the lifts and straining myself to the point of breaking, someone is sitting there 
in front of his computer accusing me of being lazy and an embarrassment on a 
god-damned message board.   
       I truly hope I didn't come off as conceited, because I would like to think that I 
am not.  I know that I have so much farther to go before I am competition ready, 
and I know that even for my age there are dozens of guys out there that are 
bigger and in better shape.  I'm truly sorry that I haven't earned the respect of my 
peers (bodybuilders like you), and I would like to think that it is because I am not 
at a level of fitness where I can call myself a bodybuilder and NOT because I 
have supplemented with a prohormone that has not given me extraordinary 
results.  I want each and every one of you to know that I have nothing but respect 
for you-if you can enjoy just a fraction of the pride and joy I feel in bodybuilding, I 
would like to be able to think of you as a brother in the greatest sport on earth.  
Even if we don't have the same blood in our veins, we have the same love in our 
hearts and for that I cannot imagine a stronger bond.  I want every person to 
know that I hold no animosity for the comments made towards me-I can 
understand the misconceptions and I realize that I am partly to blame.  All that I 
can ask is that we put these differences aside, and you give me a chance to earn 
your respect.  My path in the bodybuilding journey is going to take a lot more time 
and so many more sacrifices but I'm looking forward to each step on the way.  I 
can only hope that you guys will be there to walk with me, and help me if I 
stumble.  You can rest assured that I would do the same for you, without a 
moment's hesitation.   
       I'm sitting here, and I'm speaking from the heart.  With all the challenges that 
bodybuilders have in careers/life, we don't need any dissention among us.  I 
hope that this article has changed your outlook on me, and that I have a chance 
at getting your respect someday down the road.  You guys all have mine, and I'll 
be there for each and any one of you....anytime-just let me know. 

Until next time, 
Ben Griffing 
email me at BnnRx@aol.com if you have any questions/comments/responses, I'll 
be glad to hear from you.