Samir Bannout, who won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title in 1983, is widely considered one of the most aesthetic bodybuilders in history. His symmetry and conditioning set him apart in an era dominated by massive physiques. However, like many professional bodybuilders, his success came with the strategic use of anabolic steroids, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), and other supplements to maximize muscle growth, recovery, and conditioning.
Here, we will take a deep dive into Bannout’s steroid cycles during his contest prep and offseason, based on interviews, articles, and statements he made throughout his career. It’s important to note that the use of PEDs can be dangerous, and modern bodybuilders often opt for safer, more sustainable approaches.
Pre-Contest Steroid Cycle (Mr. Olympia 1983)
Bannout’s approach to contest prep in 1983 was a fine-tuned strategy to achieve the level of muscle definition and conditioning required to win the Mr. Olympia title. His cycle consisted of several key compounds that helped him dial in his physique:
1. Testosterone Enanthate (350-500 mg per week)
In the early stages of his contest prep, Bannout used testosterone enanthate, a long-acting ester of testosterone. This compound served as a baseline for his cycle, providing a steady and reliable foundation of androgenic and anabolic effects. The dosage ranged between 350 mg and 500 mg per week, which is on the moderate side for competitive bodybuilders. The goal during this phase was to maintain muscle mass while starting to manipulate other compounds for fat loss and vascularity.
2. Masteron Propionate (350 mg per week)
Around six weeks out from the Olympia, Bannout switched from testosterone enanthate to masteron propionate at a dosage of approximately 350 mg per week. Masteron is a DHT-derived anabolic steroid known for its hardening effects on the muscles and its ability to enhance definition. Propionate is a fast-acting ester, which allows for more precise control over blood levels. Masteron’s properties make it an excellent compound for enhancing muscle detail, which is crucial in contest prep to bring out that shredded, “grainy” look.
3. Parabolan (2 ampules per week)
Parabolan, a trenbolone variant, was another key component in Bannout’s cycle. He used two ampules (roughly 76 mg per week) to boost his muscle density and fat-burning capabilities. Parabolan is highly potent, offering significant muscle-building effects while simultaneously increasing metabolic rate, leading to fat loss. The inclusion of Parabolan in the final weeks of prep helped Bannout achieve the ultra-lean, shredded appearance seen in his Olympia victory.
4. Primobolan (300 mg per week)
Primobolan is a mild anabolic steroid with relatively low androgenic effects. Bannout used approximately 300 mg per week of primobolan to help preserve lean muscle mass while reducing body fat. It’s considered one of the safer compounds in terms of side effects and is often used during a cutting phase to maintain muscle while dieting.
5. Orals: Anavar and Winstrol (30-50 mg per day)
At some point during the final stages of his contest prep, Bannout incorporated oral steroids such as Anavar and Winstrol at a daily dose between 30 and 50 mg. Anavar is known for its ability to promote strength and muscle retention, while Winstrol is commonly used in the final stages of a prep for its water-reducing properties. Both orals contributed to Bannout’s dry, conditioned look. However, their inclusion also came with the risk of liver toxicity, making them a temporary part of his cycle.
Offseason Compounds
The offseason is when bodybuilders can push the boundaries of muscle growth without the constant pressure to stay lean. Bannout’s offseason cycles typically involved higher doses of testosterone and other compounds aimed at maximizing muscle gain.
1. Testosterone (500 mg per week)
Testosterone was the cornerstone of Bannout’s offseason cycles. He used approximately 500 mg per week of testosterone to maintain a strong anabolic foundation for muscle growth. This is a typical dose for competitive bodybuilders in the offseason, where the goal is to bulk up without excessive fat gain.
2. Nandrolone (Deca Durabolin)
Nandrolone decanoate (also known as Deca Durabolin) is a staple in many offseason cycles due to its ability to increase muscle mass and improve joint health. While Bannout didn’t always specify the exact dosage, nandrolone would likely have been included at moderate levels to help with recovery, lean muscle gain, and maintaining a positive nitrogen balance.
3. Dianabol (25-35 mg per day)
Dianabol (DBOL) was another key oral in Bannout’s offseason protocol. He used between 25 mg and 35 mg per day to kickstart muscle growth. Dianabol is a powerful anabolic steroid that helps to rapidly increase strength and muscle size. It is known for its water retention properties, which can give a fuller, more bloated look, but is effective in building significant mass.
4. Anadrol (50-75 mg per day)
Bannout was also known to experiment with Anadrol (oxymetholone), using doses between 50 mg and 75 mg per day during certain phases of his offseason. Anadrol is one of the most potent anabolic steroids available, known for its ability to rapidly increase muscle mass. While it comes with a higher risk of side effects (especially water retention and liver toxicity), Bannout found it useful for achieving quick gains in muscle size.
5. Winstrol (Low doses alongside Anadrol)
Bannout has mentioned that, at times, he would combine Winstrol with Anadrol in lower doses during his offseason. This combination was intended to balance the extreme anabolic effects of Anadrol with the lean muscle preservation properties of Winstrol. It’s likely that he kept the dose of Winstrol relatively low to avoid excessive androgenic side effects while still reaping the benefits of both compounds.
6. Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Samir Bannout’s HGH use ranged between 1.5 and 3 IU per day during his career. Interestingly, he mentioned that he did not use HGH during his 1983 Mr. Olympia prep, yet his muscle mass and conditioning were still unparalleled. For most of his career, Bannout used HGH primarily for recovery and joint health rather than for significant hypertrophy. At dosages below 3 IU per day, HGH is unlikely to produce dramatic muscle-building effects but can aid in improving sleep quality and enhancing recovery, especially for those with low natural growth hormone levels.
Offseason Recommendations: Minimize Oral Steroids
Bannout’s use of oral steroids like Dianabol and Anadrol in the offseason was relatively common for bodybuilders of his era. However, modern bodybuilders are more cautious about the use of orals due to their hepatotoxicity. Oral steroids can be much more taxing on the liver compared to injectable steroids, which makes it advisable to use them sparingly. If a bodybuilder wants to maintain muscle mass and enhance performance in the offseason, using injectable steroids instead of oral ones is a healthier approach.
Steroids like testosterone, nandrolone, primobolan, and masteron (for cutting phases) are all injectable and can offer great anabolic benefits without the liver strain associated with oral steroids. Additionally, combining injectable compounds with a solid diet and training plan can help promote more sustainable gains in muscle mass and strength.
Conclusion
Samir Bannout’s steroid cycles, both during contest prep and in the offseason, were meticulously planned to optimize his muscle mass, conditioning, and performance. His approach utilized a mix of powerful anabolic steroids like testosterone, masteron, parabolan, and nandrolone, while also incorporating oral steroids like Dianabol and Winstrol for specific effects. However, given the risks associated with anabolic steroid use, it’s important to exercise caution and always prioritize health and well-being. Modern bodybuilders are now more educated about the potential side effects of steroids and often aim to take a more conservative and thoughtful approach to PEDs, favoring longevity and safer alternatives when possible.
This is just for educational purposes. These are not recommendations.
