Using PEDs (push, enthusiasm and determination) to become your best athlete

The presence of some Russian athletes at the Winter Olympics Games this year raised eyebrows, but the International Olympic Committee said that not every athlete from that country was doping. (Unfortunately, a male curler and female bobsledder did test positive.) But there may be a bigger problem looming for future IOCs than eliminating current dopers.

A new study questions the fairness of allowing any former doper back into the Olympics. Researchers at Keel University in the U.K. suggest that athletes who’ve used performance-enhancing drugs may retain muscle memory of the amped-up strength PEDs once gave them. So, previously enhanced athletes may have an advantage over those who’ve never abused such drugs.

Fortunately, YOU don’t have to risk tendinitis and tendon rupture, liver abnormalities, heart woes, aggressive behavior, or shrunken testicles (men) or enlarged clitoris (women) to excel at your favorite activity. Just take these PEDs to heart:

Push: Having a buddy or team to keep you going when your drive fades provides the best incentive to keep exercising.

Enthusiasm: If your sport no longer thrills (be it ping pong or swimming), studies show that you won’t have the motivation to meet your goals. Try various activities and rediscover your old enthusiasm.

Determination: To reinforce determination, write down your workout schedule, post it and track your progress. Review and revise your plan if needed, and reward yourself (a day at the beach or ice fishing) when you meet a goal, such as lowering your blood pressure by 10 points.

Now, those are PEDs you can live by!