A Triad of Physical Masculinities: Examining Multiple ‘Hegemonic’ Bodybuilding Identities in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid (AAS) Online Discussion Groups

The last twenty years has seen increases in nonprofessional sportspersons using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Although some women use AAS, most users are men. Few studies examine men, masculinities and AAS. Of the limited available, many link a ‘hegemonic masculinity’ with men’s AAS use; adopting singular identity perspective generalizing ‘steroid use.’ However, bodybuilding is diverse, often encompassing different goals surrounding muscularity, size, weight appearance – thus, identities unlikely to be singular. This research questions narrow perspectives, developing an in-depth investigation that recognizes can complex depict multiple performance-enhancing drugs usage routines. study conducted detailed thematic-content analysis of 351 user-postings from eight pro-AAS online discussion boards linkages between understandings masculinity, male physicality, how conceptualizations influence trends for Research applied R.W Connell’s hegemonic masculinity as theoretical lens interpret findings. Findings uncovered diverse notions linked three distinct connecting practices (The Nattys, Cyclers, Blasters-and-cruisers). An interactions presented discussed, alongside implications theory further this emerging but important field.