Steve Reeves, one of the earliest bodybuilding icons, made a great transition to the acting arena and impressed the movie lovers with his ripped physique. Known for his lead role in the movie Hercules, the former Mr. Universe endorsed natural bodybuilding for a fit and healthy life. However, natural bodybuilding has become a thing of the past, and Steve Reeves once shared his thoughts about the unpleasant transition.

 THEGOLDENDAYS Instagram page shared a throwback clip of Reeves in which he spoke about unhealthy practices dominating the present bodybuilding arena.

Steve Reeves’s thoughts about the sport he pioneered

Reeves ruled the bodybuilding arena much before the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated the bodybuilding scene in the 1970s. He went on to use the muscle gains from the sport to ace his film roles. However, his love for the sport never faded. So, he vehemently opposed the rise of steroid usage by bodybuilders. 

Speaking highly about his time in bodybuilding, the actor said, “That’s the thing you see, during my time. I believe that bodybuilding was a health-oriented sport.” However, stressing the changed times, the deceased actor claims, “Whereas now it’s unhealthy chemical-induced gains and all that.”

Listening to his thoughts, the reporter asked, “Would you have ever taken steroids, even if they are available?” The iconic bodybuilder instantly asserted, “No. Never, never, never. Because it’s not health-oriented. I mean I plan to live to be 100. I don’t know if I’ll make it but I’m gonna try and that there would get me dead at 65 probably.” The clip received emotional comments from fans. 

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Fans react to the late actor’s confession

The words of Reeves left the bodybuilding world thinking. “Sad that he only lived til 74, but he did live a full life,” wrote an emotional follower. While another pointed out, “Pretty ironical that Arnold outlived him.“

“Love this man! My first crush,” wrote a bodybuilding fan. “Dead at sixty five” the guys from the Golden era reach that, but today? They are dying at 40,” complained an upset fitness enthusiast. “Stay natty my friends,” suggested a user with genuine concern for bodybuilders. 

Fitness enthusiasts often criticize the bodybuilding world for its PED usage. But Steve Reeves tried to reform the situation by even writing an open letter to Arnold Schwarzenegger to join him in the crusade of cleansing the arena. What do you think of this? Let us know in the comments below.