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Fitness influencer Clavicular says he started taking testosterone at 14, calls natural training ‘a waste’
Fitness influencer Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Eric Peters, has said on Sean Hannity's podcast that he began taking testosterone at 14 and gave up natural weightlifting, describing training without performance-enhancing drugs as "a complete waste of time." His comments have drawn attention because they promote steroid use to a young, impressionable online following, raising concerns among health professionals about the normalisation of performance-enhancing drug use among teenagers pursuing fitness and appearance goals.
Peters made the remarks during Tuesday's episode of "Hang Out with Sean Hannity," discussing his focus on "looksmaxxing," a trend centred on maximising facial and physical appearance. He told Hannity his interest in fitness began in his family's basement gym in Hoboken, New Jersey, before he later turned to testosterone use as a teenager rather than continuing to train naturally.
In short
- Influencer Clavicular says he started testosterone use at age 14
- He calls natural weightlifting "a complete waste of time"
- Comments made on Sean Hannity's podcast, tied to "looksmaxxing" trend
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Health professionals and youth advocates argue that publicly celebrating teenage steroid use normalises performance-enhancing drugs among impressionable young followers, particularly given serious health risks—testicular atrophy, liver damage, psychological harm—that anabolic steroids pose to developing adolescents. They contend that influencers have an ethical duty to young audiences and that dismissing natural training as futile actively discourages healthier alternatives, potentially pressuring teenagers to use dangerous substances.
The case against
Free speech defenders argue an adult recounting his personal experience shouldn't be censored, especially when honest rather than deceptive; some contend that the "natural" bodybuilding culture he critiques is itself misleading marketing that sets unrealistic expectations, making his candour a useful counterpoint. This perspective emphasises individual autonomy and responsibility—both his right to speak about his past and his audience's capacity to make informed decisions—rather than assuming social media influence is determinative or that he bears sole responsibility for others' choices.
Explained simply
Clavicular is the online name of Braden Eric Peters, a fitness influencer with a significant following who shares content about bodybuilding and physical appearance. He has spoken publicly about his personal experience with performance-enhancing drugs, specifically testosterone, which he began using as a teenager.
His comments have drawn concern from health professionals and observers because of his influence over young followers who may be susceptible to mimicking his lifestyle choices. The worry centres on the risk that dismissing natural training and promoting steroid use could normalise dangerous drug use amongst teenagers already focused on appearance and fitness goals.
This reflects a broader trend known as "looksmaxxing," which emphasises optimising facial and physical appearance through various means, particularly amongst young men online. The concern is that influential figures promoting performance-enhancing drug use within these communities may accelerate risky behaviour amongst vulnerable audiences.
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