Motivation

A typical college student, Brandon would eat whatever he wanted. Disgusted with what he saw in the mirror, Brandon lost 108 pounds.

A top powerlifter, Steve was also extremely unhealthy. He made the change to a low carb lifestyle and reclaimed his health.

A skinny kid who never felt capable of anything, Shreenath hit the gym and bulked up by 58 total pounds.

A skinny football player who decided to gain weight, Mitch fell in love with resistance training and packed on over 60 pounds.

A self-proclaimed slug who did little else other than play video games, Nicholas committed to training and diet and lost 36 pounds.

A self-loather because of his acne, Stewart became motivated by the ripped physiques of divers and packed on 35 pounds.

A natural ectomorph, Jason bulked up to 192 pounds and packed on muscle before starting a cutting diet to forge a new physique.

A hardgainer who had a difficult time eating enough, Casey did what it took and bulked up by 32 pounds, packing on muscle mass.

The history and dangers behind one of bodybuilding's most controversial physique-enhancing chemicals: synthol.