While anabolic steroids are effective in boosting performance, they are regulated substances which can only be accessed with a prescription. They also come with a wide variety of side effects. And when anabolic steroids used for prolonged periods can be harmful to your health. On the other hand, legal steroids are “legal”, which means you can purchase them commercially. Also, they are normally not prohibited by athletic organizations. Legal steroids will vary widely when you consider the ingredients used, with some using compounds that resemble those included in anabolic steroids. But, these compounds tend to have fewer side effects, and they are available without a physicians prescription.