The History of Steroids in Fitness Steroids have been used in fitness and sports for decades, but their history is filled with controversy and concern. This article explores the origins of steroids in fitness and how they became one of the most discussed and debated substances in sports. Early Use in Sports Steroids were first used in sports during the 1950s to enhance performance and promote muscle growth. The Soviet Union was one of the first countries to use anabolic steroids with athletes to improve their competitive edge.