If your goal is to add mass and gain muscle strength so you can bulk up, build muscle, and lose fat, you should be looking into how SARMs can help. Bodybuilding has become a popular fitness goal in many places around the world, prompting many fans to turn to supplementation to expedite the process of bulk-building. Steroids remain popular, of course, but some fitness experts shy away from these supplements due to unpleasant and sometimes, harmful side effects. There are always safer alternatives, such as SARMs or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. SARMs offer a number of excellent benefits but are they right for your bodybuilding needs? Let’s take a look at your options.
(First, a disclaimer: SARMS have not been approved for human consumption. In no way should these substances be taken. This article is for education and entertainment purposes only and you should always consult with your medical professional before taking any drug and or starting any health routine. There is no such thing as a miracle drug. Certain factors, such as the capacity of your body to respond to the chemical components of the supplement, will affect how fast you will see results.)
5 Best SARMs Supplements in 2021: Is Taking SARMs for Bodybuilding Bad for You?
If you have been bodybuilding for some time, you may have already heard about a number of SARMs products available. But of course, you want the best options you can find. Here are our top 5:
1. Ostarine MK-2866 – Cuts fat but preserves muscle mass
Ostarine MK-2866, also marketed as Enobosam, is one of the most convenient and affordable SARMs supplements currently available. It has yet to receive FDA approval, so technically it is not distributed legally but users consider this as a safer option compared to available SARMs being sold today.
Ostarine MK-2866 was developed by GTx Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in Memphis. Ostarine MK-2866 is a very popular anabolic SARM that users consider safe. It inhibits natural androgen activity while enhancing its efficiency.
Ostarine MK-2866 acts against fat by cutting it, hence aiding in producing lean muscle mass, solid bulking, and a toned body build. This happens even if you do not pile on the calories. It also helps prevent muscular dystrophy due to wear-and-tear that occurs during intensive workouts.
Another key advantage to Ostarin MK-2866 is that it works well for both men and women, especially for those who are experiencing muscle degeneration and osteoporosis. Since it is a mild steroid, it is an excellent supplement for beginners. It is also an anabolic-androgenic steroid, so it contains synthetic androgens that are related to testosterone and therefore have similar effects. This characteristic prevents the breakdown of this hormone into organic chemical compounds inside your body.
As a result, Ostarine works remarkably well in the efficient increase of muscle mass while preventing water retention that produces the dreaded flat and dry look. Unlike other types of steroids, Ostarine also is not converted into estrogen.
You will love how Ostarine boosts cognitive skills and metabolism while increasing bone density. You will also notice a rise in your overall energy level and stamina, along with improved insulin resistance and overall body strength. It is comparatively safe and has no ill effects on the organs.
2. Testolone RAD-140 – Boosts testosterone levels, enhances muscle volume, boosts strength, improves stamina and energy levels. Burns fat quickly. Also protects the brain from damage due to aging.
Testolone is formulated to increase muscle mass, improve physical stamina, and boost mental alertness. Testolone is a relatively new product in the market but is already gaining praise. It was actually created originally to determine if it will work as a breast cancer treatment. It works remarkably well in preventing muscular dystrophy. When it comes to bulking you up, Testolone works fast, providing you with increased stamina to extend your workouts without exhausting you. Due to its efficacy, it can produce results at very low doses.
There is a caveat, however. Testolone is a very potent and strong supplement, which means it will require a post-cycle supplement or steroid cycle therapy to ensure that all the normal mechanisms of the body are balanced out. As to its safety, recent studies have shown that it works better compared to testosterone replacement therapy. Because it interacts selectively with the muscles’ androgen receptors, it also helps boost lean muscle mass.
Testolone is currently the subject of research by Radius Health, a pharmaceutical company. It has proven to be effective as a steroid-like drug but without the expected side effects. In terms of potency, Testolone can work in your body in as little as 6 to 7 weeks to gain 8 to 19 lbs. of lean muscle mass. It is one of the fastest-acting and efficient supplements formulated for bodybuilders who want to build enhanced muscle mass.
3. Ligandrol LGD-4033 – Promotes effective blood circulation. May be used for bulking and stacking safely.
Ligandrol is a supplement that is famous as a weight loss and fat loss solution. However, it offers more – it can help in building muscle bulk and in enhancing lean muscle mass. Because it is the new Ostarine, it has to be taken at lower doses because its potency and concentration are higher.
Ligandrol is best for bodybuilders who want to avoid muscular dystrophy, musculoskeletal degeneration, and osteoporosis. It is also available as Anabolicum or VK-5211 and was created by Ligand Pharmaceuticals of San Diego. Currently, Viking Therapeutics is studying this SARM to determine if it can become a potential treatment for prostate and breast cancer.
Currently, Ligandrol remains a popular supplement for athletes and bodybuilders. It works excellently in protecting and enhancing muscles and reinforcing the bones and joints. It does not cause water retention or affect estrogen levels in your body because it doesn’t aromatize. It can also be stacked easily and has been known to heighten libido.
Ligandrol is quite potent, so daily dosage must be kept low. It is recommended to take about 5mg to 10mg daily for six weeks. Anabolicum should be supplemented using Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) at the end of a cycle. The dose is usually increased with every cycle but make sure not to go over 1mg to 2mg a day. After the first cycle, you will begin noticing dramatic fat loss. You could lose about 10lbs. in body weight by this time.
4. Nutrobal MK-677 – Aids in muscle gain, promotes kidney health, reduces anxiety, reduces feelings of aggression.
Nutrobal (also known as Ibutamoren) does not only enhance muscle mass but it also increases bone density and boosts energy. It does, however, increase appetite, which may be used to your advantage. Due to this action, Nutrobal must be taken carefully. It is also called Ibutamoren but is actually not a SARM. It does work like SARMs and offers similar benefits.
Nutrobal is currently the only supplement that can induce muscle growth and promote good sleep. As such, it is considered a healthful supplement by users. After all, adequate sleep is considered critical to achieving good health and fitness. It also does not affect the levels of hormones in your body. In fact, you’re not likely to require a PCT when using Nutrobal.
Nutrobal MK-677 is also known as Nutrocubalisis. Users acknowledge it as a potent selective antagonist, particularly of the ghrelin receptor. In case you are unfamiliar with ghrelin, it is a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract and controls hunger. Nutrobal mimics the action of ghrelin, which explains why you may experience an increase in appetite. It interacts with the ghrelin receptor to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This results in the release of certain growth hormones, such as insulin and somatropin.
Other than aiding in increasing lean muscles, Nutrobal MK-677 also improves the hair, skin, and nails. It also helps promote faster recovery in case of muscle injury and improves your sleep pattern.
Currently, Nutrobal’s properties are under study to determine its efficacy in treating bone degenerative disorders and growth hormone deficiency. Nutrobal has also proven to work well in improving the sex drive and in repairing nerve damage. It also helps promote a healthy heart and kidneys. Because it can help induce sleep, Nutrobal has also shown efficacy in helping people manage their anxiety and control aggressive moods.
5. Andarine S-4 -Initiates fat loss and improves muscle gain.
Andarine S-4 is one of the earliest formulations that has proven to be effective in boosting lean muscle mass. Its mechanism of action is quite close to that of steroids with the exception that it only works on androgenic receptors.
Andarine is also called Acetamidoxolutamide, GTx-007, or Androxolutamide. It was created by Kaken Pharmaceuticals in Japan. GTx Inc. later developed Andarine as a research medication. It has since become very popular among bodybuilders and athletes.
Originally, Andarine was used for the treatment of muscle degeneration, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. In fact, it has shown promise in reducing prostate gland weight among patients with prostate cancer.
Its other benefits include an effective increase in muscle mass. It also oxidizes body fat, which makes it a great choice for cutting and bulking. This is why it became a favorite among bodybuilders and athletes as a substitute for anabolic steroids.
Unlike other SARMs, Andarine is mild and not as potent, with a lower half-life. Because it doesn’t aromatize, there is no need to worry about estrogen release, water retention, or any risks of developing cardiovascular disorders. It aids in the repair of joints, bones, and muscles, and provides relief from pain.
Since it is a mild SARM option, it is usually taken in 25mg to 30mg daily for 5 days out of a week. This cycle should continue for 10 to 12 weeks. In general, expect to gain about 10 to 12 lbs. after every cycle. Note that the daily recommended dosage for Andarine should not exceed 40mg. You should also take two days off the supplement every week to avoid vision loss and other disruptions.
Andarine also offers additional benefits, such as bone strengthening and sex drive improvement. It can also be stacked using other SARMs since it works well for cutting and bulking.
Why You Should Consider Using SARMs
If you are an athlete, bodybuilder, recreational gym-goer, or fitness enthusiast, SARMs can provide you with a number of benefits, such as:
-Increase in your lean body mass
-Prevention of muscle loss or catabolism during fat cutting
-Faster rehabilitation after injuries
-Faster recovery time
-Efficient fat loss
-Increase in muscular endurance
-Decrease in fatigue
-Regulation of sex drive
And that’s not all. SARMs have become more popular than steroids because of their other advantages. Here are some of their benefits:
-SARMs are taken orally while steroids are injected.
-No risk of liver toxicity due to methylated compounds.
-Does not transform into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
-Will not convert to estrogen.
-Minimal to no side effects.
Understanding SARMs Stacking
Stacking involves using different SARMs and combining them to achieve optimum effects. If you combine two different SARMs, you also combine the benefits characteristic to each individual SARM. As such, you enjoy the advantages of both products to achieve a fitter, healthier, more defined body.
Each SARM is formulated to have one or a few specific functions or effects. These may include healing, bulking, fat loss, and the like. A SARM that was formulated to boost strength or heal may not work for cutting and bulking, which means you will have to stack it using another SARM supplement that has that function. Different people have different reasons for stacking. For example, you might be using SARMs to lose fat, boost strength, heal or repair muscles and bones, or bulk up. Whatever your reasons, you might want to consider stacking your SARMs differently.
To give you an idea about how to stack SARMs which products to use, we have listed the different supplements by their function below.
SARMs Best for Bulking
To achieve the best bulking results, combine Ostarine MK-2866 (10mg) and Ligandrol LGD-4033 (10mg) for a 6-week full cycle, then use a PCT as a supplement. Once you notice an improvement,
increase your cycles from 8 weeks to as long as 10 weeks. This will give you the best results. However, make sure to always begin with smaller doses and shorter cycles to avoid any adverse effects and allow your body to adjust to the supplementation safely.
You could also use the following combinations:
Ligandrol LGD-4033 (10mg) and Testolone RAD-140 (10mg) – 8-week cycle
S23 (10mg), Testolone RAD-140 (10mg) and Nutrobal MK-677 (20mg) – 8-week cycle
SARMs Best for Cutting
If your goal is to lose excess fat, these are the best SARMs for stacking:
Ostarine MK-2866 (10mg) and Cardarine GW-501516 daily for the initial third of a 10-week cycle. Increase to 20mg for each supplement thereafter. Once the cycle is completed, add a PCT to help balance out your hormone levels.
Ostarine MK-2866 (10mg) and Cardarine GW-501516 (10mg) daily for 10 weeks
Ostarine MK-2866 (20mg) and Ligandrol LGD-4033 (5mg) daily for 8 weeks
Ostarine MK-2866 (20mg) and Ligandrol LGD-4033 (5mg) daily for 8 weeks
Ligandrol LGD-4033 (5mg) and Andarine S-4 (5mg) for 8 weeks
Ligandrol LGD-4033 (5mg) and Cardarine GW-501516 for 8 weeks
SARMs Best for Strength
Other than building muscle mass, volume, or size, you want to be able to lift efficiently and perform optimally in your favorite sports. Here are the best SARM options for stacking if you want to build strength:
LGD-4033 (10-15mg) and YK-11 (10-15mg) for 6-8 cycle with PCT supplementation post-cycle
Testolone RAD-140 (10mg) and S-23 (10mg) for 8-10 weeks with PCT supplementation post-cycle
YK-11 (10mg) and Ligandrol LGD-4033 (10mg) for 8-10 weeks, with PCT supplementation post-cycle
SARMs Best for Fast Healing
Workouts, particularly strenuous ones can cause your muscles and joints to wear out quickly and even tear. If you are not careful, you may even experience bone injuries. Certain types of SARMs are often stacked together to boost your protection against these types of issues while ensuring that your muscles improve and your strength is increased. A recommended stacking option is listed below:
SR-9009 (10mg)
Take this combination for 8 weeks, take a break for another 8 weeks, then follow with PCT supplementation.
SARMs for Women
Certain types of SARMs are promising treatments for breast cancer and may actually be helpful. For women who want to build their bodies, lose fat, and tone their muscles, our recommended combination is:
Use this combination for a 10-cycle period with a break of 6 weeks between cycles.
A Closer Look at Cardarine GW-501516
Cardarine is not exactly a SARM, at least, not technically. It does, however, boost energy so you can work out longer and more efficiently. It also helps well for bulking. It also does not require PCT supplementation since it does not block hormone production or disrupt internal hormone balance.
A Closer Look at S-23
S-23 is easily one of the most potent SARMs for bodybuilders. Interestingly, S-23 is used alternatively as a form of male contraception because it significantly reduces sperm count. This is because S-23 can suppress the LH and FSH hormones for as long as the supplement is being used. It is also effective for increasing lean muscle mass, building strong muscles, and increasing strength and bone density. And yes, it works well for cutting fat.
A Closer Look at YK-11
YK-11 is sometimes categorized as or mistaken for a SARM. It is actually a myostatin inhibitor. It does not have a direct effect on androgen receptors in the same way that SARMs have. Although it does activate androgen receptors and trigger an increase in catabolic androgenic activity, it only does so partially. The effects, however, are still excellent. This makes YK-11 a highly powerful supplement. It also works similarly to DTH and targets follistatin levels. DHT, as we all know, is a naturally-existing male sex hormone or androgen. It is responsible for male sex characteristics. Follistatin, on the other hand, is a type of protein that can be found naturally in the body. It helps in keeping myostatin balanced. Myostatin is a hormone that controls the growth of muscles.
A Closer Look at SR-9009
SR-9009 is also called Stenabolic. It was formulated specifically for athletes, bodybuilders, and weightlifters. Other than increasing metabolism and cutting fat, it also burns calories and increases your basal metabolic rate. It helps in increasing stamina and endurance, boosting muscular hypertrophy, and reducing inflammation. This supplement also comes with certain medical benefits and may help treat obesity, sarcopenia, Type-2 diabetes, and certain cholesterol-related disorders. One benefit of SR-9009 is that it does not interact with the balance of hormones in your body and will not release androgenic or estrogenic hormones. As such, this supplement may be used by men and women.
By understanding how these SARMs work, you know exactly how they will work in your body and what to expect. This will help you determine the best stacking options for you.
How SARMs Work
SARMs are becoming a popular alternative to steroids because the former does not cause adverse side effects. Since SARMs are selective, they will only zero in on androgen receptors to bring results. Their actions on lean muscles are proportionate, which makes them beneficial for your skeletal muscle system.
SARMs, however, are synthetic drugs and thus carry a considerable exception regarding their consumption. Like most drugs, SARMs must be consumed in the correct dosage to ensure efficacy and best results. It is also important to consider the type of SARMs you use since some types may work better for you.
To achieve the desired results during a specific time period, you need to be certain about the concentration of the supplement you will use and consume only the dosage that is sufficient and will not overload your system. SARMs can be taken in powder, capsule, and liquid forms, so you know exactly how much you are consuming.
Are SARMs Right for You?
Bodybuilding is a careful process that takes time and effort. The role of SARMs is to make the process faster and quicker while delivering anabolic steroid benefits. If you prefer, you may also consider using natural testosterone boosters.
In general, SARMs must never be consumed unless you have the ok signal from your health practitioner. You should also take them using effective doses so you can enjoy the best benefits. The effect of SARMs from one person to the next will also vary, so it is up to you to create the best and safest dosage to achieve effective results.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.