There are three major categories male bodybuilders can compete in: bodybuilding, classic physique, and men’s physique. Each requires you to be the best of the best to win.
Extensive training can get you to the point where you’re ready to compete, but sometimes it’s not enough. You need to be bigger and leaner than any other guy in your weight class, which is why many bodybuilders turn to SARMs.
What are SARMs? They’re steroid substitutes that can help you bulk up without requiring a prescription. These drugs can help you get the competitive edge you need to take home a trophy.
If you have an upcoming competition or just want to look better for your next beach vacation, keep reading to see how SARMs can help.
Table of Contents
What Are SARMs?
SARMs are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of anabolic steroids but are not steroids themselves. You can use them to increase muscle mass and strength.
SARMs have been legal in the US since the FDA permitted select companies to sell them as research chemicals.
SARMs vs Steroids
Steroids are man-made hormones that you can take orally or inject into the body to increase muscle mass and strength. They’re often used by athletes to recover from workouts more quickly than other substances like protein shakes.
SARMs aren’t synthetic analogs of testosterone. They’re not made by mimicking how nature produces testosterone. SARMs are steroid alternatives for people who want the effects of steroids without the high risk of erectile dysfunction. Learn about Numan’s services for further information on treating erectile dysfunction.
What Do SARMs Do to Your Body?
SARMs are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of testosterone, growth hormone, and other anabolic hormones. They do this by binding to and activating receptors in your body that trigger those effects.
SARMs have been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in clinical trials on animals. However, human studies are limited, but the studies that were conducted yielded promising results.
Increase Muscle Mass
When a SARM binds to an androgen receptor, it causes your body’s cells to react as if they were testosterone. This can lead to increased muscle mass. The effect of SARMs on muscle growth is similar to that of anabolic steroids, but they’re less powerful.
Improve Bone Density
SARMs increase bone mineral density, which means they make bones stronger. This is great news for people who are at risk for osteoporosis or already suffering from it. SARMs can help prevent fractures and other injuries related to weak bones.
Promote Healing
SARMs can speed up recovery from muscle, tendon, or bone injuries. They promote healing by stimulating the production of new cells at the site of injury.
SARMs are also used for the treatment of osteoporosis and muscle wasting due to cancer or other diseases, such as HIV. In these cases, patients can combine them with other medications so they experience fewer side effects while still getting all the benefits of SARMs.
Strength
SARMs increase lean muscle mass, strength, and power. You can use them for bodybuilding or strength training purposes. They’re popular among athletes who want to gain a competitive edge over other participants.
Boosts Estrogen
While men mostly use SARMs, women can benefit from them as well. Some women use SARMs to boost estrogen levels in their bodies. This can help with symptoms of menopause and other conditions.
Estrogen also plays a role in protecting against bone thinning.
How Do SARMs Work?
SARMs bind to the androgen receptors in your body. These are the same receptors that are activated by testosterone and other steroids. When these chemicals bind to the receptors, they cause changes in gene expression and protein synthesis.
It will only improve muscle mass or bone density if there are enough beneficial chemicals in your bloodstream.
Is SARMs Legal?
SARMs are not legal, but they aren’t illegal either. SARMs aren’t controlled substances, so they can’t be considered illegal under federal law or in most states. However, the FDA hasn’t approved these drugs for human consumption.
Commercial companies cannot label SARM products as “safe” because this would imply that several clinical trials have proven a medical benefit. Therefore, many companies market their products under different names.
Some companies add SARMs to protein powders or other supplements, and some sell them as dietary ingredients. The FDA has sent warning letters to companies that advertise SARMs as dietary ingredients or additives.
SARMs Usage and Drug Tests
In bodybuilding competitions, athletes are tested for the presence of SARMs. Doctors take a sample of urine and analyze it in a lab. If they detect the drug, they will disqualify the athlete from competition.
What Are Legal Steroids?
Sometimes SARMs are called “legal steroids,” but this isn’t entirely accurate. You can buy SARMs for research purposes under the right circumstances. It’s best to avoid consuming them since they’re not FDA-approved.
Is It Safe to Use SARMs?
SARMs are safe to use as long as you follow the recommended dosage. There are some concerns that they may cause liver damage or other problems when taken at higher doses, but these risks are still being evaluated.
SARMs Side Effects
SARMs are not as powerful as anabolic steroids, but they can still have side effects.
The buildup of testosterone in the body can lead to acne. If you’re already prone to breakouts, then taking SARMs could make things worse.
Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, and mood swings. These are mild side effects, but SARMs can cause more serious problems as well.
Hair Loss
Increasing your testosterone levels can also raise the amount of DHT in your body. This causes hair follicles to shrink and speeds up male pattern baldness.
It’s important to note that you won’t lose your hair immediately after taking SARMs. The effects will take time. If you’re worried about losing your hair, then it’s best not to take them at all.
Testicular Atrophy
Again, this happens when there’s too much testosterone circulating in your system. It causes testicles to shrink because your body needs them less. Sperm levels will decrease, and it’s possible that you won’t be able to get your partner pregnant.
Some men also report that they experience erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and less stamina. If this happens while taking SARMs, it could lead to infertility issues.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition where men develop enlarged breasts or feminine fat distribution. It’s not a serious medical condition, but it can be embarrassing and affect your self-esteem. Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone, which SARMs can easily cause.
How to Take SARMs
SARMs, like all medications, have a recommended time of day and meal timing. Some people find that taking their SARMs in the morning helps them feel more alert throughout the day. Others prefer taking it right before they work out.
The number of doses you take each day depends on your goals. Most users take 10 – 20 mg per day. If you’re just beginning to take SARMs, start with a low dose and gradually increase it.
Where to Buy SARMs
If you’re wondering where to buy SARMs, many online stores sell them. Not all of them are reputable, so only buy from licensed dealers with a good reputation. Here’s how to find the best SARMs retailer.
Third-Party Testing
Most reputable sellers of SARMs will offer third-party testing as proof of purity. This means that they send samples to a lab for analysis, which verifies the number of active ingredients in each batch. This is important because it ensures that you’re getting what you paid for and nothing else.
Transparency
Reputable SARMs retailers will be honest about the safety of their products. They will list all the ingredients in every product and provide their proper dosages. They should also present a list of potential side effects and interactions with other drugs.
There should be detailed instructions on how to use SARMs safely so you can minimize the risk of negative side effects.
Testimonials
A good SARMs retailer will have lots of positive testimonials. This is another way to verify the quality of their products. You should also look for reviews from other websites to see whether people are satisfied with the retailer’s products.
Customer Service
A good retailer will have easy-to-use contact forms. They should also respond quickly to any inquiries that you may have about their products. If you email and don’t get a response, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.
Popular SARMs
RAD-140 is the most popular SARM on the market right now. It’s been around for several years, and there are a lot of studies that show its effectiveness in helping people build muscle.
Ostarine is another popular choice for bodybuilders who want to bulk up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular SARMs on the market today.
Ligandrol
Ligandrol is a selective androgen receptor modulator that’s also known as LGD-4033. You can take it in doses between 2.5 and 5 milligrams. It increases lean muscle mass while decreasing body fat.
It’s the ideal supplement for anyone who wants to build muscle fast without getting plump.
Ligandrol is currently undergoing clinical trials for its potential use in treating cancer patients. However, other conditions could benefit from this drug as well, including obesity, osteoporosis, and metabolic syndrome.
Ostarine
Ostarine treats muscle wasting and osteoporosis. It binds to body proteins and stimulates muscle growth from the first dosage. The drug also improves blood flow to the muscles and reduces recovery time between workouts.
You’ll experience an increase in bone density and a more active metabolism. Scientists are studying its potential to treat anemia as well.
RAD-140
RAD-140 is one of the most influential SARMs available. It’s also one of the safest, as it encourages muscle recuperation and protects the tissues during rigorous exercises. RAD-140 intensifies strength and endurance without extreme side effects.
Note that adverse effects can still occur. Most people have minimal side effects, such as nausea or headaches.
Cardarine (GW501516)
Cardarine reduces body fat and increases metabolic rate. This makes it perfect for the cutting phase, but you can use it during bulking cycles if you want to lean out a bit more than usual. Cardarine also helps reduce fatigue during workouts.
Ibutamoren
Ibutamoren is a SARM that promotes bone and muscular development. It’s used for bulking up, and it raises HGH levels to help you get the most out of your weight-lifting routine. This SARM also improves your ability to recover from workouts, which is great news for those who need to spend as much time in the gym as possible.
RAD 150
RAD 150 is a SARM that’s even stronger than RAD 140. You can use it to build muscle and burn fat, but it’s also useful for recovery from exercise and injuries because it has anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s a very versatile supplement too. Higher doses are for bulking, while lower doses are for cutting. If you’re just starting, it’s helpful to take about 5mg per day. You can take even less if you’re just looking to maintain your physique.
The highest dose that you can consume safely is about 20mg per day.
Build Muscle Faster
So, what are SARMs? They’re one of the best alternatives to steroids that you can find.
You can try different SARMs to find a combination that works for you, or you can use them with other supplements. The best part is that they’re easy to find online, and they’re very affordable.
Take the lowest recommended dose if you want to avoid harmful side effects while taking SARMs. You can also look at our how-to articles for inspiration on building muscle naturally or explore the wide range of topics we cover.
