Over the years, a lot of comparisons have been drawn between SARMs and steroids. While they both aim to achieve a similar set of end goals, they are poles apart. They are not the same as far as their working mechanism is concerned. While they have become particularly popular in the bodybuilding industry, they were initially supposed to help muscle loss in cancer patients. But, seeing how SARMs fight muscle loss, it quickly established a strong footing among gym lovers and fitness enthusiasts who want to gain muscles quickly.
It is worth noting that both steroids and SARMs work by interacting with androgen receptors wherein they trigger a set of changes in the information that your DNA carries. It thus enhances the body’s ability to retain and grow muscles. However, steroids are a blunt tool. They carry severe side-effects.
They can range from anything such as causing prostate issues, acne, hair loss, etc. SARMS, however, are supposed to act ‘selectively’. Since they are ‘tissue-selective’, they act only on the brain receptors responsible for muscle growth without touching anything else. Therefore, they do not set into motion a series of reactions.
Additionally, unlike steroids – SARMs are taken in the form of pills rather than being injected. The downside, however, is that neither are approved by the FDA. it is worth mentioning though, that the safety profile of the latter is much more promising.
SARMs are usually marketed as ‘health supplements’ and they are almost exclusively available online at stores. Over the years, many of the products have made a mark including andarine and ostarine.
How do SARMs work (and why they’re better than steroids)
So, we understand that steroids are harmful but, to many, it’s still unclear how they are harmful. Let’s understand this with a helpful analogy – using steroids to boost hormones is much like trying to fix or tweak a microchip using a sledgehammer. Steroids can undoubtedly help you build muscles by increasing testosterone which increases the synthesis of protein in cells. As a result, you burn fat and build more muscles. This is on the ‘anabolic’ side of steroids which is actually helpful.
But, steroids don’t just interact with the muscles; they also interact with the liver, heart, sex organs, prostate, etc. this often leads to shrinkage of balls in men. In women, it can lead to the enlargement of the clitoris. Side-effects in men also include body hair growth, deep voice, acne, man boobs, etc. This is the androgenic side of the steroids which has to do with all the side effects.
The anabolic to androgenic ratio in steroids is 1:1. What that means is that for every muscle-building effect, steroids are just as likely to shrink your balls or enlarge your clitoris. That is why bodybuilders need bioidentical testosterone to ensure the optimal functioning of the hormones.
This is the part where SARMs have an innovative edge. Other than being selective, they also maintain the anabolic to androgenic ratio of 3:1 to even 90:1 which is a huge improvement. What that means is you get to improve muscles without the unwanted man boobs or unwanted hair growth.
SARMs are also legal which is not the case with steroids.
Best SARMss Gain Muscle And Lose Fat Safely
1. Mk-677
Also known as Ibutamoren, it is also used for research purposes only. Technically it’s not a SARM, but it is still placed alongside these. It is essentially a growth hormone secretagogue which means it works by increasing the levels of human growth hormones.
A quick overview:
- Dosage : 10-50 mg/day
- Typical cycle duration – up to 12 weeks
- Good for – recovery, healing, bulking
- Best stacked with – Ligandrol, Ostarine, RAD 140
Because of its ability to boost growth hormones, MK-677 is one of the best SARM health supplements that should not only aid you in quick recovery from the workout but also help you gain muscles rather quickly.
2. Lgd-4033
Short for Ligandrol, this is another research chemical and an excellent SARM too. This one is ideal if ‘wet’ bulking is your aim. Although the muscle gain from this particular supplement is not as ‘dry’ or ‘lean’ as the gains from other research chemicals like RAD140, it still surpasses the quality of results.
Ligandrol Overview:
- Dosage – 10 – 20 mg/day
- Typical cycle length – 8-12 weeks
- Ideal for – strength training, mass training, and bulking
- Good to stack with – Ostarine, YK11
This one works beautifully with other research chemicals like YK11 and produces excellent results in terms of bulking. It can help you pack a great amount of muscle mass if you use it rightly.
3. Gw501516
Also known as Cardarine, this is not technically a SARM either, but it is often placed and sold among other SARMs by supplement companies. It is a PPAR Delta receptor agonist which means it’s excellent for cutting and endurance.
Cardarine Overview:
- Dosage – up to 20 mg/day
- Cycle length – up to 12 weeks
- Ideal for – cutting, endurance, and Recomp
- Stacks well with – Ligandrol, Ostarine, and RAD140
Another highlight of this supplement is that it doesn’t suppress testosterone levels. Therefore, no PCT supplementation is needed post cycle. In fact, you do not need a PCT supplement for any of these SARMs.
Things To Consider while On SARMs:
Diet
It goes without saying how important diet is every time you decide to transform your body. Some of the things related to diet you need to bear in mind are –
- Make sure to eat before and after the workout to better your efforts
- Do not introduce radical changes in your diet
- Ensure consistent protein intake
Exercise Routine
Be sure to stick with a consistent exercise routine. But, at the same time make sure not to burn yourself out. While pushing yourself at the gym, make sure to balance it out by getting enough rest.
