Bodybuilding enthusiasts often share the same goal: to build a body that is not only slender but also, and above all,...
Sarms in bodybuilding
Posted on: 06/09/2023Their effects are said to be identical, but they present fewer health risks. This article will give you a detailed description of these increasingly popular products. Please note, however, that this article is for information purposes only and in no way encourages you to use them.
An update on steroid hormones
First and foremost, if you want to understand how SARMs work, you need to understand how steroid hormones work in the body.
Many different hormones circulate in your body. Some are linked to your male or female attributes. These include testosterone, which is much more prevalent in men, and estrogens, including progesterone, the main female hormone.
Testosterone is strongly linked to the development of muscle mass, which is why men have a much greater potential than women for building muscle. This hormone is also linked to sexual function and general health. It is produced in the testicles for men and the ovaries for women. Finally, the body uses cholesterol to manufacture it.
Progesterone is used in conjunction with testosterone to produce estrogen. The latter are linked to the development of female characteristics such as breasts, uterus, etc. Progesterone is also a hormone derived from cholesterol, like testosterone.
The impact of anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are products composed of hormones such as testosterone. Their use increases the body's capacity to build muscle. They also have a virilizing effect, which explains why the user's body hair becomes thicker, his voice deeper and his jaw squarer. These characteristics are easy to detect in a woman taking anabolic steroids, as she gradually becomes more masculine.
However, it's also important to remember that, in the body, some testosterone is converted into estrogen. Anabolic steroids can therefore increase estrogen levels in the body, and are said to be androgenic. They produce phenomena such as breast growth in men who use these products. Some of these consumers therefore use additional products to counteract these effects.
It should also be noted that these products have a strong impact on health, and can lead to the development of illnesses such as cardiovascular problems.
What are SARMs?
These drugs, which date back to 1998, mimic the anabolic effects of steroids, but with limited androgenic effects. At least, that's what researchers are trying to reproduce.
These products are very different from anabolic steroids and testosterone. Their aim is to activate the right receptors while blocking others, in order to achieve the desired effects without health risks or undesirable side-effects. However, it is still impossible to obtain a drug that is sufficiently selective at receptor level to produce all the desired effects. SARMs therefore come in a variety of forms in an attempt to target one action or another.
The most advanced have fewer side effects than anabolic steroids, notably on the prostate, hair and sexual organs. However, they still have undesirable effects such as intestinal discomfort, anemia and fatigue. What's more, these drugs are heavy and have not been sufficiently tested over the long term.
It is likely that they will one day replace anabolic steroids in doping athletes, enabling them to do so with a little less risk to their health.
The most effective SARMs
The bodybuilding world is keeping a close eye on SARMs because these supplements are a good alternative to anabolic steroids, and their benefits are numerous. Whether it's gaining muscle mass, increasing protein synthesis, reducing excess body fat or improving athletic performance, SARMs can help. They are drugs designed to mimic the effects of anabolic steroids, but with fewer side effects. They work by selectively binding to the body's androgen receptors, resulting in muscle growth, increased strength and fat loss. Here are some of the best-known SARMs and their specific benefits:
Ostarine
Ostarine, or MK-2866, is a SARM created by the pharmaceutical company Merck, and often used to build muscle mass and improve sports performance. It works by binding to the body's androgen receptors, helping to increase protein synthesis and promote muscle growth. Ostarine has also been shown to positively affect bone density, making it a potential treatment for osteoporosis. Ostarine is often used by bodybuilders and athletes wishing to increase muscle mass and strength.
Ligandrol
Ligandrol, or LGD-4033, is another SARM aimed at building muscle mass and boosting sporting performance. Like Ostarine, it works by binding to the body's androgen receptors, helping to increase protein synthesis and promote muscle growth. Ligandrol also positively affects bone density, making it a potential treatment for osteoporosis.
Andarine
Andarine, also known as S4, is a SARM often used for drying and recovery. It works by binding to the body's androgen receptors, helping to increase protein synthesis and promote muscle growth. Andarine stimulates fat loss, making it a popular choice for those wishing to alter their body composition - more muscle, less fat. Bodybuilders and athletes often use it to improve muscle definition and reduce body fat percentage when dieting or leaning.
Cardarine
Cardarine, or GW-501516, is a PPAR-delta agonist originally developed to treat metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, it has become popular among athletes and bodybuilders as it improves endurance and fat burning. Cardarin works by activating the PPAR-delta receptor, which increases the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and energy expenditure. This leads to increased fat oxidation and reduced glucose utilization. Cardarine "Cardio in a bottle" is often used by endurance athletes, such as runners and cyclists, to improve performance and endurance.
Ibutamoren
Ibutamoren, also known as MK 677, is a substance that increases levels of human growth hormone (hGH) in the body. Ibutamoren (MK-677) is a very popular product used to gain muscle. It offers enormous benefits for bodybuilding, which is why many athletes recommend it. Ibutamoren is a SARM that can help promote growth hormone levels and mimic the action of the hunger hormone ghrelin. People with low levels of growth hormone can use MK677 to restore their levels. Healthy levels of this hormone are essential for protein synthesis, muscle mass gain, fat management and healthy sleep. MK677 helps stimulate the growth of virtually all tissues, including bone and muscle. Benefits reported by Ibutamoren users include increased lean muscle mass, less body fat, better sleep, improved tendon recovery, stronger bones and also more endurance.
Testolone
Testolone or RAD 140 is also a SARM. Developedby Radius Health, it mimics the activity of testosterone in the body. Users take testolone to improve muscle mass, strength, burn fat and boost sports performance. Testolone has anabolic effects (1) on muscle tissue, but does not affect the prostate, seminal vesicles or other tissues affected by androgens. It has also shown strong antitumor activity in clinical trials (2). Very few data show serious side effects, but long-term use should be investigated. Compared with steroids, Testolone is relatively safe. It should be noted that this substance is not legal in the USA and is on the list of substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). But it can still be found in some products sold online.
Testolone and cardarine stack example
These two SARMs work best together and make an excellent combination that can help gain more muscle - and maintain it - during a lean phase for bodybuilding or Crossfit. This stack greatly improves users' fat loss and endurance levels. It can also bring about significant changes in your body composition and affect testosterone production.
Here's an example of a cycle:
- Cycle duration: 6 to 10 weeks
- Testolone RAD140 dose: 10 to 20 mg daily
- Cardarine dose: 10 to 20 mg daily
Our opinion on Sarms
SARMs are undoubtedly the future of doping. But you should be aware that some of these substances may be illegal. The truth is, they're pharmaceuticals, not supplements. And even if they are less dangerous than today's steroids, they still have side effects that need to be taken into account. Athletes who use SARMs and claim to be "natural" aren't really in tune with themselves. They might as well go over to the dark side instead. Many athletes prefer to say they're on SARMs rather than steroids... And as with steroids, SARMs sold on the Internet aren't or don't necessarily contain SARMs for sure. Hence the importance of selecting the right supplier.
Once again, this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to encourage you to consume this type of product. On the contrary, it warns you of its potential harmful effects on your health. It's up to you to decide whether or not you want to try it.
1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30825507/
2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34565686/
Author Alexandre CARPENTIER
Bodybuilding Champion N.A.C 2012
Alexandre shares his bodybuilding experience with MegaGear blog readers