You probably know by now that if you’ve spent any time in fitness or bodybuilding circles, you’ve heard of SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators). As this became popular among people who wanted to build muscle, lose fat and improve performance without using traditional anabolic steroids, these supplements are increasing in popularity. But what exactly are SARMs? But how do they affect your fitness goals?
In this blog, we will give you a breakdown on what SARMs are, how they work as well as the potential benefits and risks associated with them, and how to include SARMs in your fitness routine. In this guide, no matter if you’re new to SARMs or you just want to learn more, you’re in the right place!
What Are SARMs?
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are a class of compounds which selectively target androgen receptors in the body. It’s these receptors that are important for muscle growth, fat loss, and overall physical performance. SARMs are compared to steroids, but they work differently. SARMs, on the other hand, have been designed so that they only affect a limited number of receptors in the body, mostly the muscle and bone, but not the liver or the prostate.
SARMs were developed for medical purposes initially with the intent to treat muscle wasting diseases, osteoporosis and other diseases causing muscle mass and strength loss. However, as they have been able to promote muscle growth and fat loss, many athletes and bodybuilders have sought to explore them as performance enhancers.
How Do SARMs Work?
In order to understand how SARMs work, we have to understand how the body builds muscle and loses fat. At a basic level, muscle growth is induced by the presence of compounds, like testosterone, which activate androgen receptors in muscle tissues. When these receptors are activated, they set the ball in motion that eventually begins the process of muscle repair and growth.
SARMs are brought into play right here. SARMs bind to the androgen receptors in muscles and bones, leading to muscle growth and strength development without the side effects seen when using steroids — such as liver damage or excessive hair growth.
SARMs are highly selective in the tissues they work on, unlike steroids which affect a wide range of body systems. It also doesn’t eliminate side effects, but it lowers the risk by being selective.
Benefits of SARMs for Fitness Enthusiasts
1. Muscle Building & Strength Enhancement
In fact, one of the main reasons people take SARMs is for their ability to build lean muscle. SARMs are supposed to mimic the actions of testosterone, that hormone responsible for muscle growth. SARMs bind to androgen receptors in muscle tissues, stimulating muscle protein synthesis, in turn making muscles stronger and bigger.
2. Improved Body Composition and Fat Loss
One of the benefits of SARMs is that they help you lose fat while your muscle mass remains intact. However, there are some SARMs such as Cardarine (GW-501516) which can aid in improving metabolism and fat burning, making them a popular choice for individuals aiming for a leaner physique. Anybody who wants to add size without losing muscle will find this especially beneficial, whether they are a bodybuilder or a professional athlete.
3. Better Endurance and Stamina
Ostarine (MK-2866) and RAD140 (Testolone) are both SARMs that are known to improve endurance and stamina. Athletes or anyone who has to endure some really tough workouts or intense physical activity will find this can be especially helpful. SARMs can actually help you train harder and longer by boosting your body’s ability to recover and decrease fatigue.
4. Recovery Benefits
Interestingly, some SARMs have been shown to speed up recovery times after tough workouts. This can help speed up recovery after a workout by reducing muscle soreness and inflammation, and it will mean less time down and quicker return to training. This can be crucial for people who are training for performance or competition.
Are SARMs Safe?
While they may have some great benefits in muscle growth and fat loss, SARMs safety profile is still unknown. Since SARMs are still in research phase, we don’t have long term study that can prove their safety and efficacy. Nevertheless, there is some short-term studies and anecdotal evidence that SARMs might be able to build muscle and improve performance, however their risk is high.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Hormonal Imbalance: Long term use of SARMs can lower testosterone naturally, resulting in low testosterone. Side effects can be fatigue, depression and reduced libido.
- Liver Toxicity: SARMs that have been linked to liver toxicity in particular, particularly when taken in high doses. And although SARMs are less toxic than anabolic steroids, they can still stress the liver.
- Heart Health: Additionally, concern exists that SARMs may harm cardiovascular health, although this has not been proven conclusively.
- Regulatory and Legal Issues: SARMs have a different legal status in different countries. However, SARMs aren’t approved for human use in most places and it’s illegal to use them in sports according to the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).
How to Incorporate SARMs into Your Fitness Routine
Using SARMs for sale to achieve your fitness goals isn’t something you should take lightly. Here are a few tips for incorporating SARMs into your routine:
- Do Your Research: Be sure you know exactly which SARMs you are going to use, and what the benefits, risks, and side effects are.
- Stack SARMs Carefully: Users commonly stack various SARMs to obtain better results, combining compounds that increase muscle mass, help you lose fat, and increase endurance. But that should be done carefully to minimize the negative side effects.
- Monitor Your Health: To track any changes in liver function, hormone levels or overall health, regular health check ups and blood tests are important.
- Focus on Nutrition and Training: SARMs can speed muscle growth, but don’t replace a good diet and workout plan. Ensure that you are consuming a well balanced diet, enough protein and that you follow a structured training program.
Conclusion
SARMs can provide muscle growth, fat loss and performance enhancement benefits. Just as with any supplement however, they have their risks and should be used responsibly. If you’re thinking of using SARMs, it’s important to do your research and talk to a healthcare professional before you get started. Yes, it can help you achieve your fitness goals faster, but don’t forget that there is no magic pill and you can’t get away with hard work, proper training and a well balanced diet. Do not approach SARMs recklessly and never put your health at risk.
