Building muscle is hard work and the longer you do it, the more your progress slows down.
That leads many guys down the road of taking anabolic steroids, but there’s another option for those who want a safer option to put on size and shed body fat – SARMs.
In this article, I’ll provide everything you need to know about SARMs to make an informed decision on whether or not you should use them for bodybuilding.
Key Takeaways
- SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are gaining popularity in the bodybuilding community as a safer alternative to anabolic steroids for building muscle and shedding body fat.
- SARMs have anabolic properties like steroids but with fewer severe side effects, making them a preferred choice for many bodybuilders.
- Different SARMs offer specific benefits, such as Testolone RAD 140 for muscle growth and Ostarine MK 2866 for beginners.
- SARMs come in various forms, including tablets, liquid, and powder, with liquid SARMs being preferred for precise dosage control.
- While SARMs are generally safer than steroids and prohormones, they may still have side effects, and post-cycle therapy (PCT) is recommended to maintain hormonal balance after a SARM cycle.
Comparison of the Best SARMs for Bodybuilding
| Features | Testolone | Andarine | YK-11 | Ostarine | Ligandrol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Muscle Endurance |  | | | | |
 Muscle Size | | | | | |
| Fat Loss | | | Possibly | | |
 Wound recovery | | Likely | Likely | | |
| Strongest SARM | | | | | |
 Increases Bone Density | | Possibly | | Possibly | |
 Enhances Cardiovascular Health |  | | Possibly | | |
 Side Effects | Minimal | Mild | Mild to Moderate | Minimal | Minimal |
 Increases Aggression | Likely | |  | Likely | Likely |
| For beginners | | | | | |
 Dosage | 5-20 mg/day | 25-100 mg/day | 5-30 mg/day | 5-10 mg/day | 5 mg/day |
| Cycle | 8 Weeks | 8 Weeks | 4-8 weeks | 8 Weeks | 8 Weeks |
 Testosterone Suppression | Suppressive | Suppressive | Mild Suppression | Least Suppressive | Suppressive |
| PCT Required | | | | Probably | |
 Water Retention | | | | | Slightly |
 Best For | Lean Muscle | Fat Loss | Strength | Beginners | Women |
SARMs were originally developed as a form of treatment for people who suffer from muscle-wasting diseases and other ailments.
Like steroids, these compounds are effective in building muscle but they do not result in the same severity of side effects.
Due to their anabolic nature, SARMs have exploded in popularity among the bodybuilding crowd over the last few years.
Best SARM for Bulking – Testolone RAD 140
Testolone RAD 140 is a selective androgen receptor modulator that will pack on lean muscle mass fast.
By selectively targeting muscle-building androgen receptors it can enhance the effects of your natural testosterone without resulting in the negative side effects associated with steroids.
RAD 140 can make muscles denser and more defined without substantially increasing body weight. It will also enhance training energy and focus.
At dosages higher than 20mg, some users have noted a slight increase in aggression. [1]
Testolone RAD 140
Testolone Rad 140 is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that was created for the purpose of treating breast cancer and muscle wasting in postmenopausal women. It effectively enhances the body’s natural production of testosterone and also increases lean body mass.
Since it attaches selectively to androgen receptors, it does not carry the sort of side effects that come with anabolic steroids.
Testolone primarily increases lean muscle tissue by enhancing testosterone and human growth hormone as well as boosting other anabolic effects following intense weight training. It may also be able to increase training energy, endurance, and speed while working out.
Testolone is considered to be one of the best SARMs for muscle-building effects but it has also been shown to be effective in fat burning as well.
An initial study conducted on monkeys showed that the administration of Testolone increased their body weight by 10 percent after 28 days of use. Another similar study showed that the negative effects on the prostate and seminal vesicles were significantly reduced by taking Testolone along with synthetic testosterone.
Testolone RAD140 Overview
Top Benefits: Muscle growth 
Form: Liquid, Powder 
Cycle Length: 6 – 8 weeks 
Average Cost: $64.99
Side Effects: Gyno and Androgenic Sides
Dangers: Do not abuse
Best Stack: MK-677 / Cardarine / Testolone 
PCT Required: Yes
⚤ Men/Women: Men
See Results
Go to the Full review
- A massive increase in lean muscle mass
- Potential fat loss
- Acne
- Other androgenic side effects
- Gyno
Best SARM for Cutting – Andarine S4
Andarine S4 has quickly established itself as a favorite SARM for cutting due to its ability to suppress Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL), which is a fat-storage protein.
At the same time, it will decrease water retention and help to preserve muscle mass.
This is important as you do not want to lose any of your hard-earned muscle when you are on a cutting cycle.
After a cycle with S4, your muscles will appear dry and hard.
A side effect of using S4 at higher dosages is the yellowing of vision. [2]
Safest SARM for Strength: S4 Andarine
Andarine, known by its developmental code names GTx-007 and S-4, emerges as a noteworthy investigational selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) meticulously crafted by GTX, Inc.
Positioned for potential applications in treating muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), Andarine stands out in the realm of Safest SARMs.
Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, Andarine boasts an anabolic activity on par with testosterone while avoiding the suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
This distinctive feature sets Andarine apart, allowing it to foster increased muscle and bone mass without the typical drawbacks associated with anabolics, making it a standout in the category of Safest SARMS.
In its role as a cutting agent, Andarine showcases its effectiveness in fat loss by actively reducing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) levels and curbing water retention.
Beyond its contribution to fat loss, Andarine serves as a reliable guardian of hard-earned muscle mass during cutting phases, offering the potential for the acquisition of lean muscle mass.
S4 Andarine Overview
Top Benefits: Muscle growth, strength gain, fat loss Form: Liquid, Powder Cycle Length: 6 – 8 weeks Average Cost: $59.99 Side Effects: Vision issues, headaches, and liver toxicity Dangers: Hepatotoxicity Best Stack: MK-677 / Cardarine / RAD 140
PCT Required: Yes
Men/Women: Men See Results Go to the Full review
- Better recovery
- Improved fat loss
- Massive muscle gains
- Headaches
- Liver toxicity
- Vision issues
Best SARM for Strength – YK-11
YK-11, also known as Myostatin, is one of the strongest SARMs on the market. It has a comparable geometric structure and compound activity as anabolic steroids.
This SARM acts by inhibiting myostatin, which is a protein that is genetically released to limit muscle growth to prevent us from getting too big.
This characteristic makes YK-11 a very potent muscle builder.
At the same time, it will seriously boost your strength levels.
In fact, it is comparable to testosterone in its ability to build both muscle and strength. [3]
YK 11
YK11 is a synthetic steroid categorized as a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), engineered to selectively engage androgen receptors in skeletal muscles and bones, closely emulating the anabolic effects of testosterone with minimized systemic side effects associated with conventional anabolic steroids. This specificity is what renders YK11 particularly intriguing for both therapeutic applications and bodybuilding endeavors.
A primary advantage of YK11 lies in its ability to substantially enhance muscle mass and strength by promoting more efficacious muscle cell growth than endogenous testosterone, facilitating users in achieving fitness objectives more swiftly. Furthermore, YK11 is postulated to positively impact bone health by augmenting bone density, offering potential benefits in the prevention of fractures and osteoporosis.
Distinctively, YK11‘s action mechanism encompasses the inhibition of myostatin, a growth differentiation factor that plays a critical role in regulating muscle mass. Inhibition of myostatin by YK11 could theoretically allow individuals to transcend their genetic limits in muscle development. This characteristic of YK11 is of particular interest to the scientific community and fitness enthusiasts aiming to maximize muscular gains.
Notwithstanding its promising attributes, it is paramount to acknowledge that YK11, akin to all SARMs, is still in the investigational phase, and its comprehensive safety profile remains undetermined. Prospective users should exercise caution, mindful of the potential for adverse effects and the current absence of regulatory endorsement for human application.
YK 11 Overview
Top Benefits: Enhanced muscle mass and strength, bone density improvement, potential for myostatin inhibition allowing surpassing genetic muscle growth limits Form: Oral tablets Cycle Length: 8 Weeks Average Cost: $64.99 Side Effects: Potential for liver toxicity, changes in cholesterol levels, hormonal imbalances Dangers: Lack of long-term safety data, potential for significant endocrine disruption Best Stack: Cardarine / LGD 4033 / RAD 140
PCT Required: Debate exists; some suggest PCT to mitigate endocrine system impacts, though not universally agreed upon Men/Women: Primarily used by men due to the risk of virilization in women; women should proceed with caution if considering use Go to the Full review
- Estrogen regulation
- Hormonal Balance in PCT
- Prevention of Gynecomastia
- Joint Pain
- Fatigue
- Bone Density Concerns
Best SARM for Beginners – Ostarine MK 2866
Ostarine MK 2866 is considered to be the mildest SARM on the market.
That makes it a good jumping-off point for those who are experimenting or just getting their feet wet with SARMs.
Even though it is not as potent as SARMs such as YK-11 and Testolone, Ostarine will still provide you with some pretty impressive results in terms of both muscle gain and fat loss.
Ostarine will also speed up workout recovery.
After an initial cycle of Ostarine alone, many beginner SARM users move to a stack with Cardarine.
On their third cycle, they may then advance to a more potent SARM such as Testolone. [4]
Ostarine MK-2866
Ostarine is an orally-active, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM ).
It’s considered to be the best SARM for beginners and it is most commonly used during bulking and recomp phases.
In a 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial involving 120 healthy elderly men and postmenopausal women, ostarine was shown to significantly increase muscle issues, and improve physical function and insulin sensitivity. [4]
Ostarine selectively binds itself to proteins within the body that are called androgen receptors. When attached to the androgen protein, it communicates the message for it to get bigger.
Unlike anabolic steroids, Ostarine does not convert to estrogen or DHT. [5]
Ostarine is legal, but only for research purposes. It has not been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and as a result, cannot be sold as a dietary supplement.
Ostarine MK-2866 Overview
Top Benefits: Muscle growth, strength gain, fat loss Form: Liquid, Powder Cycle Length: 6 – 7 weeks Average Cost: $54.99 Side Effects: Stomach pain, headaches, cholesterol increase, liver strain, and hypertension Dangers: Hepatotoxicity Best Stack: MK-677 / Cardarine / RAD 140
PCT Required: YesMen/Women: Men and Women (Lower dose) See Results Go to the Full review
- Better recovery
- Improved fat loss
- Massive muscle gains
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Liver toxicity
- Hypertension
- Cholesterol
Best SARM for Women – LGD-4033
Ligandrol LGD-4033 is a relatively mild muscle-building SARM that many women have found to be extremely effective without any side effects.
As well as building lean muscle tissue, LGD-4033 will also strengthen women’s bones and provide extra focus and energy while working out. [6]
Ligandrol LGD-4033
Ligandrol LGD-4033 is a selective androgenic receptor modulator (SARM) that was developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals. It is primarily a mass-building SARM that was originally developed to treat muscle-wasting conditions.
Ligandrol is one of the best SARMs for increasing lean mass and it activates the muscle regeneration process after a workout. This SARM also increases both energy and strength.
Ligandrol can be stacked with a cutting SARM for weight loss in order to preserve muscle size while you are stripping off body fat.
In terms of weight loss, Ligandrol is able to attach to fat receptors and stimulate fat loss. It will boost the metabolism for faster calorie burning.
Ligandrol LGD-4033 Overview
Top Benefits: Muscle growth, strength gain, fat loss Form: Liquid, Powder Cycle Length: 6 – 10 weeks Average Cost: $59.99 Side Effects: Aggression, acne, liver and kidney issues, and hypertension Dangers: Hepatotoxicity, Renal toxicity Best Stack: MK-677 / Cardarine / RAD 140
PCT Required: YesMen/Women: Men See Results Go to the Full review
- Better recovery
- Improved fat loss
- Massive muscle gains
- Aggression
- Androgenic sides
- Liver and kidney toxicity
- Hypertension
Types of SARMs
SARMs are available in tablet, liquid, and powder form. They are not designed to be injected and should never be administered in this way.
These are strictly orally administered chemicals.
SARMs Tablet
SARM tablets should not be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Several SARM tablets produce a slight burn effect initially.
Taking it sublingually may cause burning on the base of your tongue. Do not take SARMs transdermally, or through the skin.
Tablet-form SARMs are the most convenient form of taking these chemicals. On top of that, tablets or pills have no taste.
In contrast, liquid SARMs are pretty disgusting in the taste department. A downside to tablet form SARMs is that you cannot customize your dosage.
SARMs Powder
SARMs are available in powder form, often being cheaper than liquid and capsule form.
However, using powdered SARMs is quite a bit messier than the other two forms as you will have to measure out each dosage.
The best way to do this is to get hold of gel capsules and a milligram scale, along with a micro scoop.
Before beginning a cycle, you should prepare the number of gel capsules you will need in the right dosages so that you are ready to rock.
SARMs Liquid
SARMs are available in liquid form, with many people believing that this form is preferable because it gets into your system faster.
There is some evidence to back this up, but the difference is not very much.
You are more likely to find SARMs in liquid form than any other. The reason for this is that you can precisely measure your dosage.
If you want to take 25 mg, you can easily suck that amount up into the measurer that comes with your purchase.
But what are you going to do when you only have 10 mg tablets, and you want 25 mg?
Cutting a pill or tablet in half can get quite messy!
Another reason that the majority of SARMs are produced in liquid form is that they can only be sold as research chemicals.
Providing the product in tablet or pill form may suggest that it is intended for human consumption.
Understandably, manufacturers are more likely to produce it in liquid form to avoid the possibility of prosecution from the FDA.
Mechanism of Action
SARMs are selective androgen receptor modulators which means that they can seek out specific androgen receptors to attach to.
This is the opposite of anabolic steroids, which go all over the body.
This key difference is why SARMs are much safer than steroids. When they bind to your androgen receptors, SARMs stimulate the body to create more testosterone.
Rather than relying on an exogenous source of synthetic testosterone, SARMs encourage the body to produce more testosterone naturally.
As a result, there is very little suppression of testosterone during a typical SARM cycle.
SARMs vs Prohormones
When anabolic steroids were made illegal back in 1990, there was a rush to find a legal alternative that would provide comparable results without landing you in prison.
This led to the release of prohormones, which were touted to be the next big thing when it came to chemical enhancements in the never-ending quest to get big, strong, and ripped.
Now, of course, we have SARMs. So, how do they stack up against one another?
Prohormones are chemical substances that undertake enzymatic changes when they enter the body that converts to anabolic hormones in the body.
They are technically known as hormone precursors.
The increasing levels of such anabolic hormones as testosterone and human growth hormone lead to increased muscle and strength gains.
Prohormones are more likely to produce unwanted side effects than SARMs. These may include acne, headaches, dizziness, water retention, and reduced libido.
The two most popular and original prohormones, Epistane and Superdrol, were banned in 2014. The new generation of prohormones is not as potent as what the originals were.
SARMs are generally safer and more potent than prohormones.
SARMs vs Steroids
Because of the selective nature of their androgen receptor activity, SARMs are a lot safer than anabolic steroids.
The shotgun approach of steroids sees them attaching to organs of the body and producing some seriously unwanted side effects.
Steroids also majorly impact the body’s ability to naturally produce testosterone.
SARMs for Bulking
The best SARM for bulking right now appears to be Testolone RAD 140.
In fact, a 12-week cycle of RAD 140 may give similar mass gain results as a mild dose of testosterone enanthate.
If you want to max out your results, stack 5 mg of RAD 140 with 10 mg of MK 677 daily over 8 weeks. You should follow this cycle with a 3-week PCT of Clomid. [5]
SARMs for Cutting
Andarine S4 has proven to be an effective SARM to cycle to get cut.
As well as inhibiting key fat storage proteins, it also removes water from between the skin and the muscle to help get you peeled.
Stacking Andarine with Cardarine and Ostarine is possibly the best stack out there for getting ripped to the bone.
We suggest taking the following dosages of each compound over 8 weeks for best results:
- Andarine – 30 mg per day, split into four equally spaced doses
- Cardarine – 20 mg per day, 30 minutes before working out
- Ostarine – 25 mg per day
SARMs for Strength
The best SARM for gaining strength is YK-11 (Myostatin).
We recommend running an eight-week cycle of 20 mg of YK-11 each day followed by four weeks of PCT with 20 mg of Clomid.
You should start your first week of PCT during the last week of your YK-11 cycle.
SARMs for Women
The three best SARMs for women include:
- Ligandrol LGD-4033 – Best for gaining muscle
- Ostarine MK-2866 – Best for beginners
- Cardarine GW -501516 – Best for fat loss
SARMs Cycle
SARM cycles typically last between 8 and 12 weeks.
On your first cycle, go with 8 weeks, progressively increasing them throughout two or three cycles to 10 and then 12 weeks.
Best SARM Stacks for Bodybuilders
If you’re a bodybuilder who has committed to going the natural route, you need every advantage you can get.
That’s especially true if you’re going to be competing with guys who are on the juice.
Stacking SARMs is the next best thing to taking anabolics but without the side effects or legal issues.
When it comes to stacking SARMs for bodybuilding, you need a combination of compounds that will get you massive and ripped at the same time.
My favorite stacks for bodybuilding pairs Ostarine (MK 2866) and Ligandrol (LGD 4033). Take 35 mg of Ostarine and 15 mg of Ligandrol over an 8-week stack.
SARMs Side Effects
Due to the selective nature of their androgen receptor modulation, SARMs do not result in major side effects in comparison to anabolic steroids.
However, there have been some side effects noted with the use of specific SARMs.
When you take Andarine S4, for example, many people experience yellowing of their vision after a daily dosage of around 50 mg.
Examples of mild side effects that some people experience include headaches, irritability, and stomach upset.
SARMs PCT
Even though selective androgen receptor modulators are much milder than steroids, some of them still have quite a suppression effect on the body’s natural production of testosterone.
Running a post-cycle therapy allows you to get your natural levels back on track and it also helps stave off the effects of testosterone suppression like low virility, lethargy, and heightened anger.
The most suppressive SARMs are:
- S-23
- Ligandrol
- RAD 140
The best PCT agents for SARMs are Clomid and Nolvadex. Your PCT cycle should last for between 3 and 4 weeks.
SARMs Forum
There are several SARM forums online where buyers and users can share their knowledge, opinions, and advice. The biggest and most popular SARMS forum is isarms.
It features a steroids and SARMs information forum, a SARMs expert podcast, an underground source talk, and an SARMs buyer review forum.
Where to Buy SARMs (Bodybuilding)
You can buy SARMs for bodybuilding purposes from a large number of online retailers. However, many of them are questionable as regards quality.
Since the SARMs market is unregulated, there are no quality checks or guarantees on the products you are buying.
That is why we recommend only dealing with the most reputable online retailers.
Best SARM Companies to Buy SARMs
There are a few suppliers who have gained a reputation for the quality of their products. 4 of the best suppliers for SARMs include:
Take-Home Message
SARMs have brought an exciting new aspect to bodybuilding supplementation as they provide anabolic benefits that are similar to steroids without negative side effects.
In short, SARMs can help to fast-track you on the road to getting big, strong, and ripped.
However, they’re not a magic bullet and you will still need to train intensely and diet diligently.
Combine those two elements with the right SARMs and your bodybuilding results will take off!
FAQs
What is the strongest SARM for muscle growth?
The strongest SARM for muscle growth is often considered to be Ligandrol (LGD-4033).
Which SARMs work the best?
The effectiveness of SARMs can vary from person to person, but Ostarine (MK-2866) and RAD-140 are known for their muscle-building properties.
Which SARM is safest?
Ostarine (MK-2866) is generally considered one of the safest SARMs, with fewer reported side effects compared to others.
Do SARMs work better than steroids?
SARMs are less potent than steroids, but they can provide significant muscle-building benefits with fewer side effects, making them a preferred choice for some individuals.