When it comes to your bulking cycle, you naturally want to pack on the pounds. But if you need a little support with building muscle mass, it’s not uncommon to look to selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) for some extra help.
In the last few years, SARMs have risen in popularity, with many bodybuilders relying on a SARMs stack for bulking. But before we dive into the best SARMs for bulking, let’s first take a look at what SARMs really are.
Further in this article, we’ll also be covering:
- What are selective androgen receptor modulators / how do they work
- The best SARMs stack for bulking
- Benefits of SARMs (including lean muscle building and fat loss!)
- The importance of post cycle therapy
The rise in SARMs
Let’s face it, SARMs aren’t necessarily new. But they are certainly popular in bodybuilding circles, due to their physical benefits.
Many claim that potent SARMs can deliver effects similar to anabolic steroids, without so many side effects. From accelerating fat loss to their muscle building speed, SARMs are pretty clever drugs.
Only invented in the 90s, SARMs (or selective androgen receptor modulators) weren’t, of course, designed for building muscle – not in bodybuilding at least.
How do SARMs work?
SARMs work by targeting specific androgen receptors, making them incredibly effective at working on only specific types of muscle tissue, without affecting other areas of the body.
Anabolic steroids have been around for years, and are well known for their lean muscle mass building powers, but with some pretty horrendous side effects, many are looking to bulking SARMs to pack on some serious muscle mass.
Of course, SARMs (which are often referred to as ‘research chemicals’) weren’t necessarily designed for bodybuilding benefits. Instead, they were originally developed to treat a number of diseases that caused muscle wasting.
This also included improving bone density, fat loss and building lean muscle mass.
Why not use an anabolic steroid for bulking?
While some bodybuilders certainly prefer anabolic steroids, they do come with a wide range of side effects.
Also Read: 100% natural bulking steroids
These can include testosterone suppression, requiring intense post cycle therapy, as well as things like water retention, gynecomastia, joint pain, estrogen production, severe/mild acne and other adverse effects. Of course, both steroids and SARMs can have side effects.
Benefits of SARMs
It comes as no surprise that SARMs for bulking have overtaken the use of popular anabolic steroids for a bulking cycle. Just like it’s no real shock that SARMs quickly broke out of their medicinal use for muscle wasting diseases.
But what other benefits can you expect from SARMs? Especially when we’re talking about a SARMs bulking cycle.
Building lean muscle mass
In treating muscle wasting diseases, alongside cancer cachexia, breast cancer, andropause, sarcopenia and breast cancer, SARMs have become a go-to for these types of treatments.
By providing effects similar to anabolic steroids, SARMs stimulate the androgen receptors, meaning that the only androgenic activity caused is limited to muscle tissue, making it incredibly effective at building lean muscle mass.
Other benefits of using SARMs for bulking, include:
- Fewer side effects than steroids
- Not liver toxic like other ‘steroids’
- Increased fat loss
- Increases bone density
- Can increase energy levels
- Better quality sleep
- Improved body composition
- Anti aging benefits
The best SARMs for bulking
Your bulking cycle plays an important role in your life when you’re aiming to pack on muscle mass. After all, you’re looking to achieve an immense increase in muscle, so you need to know that you’re using the best SARMs cycle possible.
When it comes to your need to gain lean muscle mass, here are the best SARMs for bulking out there.
#1 Testolone (RAD 140)
Easily one of the most potent SARMs around, Testolone (RAD 140) is considered one of many research chemicals, which act specifically on androgen receptors. If you’re heading into an extreme bulking cycle, this one’s for you.
Not only can it support rapid muscle gains, but some research has shown its potential in increasing stamina and endurance. There’s no doubt about it, these benefits make Testolone (RAD 140) an incredibly powerful SARM for enhancing muscle recovery and helping you to recover faster after a tough workout.
Here are the primary benefits:
- Fast temporary increases in lean mass
- Enhanced recovery
- Increased endurance
- Boost in overall athletic performance
If you do opt for RAD 140 as a part of your bulking stack, it’s important to note that it takes around a week to kick in. From there, you’ll start noticing changes never enough every day.
However, while there seem to be many benefits that may lead you to consider RAD 140 as one of the best SARMs for bulking, it’s worth noting this potent SARM will require cycle support and post cycle therapy.
Also Read: The ultimate SARMs guide
While not all users report side effects of RAD 140, it’s better to follow it up with post cycle therapy just in case.
#2 Ligandrol (LGD4033)
A close second right behind RAD 140 – Ligandrol. Often referred to as LGD4033. Yet another incredibly popular selective androgen receptor modulator, LGD4033 is a common go-to for athletes looking for massive muscle gains.
Plus, with all those lean muscle gains, there’s no water retention, which means no horrid bloating.
Another reason why users may opt for LGD4033 over other SARMs is its excellent safety profile, according to clinical data. This means you shouldn’t really suffer from a shed load of side effects during your bulk.
Dosage wise, the optimal amount is between 5 to 10mg for a duration of 6 to 8 weeks. Much like RAD 140, you’ll feel the effects after about a week. With both of these popular SARMs, you’ll find muscle building workouts easier than ever (ish!).
#3 Ostarine (MK-2866)
Easily one of the most popular SARMs, Ostarine (MK-2866) be used for both your bulking and cutting cycle. This is because it is incredibly powerful in both burning fat and building muscle gains.
When it comes to significant gains, Ostarine is used by bodybuilders at all levels, from total amateurs to seasoned professionals. On average, users of Ostarine report adding around 3 pounds of muscle, without any caloric intake adjustments or changes to their workout regimen.
If you’re looking to build muscle, while also improving your body composition, Ostarine is a great contender as one of the best SARMs for your bulk. Ostarine is also incredibly easy to slot into your current workout regimen, best taken right after exercise.
If you’re looking for the best bulking stack, Ostarine is frequently regarded as a good foundational SARM for this purpose. Users also report an increase in energy levels as well as strength, while using this popular SARM.
Some side effects, however, to look out for:
- Mild hair loss
- Mild acne
- Potential of testosterone suppression if taken for longer than 8 weeks
#4 Ibutamoren (MK-677)
Often referred to as MK-677, Ibutamoren is a growth hormone secretagogue, that can help increase human growth hormone levels and IGF-1 – making it an incredibly popular SARM for athletes seeking muscle growth, increased strength and performance.
Typically, users report that the longer you take Ibutamoren, the better results you will experience. Generally, athletes take between 20 and 30mg per day, for anywhere between 12 and 16 weeks.
As well as aiding lean muscle growth, MK-677 also enhances recovery rate, sleep quality and bone density. When it comes to the best SARMs stack, MK-677 is often stacked with other SARMs that focus on size, such as LGD4033 or RAD 140.
#5 Cardarine (GW-1516)
Cardarine is one of many research chemicals, also known as GW-1516 or simply ‘GW’. Outside of bodybuilding, GW-1516 has been utilized in research to prevent diabetes, obesity and other illnesses and conditions.
Of course, it is also well known when it comes to bulking SARMs. Although, it isn’t technically a SARM…
Despite functioning in the same way as some of the best SARMs, GW-1516 is actually a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor, or a PPAR. It works by binding to certain receptors, alternating the way your genes activate processes in the body.
The result? A boosted endurance, enhanced energy levels and even lowered cholesterol.
As part of a SARMs bulking combo, it can help you build muscle mass faster than ever before, due to its powers in rocketing your stamina. GW-1516, on its own, can enhance muscle gain, cardiovascular health, increase metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Popular safe and legal steroid and SARMs alternatives
#6 YK-11
Yet again, YK-11 isn’t technically a SARM, but it does appear to be one of the best research chemicals around.
YK-11 is actually a fully synthetic steroid based on DHT (5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone). It works to target androgen receptors all over the body, helping you to rapidly build lean muscle tissue and increase mass without the side effects found in an anabolic steroid.
YK-11 is known for producing anabolic effects, while inhibiting myostatin and producing follistatin. Overall, its results include lean muscle tissue growth – and when used as part of a SARMs stack, it can lead to fat loss, intense muscle growth and greater stamina.
However, there are some side effects to look out for, although these are often minor and relatively temporary:
- Joint pain
- Energy drain
- Minor testosterone suppression
- Hair loss
- Mild acne
- Increased aggression
It’s worth noting that YK-11 has a short half life of between 7 and 10 hours.
What’s the best SARMS bulking cycle stack?
So, you’re looking for the best SARMs stack? You’re in the right place.
Typically, the best SARMs stack for bulking includes:
- RAD 140
- MK-677
- YK11
This SARMs bulking stack is seriously powerful, leveraging some serious lean muscle building, as well as enhancing muscle recovery, enhancing stamina and increasing endurance.
Alongside this, as one of the best SARMs stacks, you can also reduce your body fat for a shredded appearance.
These type of anabolic results are usually only obtained via anabolic steroids. But the benefit of a SARMs stack for bulking is certainly fewer side effects – unlike anabolic steroids.
When Ibutamoren binds to receptors, the growth hormone released can help improve body composition, increase muscle growth and healing, bone growth, as well as healing modulating blood sugar levels.
When combined with RAD 140 and YK11, you can maximize lean mass, while reducing your body fat and maximizing your workouts for ultimate muscle growth.
The importance of post cycle therapy
PCT is incredibly important to help your hormone system to re-balance your testosterone levels. While we all want to maximize protein synthesis for huge muscle growth, there is potential for an extreme bulking cycle to cause havoc with your hormone.
Also Read: 100% legal and natural SARMs
In order to recover and maintain your gains after your cycle, PCT is needed. Even the best SARMs around have side effects.
What about a SARMs cycle for cutting?
As we touched upon earlier, Ostarine is a great SARM for both cutting and bulking. With very mild side effects when used at low-moderate doses, it is often seen as one of the best SARMs for cutting and bulking.
SARMS cycle for cutting – Cardarine
Much like Ostarine, Cardarine can also be pretty versatile. One of the best SARM stacks for cutting combines Cardarine and Ostarine.
This type of SARMs cycle for cutting allows you to keep hold of your hard-earned muscle growth, while cutting fat and also building even more muscle.
Ostarine is a great choice for beginner to intermediate users, and is also one of the most researched SARMs around. Meanwhile, Cardarine (which is technically a PPAR delta agonist) can increase fatty acid oxidation over glycolysis, meaning that fat stores are used as fuel.
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