A SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) cycle is your strategic roadmap to increase muscle mass and bone density, lose body fat and physical performance. During the cycle, monitor your progress closely and make necessary adjustments. Support your cycle with a proper diet, training, and post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restore your natural hormone levels.
Remember that SARMs are not meant for long-term use, so cycle lengths typically range from 4 to 12 weeks, followed by a PCT. This guide will walk you through the key steps in designing an effective SARMs cycle to elevate your fitness journey.
What is a SARM Cycle?
A SARM cycle is a structured regimen of SARMs designed to enhance muscle growth, fat loss, or athletic performance. These cycles last from 4 to 12 weeks, during which users take specific SARMs in carefully calculated doses.
SARMs are a safer alternative to anabolic steroids for weight loss and muscle gain. Plus, they reduce the risks associated with traditional anabolic steroids.
How Do You Plan a SARM Cycle?
A common approach is to start with a daily dose of 10 mg, taken once a day, seven days a week. Let’s take the example of a dedicated bodybuilder aiming to sculpt his physique over eight consecutive weeks. He initiates the cycle with a 10 mg daily dose for the first four weeks.
As he progresses, he gradually elevates the dosage to 15 to 20 mg over the next four weeks. This gradual increase ensures a tailored approach, helping him achieve his desired body transformation while minimizing potential side effects. For example, if your goal is to bulk up, you might choose Ligandrol (LGD-4033) and plan a 8-10 week cycle. If you aim to gain lean muscle, consider using Ostarine (MK-2866). Determine the cycle length, usually 8-12 weeks.
SARM Cycle for Beginners
SARMs Name | Cycle Length | Dosage |
LGD-4033 | 8-10 week | 10 mg |
MK-2866 | 8-12 weeks | 10 mg |
SARMs Cycle for Cutting
SARMs Name | Cycle Length | Dosage |
GW501516 | 8 weeks | 10 mg |
MK-2866 | 8 weeks | 10 mg |
SR9009 | 6 weeks | 10 mg |
SARMs Cycle for Bulking
SARMs Name | Cycle Length | Dosage |
RAD 140 | 6 weeks | 10 mg |
MK-2866 | 8 weeks | 10 mg |
MK677 | 6 weeks | 10 mg |
How to Take SARMs Safely
There are five steps to take SARMs safely are given below:
1. Choose Reputable Sources
Select a trustworthy supplier when purchasing SARMs. Look for third-party testing and read reviews to ensure the product you receive is of high quality and free from contaminants.
2. Dosage Matters
Start with a low dosage and gradually increase it as needed. More isn’t always better, and overdosing can lead to adverse effects.
3. Cycle Smartly
Cycles last 6 to 12 weeks, followed by a break to allow your body to recover. Prolonged use can increase the risk of side effects.
4. Post Cycle Therapy is Vital
After a full cycle, consider PCT to help your body recover its natural hormone balance. PCT can mitigate the risk of hormonal imbalances.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators may increase sweat production, and proper hydration is essential for overall health.
How Many SARMs Cycles Per Year
According to “Systematic Review of Safety of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators in Healthy Adults: Implications for Recreational Users by Jonathan D. Vignali” The ideal number is around 4 cycles per year. It strikes a balance between maximizing gains and minimizing potential risks. Four cycles allow you to experience the benefits of SARMs without overloading your body or exposing it to extended periods of hormonal fluctuations.
Stacking SARMs
By combining two or more SARMs, you unlock their synergistic potential, boosting the results of your cutting or bulking journey. For beginners, mild options like Ostarine or Andarine serve as an excellent base. Adding non-hormonal supplements like MK-677 or Cardarine before introducing another Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator can help minimize side effects.
If bulking is your aim, consider a potent quartet consisting of Osta 2866, LGD 4033, Testol 140, and Ibuta 677. For a cutting-edge approach, the Ostarine and Cardarine Stack is your go-to, delivering rapid fat loss and lean muscle gains.
How to Maintain Gains After a SARM Cycle
To maintain gains after a cycle, you can follow these six steps:
- Get your hormones in check
- Consider using a natural muscle-building supplement
- Run a Full PCT with Natural Muscle Builders
- Continue training hard
- Avoid immediately jumping into an aggressive diet
- Maintain an adequate calorie intake
SARMs PCT Planning
SARMs PCT planning is all about restoring your body’s hormonal equilibrium after a cycle of performance-enhancing compounds. It’s a crucial step that typically spans 6-to-8 weeks, aiming to counteract testosterone suppression and potential complications. This strategic approach helps your body regain its natural hormone balance and testosterone levels, ensuring a smoother transition post SARMs usage.
How to Eat While Taking SARMs
According to “Dietary Supplement and Food Contaminations and Their Implications for Doping Controls by Katja Walpurgis,” Including lean cuts of chicken and steak are beneficial. However, it’s vital to watch out for their fat content, as excess fat can sabotage SARM effectiveness. Fish, on the other hand, is a fantastic protein source that is relatively low in fat. If your goal is weight loss alongside Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator use, consider adding tuna and salmon to your diet.
How to Train While Taking SARMs
If you’re incorporating SARMs into your fitness regimen, focus on a well-structured workout routine. Aim for 3-4 days of resistance training per week, targeting different muscle groups on each training day. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions for each exercise to ensure both muscle growth and strength gains. This approach allows you to harness the potential benefits of SARMs while optimizing your physical training routine.
FAQs
What is the Importance of a Planned SARM Dosage and Cycle Length?
Starting with a low dosage, like 10mg, and committing to a minimum 6 to 8-week cycle is crucial for achieving safe and effective results. Without a thoughtfully designed cycle, you risk exposing your body to unnecessarily high doses of SARMs, potentially increasing the likelihood of adverse effects.
Moreover, inadequate planning may hinder your ability to track progress accurately and maximize gains, leaving you feeling frustrated and unsure about the effectiveness of your regimen.
What Happens if I Overdose on SARMs?
Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and headaches. Even with a controlled cycle, SARMs can reduce natural testosterone production if you don’t use a SERMs based PCT. Moreover, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators carry the unsettling potential to heighten the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
According to “FDA In Brief: FDA warns against using SARMs in body-building products by Lyndsay Meyer,” Life-threatening reactions, such as liver toxicity, have been reported in individuals who have consumed products containing these substances.
What Are the Benefits of a SARMs Cycle?
A SARM cycle offers a multitude of advantages, including the enhancement of lean muscle mass, optimization of athletic prowess, and accelerated recovery. These compounds target androgen receptors, fostering lean muscle growth. They minimize unwanted side effects linked to traditional steroids.
Are SARMs Safe?
Although there are some side effects, they are much safer and have fewer side effects than other bodybuilding supplements. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, which can wreak havoc on your hormones and organs, SARMs target specific muscle and bone tissues, minimizing the risk of widespread bodily harm. If used responsibly and with proper guidance, SARMs can be a valuable tool for enhancing their physique with fewer worries about potential health hazards.
We reviewed the safest SARMs in Canada, read it here: Safest SARMs in Canada
Are SARMs Legal?
No, SARMs aren’t available legally without a prescription in Canada. These compounds fall under Schedule IV controlled substances, which Health Canada strictly regulates. Despite their online presence as supplements, purchasing Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators over the counter without a prescription is not permitted.
Read more: Are SARMs Illegal in Canada?
Final Thoughts
Planning a SARM cycle for maximum results involves careful consideration of your goals, choice of SARMs, and adherence to safety measures. Whether you’re a beginner, aiming to cut, or looking to bulk up, a structured approach is key. Safeguard your health by choosing reputable sources, dosing wisely, and incorporating post-cycle therapy.
Stacking SARMs can enhance your progress, and maintaining gains post-cycle requires hormonal balance, smart training, and a proper diet. Remember to stay hydrated, rest well, and consider regular blood tests for a safe and effective SARM journey. Aim for around 4 cycles per year to strike the right balance between gains and risks.
Source
- Tomas Koller, Petra Vrbova, Iveta Meciarova, Pavol Molcan, Michal Smitka, Svetlana Adamcova Selcanova, and Lubomir Skladany (June 6, 2021) Liver injury associated with the use of selective androgen receptor modulators and post-cycle therapy: Two case reports and literature review
- Michael D. Nyquist, Lisa S. Ang, Alexandra Corella, Ilsa M. Coleman, Michael P. Meers, Anthony J. Christiani, Cordell Pierce, Derek H. Janssens (May 17, 2021) Selective androgen receptor modulators activate the canonical prostate cancer androgen receptor program and repress cancer growth
- Ellis Hall and Misha F. Vrolijk (July 26, 2023) Androgen Receptor and Cardiovascular Disease: A Potential Risk for the Abuse of Supplements Containing Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators
- Shehzad Basaria, Lauren Collins, E Lichar Dillon, Katie Orwoll, Thomas W Storer, Renee Miciek, (March 28, 2012) The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men
- Paul Jonathan Roch, Danny Henkies, Jan Christoph Carstens, Carsten Krischek, Wolfgang Lehmann, Marina Komrakova, Stephan Sehmisch (September 17, 2020) Ostarine and Ligandrol Improve Muscle Tissue in an Ovariectomized Rat Model