Contents

What is a S.A.R.M.
Is a S.A.R.M. the Same as a Prohormone
Is a S.A.R.M. the Same as an Anabolic Steroid
S.A.R.M.s and the WADA Prohibited List

Lean muscle mass, low levels of body fat, incredible strength, and unstoppable power: These are the primary fitness goals that the majority of people have.

A strict diet and well-planned training program is still the foundation of any fitness goal but when you want to go above and beyond and look like something out of a Greek myth, you need to consider all your options.

Dietary supplements are so incredibly popular because they all promise to be that extra boost you need to look like Gerard Butler from 300 or like Megan Fox in Transformers.

The problem is that so many supplements fall short of their promises, costing you time and money.

When serious muscle is at the forefront of what you’re after, you have a few ways to go in terms of supplements.

There’s always the illegal and discouraged route of anabolic steroids.

They work far better than you’d imagine but they also contribute to health problems and can get you in the trouble with the law. After that, you have prohormones.

Prohormones talk a big game but rarely deliver the results you’re looking for but they will provide you with all the side effects found with anabolic steroids.

Lastly, you have a S.A.R.M.

S.A.R.M.s are exploding in popularity due to their effectiveness and minimal side effects.

One of the most popular S.A.R.M.s that is readily available on the market is Ostarine.

Can Ostarine help you pack on serious muscle mass while boosting strength and reducing fat?

Let’s take a look at this game changer to see if it’s right for you.

1. What is a S.A.R.M.?

S.A.R.M. is short for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator.

The name itself gives away the reason why it’s become such a hit in the bodybuilding, athletic, and fitness communities.

Unlike anabolic steroids, a S.A.R.M. focuses on the anabolic benefits without the androgenic effects.

So what does that mean?

There are two terms mistakenly used interchangeably when it comes to muscle building compounds: anabolic and androgenic.

Anabolic primarily refers to the increase in the size of the muscle tissue.

Anabolic steroids are famous for giving you bigger what?

Muscles!

Androgenic refers to male characteristics that naturally occur during puberty.

Deepening of the voice, change in hormone levels, increase in the size of organs: these are all examples of androgenic effects.

So why does it matter if a S.A.R.M. focuses more on anabolic properties and less androgenic properties?

Side effects, that’s why.

Think about all of the horror stories that you hear about with anabolic steroids: hair loss, radical swings in hormone levels that lead to gyno (man boobs) and destroyed testosterone levels, acne, and aggression.

That’s not to say that androgenic effects don’t have their benefits but the cons heavily outweigh the pros here.

THAT is why you want to maximize anabolic benefits while minimizing or eliminating androgenic side effects.

Back to what I was talking about above:

With a S.A.R.M. providing you with more ANABOLIC benefits and minimal ANDROGENIC side effects, you’re looking at a near perfect way to attain your goals and not suffer the same horror stories you read about in forums.

You may be wondering how it’s possible for a S.A.R.M. to be more anabolic when it has the word “androgen” right there in the name.

The beauty of a S.A.R.M. is that it has the ability to promote certain characteristics while reducing others.

In the case of muscle growth, certain S.A.R.M.s are able to amplify the muscle tissue growth while avoiding the growth of organs such as the male prostate or promoting the loss of hair due to increases in DHT.

Understand why S.A.R.M.s are so popular now?

2. What are the different types of SARMS?

For all intents and purposes, when we talk about SARMS we mean the following list (click on each to learn more):

• Cardarine (GW-501516) – One of the most effective SARMS when it comes to cutting and endurance, Cardarine can also help to protect the brain and improve muscle mass and size.
• Nutrobal (MK-677) – Originally used to protect against muscle catabolism, Nutrobal quickly gained the attention of bodybyuilding athletes worldwide.
• Andarine (S4) – Andarine was also originally developed to help patients suffering from muscle wasting an osteoporosis.
• Testolone (RAD 140) – This SARM works to increase a positive hormone response (in this case the hormone testosterone), while limiting androgenic side effects.
• Ostarine (MK-2866) – Considered by many as the “ultimate SARM”, Ostarine helps promote both the growth of lean muscle tissue AND proper bone development.
• Ligandrol (LGD-4033) – Originally developed to help bulk up terminally ill patients, Ligandrol is considered the strongest SARM on the market today.

3. Is a SARM the Same as a Prohormone?

No, although this is a common misconception.

Prohormones and S.A.R.M.s are not illegal like anabolic steroids; however, the results they produce couldn’t be more different.

What do Prohormones do?

Prohormones are touted as helping to produce insane muscle gains but the truth is that even the most dedicated lifter isn’t going to be left with much after the cycle ends.

What’s more, prohormones are notorious for promoting the same side effects as anabolic steroids.

Case in point: You’re getting half the muscle with all the side effects.

Not worth it.

When you do find a real prohormone that triggers muscle growth, you usually have to use an intra-cycle supplement to protect your liver. What’s more, when you finish your cycle, you MUST use a post-cycle supplement to help balance your hormone levels and keep as much of the muscle mass as you can.

What ultimately happens with Prohormones is unsettling

Experienced prohormone users can attest that most of the gains you see, even with a PCT supplement, fade after your cycle.

Worst of all, many prohormones promote the same side effects as an anabolic steroid such as severe acne and mood swings.

4. Is a SARM the Same as an Anabolic Steroid?

Not even close.

First, steroids are illegal.

Secondly, as mentioned above, steroids are going to promote anabolic AND androgenic effects to the same degree.

Yes, you’ll walk away with an incredible amount of muscle mass but you’ll also watch as your hair disappears, your aggression spikes, and your bone structure alters.

Look, there’s no denying that hardcore gains and insane muscle size is going to come from the use of steroids.

However, why would you opt for something that’s illegal AND going to cause medical issues in the long run.

Do you think it’s a coincidence that all of the top performing bodybuilders have needed a kidney or liver transplant in their 40s or 50s?

A S.A.R.M. may not help you look like Coleman or Cutler but you’re still going to look pretty damn good.

5. S.A.R.M.s and the WADA Prohibited List

Speaking of bodybuilding: Is a S.A.R.M. allowed to show up on a WADA drug test?

Unfortunately for bodybuilding hopefuls, a SARM is on the prohibited list, right alongside anabolic steroids and prohormones.

The World Anti-Doping Agency placed S.A.R.M.s on the prohibited list back in 2008.

One of the most effective and popular S.A.R.M.s that finds a home on the top of that list is Ostarine.

6. Where To Buy SARMS

You’ll find a ton of different vendors selling SARMs online, but you have to watch out for a few reasons:

1. Many of them are just cheap knock-offs and won’t do shit.
2. Some of them are potentially dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

One of the best vendors I’ve ever personally used is called Chemyo.

Chemyois a industry leader when it comes to producing high quality, American made SARMS.

They actually have 3rd party purity testing done on their product, so you KNOW you’re getting the real deal.

This is EXTREMELY important when choosing a SARM, and a lot of guys brush it off as nonsense.

Check out their website here: www.Chemyo.com

7. Recommendation

If you’re tired of being bombarded with supplements that promise insane gains and end up with very limited results, you may want to consider checking our SARMS.

While they’re not the end-all be-all of supplementation, when taken appropriately you’ll find that the results can be enormous.

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Author: Rob Miller

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +. View all posts by Rob Miller