When people talk about cutting in fitness, they mean the process of losing body fat while keeping as much muscle as possible. This is often done after a bulking phase, where you try to gain muscle. Cutting helps you get lean and defined, with visible muscles. Achieving this goal requires more than just working out—eating right, supplementing, and exercise are all key.One of the most popular ways to support a cutting phase is by using SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators). SARMs are special compounds that can help people lose fat while keeping muscle. Unlike steroids, which can have many harmful side effects, SARMs are more targeted, focusing mostly on muscle and bone without affecting other parts of the body as much. This makes them a safer option for people trying to cut fat. You can learn more about the best SARMs stack for cutting in our detailed guide. In this article, we’ll talk about what SARMs are, which SARMs are best for cutting, and how to stack them (use them together). We’ll also cover side effects and how to cycle SARMs properly for the best results.

Key Takeaways

  • SARMs help you lose fat while keeping muscle.
  • Some of the best SARMs for cutting are Ostarine (MK-2866), Cardarine (GW-501516), Stenabolic (SR9009), and Andarine (S4).
  • Combining SARMs in stacks can boost fat loss and muscle retention.
  • It’s important to cycle SARMs and use Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to keep your body in balance after using them.

What Are SARMs?

Understanding SARMs

SARMs are compounds that target androgen receptors in certain parts of your body, like your muscles and bones. Androgen receptors are places where hormones like testosterone attach to signal your body to build muscle and burn fat.

The main thing that makes SARMs different from steroids is that they are more selective. This means SARMs focus mostly on muscle growth and fat burning, without affecting other organs as much as steroids do. This makes them a safer choice for people who want to get in shape without the harsh side effects of steroids.

How Do SARMs Work?

SARMs work by attaching to the androgen receptors in your muscles and bones, telling your body to build muscle and burn fat. The best part is that SARMs only affect muscle and bone, without messing up other areas like your liver or prostate.

SARMs vs Steroids: What’s the Difference?

Feature SARMs Steroids
Targeted Effect Works mostly on muscles and bones Affects the whole body
Side Effects Fewer side effects, safer More serious side effects (e.g., hair loss, liver problems)
Legality Legal status can vary by country Mostly illegal in many places
Muscle Growth Helps preserve muscle during cutting Can build a lot of muscle quickly
Fat Loss Helps burn fat while keeping muscle May also burn fat, but with risks

Why Use SARMs for Cutting?

Benefits of SARMs for Cutting

  1. Preserve Muscle: Cutting often means eating fewer calories, which can lead to muscle loss. SARMs help preserve muscle even while you’re in a calorie deficit (eating fewer calories than your body needs).
  2. Burn Fat: Some SARMs, like Cardarine and Stenabolic, help your body burn fat by boosting fat oxidation (the process of burning fat for energy). This can make it easier to get lean and toned.
  3. Fewer Side Effects: Compared to steroids, SARMs usually have fewer side effects. They don’t affect your liver or other organs as much, which makes them a safer option for people looking to cut fat.
  4. More Energy: SARMs like Cardarine can also give you extra energy and stamina for your workouts, helping you push harder during exercise.

Best SARMs for Cutting

1. Ostarine (MK-2866)

Ostarine is one of the most popular SARMs. It helps people keep their muscle while they lose fat, making it perfect for cutting.

  • How It Helps: Ostarine helps preserve muscle while you’re in a calorie deficit, which is important during cutting.
  • Dosage: 10-25mg per day.
  • Side Effects:
    • May cause mild testosterone suppression (lower testosterone).
    • Some people may notice vision problems (rare).
  • Best For: Beginners and those just starting a cutting cycle.

2. Cardarine (GW-501516)

Cardarine is a fat-burning SARM that also helps with endurance and energy.

  • How It Helps: Cardarine increases your body’s ability to burn fat and boosts your energy during workouts.
  • Dosage: 10-20mg per day.
  • Side Effects: Cardarine doesn’t have many side effects, but long-term use is still under research. It is generally safe in the short term.
  • Best For: People looking to burn fat and improve endurance during cutting.

3. Stenabolic (SR9009)

Stenabolic is another SARM that increases your stamina and helps burn fat.

  • How It Helps: Stenabolic speeds up fat burning and helps you exercise longer without feeling tired.
  • Dosage: 10-30mg per day.
  • Side Effects: Few side effects, but some users report feeling slightly tired at first.
  • Best For: People who want to increase their endurance and burn more fat.

4. Andarine (S4)

Andarine is a powerful SARM that helps burn fat while keeping muscle.

  • How It Helps: Andarine promotes fat loss while preserving lean muscle, making it a great choice for cutting.
  • Dosage: 25-50mg per day.
  • Side Effects:
    • Temporary yellow vision (can be annoying but goes away after stopping).
    • Testosterone suppression (mild).
  • Best For: Advanced users who are experienced with SARMs and want to burn fat quickly.

Best SARM Stacks for Cutting

Beginner Stack: Ostarine + Cardarine

  • Why It Works: Ostarine helps keep your muscle, and Cardarine burns fat, making it a great stack for beginners.
  • Dosage: Ostarine (10-25mg/day), Cardarine (10-20mg/day).
  • Side Effects: Generally mild. Some may experience testosterone suppression with Ostarine.

Intermediate Stack: Ostarine + Stenabolic

  • Why It Works: This stack helps preserve muscle and boosts fat burning and endurance.
  • Dosage: Ostarine (10-25mg/day), Stenabolic (10-30mg/day).
  • Side Effects: Vision changes with Stenabolic, but generally mild.

Advanced Stack: Ostarine + Cardarine + Andarine

  • Why It Works: This stack is great for advanced users who want both fat loss and muscle retention.
  • Dosage: Ostarine (10-25mg/day), Cardarine (10-20mg/day), Andarine (25-50mg/day).
  • Side Effects: Vision changes with Andarine, testosterone suppression.

How to Cycle SARMs for Cutting

How Long to Cycle SARMs

A typical cutting cycle with SARMs lasts between 8 to 12 weeks. After the cycle, take a 4-6 week break to give your body time to recover.

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)

After using SARMs, it’s important to restore your body’s natural testosterone levels. This is where Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) comes in. PCT helps to prevent side effects like low energy or low libido. You can learn more about proper PCT in our post-surgery recovery guide.

  • Common PCT Supplements:
    • Clomid
    • Nolvadex
    • HCG (sometimes)

FAQ

1. What’s the best SARM stack for beginners during a cutting phase?

Answer: The best stack for beginners is Ostarine + Cardarine. Ostarine preserves muscle, while Cardarine helps burn fat and boosts energy.

2. Can I stack SARMs with fat burners or thermogenics?

Answer: Yes, but start with a low dose of both to see how your body responds. Too many stimulants can cause side effects. If you’re interested, read about how SARMs can enhance performance here.

3. How long should I cycle SARMs for cutting?

Answer: Most SARMs cutting cycles last 8-12 weeks, followed by a 4-6 week break to allow your body to recover.

4. Are there any natural alternatives to SARMs for cutting?

Answer: Yes, natural options like caffeine, green tea extract, and L-carnitine can also help with fat loss.

5. What are the potential legal risks of using SARMs?

Answer: SARMs are not fully legal everywhere. They are banned in professional sports and may be illegal in some countries, so always check your local laws. If you’re concerned about legal risks, check out our guide on SARMs for bodybuilders.

Conclusion

SARMs can be a helpful tool for cutting, allowing you to lose fat while keeping muscle. The right SARM stacks, proper cycling, and good nutrition can help you reach your goals. Just remember to start slow, cycle responsibly, and take care of your body with proper Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to avoid any issues after your cycle ends. For more details on improving muscle definition, visit our muscle definition guide.