Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are a type of supplement that has become popular in the fitness world, especially among powerlifters who want to get stronger, build muscle, and recover faster. SARMs work by targeting specific parts of the body to help increase muscle and bone strength, without causing the bad side effects that can come with steroids. In this article, we will explain what SARMs are, how they help powerlifters, and how you can use them to increase your strength and break your personal lifting records. For more detailed guidance on how to select the best SARMs stack, check out our Best SARMs Stack Guide.

What Are SARMs?

SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, are special types of supplements that help build muscle and increase strength by attaching to certain parts of your body called androgen receptors. Unlike steroids, which affect the whole body and can cause serious side effects, SARMs are designed to target only muscles and bones. This makes them a safer option for athletes who want to get stronger without worrying about major health risks. To understand more about the science behind SARMs, visit our Science Behind Stacking page.

How Do SARMs Work?

SARMs work by attaching to androgen receptors in your muscles and bones. This helps your body build muscle, become stronger, and recover faster from workouts. The best part is that they don’t affect other parts of the body like your heart or liver, which is a problem with steroids.

SARMs vs. Steroids: What’s the Difference?

Feature SARMs Steroids
Targeted Action Only muscles and bones Affects the whole body
Side Effects Fewer side effects More serious side effects
Legality Mostly unregulated, varies by country Controlled and illegal in many places
Effect on Hormones Temporary effect Can mess up hormones permanently

Key Benefits of SARMs for Powerlifters

Powerlifters are always looking for ways to get stronger and recover faster between workouts. SARMs can help by increasing muscle growth, improving strength, and speeding up recovery time. Here are some of the benefits that SARMs offer to powerlifters:

Maximizing Strength Gains

SARMs like RAD-140 (Testolone) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) help increase strength by improving how your muscles work when lifting heavy weights. This helps you lift more weight and increase your personal records in key lifts like the squat, deadlift, and bench press. For more on stacking for strength, visit our Strength Performance Stack Guide.

Building Lean Muscle Mass

SARMs like Ostarine (MK-2866) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) help you build muscle without gaining a lot of fat. This is great for powerlifters who want to increase muscle mass without looking “bulky.” To learn more about muscle preservation, check out our article on Fat Loss and Muscle Preservation.

Faster Recovery Between Workouts

SARMs like Ostarine and RAD-140 can help your muscles recover faster after intense workouts. This means you can lift heavier weights more often and make progress faster. To improve recovery even further, consider combining SARMs with recovery supplements, as discussed in our article on Endurance and Recovery.

Joint Support and Injury Prevention

Some SARMs, like Ostarine, can help protect your joints from the stress of heavy lifting. This can help prevent injuries like joint pain and tendonitis, which are common in powerlifting. If you’re concerned about joint health, our article on Joint Health might be helpful.

Fat Loss While Keeping Muscle

SARMs like S-23 and Andarine (S4) help you burn fat while still keeping your muscle. This is useful for powerlifters who want to lose body fat but not sacrifice their strength and muscle mass. For more on cutting fat and maintaining muscle, explore our article on Cutting with SARMs.

Best SARMs for Powerlifting

There are several types of SARMs that powerlifters use to help with strength, muscle growth, and recovery. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular ones:

Ostarine (MK-2866)

  • Benefits: Increases muscle mass and helps with joint health.
  • Best for: Beginners who want to gradually build strength and muscle.
  • Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks
  • Dosage: 10–25 mg per day

Ligandrol (LGD-4033)

  • Benefits: Increases strength and muscle mass quickly.
  • Best for: Powerlifters who are focusing on gaining strength and muscle.
  • Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks
  • Dosage: 5–10 mg per day

RAD-140 (Testolone)

  • Benefits: Great for boosting muscle and strength.
  • Best for: Experienced powerlifters looking to push their limits.
  • Cycle Length: 8–10 weeks
  • Dosage: 10–20 mg per day

YK-11

  • Benefits: Helps build muscle quickly and powerfully.
  • Best for: Advanced lifters who want extreme muscle growth.
  • Cycle Length: 6–8 weeks
  • Dosage: 5–10 mg per day

S-23

  • Benefits: Helps burn fat and maintain muscle mass.
  • Best for: Powerlifters who are cutting (losing fat) while keeping muscle.
  • Cycle Length: 8–10 weeks
  • Dosage: 10–30 mg per day

Best SARMs Stacks for Powerlifters

Many powerlifters combine different SARMs together to get better results. These combinations are called “stacks.” Here are some of the best stacks for increasing strength and muscle:

Beginner SARM Stack: Ostarine + Ligandrol

  • Purpose: Ideal for new users who want to gain strength and muscle slowly.
  • Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks
  • Dosage: Ostarine (10 mg/day) + Ligandrol (5 mg/day)

Intermediate SARM Stack: RAD-140 + Ostarine

  • Purpose: Great for those who have used SARMs before and want to see bigger gains.
  • Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks
  • Dosage: RAD-140 (10 mg/day) + Ostarine (20 mg/day)

Advanced SARM Stack: YK-11 + RAD-140

  • Purpose: Designed for experienced powerlifters who want extreme muscle and strength growth.
  • Cycle Length: 8–10 weeks
  • Dosage: YK-11 (5 mg/day) + RAD-140 (20 mg/day)

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) and Recovery

After finishing a SARM cycle, it’s important to give your body a break and help it recover. This is called Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT). PCT helps your body restore its natural hormone levels and keep the muscle gains you’ve made. For more on how to perform a proper PCT, visit our PCT Guide.

What Is Post-Cycle Therapy?

PCT is a process where you take certain supplements to help your body get back to normal after a SARM cycle. Without PCT, you might lose some of the muscle you gained during the cycle.

How Long Should PCT Last?

PCT usually lasts about 4–6 weeks after your SARM cycle. It’s important to follow the PCT plan carefully to help your body recover.

Safety When Using SARMs

SARMs are generally safer than steroids, but they still come with some risks. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when using SARMs:

Possible Side Effects of SARMs

  • Hormone changes: SARMs can lower your testosterone levels temporarily.
  • Liver health: Some SARMs can put stress on your liver.
  • Vision issues: SARMs like Andarine (S-4) may cause vision changes.
  • Mood swings: Some users report feeling moody or irritable.

How to Reduce Side Effects

  • Start with low doses and see how your body responds.
  • Take liver-support supplements like Milk Thistle.
  • Take regular breaks from SARMs to give your body a rest.

FAQ

1. Are SARMs safe for powerlifters?

Yes, SARMs are generally safer than steroids. However, you should always use them responsibly and pay attention to your body’s response.

2. How do SARMs compare to steroids for powerlifters?

SARMs are a safer alternative to steroids. While both help with strength and muscle growth, SARMs have fewer side effects, especially when it comes to liver and heart health.

3. Do I need to use SARMs with other supplements?

SARMs work on their own, but combining them with other supplements like protein, creatine, and BCAAs can help improve your results.

4. What are the legal risks of using SARMs in powerlifting?

SARMs are banned in most competitive sports, and they are illegal in some countries. Be sure to check the rules of your sport or country before using SARMs.

5. Can I use SARMs right before a competition?

It’s not recommended to use SARMs right before a competition, as they may show up in drug tests, and SARMs are often banned in competitive powerlifting.

6. What’s the best SARM for improving bench press strength?

RAD-140 (Testolone) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033) are the best SARMs for improving upper body strength, making them great choices for the bench press.

7. How can I avoid liver damage when using SARMs?

Taking liver-support supplements (like Milk Thistle) and following proper cycle guidelines can help protect your liver while using SARMs.

8. Do I need a doctor’s prescription for SARMs?

You don’t need a prescription for SARMs, but it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor before starting any new supplement.

Key Takeaways

  • SARMs are a safer, more targeted way to increase muscle and strength compared to steroids.
  • Ostarine, Ligandrol, RAD-140, and YK-11 are popular SARMs that can help powerlifters get stronger.
  • Proper cycling, PCT, and health monitoring are important to get the best results from SARMs.
  • Be aware of the legal risks and side effects before using SARMs.