Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are becoming one of the most popular performance-enhancing compounds in the fitness world, and this complete SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding will explain everything you need to know before using them. From how SARMs work, to their benefits, side effects, best stacks, cycle lengths, and whether PCT is required — this guide covers every major SARM in detail so beginners and advanced users can understand exactly what to expect.
This SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding is designed to help beginners understand how each compound works at the receptor level and what kind of results they can realistically expect. SARMs and Peptides Stack 2025: Gains, Fat Loss & Recovery
This guide explains each major SARM in clear and complete detail, including:
- How each SARM actually works
- Why does it increase muscle or burn fat
- Whether PCT is required
- Why certain stacks work
- Recommended dosage and cycle length
What Are SARMs?
SARMs selectively bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone, without affecting organs like the prostate, liver, or hair follicles as aggressively as steroids do.
This selective action allows SARMs to:
- Build lean muscle
- Increase strength
- Improve recovery
- Enhance fat loss
However, many SARMs still suppress natural testosterone because the body senses androgen activity and lowers its own hormone production. This is why cycles and PCT are important.
How SARMs Work: A Complete SARM Guide for Beginners
All SARMs follow a similar base mechanism:
- Bind to androgen receptors
- Activate protein synthesis
- Increase nitrogen retention
- Improve bone density
- Enhance recovery and repair
Some compounds also affect GH, IGF-1, mitochondria, or myostatin, creating unique benefits.
As we go deeper into this SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding, you’ll notice that each SARM has a unique mechanism of action, which is why choosing the right compound matters for your goal. SARMs vs Peptides: Best Choice for Muscle Retention
1. Ostarine (MK-2866)
How Ostarine Works
- Mildly binds androgen receptors
- Increases lean muscle protein synthesis
- Improves joint and tendon healing
- Helps fat loss indirectly through improved lean mass
It is the safest and most beginner-friendly SARM.
Why It Builds Muscle
Ostarine has a moderate anabolic profile without converting to estrogen, making gains lean and stable.
Dosage
10–20 mg/day
8–12 weeks
PCT Required?
Yes, a mini PCT is recommended.
Although mild, Ostarine still signals the body to reduce natural testosterone production.
Why It Stacks Well
Because it is gentle and promotes recovery, it pairs well with stronger SARMs to stabilize the cycle.
2. LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
How LGD Works
LGD binds strongly to androgen receptors, increasing:
- Muscle fiber size
- Strength
- Glycogen storage
- Protein synthesis
It is often compared to a “mini testosterone cycle.”
Why It Builds Serious Muscle
A very high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio provides steroid-like lean bulking without water retention.
Dosage
5–10 mg/day
8 weeks
PCT Required?
Yes.
LGD is highly suppressive and significantly reduces LH and FSH.
Why LGD Stacks Work
LGD is a strength and fullness enhancer. When combined with RAD or MK-677, the bulking effect becomes dramatically stronger.
3. RAD-140 (Testolone)
How RAD Works
RAD binds extremely strongly to androgen receptors, creating powerful anabolic effects similar to testosterone but without estrogen conversion.
Why RAD Builds Strength So Fast
- Increased neural drive
- Improved muscle fiber firing
- Dry, dense muscle gain
- Noticeable aggression and power output
Dosage
10–20 mg/day
8 weeks
PCT Required?
Absolutely.
RAD-140 is one of the most suppressive SARMs and can greatly reduce natural testosterone.
Why RAD Stacks Work
RAD provides the core strength base in most advanced stacks due to its dry, powerful, performance-enhancing nature.
4. MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Not a SARM but universally used with them. All About MK-677 (Ibutamoren): Benefits, Dosage, Cycle
How MK-677 Works
- Increases Growth Hormone (GH)
- Increases IGF-1
- Boosts recovery
- Enhances sleep quality
- Stimulates appetite
It activates the ghrelin receptor, increasing natural GH output.
Why It Helps Muscle Growth
More GH and IGF-1 mean faster repair, bigger pumps, and better nutrient partitioning.
Dosage
10–20 mg/day
3–6 months
PCT Required?
No.
MK-677 does not impact testosterone.
Why It Stacks Well
Improves every other compound’s effect by enhancing recovery, sleep, and appetite.
5. Andarine (S4)
How S4 Works
- Promotes fat loss
- Hardens physique
- Improves vascularity
- Maintains strength in a calorie deficit
Why It’s Excellent for Cutting
S4 preserves lean mass while burning fat, which is ideal for cutting cycles and pre-contest prep.
Dosage
25–50 mg/day
6–8 weeks
PCT Required?
Mini PCT recommended.
Moderately suppressive.
Why S4 Stacks Work
Pairs extremely well with GW501516 for a shredded, dry, aesthetic look.
6. YK-11 (Myostatin Blocker)
How YK-11 Works
YK-11 partially blocks myostatin, the protein that limits muscle growth.
Less myostatin = dramatically increased muscle growth potential.
Why It Builds Extreme Muscle
Removes natural growth limitations, making gains extremely rapid.
Dosage
5–10 mg/day
6–8 weeks
PCT Required?
Yes, strong PCT.
YK-11 is highly suppressive due to its steroid-like nature.
Why YK-11 Stacks Work
Combining YK-11 with LGD or RAD creates aggressive recomposition and strength cycles.
7. GW501516 (Cardarine)
How GW Works
Activates PPAR-delta, improving:
- Fat oxidation
- Endurance
- Mitochondrial efficiency
Why It Burns Fat Without Muscle Loss
Increases fat metabolism at the cellular level without affecting testosterone or lean tissue.
Dosage
10–20 mg/day
8–12 weeks
PCT Required?
No.
GW does not interact with hormones.
Why GW Stacks Work
Perfect for cutting cycles because it preserves muscle and increases workout intensity.
8. S23
How S23 Works
Extremely strong receptor binding provides:
- Hard, dry muscle
- Strength boost
- Aggressive fat loss
Why It Is Very Suppressive
High androgenic activity can reduce natural testosterone significantly.
Dosage
10–20 mg/day
6–8 weeks
PCT Required?
Yes, strong PCT.
Why S23 Stacks Work
Used mainly in competition-level cutting cycles for extreme hardness.
9. SR-9009
How SR-9009 Works
Activates REV-ERB, leading to:
- Increased metabolism
- Better fat burning
- Improved endurance
- Higher energy levels
Why It Burns Fat
Increases resting metabolic rate, meaning more calories are burned throughout the day.
Dosage
20–30 mg/day split into 3 doses
PCT Required?
No.
Why SR9 Stacks Work
SR9 enhances the fat-burning power of GW, S4, and MK-2866.
Best SARMs for Bodybuilding Results
When creating effective SARMs stacks, always refer back to the principles outlined in this SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding, so your cycle stays structured and safe.
Cutting SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding
S4 + GW501516 + RAD-140
- S4 for hardness
- GW for fat loss
- RAD for strength retention
This combination keeps muscle while dropping fat aggressively.
Bulking SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding
LGD-4033 + MK-677 + RAD-140
- LGD for lean size
- MK-677 for GH and appetite
- RAD for strength and dry muscle fullness
A top-tier lean bulk combination.
Recomposition Stack
MK-2866 + GW501516 + SR9009
- MK-2866 for muscle
- GW for fat burning
- SR9 for metabolism and endurance
Helps gain muscle while losing fat simultaneously.
Strength SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding Athletes
RAD-140 + LGD-4033 + YK-11
- RAD for neural strength
- LGD for muscle density
- YK-11 for myostatin inhibition
Designed for maximum strength increase.
Do You Need PCT? SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding: Explanation
Why Some SARMs Need PCT
Suppressive SARMs reduce LH and FSH because the body detects external androgen activity. A proper post-cycle therapy is one of the most important topics discussed in this SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding, as recovery depends heavily on the specific SARMs used. Post Cycle Therapy After SARMs or Steroids: Keep Your Gains
PCT helps restore natural hormone production, preventing:
- Low libido
- Weakness
- Low energy
- Loss of gains
Why Some SARMs Do Not Need PCT
Compounds like MK-677, GW501516, and SR-9009 do not affect testosterone and therefore do not suppress the HPTA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this SARMs Guide for Bodybuilding gives you a detailed, beginner-friendly understanding of how each SARM works, what results to expect, how to use them safely, and when PCT is required. SARMs are powerful tools for muscle growth, cutting, strength gain, and performance improvement — but only when cycles, dosages, and stacks are planned properly. With the information in this guide, you can build smarter cycles, reduce side effects, and choose the right SARMs for different fitness goals. Always research thoroughly, monitor your body, and prioritize long-term health over short-term results.
