Products such as protein powders and creatine supplements are popular among fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts. They improve the development of muscles and help them recover faster after a workout.
In recent years, supplements known as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, or SARMs for short, have become increasingly popular among people involved in various types of training and bodybuilding. If you are new to SARMs or interested in learning more about them, here is a quick look at these new supplements.
SARM vs. steroids
In the past, steroids were one of the few options available to those who were interested bulking quickly and efficiently. There is no doubt that steroids are effective for this purpose – which is why they are illegal to use in competitive sports. That is without mentioning the many negative side effects steroids have on the human body.
Nevertheless, steroids have caused plenty of scandals in professional sports. Athletes use these drugs illegally in hopes of enhancing their performance while avoiding detection. It seems like every year there is a new, beloved athlete who gets caught using steroids.
Anabolic steroids
The full name of these steroids is anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Androgen refers to several hormones that contribute to the development of the male reproductive system. Testosterone is a type of androgen, but there are a number of other hormones that also fall into this category.
Anabolic steroids are androgens – hormones present in the male reproductive system, like testosterone. In fact, anabolic-androgenic steroids can be described as artificial testosterone.
Since one of the main differences between males and females of any species is that males tend to be bigger and more muscular, it makes sense that taking extra male hormones would make a person bigger and more muscular.
SARMs
Today, there are several alternatives to steroids, including the recently popular SARMs.
Both anabolic steroids and SARMs have the effect of enhancing testosterone function. But where anabolic steroids work by increasing the actual levels of testosterone in the body, SARMs work by making it easier for the body to utilize the hormone.
Because SARMs are fairly new, there has yet to be conclusive research on their effects. However, SARMs appear to be tissue selective; they specifically only affect muscles, not all of the body’s systems that use testosterone.
Case studies
Anytime you get your information from personal testimony or anecdotes, keep in mind that you’re likely getting an unrealistic view of the situation. People who have enjoyed the product are more likely to comment on it than people who haven’t.
However, since SARMs are relatively new and there is not enough research out there, personal stories from people who have used SARMs are sometimes the best source of information about these supplements. Without revealing any identifying details about these people, here are some stories from people who have used SARMs:
Personal Trainer
This personal trainer initially thought that SARMs were just a fad with no real substance behind them, like so many other popular health and fitness fads. However, he decided to give it a try after he found that several people he respected were recommending SARMs. Unfortunately, he experienced severe anxiety and tremors and eventually gave up taking SARM.
Sports coach
This sports trainer in question trained regularly for twenty years and often experimented with supplements, but never steroids. So when he heard that SARMs could give you almost the same results as steroids, but without most of the risks and side effects, he was interested.
He tried them and immediately noticed an improvement in his lean muscle mass, but also experienced headaches. The trainer decided to put his use of SARMs on hold until there was more research on the safety of taking them long term.
Gym enthusiast
A fitness enthusiast stopped using steroids because they gave him bad acne. When he heard about SARMs, he hoped they could give him the benefits of steroids without the risks. After using SARMs for two weeks, he found that the increase in muscle mass was less dramatic than with steroid use, but still very noticeable. However, after using SARMs for a little longer, he found that his testicles had shrunk dramatically, so he stopped using SARMs and switched back to steroids.
Bottom line
As is the case with all types of dietary supplements, SARMs have potential benefits and potential risks. Although they are still very new and not very well researched, it appears that SARMs have the potential to improve your lean muscle.
However, several serious side effects seem to be common, so if you are eager to try what SARMs can do for you, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor first before trying them. As many people begin to take an interest in these supplements, additional studies are sure to emerge soon that will provide better information about the safety and effectiveness of SARMs.
Source: The Nordic Page