Get the Facts on Ibutamoren (MK-677) and Ostarine (MK-2866) Before You Try!
Are you looking to build muscle or improve your workout performance?
You might have stumbled upon these supplements called Ibutamoren (MK-677) and Ostarine (MK-2866). They’re popular among some fitness circles, but hold on! There’s a lot you need to know before you jump in.
Here’s the deal: These supplements belong to a category called SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators). They mimic testosterone, a hormone that helps build muscle. But unlike testosterone, SARMs haven’t been approved for safety or effectiveness by official health organizations. In fact, there’s growing evidence that they can be downright dangerous.
So, before you put your health at risk, let’s get into what these are, why they’re risky, and some safer options to help you achieve your fitness goals. But first, let’s find out why SARMs, in spite of their risks, were adopted by bodybuilding buffs.
The Bodybuilding Community’s Adoption of SARMs
SARMs, or selective androgen receptor modulators, are the new poison of choice for professional bodybuilders. With anabolic steroids becoming a thing of the past, athletes needed something stronger, smarter, and less obvious to fuel their anabolic dreams.
Steroids had the uncanny habit of attaching to every androgen receptor in sight. While this did result in increasing lean body mass, burning fat, and enhancing athletic performance, users also had to deal with hair loss, acne, mood swings, and masculinization effects. WADA was catching onto this and something else was needed to fill in the void. This is when SARMs took over.
Steroids worked for a while for medical conditions, mostly because of the lack of available options. Research began almost immediately when the side effects of anabolic steroids became apparent.
SARMs were formulated to be refined versions of steroids that, instead of bombarding the body as a whole, would only attach to certain androgen receptors and influence them for a more targeted result. There were SARMs developed for almost every medical need that anabolic steroids addressed, but there was something fundamentally wrong with them. Although the potential was present, most SARMs did not make it past animal trials; only a select few made it to human trials. However, that didn’t stop the bodybuilding community from adopting SARMs though.
Even though research was nowhere near complete, SARMs offered too much promise to be ignored by a community that thrived on physical and aesthetic excellence. SARMs quickly displaced steroids in gym locker rooms and have become somewhat of a permanent feature.
But knowing that SARMs are dangerous and illegal, why do athletes continue to use them? To help you understand the pull that these research chemicals have, let’s take a closer look at two prevalently used compounds – Ibutamoren MK 677 and Ostarine MK 2866.
Ibutamoren MK 677 & Ostarine MK 2866: What Are They?
Before we begin, the following article highlights the various facets of the compounds that compel athletes to use them. The use of such performance enhancers is illegal and detrimental to health.
This article does not condone the use of either SARM. If anything, we are trying to convince you to choose better.
Ibutamoren MK 677
Ibutamoren MK 677 was developed by Merck & Co. in 1995 and was meant to remedy Alzheimer’s disease, muscle wasting, and fibromyalgia. Strictly speaking, Ibutamoren is not a SARM at but a growth hormone secretagogue. The compound is clubbed along with other SARMs because it works similarly to the research chemicals. Ibutamoren binds to ghrelin receptors, which increase growth hormone levels in the body. The drug can also influence IGF-1.
Growth hormone is responsible for children’s development, but levels naturally drop with age. When supplemented in adults, growth hormone can facilitate several anabolic results like building muscle mass, melting body fat, enhancing bone density, and increasing exercise performance.
As a result, Ibutamoren became an instant hit in the sporting community because of these obvious benefits but also because it was able to manifest these results without negatively affecting natural growth hormone or testosterone production.
Often used during the cutting cycle, Ibutamoren even supports muscle repair, protein synthesis, and the melting of fat cells as an alternate source of energy.
Ibutamoren MK 677 has a half-life of 24 hours, but the dosage is slightly complicated. It takes effect almost immediately and dissipates quickly, too. This indicates that for consistent results, it is necessary to take the daily dosage two times a day.
It is often recommended to start with low doses like 10mg and then graduate up to 20mg to 25mg. Cycles can last from 12 weeks to 18 weeks.
- For bulking cycles, a dose of 25mg is recommended
- A 20mg dose for cutting is advocated, and
- A 20mg dose for body composition advised.
If you follow an Ibutamoren cycle, post-cycle therapy is not required. However, if stacked, PCT becomes a must. Ibutamoren is often stacked with RAD 140 and S23.
Ostarine MK 2866
Developed by GTx Inc. in the 1990s, Ostarine MK 2866 was meant to help with osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, and certain types of cancers. Ostarine is a true selective androgen receptor modulator that can build muscle mass quickly and effectively by inciting the androgen receptors in the muscle tissue. This causes muscle cells to grow, mature, and replicate exponentially, resulting in muscle gains. Ostarine does this by influencing the genes that control protein synthesis.
Like MK 677, this compound also influences IGF-1 facilitating muscle repair and collagen synthesis. Ostarine can increase testosterone levels, which adds to anabolic effects on the body and even uses stored body fat as fuel, resulting in excellent physical and body composition. Because of being a phenomenal lean muscle mass growth agent, Ostarine quickly became a staple in gym locker rooms. Second only to Deca Durabolin, Ostarine is considered the foremost muscle development agent in the bodybuilding world.
Like Ibutamoren, Ostarine has a half-life of 24 hours but unlike Ibutamoren the effects here last longer, so a single daily dose would do just fine. It is a particularly potent drug and dosages start as low as 3mg a day.
Cycles last from 8 weeks to 12 weeks.
- For bulking, users could start with a dose of 10mg a day and 20mg for cutting. The dosage can be adjusted according to the results you wish to get.
Testosterone suppression is a vicious side effect and PCT is a must. Ostarine and Cardarine GW 501516 is the preferred combination to stack.
Neither MK 677 or MK 2866 has been approved for human consumption and clinical trials for both have ceased. Additionally, these compounds are exclusively available for purchase as research chemicals and are recognized for their volatile and hazardous nature.
Gains & Losses with MK 677 & MK 2866
In addition to anabolic results and other benefits, Ibutamoren MK 677 and Ostarine 2866 also come with a laundry list of serious side effects. What is surprising is that athletes continue to use the drugs even after knowing about the potential damage the chemicals can cause.
Considering that clinical trials have been terminated, thus there is no information surrounding the long-term consequences of use. The only data available is based on the anecdotal evidence of other users; which is not an extremely reliable source.
| Benefits | Side Effects | Benefits | Side Effects |
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Are the Anabolic Gains of MK 677 & MK 2866 Worth the Risks?
Ostarine MK 2866 is a bulking SARM, while Ibutamoren MK 677 is a cutting SARM, but they can be used interchangeably. A lot depends on the results you wish to have. It is the versatility of these research compounds that makes them so popular. That and the fact that results with these chemicals are the closest one can get to stellar. The anabolic gains are impressive and whether it be the bulking or cutting cycle, you would not be disappointed. However, there are a few problems.
Firstly, these compounds are not approved by the FDA for human use. Both did make it to human trials but were rejected when health risks became too dire. Therefore, the only way you can get them is to purchase them from chemical companies that market them as ‘research chemicals.’
Mind, these companies know who buys them and for what purpose, but the health of customers is secondary to their profits. Since these compounds are not meant to be consumed, there is no guarantee of the quality or purity of the product. In addition to the adverse effects of the compounds themselves, you could be looking at contamination, too.
There is also the question of dosage. Almost all dosage information is based on anecdotal information, which is barely reliable. A lot of data is still simply collated guesswork.
If you are a professional athlete, you can kiss your career goodbye. If either SARM is found in your blood work, you stand the risk of losing all titles gained in the past and an ability to compete professionally ever again. All your efforts and gains at the gym would be for naught.
Leaving the immediate side effects aside, there is little to no information about what awaits you in the future. Long-term studies have not been conducted for these SARMs. The same has already happened with anabolic steroid users when athletes used them extensively only to find themselves suffering from severe kidney and liver damage, vulnerable to strokes or heart complications, and many also found themselves addicted. The same could be a consequence of SARM use as well. Or, no. The information simply does not exist.
If these arguments effectively dissuade you from adding Ibutamoren or Ostarine to your next cycle, then our work here is done. However, it leaves you in a lurch, considering that you still need the extra push to increase lean body mass, stop muscle wasting during the cutting phase, and get your body weight under control while beefing up.
Now, since we have metaphorically thrown anabolic steroids, SARMs, and growth hormones out the window, you might think you are left without a fitness aid. But that is not the case; let us help.
Safe, Legal & Natural Alternatives for Popular Performance Enhancers, aka. SARMs
Illegal performance enhancers like anabolic steroids, SARMs, etc., have long been in a tight spot in the sports community. While the WADA and other similar institutions are doing their bit to keep professional competitions clean, there are little to no measures for the everyday Janes and Johns. Anabolic steroids and SARM use are just as much of a problem in gyms everywhere, where they are used for aesthetic results. Some fitness brands have been busy, though.
Natural supplement brands like Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force have dedicated time and effort to developing safer alternatives for popular compounds that can emulate the benefits of the drugs but have none of the side effects.
These fitness options are designed to provide your body with the support it needs to perform better and longer, resulting in the anabolic gains that you wish to have while not damaging the body in the process. These natural supplements are also legal to use, even while competing, as they have been formulated using only natural components that come with additional health benefits and are available at affordable prices.
So, if you are looking for supplements that can give you efficient results like Ibutamoren and Ostarine, Crazy Bulk, and Brutal Force have got you covered.
The Ibutamoren MK 677 Alternatives
Ibutamoren is a growth hormone secretagogue that increases growth hormone levels, bringing about muscle growth, improving bone density, boosting strength, and managing weight loss. However, these changes to your body are not exactly kosher. You see, the body has a natural capacity to raise growth hormone levels, burn fat, and metabolize fatty acids for energy. Ibutamoren MK 677 hijacks this system and sends it into overdrive. While the results may be desirable, you also suffer from side effects and there are bound to be long-term consequences to your health.
Whereas a natural supplement works with the body, helping it to adjust to the changes and providing it with the right nutrition and support systems to bring about muscle tissue preservation and weight loss resulting from higher levels of growth hormone.
Crazy Bulk’s Ibuta 677
The Crazy Bulk legal alternative to Ibutamoren MK 677 is called Ibuta 677. This natural option is designed to naturally:
- Increase growth hormone levels
- Promote lean muscle mass growth
- Enhance vascularity
- Improve mood, and
- Support accelerated recovery.
Because of the use of natural ingredients, there are no side effects or health consequences to worry about, while or after using Ibuta 677.
Users have said that Ibuta 677 was not only able to boost HGH levels but was also able to refine focus and motivation. They were able to see a marked improvement in lifting power and even feel a surge in energy.
The components here boost other facets of health. The recommended dosage for Ibuta 677 is 4 capsules, approximately 30 to 45 minutes before lifting.
Furthermore, it is advised that you continue use of the supplement for 2 to 3 months to enjoy the full range of benefits. Suitable diet and exercise are a must, though.
Just like the original compound, Ibuta 677 can be used for both bulking and cutting. For targeted results, you could try to stack the product with Osta 2866, Testol 140, and Ligan 4033 for better muscle growth and vascularity. Whereas for cutting, stack Ibuta 677 with C-Dine 501516, Stena 9009, and Ligan 4033.
How Does Crazy Bulk Ibuta 677 Work?
If the body receives the right nutrition and support systems, it can increase growth hormone levels, increase muscle gains, and facilitate weight loss. The Ibuta 677 formula has been tested for efficacy and safety, and if the reviews are anything to go by, the supplement actually works. It all boils down to the right combination of ingredients, which in this case are as follows.
Zinc Citrate: A study published confirmed that supplementation of zinc was able to increase growth hormone levels in deficient individuals to begin with. Zinc is a natural booster of testosterone and aids in the synthesis of growth hormone.
Vitamin B5: In addition to improving the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbs, vitamin B5 is responsible for muscle repair, collagen synthesis, stress relief, and the production of steroid hormones like growth hormone and testosterone.
L-arginine HCl, Glycine, L-glutamine HCl, L-lysine HCl, and L-ornithine HCl: All of these amino acids support protein synthesis and stop the metabolism of protein tissue when a caloric deficit diet is being consumed. In a nutshell, they are the building blocks of muscle tissue.
L-Tyrosine: A natural mood enhancer, this amino acid promotes clear cognitive function, focus, and motivation. It is also responsible for appetite suppression.
To purchase Ibuta 677, simply head over to the CrazyBulk Official Website to enjoy the Buy 2 Get 1 Free Offer.
- A month’s supply of the fitness aid would cost $69.99.
- If you purchase 2 bottles at once for 139.99, you get a third bottle free, thus making it a 3-month supply.
- If you spend $209.99, you pay for 3 bottles, and you get 2 additional bottles for free, so this will last you for 5 months!
Fast and free shipping is available on all orders. In case you feel like the supplement is not working for you, Crazy Bulk offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all its purchases. You only have to contact customer service for your refund, and you are all set.
Brutal Force’s IbutaLean
The Brutal Force natural alternative for Ibutamoren MK 677 is called IbutaLean and is designed to meet your cutting needs. While the Crazy Bulk supplement uses natural ingredients to increase growth hormone production and release, IbutaLean uses a different set of components to emulate the benefits of the SARM.
- It acts as a lean muscle mass growth enhancer
- Stops inflammation from setting in, and
- Accelerates the rate of recovery from exercise.
Here, too, side effects are no concern at all. The recommended dosage for IbutaLean is 1 capsule 20 minutes before your first meal, and the supplement should be used every day for at least 2 months.
Brutal Force offers pre-made stacks, called the Ripped Cutting Stack so that you can easily meet your goals. In this SARMs Stack for Cutting, IbutaLean features alongside CutSR9, AndaLean, and CardaLean.
How Does Brutal Force IbutaLean Work?
IbutaLean is designed to emulate the benefits of Ibutamoren MK 677. There is a rise in growth hormone levels, but what IbutaLean has done is put together a formula that mostly promotes the benefits of an HGH rush in the body. In addition to the amino acid L-Arginine, IbutaLean includes several herbs that support anabolic activity. In addition to L-Arginine (the benefits of which have been covered before), the formula comprises of:
Maca Root: This herb has been traditionally used to improve libido and fertility and maintain hormonal balance. This is believed to be a result of increasing testosterone levels, which is the original anabolic hormone. It also increases dopamine levels which helps to improve mood and focus.
Hawthorn Berry: This herb is a vasodilator that enhances blood circulation. The better the circulation, the more nutrients and oxygen are supplied to muscles, bones, and tendons, enabling recovery, repair, and growth.
Mucuna Puriens: An anti-inflammatory, Mucuna Puriens is a natural that helps the body recover from the physical and mental stress of long hours at the gym. Clinical studies also prove that the herb promotes HGH production and release.
For IbutaLean, click to visit the Brutal Force Official Website to Save 30%.
- A single bottle of the supplements would cost $59.99.
- If you purchase 2 bottles at once, you get a third bottle free, that is all 3 bottles for the price of $119.98.
Free worldwide shipping is available on all purchases. In case, you are dissatisfied with the product, Brutal Force furnishes each of its customers with a 100-day money-back guarantee. However, this refund policy only applies to bulk purchases.
The Ostarine MK 2866 Alternatives
Ostarine MK 2866 is a versatile SARM that could help with both your bulking and cutting phases. It is this ability to adapt to the users’ specific needs that make the compound popular. More than anything else, Ostarine can up metabolic rate which increases energy production at a cellular level.
However, the process is unnatural, and, like Ibutamoren, it becomes more of a problem creator rather than a solver. Like all the supplements in the Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force arsenal, the natural options for Ostarine are designed to support the body and stimulate natural muscle growth, enhance energy levels, and preserve muscle tissue.
Crazy Bulk’s Osta 2866
Osta 2866 is the SARM alternative from Crazy Bulk. This natural fitness aid is formulated to provide you with all the benefits of the research chemical, like:
- Boosting the rate of protein synthesis for greater lean muscle mass-building.
- Breaking through impossible plateaus
- Increasing muscle size, and
- Raising levels of testosterone.
Like with all their products, this Crazy Bulk supplement has had no complaints about inefficacy or side effects.
The recommended dosage is 4 capsules with water about 30 to 45 minutes before lifting and continuing use of the product for 2 to 3 months.
Like Ostarine MK 2866, Osta 2866 can also be stacked to improve bulking results. Osta-2866 is best stacked with C-Dine GW 501516 for that lean, muscular, and ripped physique.
How Does Crazy Bulk Osta 2866 Work?
Crazy Bulk sticks to the ‘right nutrition for the desired result’ theme and uses a formula reinforced with minerals and herbs. The components used have been proven to support anabolic activity and overall health. Zinc, as we have already discussed, in addition to this, the Osta 2866 recipe includes the following:
Magnesium: An essential mineral, magnesium is required to keep the body supple and free from cramps. The mineral aids muscle contraction and even the transportation of calcium and potassium. The latter two minerals support bone density and promote energy production from fatty acids.
Salacia: This herb is often found in fitness supplements as it can support glucose metabolism preventing sugar spikes from affecting your gym sessions. In addition to that, Salacia is also proven to support weight loss.
Southern Ginseng: Still used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine, ginseng is a powerful nootropic that improves mood and focus. The herb is also a natural testosterone booster and often helps with issues of fertility, fatigue, and libido.
Fennel: This spicy seed is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and can improve free testosterone levels in the bloodstream. Fennel is often used to correct sexual performance problems in men and digestion complaints.
Cinnamon: Often used to warm the body, not many are aware that cinnamon is a thermogenic that uses fat reserves in the body to produce heat. This leads to fat burning and weight loss. When used with a calorie deficit diet, cinnamon can also boost muscle growth.
Reishi Mushroom Extract: Often found in nootropic supplements, this mushroom is an adaptogen, helping the body adjust and recover from physical and mental stress. Reishi also curbs muscle fatigue and enables quick recovery.
To buy Osta 2866, tap to visit Crazy Bulk’s Official Website. Price offers and refund policy are the same as Crazy Bulk’s Ibuta 677.
Brutal Force’s Ostabulk
The Brutal Force legal option for the SARM Ostarine is called OstaBulk. Formulated to be a safe and natural alternative, OstaBulk is designed to enhance performance and results during the bulking phase. Using only natural ingredients, this supplement can:
- Promote significant muscle growth
- Improve muscle tissue
- Naturally enhance testosterone production
- And even increase strength and endurance.
You only have to take 4 capsules with water, 45 minutes before your first meal of the day. Continue using the dietary supplement for at least 2 months and use the product on both workout and non-workout days. For complete Ostabulk Review, tap here!
For extreme bulking, OstaBulk can be stacked with RadBulk, YKBulk, and LigaBulk, that is, the Ironbound Bulking Stack.
Or, if you wish to develop a leaner and fitter physique, you could stack OstaBulk with CardaLean and YKBulk, available to you in the form of Goliath Strength Stack.
How Does OstaBulk Work?
The OstaBulk formula includes a combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that support protein synthesis, energy production, metabolism, and ATP production. Like its Crazy Bulk counterpart, OstaBulk includes Magnesium, Zinc, and Ginseng. Other components are as follows:
Vitamin B6: This vitamin boosts B12 absorption, which works to boost metabolism and immune responses and to promote red blood cell production. These factors facilitate muscle repair, recovery, and growth.
Vitamin D3: The sunshine vitamin is central to bone health and development. It also functions as a steroid hormone and enhances protein synthesis, testosterone production, and collagen synthesis for healthier joints.
Vitamin K1: This vitamin helps to protect bones from losing calcium and keeps the bone healthy and mineral-dense at optimum. The vitamin may also influence energy production and expenditure.
D-Aspartic Acid: Supplementation of DAA is often associated with increases in testosterone production, HGH production, muscle development, and healthier joints.
Nettle Leaf: This herb stops SHBG – sex hormone binding globulin, from attaching to testosterone. This action raises testosterone levels in the bloodstream, thus improving anabolic effects.
Fenugreek: A natural testosterone booster, fat burner, and anti-inflammatory, fenugreek also prevents sugar spikes and works against diabetes and high cholesterol.
Boron Citrate: A regular occurrence in fitness and testosterone supplements, Boron is required for bone health, protein and collagen synthesis, muscle coordination, and several cognitive functions.
Black Pepper: A supplement on its own, Bioperine is a concentrated pepper extract that improves the bioavailability of the supplement and is also a thermogenic agent that supports weight loss and fat burning.
OstaBulk can be purchased from the Brutal Force Official Website; visit this link where:
- A month’s supply costs $47.99.
- And 3-month supply costs $95.98.
Offers, shipping, and refund policies are the same as those for Brutal Force’s IbutaLean.
How Do the SARMs Compare with the Natural Supplements?
To be honest, natural supplements trump illegal performance enhancers easily.
- They are legal
- Have no side effects
- Can be used while actively competing in competitions
- No needles are required, and
- The doses need not be adjusted according to weight, size, or goals.
So, there is the question as to why natural supplements are not as popular as they should be.
Natural supplements have one drawback – they aren’t very predictable. Natural ingredients work with the body rather than force it to do things it is not innately capable of. Because it works to enhance the natural mechanisms that are already set in place, these supplements are influenced by several factors like age, gender, general health, diseases, genetics, diet, exposure to stress, and lifestyle habits.
However, there will be results, no doubt about it, but the actual timeline of when these results will manifest is a bit foggy. This is primarily the reason why many natural aids state a window of use rather than cycles. The lack of precise results provided by natural supplements often leads to them being disregarded/overlooked.
That being said, every other facet is in favor of natural supplements. Here is a quick recap of all the information we have so far.
Ibutamoren MK 677 vs Legal Alternatives (Ibuta 677 and Ibutalean)
| Ibutamoren MK 677 | Crazy Bulk Ibuta 677 | Brutal Force IbutaLean | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Developed as a remedy for Alzheimer’s disease, muscle-wasting, & fibromyalgia. | Formulated to emulate the anabolic benefits of Ibutamoren MK 677 but with none of the side effects. | |
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| WADA OK | No. | Yes. | |
| PCT | Required when stacked with other SARMs. | No. | |
| Price | Depends on the source. | $69.99. | $59.99. |
| Refund Policy | Refunds unlikely. | 60-day money-back guarantee. | 100-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy Ibutamoren MK 677? | Not Available Legally. | Buy Crazy Bulk’s Ibuta 677 from the Official Website. | Buy Brutal Force’s IbutaLean from the Official Website. |
Ostarine MK 2866 vs Legal Alternatives (Osta 2866 and Ostabulk)
| Ostarine MK 2866 | Crazy Bulk Osta 2866 | Brutal Force OstaBulk | |
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| Purpose | Developed as a remedy for muscle atrophy, osteoporosis & certain cancers. | Developed to mimic the anabolic benefits of Ostarine MK 2866. | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| WADA OK | No. | Yes. | |
| PCT | Required when stacked with other SARMs. | No. | |
| Price | Depends on the source. | $69.99. | $47.99. |
| Refund Policy | Refunds unlikely. | 60-day money-back guarantee. | 100-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy Ostarine MK 2866? | Not Available Legally. | Buy Crazy Bulk’s Osta 2866 from the Official Website. | Buy Brutal Force’s OstaBulk from the Official Website. |
Summary & Verdict
SARMs are often used to enhance gym performance and results. However, they are illegal for human use, potentially dangerous, and complicated to use. Ibutamoren MK 677 is often used for cutting phases, while Ostarine MK 2866 is a bulking agent. Hence, it’s crucial for individuals considering using SARMs to be fully aware of the potential risks involved with these substances.
However, if you care for your health, fortunately enough, alternative supplements are available on the market that can help you achieve similar fitness goals without the legal and health risks associated with SARMs.
Yes, that’s right. Fitness brands like Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force have developed effective and natural alternatives to these SARMs that can emulate the benefits but have none of the side effects. If you are looking for effective fitness supplements that could support your bodybuilding needs, these are the fitness aids we recommend.
Lewis Mendez, a wellness coach and fitness website owner, the Mk2866 Official. He has been in the health and nutrition industry for 15 years now and has seen it all when it comes to dieting and exercise programs. His goal is to help people make permanent changes with sustainable lifestyle habits that will lead them down their path of happiness and fulfilment in terms of fitness; building a muscular physique, strength, endurance and more. Because, it’s never too late to start!