Are you, too, looking to sculpt your physique and achieve those dream results? Then you must surely have heard whispers about SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) like S4 and Ostarine MK-2866.
These supplements are popular among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts for their potential to accelerate muscle growth and fat loss.
But are they the magic bullet you’ve been searching for? In this guide, we’ll dig deep into Andarine S-4 and Ostarine MK-2866, thereby exploring:
- The Hype: Why are these SARMs so popular, and what benefits do they promise?
- The Hidden Costs: What are the potential side effects of using S4 and Ostarine MK-2866? Are the risks worth the reward?
- Safer Alternatives: Can you achieve your fitness goals naturally? We’ll explore effective, drug-free strategies for building muscle and burning fat.
Before you jump on the SARM bandwagon, let’s get the facts straight. This review will help you make an informed decision about whether S4 or Ostarine MK-2866 fits into your fitness journey or if there’s a safer path to peak performance.
But first, let’s uncover the intriguing story of why the shift in SARMs happened from that of steroids.
From Steroids to SARMs: A Shift in the Landscape of Performance Enhancement
Performance enhancers in the sports arena are severely frowned upon, but that hasn’t stopped athletes from using them. Regardless of the sport, you would always find a few participants caught doping. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
You see, while there are tests and measures to check the use of enhancers in professional sports, there are no such checks in gym lockers or homes. For the sake of bulking up, having a ripped physique, or being aesthetically attractive, regular Janes and Johns are resorting to using drugs, research chemicals, or synthetic hormones for quicker results.
And that is not good at all. Besides the fact that the use of such compounds is illegal, they come with serious side effects and long-term health consequences. But why use them if they are so destructive?
The pull of performance enhancers is strong indeed. Even though they could potentially wreck life quality and health for the foreseeable future, for bodybuilders, they provide an easy solution to bulking up and cutting body fat. Anabolic steroids were the first enhancers to make a splash in the sports scene, but the telltale signs of use were difficult to ignore and made users stand out in a crowd.
In addition to that, the side effects of steroids were pretty gruesome, as they would attach to every androgen receptor they came across. But for medical purposes however, there grew a need to find a more refined corrective course. Hence, SARMs were developed.
SARMs – selective androgen receptor modulators, were designed to be better than steroids. Selectively binding to only specific androgen receptors made SARMs a more effective delivery system and remedial procedure. However, SARMs also made for very targeted anabolic effects – lean muscle mass gains, quick building of muscle tissue, fat loss, body recomposition, and so on.
These benefits made SARMs the new poison of choice in the sports community and have stayed put regardless of efforts made by sports associations.
To truly understand why SARMs are so effectively engraved into the bodybuilding community, let’s take a closer look and analyze two prevalently used bulking agents, namely Andarine S4 and Ostarine MK 2866.
Andarine S4 & Ostarine MK 2866: What Are They?
Before we begin, we must make it clear that the information you find below is based on anecdotal evidence – based on the experience of users. This article does not condone the use of SARMs, anabolic steroids, or any other illegal performance-enhancing synthetic compound. In fact, by the end of this, you could be looking at safer ways to bulk up.
Andarine S4
Andarine S4 is a selective androgen receptor modulator originally developed by GTx Inc. The compound was meant to help with enlarged prostate or BHP (benign prostatic hypertrophy), bone or muscle wasting, and possibly, fertility issues in those who have a high risk of prostate cancer. Because it only selectively binds to bone and muscle tissue, it does not have the major side effects that are often seen with anabolic steroids.
Andarine S4 is orally bioavailable and is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach. It goes to work almost immediately within a short window of 50 to 80 minutes. When tested on live tissue outside the human anatomy, the chemical was seen to bind to bone and muscle cells, thereby activating growth and repair and arresting wastage.
Another factor that made Andarine desirable is that it worked without influencing other substances, hormones, or enzymes in the body. It could support significant muscle growth without water retention and also keep LPL levels in check. Of course, these factors made S4 a bulking miracle.
Andarine S4 works quickly and is potent enough. A relatively small dose of 25 to 30 mg is enough to increase anabolic processes. However, S4 has a decidedly short half-life of just 4 hours. Users often divide a daily dose into three 10mg pops which ensures that the muscle building keeps going throughout the day.
An Andarine cycle length lasts between eight to twelve weeks. Post-cycle therapy is recommended but not a must. Andarine S4 has exceptional bulking capabilities and is often used on its own.
It, however, could be stacked with RAD 140 Testolone or Cardarine GW 501516 for more targeted results. If S4 is stacked, PCT is a must. The use of Andarine S4 as a performance enhancer is illegal and unsafe.
Ostarine MK 2866
Enobosarm or Ostarine MK 2866 was supposed to be the answer for osteoporosis and muscle wasting diseases. Ostarine was designed to combine with androgen receptors in skeletal muscle and bone tissue. Once bonded, the compound incites protein synthesis at exponential speed and increases nitrogen retention in muscle cells. This resulted in a singular increase in muscle mass without the revealing side effects of anabolic steroids.
Ostarine became the muscle builder the bodybuilding community was waiting for. It is the easier poison to work with, especially for beginners who do not wish to risk too much. Ostarine does not aromatize into estrogen and clinical trials prove that the compound can improve IGF-1 activity, promote lean muscle gains, repair and recovery, boost bone strength and density, and enhance connective tissue cell growth. Ostarine MK 2866 is potent and has a widespread effect on muscle cells in the body.
There is no actual data available on the best possible dosage for bulking, but most athletes use 25mg to 30mg a day for three to eight weeks in a typical cycle. Women are advised to go for a maximum of 10mg a day.
When used during a cutting cycle, a cycle of four to eight weeks at doses of 15mg to 20mg should suffice.
Some users take low doses of Ostarine for as long as 12 weeks for bulking. This is ill-advised as the severity of side effects is quite phenomenal. PCT is a must.
Ostarine is often stacked with Cardarine for bulking and cutting. Regardless of that, Ostarine MK 2866 is not approved for human use and is considered illegal.
Benefits & Side Effects of Use
The USP of both Andarine and Ostarine is the fact that they manifest positive results even with low dosages. That, plus oral bioavailability, makes these compounds very desirable.
However, that is just half the story. Taking anabolic steroids became a no-no because of the laundry list of side effects. While SARMs may not have as many consequences of use as traditional steroids, they aren’t safe either.
SARMs have not been approved for human consumption for a reason – they are unsafe and the long-term health consequences of use are unknown and thus can be life threatening.
| Benefits | Side Effects | Benefits | Side Effects |
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Due to their high binding affinity, these substances specifically target androgen receptors found exclusively in muscle and bone tissue, resulting in fewer side effects compared to anabolic steroids. That being said, human trials for these Andarine and Ostarine were never completed. The absence of long-term trials means that there exists no information about the future consequences of use today. That alone is scary enough.
S4 vs. Ostarine: Which is Better at Building Muscle Mass?
Technically, if you are looking for an aid to support your bulking efforts, both Andarine S4 and Ostarine MK 2866 are equally potent. They can both promote protein synthesis, support fat loss, and stop your body from losing muscle tissue when on a calorie-deficit diet. The increased muscle mass is also of excellent quality, which contributes to a lean and vascular appearance.
For targeted anabolic benefits, both SARMs can be stacked with other compounds. An Andarine vs. Ostarine comparison would not be a very long one as the benefits and side effects are equally matched. However, there are a few issues with using these drugs.
The obvious issue is the legal one. SARMs are not approved by the FDA for human consumption. Andarine S4 trials ended in Phase 1 when its impact on vision came to light. Ostarine MK 2866, on the contrary, never even made it to human trials at all. Since no one is ready to finance trials, these SARMs and their possible medical benefits will soon be lost.
Professionally competing is going to be an issue if you use these or any other performance enhancers. There are checks and tests in place that can find even the slightest traces of drugs or synthetic hormones. If you are found positive, you could lose any titles won in the past, the chance to compete presently, and even the opportunity to participate in sports ever again.
Apart from the side effects and the unknown health consequences, there are additional risks as well. You see, the companies that put Andarine, Ostarine, and other SARMs for sale do so under the pretext of providing raw materials for research. These ‘research chemicals’ could be of questionable quality and purity may be iffy as well. Loading such dubious materials into your system is potentially a health disaster waiting to happen.
SARMs will harm you, and when it does, there is no one you can complain to. The companies that sold the chemicals to you (at obscene prices, for sure) would shake off responsibility, stating that you were not meant to use them on yourself. If you want to get some professional medical advice, the SARMs used would be apparent to your doctor. And insurance companies would state that ‘self-harm’ is not covered for claims. You would be in trouble and finding help would be an issue indeed.
If these factors are putting you off using performance enhancers, then our work here is done. But that would be a job half-done. We just gave you several reasons why not to use Andarine or Ostarine for bulking, but if you still need that extra push, then we’ve got you. Let us introduce you to natural supplements that imitate the benefits of SARMs but in a harmless and legal way.
Safe, Legal & Natural Fitness Supplements
It will be a while before the sports industry will be free from the use of performance-enhancing substances; there are newer ones developed every day and the results are more refined with each batch. However, you must understand that the drugs in question were originally meant to remedy medical problems and that they were never created solely for anabolic effects. So, you mustn’t be surprised that there are side effects and adverse health consequences for using drugs for enhanced athletic performance.
But what if you were to incorporate fitness aids that were formulated only to augment exercise ability, lean muscle gains, fat loss, and boost strength?
This is where natural supplements come in. Yes, we agree that most natural supplements have a bad reputation resulting from grand promises and bad marketing. But there do exist a few brands that have successfully formulated effective fitness aids that work without side effects and don’t cost you a fortune.
Brands like Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force. These companies have dedicated themselves to creating legal and natural alternatives to illegal performance enhancers. And they have done so successfully. Since you are looking at the Andarine S4 (cutting SARM) and Ostarine MK 2866(bulking SARM), let’s take a look at the alternatives these brands have created.
The Andarine S4 Alternative: AndaLean from Brutal Force
AndaLean is Brutal Force’s alternative to Andarine S4. Created to emulate the benefits of the SARM with a formula that includes only natural and safe ingredients. This health supplement naturally transforms your body into a muscle-building, fat-burning machine that would help you spend longer, more productive hours at the gym.
Because AndaLean emulates the anabolic results of the actual compound, you will find that your body can grow muscle tissue and lose fat a lot quicker but with no health consequences in sight. In fact, the natural ingredients used would also improve several other aspects of health.
The supplement is built for easy and safe dosage; AndaLean comes in pill form – three capsules with water, 15 minutes after a workout every day. The only ask is that you continue to use it for at least two months and that the product be used in tandem with a healthy diet and a rigorous exercise plan.
Benefits You Can Expect from AndaLean
Many users were skeptical at first but were pleasantly surprised to find that this natural option of Andarine S4 actually works. The reviews for the product on the site and elsewhere on the internet are positive indeed. The results that you can expect from AndaLean are as follows.
- Significant increase in lean muscle mass
- Preserving and building muscle mass
- Enhances muscle strength and stamina
- Curbs fat deposits and burns body fat
- Shortens recovery window
- Controls blood sugar spikes
- Reduces muscle and joint soreness and fatigue
- Enhanced energy levels.
How Does AndaLean Work?
AndaLean’s goal is to mimic the effects of Andarine S4 and to do so; it enlists the use of several natural components that can safely provide your body with the nourishment it needs. An anabolic system is already present in your body, and if you wish for it to work harder than usual, you need to provide it with the right fuel.
AndaLean does just that. Instead of jacking your system full of chemicals, this supplement increases ATP production. How? By using the following ingredients.
Soy Protein Isolate & Whey Protein Isolate provide the raw materials for muscle-building – amino acids. Amino acids are required for several physiological processes, especially protein synthesis. The protein from soy and whey promotes weight loss. The soy protein is also fortified with isoflavones, which supply antioxidants as well.
BCAA 2:1:1 is often added to fitness supplements. This is a combination of three amino acids; namely l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine. BCAA stimulates the building of muscle mass at a molecular level and stops the metabolism of protein already present in the body. These amino acids also facilitate the use of stored body fat as an alternative source of energy.
Wild Yam Root Powder maintains healthy sugar levels and also improves HDL cholesterol. Rich in diosgenin, wild yam helps to restore healthy hormonal balance and even provides anti-inflammatory action.
ElevATP® is a supplement in itself. A formula consisting of ancient peat and apple fruit extract. Formulated to increase ATP production at a cellular level, ElevATP® helps the body produce more energy, resulting in longer and more productive hours at the gym.
To purchase Brutal Force AndaLean, come check out the Official Website. Tap now!
- A monthly supply of the product would cost $59.99, and
- If you buy two bottles at once, you get a third bottle free, which is a three-month supply for $119.98.
All purchases come with free worldwide shipping. If, at any time, you find that the supplement is not working for you, Brutal offers a 100-day money-back guarantee. However, this does not apply to single-bottle purchases.
The Ostarine MK 2866 Alternatives: Osta 2866 from Crazy Bulk & OstaBulk from Brutal Force
Ostarine Mk 2866 is one of the most prevalently used bulking agents, with side effects acting as no deterrent. In addition to being a lean muscle mass builder, it also protects and supports bone health making the Ostarine a bodybuilder’s best friend.
However, the many risks of using the SARM led Crazy Bulk to develop Osta 2866, while Brutal Force developed OstaBulk. Both supplements have been formulated keeping the SARM results in mind, which means that they support exponential protein synthesis, check body fat, and increase testosterone levels for added anabolic backing.
Like with all Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force supplements, there are no side effects, and the products have been put through extensive clinical trials to ensure user safety and efficacy.
There are no dosage adjustments needed here as both supplements are designed to supply moderate dosages of nutrition to the body for optimum anabolic action.
- Crazy Bulk’s Osta 2866 must be taken in 4 capsule doses, with water, about half an hour or 45 minutes before lifting.
- Whereas, the Brutal Force’s OstaBulk must be taken 4 capsules once a day, 45 minutes before the first meal of the day. For detailed insight on Ostabulk, visit here!
For both supplements, use must be regularly followed for at least two months and should be paired with a healthy diet plan and exercise.
Benefits You Can Expect with the Legal Ostarine MK-2866 Alternatives
Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force may use different formulae for their Ostarine alternatives, but their purpose is the same – significant muscle building while supporting bone structure and fat loss. And from the reviews for these products, most users claim that these fitness aids do just that.
So, what you should be seeing is as follows:
- An exponential increase in muscle growth
- More quality muscle with greater strength and stamina
- A natural lift in testosterone levels
- Increase in muscle size & vascularity
- Ease to break through plateaus and limits
- Boost in bone density and strength
- Quicker recovery and repair after exercise.
How Do These Legal Ostarine Alternatives Work?
So many components in nature allow for the body to up its anabolic activity. Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force have harnessed the strongest components of these ingredients. Again, the formula they use may vary, but the benefits they emulate are the same as that of Ostarine. But does so safely and naturally without risking health or well-being.
Here’s a quick look at the formulae these supplements use.
| Magnesium enhances muscle movement and flexibility by reducing the occurrence of cramps or fatigue. The mineral also supports sleep quality and promotes stress relief. | |
| Zinc is required for several physiological processes, but it is included here because it can increase oxygen levels, stamina, and speed, which is essential for building protein structures. | |
| Southern/Korean Ginseng is a traditional remedy for several medical issues. Supplementation of the herb improves recovery and supports adrenal gland function, which increases endurance and fat metabolism. The herb also naturally increases testosterone production and release. | |
| Salacia switches energy production from glucose to stored fat. This promotes weight loss and stops the metabolism of protein. | Vitamins B6, D3 & K1 are required to maintain optimum health and function.
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| Fennel is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also promotes healthy digestion and gut health. | D-aspartic acid is often added to fitness aids as D-AA, as it raises free testosterone levels while boosting energy production. DAA is also used as a pre-workout supplement. |
| Cinnamon is a spice that promotes weight loss, fat burning, muscle building, and digestion. | Nettle Leaf Extract boosts red blood cell production, which improves the supply of nutrients and oxygen to muscle and bone tissue. |
| Reishi Mushroom Extract is a healthy source of protein and is an adaptogen that supports stress relief, immune response, energy production, and elimination of fatigue. | Fenugreek is a natural performance enhancer. |
| Boron Citrate is often added to testosterone boosters as the mineral can increase the production of testosterone while supporting bone health. | |
| Bioperine is a thermogenic agent that enhances fat loss by revving metabolism. It also improves the bioavailability of the supplement it is added to. | |
Buy Osta 2866
To buy Crazy Bulk Osta 2866, click to visit the legit and Official Website.
- A month’s supply of the supplement would cost $69.99.
- If you purchase two bottles at once for $139.99, you get another bottle free. That is a three-month supply for the price of two.
- For $209.99, you can purchase three bottles at once and get two bottles free, for a robust five-month supply.
Fast and free shipping is available on all purchases. In case you wish to return your purchases, Crazy Bulk offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all purchases.
Buy OstaBulk
For OstaBulk from Brutal Force, tap now to explore the official website, where:
- A single bottle of the fitness aid costs $47.99.
- And get 3 months’ supply for the price of 2, at just $95.98.
Shipping and refund policy is similar to that of AndaLean.
Comparing The SARMs With the Natural Alternatives
Of course, natural supplements are the better choice for more reasons than one. Let’s take a closer look at how.
| SARMs vs. Natural Supplements | |
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| Purpose of Design | Andarine S4 and Ostarine Mk 2866 were developed as better medical remedies for muscle and bone-wasting diseases. The anabolic results of the SARMs were more of collateral damage—a pleasant accident at most. The natural alternatives were developed with the sole purpose of supporting your bulking phase efforts. All inclusions in the supplements aim to naturally boost the body’s anabolic capacity and bring about safer and natural results. |
| Side Effects | Because SARMs tend to bind with androgen receptors, there is artificial influence and meddling that results in side effects and possible unknown health consequences. AndaLean, Osta 2866, and OstaBulk have no side effects. In fact, you could be looking at additional health benefits. |
| Purchase Logistics | Andarine and Ostarine have to be bought from the black market under the pretense of being purchased for research. Aldo prices are not regulated, translating to obscene price tags. Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force charge an acceptable price for supplements that can be ordered online and delivered to your doorstep. |
| WADA Ok | If found positive for Andarine or Ostarine, you could lose your career in sports. Because the natural alternatives here do not so much as contain caffeine, you can use them while actively competing. And no one has a problem with extra magnesium. |
| Result Timeline | Because SARMs artificially enhance the body regardless of other physical factors, the results are the same for all users and the results are identical with every use. However, that cannot be said for natural supplements. Natural components work with the body and are affected by many factors like age, gender, and genetics. Health, diet, exposure to stress, and even lifestyle habits. This means that results could vary from one user to another, and the results may differ in extent or severity. This is the only facet where SARMs have a one-up over natural options. |
Summary & Verdict
SARMs like Andarine S4 and Ostarine MK 2866 are often used to enhance muscle building, quick fat loss, and increase strength. However, the use of SARMs is risky, illegal, and wrought with side effects. While they may have anabolic benefits, the unpleasantness of possible health consequences weighs heavier.
If you are looking for support during your bulking or cutting phase, we would recommend that you opt for natural supplements from Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force. These fitness brands have successfully created supplements that emulate the benefits of steroids and SARMs. Most importantly, they are safe, natural, legal and provide identical bodybuilding benefits to the real SARMs.
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!