As one of the only SARMS in the world that has made it to human trials, that too with great results, it’s understandable why the internet is going gaga over Ostarine or MK-2866.
It is what athletes and bodybuilders have been waiting for with bated breath for decades, hasn’t it?
A legitimate performance enhancement drug that does not cause the adverse effects of anabolic steroids.
If you always refrained from using steroids because of the risks, then Ostarine might interest you.
It is considered to be absolutely safe (both clinical studies as well as anecdotal reviews), does not cause any adverse effects at recommended doses and in 99% of the cases, does not warrant a PCT either.
If this is your maiden outing into SARMS, then here’s a brief guide to help you understand how to use Ostarine most effectively.
History
Ostarine, also known as Enobosarm or MK-2866 (unconfirmed), is an investigational chemical that is being studied extensively as a possible treatment for muscle wasting in cancer patients and more recently, for stress urinary incontinence.
These conditions were treated in the past using anabolic steroids. But it causes masculinity in females and there’s a possible risk of prostate cancer in men.
Ostarine is safer.
It was developed by GTX under the name ‘Compound 5’ and has undergone numerous clinical trials over the years. The results have largely been positive and the drug continues to be studied for potential therapeutic applications.
The most interesting application though is increasing lean muscle mass and bodyweight in patients suffering from cachexia.
Ostarine treatment resulted in a dose dependent increase in total LBM, with an increase of 1.4 kg compared to placebo (p<0.001) at the 3 mg dose. Increased LBM translated to an improvement in the stair climb test in both speed (+15.5% ± 12.9 faster time, p=0.006) and power (+25.5% ± 20.3 watts, p=0.005).
Ostarine increases lean body mass and improves physical performance in healthy elderly subjects: Implications for cancer cachexia patients
This is what eventually led to the introduction of the compound in bodybuilding circles. And over the years, anecdotal reviews and logs have only reinstated what science already told us.
Ostarine is a fantastic compound to increase lean muscle, particularly for newbies.
Clinical studies
It is always better to back up any claims that you make about PEDs with clinical studies.
So here goes.
All three clinical studies reveal that Ostarine is very effective in the treatment of cancer-linked muscle wasting.
A Phase III clinical trial in lung cancer patients who were at severe risk of Cachexia also showed that MK-2866 significantly improved muscle mass.
The benefits of using Ostarine
If that wasn’t clear already, then here are some of the benefits that you can expect from an Ostarine cycle.
Strength:
The first effect that people notice is the improved strength and endurance. Suddenly, you will be able to waltz through your sets and supersets. In ordinary circumstances, even 5-reps at 80% of your 1RM should whoop your ass. Not with Ostarine. By week-2 of your cycle, you will be setting a new 1RM and pumping out more sets than ever before. In two clinical studies conducted on elderly patients, Ostarine helped improve their physical performance which was calculated using stair climbing and the hand grip test.
Recovery:
Ostarine helps you recover in hours. We have spoken to athletes who otherwise experienced DOMS from vigorous leg routines. But on Ostarine, they were back to the gym on the next day kicking ass. It greatly boosts muscle recovery.
Lean muscle mass:
At the risk of sounding blasphemous, Ostarine is even better than LGD-4033 for dry gains. Any lean muscle that you gain during your cycle will be dry and vascular. If you aren’t looking to gain a crazy amount of mass in a short time or are looking to get ripped but retain muscle while you are cutting, then Ostarine is the best compound for it.
Is Ostarine really the safest SARM?
In all the clinical studies conducted on MK-2866 so far, no adverse effects have been reported at the recommended dosage.
That’s what’s earned it the ‘safest sarm’ nickname.
Having said that, there were a few mild side effects reported in anecdotal reviews on messaging boards.
The commonest one was Insomnia when doses were upped.
Also, it does cause mild suppression by week-5 or 6. So you can expect some lethargy to kick-in around that time.
Supplementation usually suffices to keep your natural testosterone production going during an Ostarine cycle. No PCT is needed unless your bloodwork shows a massive drop in LH and Test.
We recommend M1-MK, a natural testosterone booster that contains Zinc, Magnesium Aspartate, B6 as well as herbs and aphrodisiacs.
Ostarine Stacks
Stacking SARMS is not necessary.
Especially if you are a newbie. Follow the ‘Keep it Simple Stupid’ theory and enjoy your first dip-in-the-toes into performance enhancement.
It will reduce the risk of side effects and allow you to understand how your body reacts to individual compounds.
Having said that, if you are a SARMS veteran (we already have many of those) and are looking to test what a stack can do, then here are some recommended stacks.
Cutting
Ostarine at 20mg/day with Cardarine (GW501516) at 20mg/day for 8-weeks. Bloodwork before and after cycle to determine the level of suppression. PCT only if the HPTA axis is suppressed severely.
A mild dose of Clomid with HCGenerate should work fine.
Body Recomposition
Ostarine at 20mg/day with Clenbuterol (adjust dosage according to tolerance levels). Continue using Ostarine for 8-weeks and stop Clenbuterol after week 4.
You should be able to drop body fat while retaining muscle.
Bulking, strength and endurance
This stack is only recommended for experienced SARMS users as it combines two of the strongest SARMS and will most likely result in severe suppression.
Ostarine at 10mg/day, LGD at 5mg/day & Testolone at 15mg/day for 8-weeks.
Expect some dramatic results. But follow it up with blood work to gauge the extent of suppression.
You will most likely need a mini PCT using Clomid, HCGenerate and M1-MK.
Ostarine Alternatives
If you are looking for a SARM that can replace Ostarine for your first cycle, then there’s none that even come close.
We would have recommended MK-677. But it’s not a SARM and needs to be taken for at least 6-months to get any sort of positive effects.
Go ahead and try Ostarine. You will not be disappointed with the results and you should have a safe outing.