Chasing Peak Performance: Why the Risks Outweigh the Rewards
Have you ever dreamed of sculpting your dream physique or reaching peak performance? You’re not alone. But the allure of quick fixes like Andarine S4 and Anavar can have serious consequences.
These substances promise rapid muscle growth, strength gains, and fat loss, but the trade-off is your health. Here’s the truth:
- Risky Business: Both Andarine S4 (SARM) and Anavar (steroid) are illegal and come with a laundry list of potential health risks, from hormonal imbalances to liver damage and heart problems.
- Temptation vs. Reality: The quick results might be tempting, but the penalties and health hazards are simply not worth it.
Don’t worry, there’s good news! We’ll explore safer, legal alternatives that help you reach your fitness goals without jeopardizing your health. Get ready to ditch the risky shortcuts and unlock sustainable results the right way.
But first, let’s talk about why messing with steroids and SARMs is a total no-go if you’re trying to boost your health.
Anabolic Abuses: The Rise and Fall of Synthetic Drugs
The sports community has been plagued with performance enhancers since the beginning of sports. Back in ancient times, athletes would get their buzz from natural components like coffee beans, chocolate, or nettle leaves. While this was cheating on some levels, its degree is much lesser than today’s performance enhancers. While natural ingredients can help physical performance, health did not suffer. That is not the case now. First, there were anabolic steroids, then synthetic hormones, and now, SARMs.
SARMs, or selective androgen receptor modulators, are the fairer cousins to anabolic steroids. When introduced into the body, steroids attach themselves to every androgen receptor in sight. This has some benefits but greater side effects as androgen receptors influence many body functions and systems. Steroids are also extremely effective from a medical point of view as they can identify and reduce the occurrence of certain conditions. The side effects were ruining things, though.
So, there grew a need for compounds that could provide benefits like steroids but with more finesse. Hence, began the research and development of SARMs. SARMs, as the name suggests were designed to target only certain androgen receptors while leaving the rest alone. This meant that SARMs had a more definitive response while cutting down on the adverse consequences. This was a medical marvel but it also spelled trouble for the sports community.
SARMS, because of their targeted influence, can improve muscle and bone tissue growth, increase strength and push performance, burn fat at an exponential rate, and even enhance body composition. Bodybuilders were looking for something to replace dangerous steroids, and SARMs became the answer. These compounds quickly came to replace anabolic steroids and synthetic hormones. As refined as SARMs may be, some traditionalists would still swear by anabolic steroids.
And now, instead of having one problem to fix, the sports community has two – SARMs and anabolic steroids. Most users of steroids claim that their drugs of choice have a greater influence on anabolic activity, while SARM users claim that the compounds have refined results. To be honest, both steroids and SARMs are bad, dangerous, and illegal.
To give you a better understanding of just how much of a bad idea both SARMs and Steroids are, let’s compare two popular performance enhancers – Andarine S4 (SARM) and Anavar (Anabolic Androgenic Steroid).
The SARM Andarine S4 & The AAS Anavar: What Are They?
Before we go further, we should make it clear that the following article does not condone the use of illegal performance enhancers. The information below is simply to highlight why such compounds are prevalently used, the consequences of using them, and possible alternatives that you could explore.
Andarine S4
S-4 or Andarine S4 was developed as a possible remedy for bone and muscle wasting, which results from HIV, osteoporosis, or other similar diseases. Considered to be a particularly potent selective androgen receptor modulator, Andarine S4 was developed to function on lines similar to testosterone or DHT but without hepatoxicity or risk to the cardiovascular system.
Though the compound made it through animal trials, testing on human subjects was abandoned in Phase 1 as visual impairments had a recurring impact. S4 showed a propensity to attach to androgen receptors in the eyes, and the greater the use of the drug, the bigger the impact. S4 blocks the binding of DHT and is a particularly active agonist in muscle and bone tissue but leaves FSH and luteinizing hormone alone.
Along with the fact that S4 can significantly enhance muscle growth and fat loss, Andarine is often used during the cutting phase. It helps to preserve and build muscle mass while actively reducing LPL (Lipoprotein lipase) levels and water retention.
Because of its strength, a low dose of 30mg is usually enough for significant anabolic effects. The half-life of the drug is considerably short at six hours, so the dosage is usually split into three doses of 10mg each.
An Andarine cycle length lasts anywhere from eight to twelve weeks. The compound is orally bioavailable. Post-cycle therapy is not a must but is recommended. For cutting cycles, Andarine is often stacked with Cardarine GW 501516. For body composition, it could be stacked with RAD 140 Testolone. When stacked, PCT is a must. Andarine S4 can only be bought for research purposes and it is illegal for use in humans.
Anavar
Anavar or Oxandrolone was in use for the medical treatment of catabolic disorders for over 30 years. Used for muscle mass loss from aging or HIV, severe burn injuries, and hepatitis, the drug did serve as a medical remedy before it was shelved for newer medical developments.
Formulated in 1962, Anavar is an orally bioavailable anabolic steroid that is resistant to liver metabolism, and it does not get aromatized either. Anavar can increase the rate of protein synthesis in the body, increase IGF-1, and up-regulate androgen receptors in skeletal muscle mass. These actions, along with resistance training, have been shown to increase muscle mass by 44% or more in healthy adults.
In addition to that, Anavar can also exponentially increase stamina, burning of body fat, and weight loss. Anavar can influence the metabolic rate at which the body functions, which makes it an excellent addition to the cutting cycle.
There is plenty of literature about the medical dosing of Anavar but nothing about the doses for anabolic effects. Users speculate between 5mg to 80mg a day. Depending on whether you use the steroid for bulking or cutting, doses need to be adjusted. Anavar is a particularly potent drug, which is why an Anavar cycle should not exceed six weeks.
Anavar is often stacked with Testosterone or Winstrol. Post-cycle therapy is a must with Anavar.
Benefits & Side Effects of Use of Andarine S4 and Anavar
Whether it be traditional steroids or the newly-developed SARMs, athletes want results. That is something both Andarine S4 and Anavar can deliver. However, with easy gains come easier pains. Neither the SARM nor the steroid is free from serious side effects.
Yes, they can drastically change your physical appearance by burning fat, but what are you willing to pay for it?
| Benefits | Side Effects | Benefits | Side Effects |
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What is the Verdict on Andarine S4 & Anavar?
There is no denying the fact that adding Andarine S4 or Anavar to your cutting cycle would significantly enhance anabolic activity. Even in low doses, these compounds can do some serious damage. Because SARMs are selectively binding chemicals, there are fewer adverse consequences to health, but we have no idea what the long-term effects of use are. The research is simply not there. Steroids may have a greater negative impact on health, but at least you know the devil you are facing.
Using Andarine or Anavar is a bad idea for several reasons. Let’s push past the laundry list of side effects for a bit and look at the other facets of SARMs or steroid use.
Contest prep on either performance enhancer is only going to get you caught. There are several tests in place that could test the presence of research chemicals or drugs in your bloodstream. Unless you definitively know how to play the system, you stand the risk of forfeiting your titles and/or being banned from the sport altogether. If found out, the use of performance enhancers would effectively end your sports career.
Professional competitions may not be your thing; you only wish to use the cutting aids for aesthetic purposes. Andarine S4 can only be purchased as a research chemical. The companies that sell the products know well enough who and for what purpose the SARMs are bought for, but they just do not care. You would be expected to pay obscene amounts of money for a product that may or may not be of high quality.
The same is also true for Anavar. Unless you can find a doctor without scruples, you would have to get your Anavar fix from the black market at ridiculous prices. In both cases, there is a very high chance of you taking very expensive sugar pills.
The positive results are to die for, but take a closer look at the side effects listed above. Those are very off-putting. The list is not even complete for Andarine S4, as research has stopped entirely, so it isn’t clear what the future holds for you. Anavar is also addictive, so there’s that problem you may need to address as well.
However, if you need a hand with your cutting cycles to get better muscle pumps, fat loss, and significant increases in strength, energy, and bone strength, in such cases, we could suggest some perfectly legal, safe, and natural alternatives.
Would you like to know more? Read on.
Natural Alternatives for Safer Cutting Cycles
While some companies have no issues making a profit while putting your health at risk, there are some fitness brands dedicated to healthy bodybuilding. By developing effective supplements that comprise only safe and natural ingredients, brands like Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force have become pioneers in the fitness supplement business.
By creating steroid and SARM alternatives that emulate the benefits of the performance enhancers but none of the side effects, both brands are helping to eliminate drug use from the sports community. And yes, these fitness brands have formulated supplements for every misused SARM and steroid. Alternatives for Andarine and Anavar are also on the list.
The Safer & Legal Andarine S4 Alternative
Andarine S4 is a cutting agent, meaning that it helps preserve lean muscle mass and lose fat quickly without compromising on strength or energy levels. If a natural supplement can emulate these benefits, then it’s a win-win situation. Brutal Force has developed AndaLean, a natural, safe, and legal alternative to Andarine S4.
AndaLean can help you reach your fitness goals by facilitating quick fat-burning, promoting muscle mass growth, and shortening recovery times. This would ensure that you spend longer and more productive hours at the gym and you would also boost strength gains while breaking through stubborn plateaus.
AndaLean is designed to eliminate the layer of fat that sits under the skin and reveal the muscles that you worked so hard to develop. A leaner, ripped, and aesthetically pleasing body would be yours in no time, indeed, if you decide to use this legal Andarine S4.
The only ask that AndaLean makes is that you take 3 capsules with water 15 minutes after your workout. Continue use for at least 2 months so that you can enjoy the full range of benefits this supplement has to offer. A suitable diet, rigorous exercise plan, and healthy lifestyle habits would hasten the results manifestation.
As one would stack Andarine S4, the same can be done for AndaLean, as well. Brutal Force offers the Select SARMS Stack, which includes AndaLean plus other SARMs alternatives like RadBulk and OstaBulk. The stack increases muscle mass, pushes performance, and promotes fat burning. And all these benefits can be achieved by paying a price of $139.99 only.
To buy AndaLean, simply follow the link to access the official Brutal Force website.
- A month’s worth of supplements would cost $59.99.
- If you purchase 2 bottles at once, you get a third bottle for free, priced at just $119.98 for 3 months supply.
All purchases are eligible for fast and free shipping. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, Brutal Force offers a 100-day money-back guarantee. The refund policy applies only to bulk purchases.
It’s understandable that you’d be curious about the formula and how a natural supplement can offer such remarkable results for a fraction of the cost of SARM, all while avoiding side effects. It all boils down to the formula used by the supplement. We shall get to the formula in just a bit.
The Safer & Legal Anavar Alternatives
Anavar is the most prevalently used cutting steroid. It is also sometimes included in a bulking cycle or for body composition. Because of its versatility, developing a natural alternative for the steroid became pertinent. Crazy Bulk developed Anvarol, while Brutal Force formulated ACut.
Both supplements are designed to preserve lean muscle mass gains, quicken the rate of fat burning, enhance energy production, and support post-workout recovery. The ingredients included in these fitness aids can enable the building of muscle tissue while you are in the cutting phase, ensuring that you finish the cycle with a ripped physique and without a layer of fat.
The products also enhance energy production, which translates to longer, harder, and more punishing workouts without you feeling the physical or mental fatigue setting in. And like with the Andarine S4 alternative, Anvarol and ACut do not come with side effects or health risks.
For Crazy Bulk Anvarol, the brand asks that you take 3 capsules with water approximately 45 minutes after your workout and continue use for at least 2 months. Once that time is up, discontinue using the supplement for a week and a half, and if you wish, you could start a second cycle of Anvarol again. Like Anavar, Anvarol can be stacked with other Crazy Bulk supplements like Win-Max, Clenbutrol, and Tren-Max for enhanced results.
To Buy Anvarol, click here to visit the Crazy Bulk Official Website.
- Here, a single bottle of the supplement would cost $64.99.
- And, if you purchase 2 bottles at once, you get a third bottle free, all three bottles of Anvarol for the price of $129.99.
Fast and free shipping is available on bulk purchases. If you are unhappy with the results, Crazy Bulk furnishes all its purchases with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
On the other hand, 3 capsules of Brutal Force ACut must be taken 15 minutes after your workout along with a healthy diet and exercise. Continue use for at least 2 months. Brutal Force’s Sculpt Stack includes ACut, WinCut, and CCut for a lean and ripped physique.
To Buy Brutal Force ACut, just hit up this link to visit the Brutal Force Official Website. The price, offers, and refund policy are the same as those for AndaLean.
How Do These Natural Alternatives Work?
AndaLean, Anvarol, and ACut include the same natural ingredients save one. They are all cutting supplements and are designed to increase energy production. The energy is created in muscle cells in the form of ATP or adenosine triphosphate. In order to ensure that ATP production is constant, phosphocreatine levels must be increased and maintained. That is what these three products do. They ensure that the body has a constant supply of energy for longer workouts, prevent fatigue from settling in, and actively promote protein synthesis for muscle building. The ingredients that allow for these processes to take place are as follows.
Soy Protein: A potent vegan source of amino acids, soy protein, has several health benefits, like lowering cholesterol levels, preventing heart disease, improving skin texture and digestive health, and promoting healthy sleep.
In addition to all this, soy protein boosts energy levels for longer workouts and even curbs the breakdown of protein structures that make up muscle tissue. It also keeps sugar levels in check and facilitates fat burning.
Whey Protein: This is a rich source of nine essential amino acids which are the building blocks of muscle cells. Whey protein increases the release of anabolic hormones, encourages faster protein synthesis, and also promotes a sense of satiety. The protein boosts energy expenditure by influencing metabolism and reducing appetite.
BCAA 2:1:1: BCAA is a combination of three amino acids, namely, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Featured in many fitness supplements, BCAA is known to boost muscle growth, improve athletic performance, reduce physical and mental fatigue, and even support weight loss. These amino acids bring about these results by regulating blood sugar levels, increasing serotonin levels, and boosting energy metabolism.
Wild Yam: Often taken as a supplement on its own, wild yam has several health benefits. The yam is believed to have some degree of influence on hormones. Yam is known to reduce the occurrence of muscle cramps and provide relief from muscle pain, regulate sugar levels, and even play a role in maintaining healthy bone density.
Crazy Bulk uses Adenosine 5’-triphosphate Disodium (PeakATP®), while the Brutal Force supplements consist of ElevATP®. Both are supplements in their own right that can provide the muscle cells with extra energy by heightening ATP production. They are also included to eliminate muscle soreness and fatigue and shorten recovery time.
All the natural ingredients used are thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. However, there is always a chance of allergies or drug interactions. To avoid such risks, it would be wise to speak to your healthcare specialist before you start the use of these or any other dietary supplements. This is especially pertinent if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications for a pre-existing medical condition.
How Do Alternatives Compare to the Real Deal (Anabolic Drugs)?
Whatever your anabolic goals may be, using SARMs or steroids is a very bad idea. The consequences of use, whether health or otherwise, would have long-term consequences. One cannot deny the fact that SARMs and steroids can provide anabolic results, but the cost is just a little too steep.
Now, take the natural alternatives. These natural alternative supplements are safe and legal and include natural components that have been clinically tested for efficacy. Not only that, natural supplements work with the body rather than against it. Steroids and SARMs attach to androgen receptors, which incites the body to function way beyond its natural capacity. Hence, the side effects, the fatigue, and the health consequences.
Natural supplements work with the body by correcting oxidative stress, providing the right nutrition, and sourcing the right physiological processes to help the body function better, faster, and more efficiently. Therefore, they are a lot safer and healthier.
Unfortunately, working with the body has one drawback. Natural supplements are affected by several factors, such as age, gender, general health, diet, lifestyle habits, and even exposure to stress. This means that, while the supplements can provide results, there is no certainty that results will manifest at a specific time. This is why natural supplements come with a result window rather than a definite cycle length.
Looking at it objectively, a slight delay in results is a lot better than painful pumps or dangerous side effects. To give you a clearer picture of how much better the dietary supplements are than Andarine S4 or Anavar, here is a quick comparative look at everything we know about them.
Andarine S4 (SARM) vs Andalean (the Legal Alternative)
| Andarine S4 | Brutal Force AndaLean | |
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| Purpose | Developed as a possible remedy for bone and muscle wasting resulting from medical conditions. | Formulated as a safe alternative for Andarine S4, used during the cutting cycle. |
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| Dosage | 30mg. | 3 capsules a day, 15 mins post workout. |
| WADA Ok | No. | Yes. |
| PCT | Required. | Not Required. |
| Price | Depends on the source. | $59.99. |
| Refunds | Refunds are highly unlikely. | 100-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy? | From Illegal Sources. | Brutal Force’s Andalean is now on 30% Off on the Official Website, Order Now! |
Anavar (Steroid) vs Anvarol vs Acut (the Legal Alternatives)
| Anavar | Crazy Bulk Anvarol | Brutal Force ACut | |
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| Purpose | Used as a treatment for catabolic disorders, severe burns, and hepatitis. | Developed as safe options for Anavar used for cutting and body recomposition. | |
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| Dosage | 5mg to 80mg. | 3 capsules a day, 45 mins post-workout. | 3 capsules a day, 15 mins post-workout. |
| WADA Ok | No. | Yes | |
| PCT | Required. | Not Required | |
| Price | Depends on the source. | $64.99. | $59.99. |
| Refunds | Refunds are highly unlikely. | 60-day money-back guarantee. | 100-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy? | From Illegal Sources. | Get a $15 discount on CrazyBulk’s Anvarol by ordering directly from the Official Website today! | Brutal Force’s Acut is now on 30% Off on the Official Website, Order Now! |
Summary & Verdict
The cutting phase is challenging as you must balance fat-burning and preserving muscle mass. It is understandable that you would wish to support your efforts with fitness aids that would help the cycle along. Andarine S4 is a SARM, and Anavar, an anabolic steroid, is often used to enhance the body’s performance during the cutting cycle. However, even a low dosage of these chemicals could result in adverse health consequences, disqualification from sporting events, and a life-long ban from competing, making these drugs rather undesirable.
Instead, we recommend that you opt for the natural alternatives developed by Crazy Bulk and Brutal Force. The fitness aids here have been clinically tested for safety and efficacy, use natural ingredients, are legal for human use, and can be used while you are competing professionally.
So, in our opinion, they are the healthier and better choice that you can adapt instead of going down the unlawful and hazardous path.
Sean Collins, a fitness mentor and NCCA personal trainer who is also a CEO of AndarineOfficial. As a personal trainer, one of the things that makes him different is that he specialize in weight loss and fat loss through exercise training rather than dieting. By combining exercise with healthy eating habits, you will see greater changes in your physique quicker than following any other guide.