The use of performance-enhancing drugs or PEDs is a growing trend amongst novice and experienced bodybuilders looking to run a bulking, cutting or performance-enhancing program. While androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) have long been the go-to PED for bodybuilders of the past and present, this trend has shifted a bit with the emergence of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs).
The reason for this is the general opinion amongst bodybuilders that SARMs are not as suppressive and as harmful as AAS while still offering significant bodybuilding gains. The problem with this widely held opinion is that it is highly subjective.
For starters, there are many types of SARMs with varying levels of potency. Also, people tend to react differently to using SARMs due to a host of reasons including their genetics, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), current health status and so on. These factors can contribute to the suppressive nature or otherwise of SARMs.
But there is one popular SARM that is fast becoming a firm favourite of beginner, intermediate and advanced level bodybuilders alike and this SARM is RAD 140 (Testolone).
RAD 140 is a highly potent SARM that offers users a balance between their need for bulking, cutting and enhanced endurance levels during strength training. However, Testolone is a SARM that is well-known for its suppression of natural testosterone levels in users. As a result of this suppression, RAD 140 users are required to observe a post-cycle therapy (PCT) protocol after a Testolone cycle.
In this RAD 140 cycle and PCT guide for beginners, we reveal all you need to know about Testolone including the bodybuilding benefits of RAD 140, and the recommended cycle, dosage and PCT plan for beginners.
But first, we begin with a quick overview of how SARMs function and why they are different from AAS.
I. How do SARMs Function and how do they differ from AAS?
Selective androgen receptor modulators or SARMs function by binding to a specific targeted androgen in your body, for example, your skeletal muscle tissues.
Similar to androgenic-anabolic steroids or AAS, SARMs like RAD 140 will help boost your exogenous testosterone levels, build muscle tissue, and enhance your overall performance.
The main difference between SARMs and AAS lies in the delivery of the active compound in the body. While SARMs target and bind to specific androgens in the body, mainly skeletal muscle and bone, AAS is not so specific and can bind to a large number of androgens found in all parts of the body including the prostate gland and liver.
The danger of not targeting specific androgen in the body is that anabolic steroid users are exposed to a greater risk of side effects from their steroid use. On the other hand, by only targeting specific androgens, SARMs like RAD 140 offer fewer side effects in comparison to AAS.
II. What Exactly is RAD 140 (Testolone)?
RAD 140 otherwise referred to as Testolone 140 or simply Testolone, is one of the more popular SARMs available for bodybuilders wishing to improve their athletic performance and physique with both bulking and cutting gains.
RAD 140 comes with a high anabolic to androgenic ratio making it a highly potent bodybuilding SARM. Bodybuilders primarily run a RAD 140 cycle to stimulate fat loss while at the same time promoting lean muscle mass and strength gains.
In addition to this, many bodybuilders prefer cycling Testolone instead of running a traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) because RAD 140 will only bind with the androgen receptors of your skeletal muscle tissue and bone, unlike exogenous Testosterone steroids.
III. The Bodybuilding Benefits of Testolone 140
RAD 140 offers bodybuilders three main benefits, namely;
#1. Lean Muscle Mass Gains
RAD 140 will stimulate the synthesis of both T4 and T1NH proteins in your skeletal muscle tissues. This is important, as the protein synthesis promotes the quick healing of your skeletal muscles from micro-tears incurred during your strength training and the fast recovery of your muscle tissues will stimulate the growth of lean muscle mass.
#2. Improved Athletic Performance
Testolone will increase your exogenous testosterone levels to boost your energy levels. RAD 140 will also stimulate red blood cell production which leads to a greater amount of oxygenated blood flowing throughout your body.
This will improve your endurance and stamina while also reducing the rate at which lactic acid accumulates in your skeletal muscle tissues during your weight training. Lactic acid buildup is notorious for causing muscle fatigue during strength training.
Also, RAD 140 will boost your metabolic rate which leads to the optimal use of your energy stores and the improvement of your athletic performance.
You will in effect be able to spend more time engaged in your daily weight training routine, as RAD 140 increases your energy levels while also shortening your recovery time.
#3. Quicker Body Fat Loss
With your metabolic rate increased when you use RAD 140, your core temperature will rise (thermogenesis) causing your body to respond by increasing your level of perspiration. Your sweat glands work overtime to help your body attain homeostasis by staying cool.
However, the fluctuations in your core body temperature with the heating and sweat-cooling effects will lead to quick lipolysis or fat burning.
IV. Recommended RAD 140 Cycle and Dosage Plan
If you are cycling Testolone 140 for the first time, we recommend a conservative RAD 140 cycle and dosage plan.
To this end, you should take anywhere from 10 to 20 mg of Testolone daily over a 6 to 9-week period. It may interest you to note that a low RAD 140 dosage plan does not hinder you from achieving your bodybuilding goals because Testolone 140 is a potent SARM that binds specifically to the androgen receptor of your skeletal muscle.
The best time of the day to take RAD 140 is in the morning and not before bedtime. As mentioned earlier, RAD 140 will raise your metabolic rate which can lead to an increased heart rate and even hunger pangs that can disrupt your sleep if taken at night time and just before you go to bed.
So take RAD 140 in the morning before you hit the gym for your regular workout regimen.
Note that this orally administered PED has a half-life of around 20 hours which means that the active compound of RAD 140 is eliminated from your body within 24 hours of your last dosage.
V. RAD 140 PCT Protocol
Considering that RAD 140 has a half-life of just around 20 hours, you should start your PCT protocol within 24 to 48 hours of your last Testolone dosage.
Typically, your RAD 140 PCT protocol should run for between 4 to 6 weeks and you should take a selective endrogen receptor modulator or SERM like Clomid (not more than 25mg per day) or Nolvadex (not more than 20mg daily) during this time. SERMs will help to kickstart and boost the natural production of your testosterone which was suppressed during your use of RAD 140.
It is also worth noting that Testolone is metabolized by your liver, so using liver protection like LIV-52, TUDCA, Samarin, and n2Guard during your RAD 140 cycle should suffice.
VI. Expected Results from RAD 140
You can expect to gain anywhere from 8 to 15 pounds (lbs) of lean skeletal muscle mass during your first RAD 140 cycle.
However, you should know that while RAD 140 can promote lean muscle mass gains, you need to support your cycle with a good dietary plan and structured strength training program.
VII. Possible Side Effects from Cycling RAD 140
The level of suppression of Testolone may not be comparable to that of anabolic steroids like Testosterone and Trenbolone, but that does not mean that the suppression of your endogenous testosterone by RAD 140 will not cause you to experience some side effects.
Potential side effects from cycling RAD 140 include:
- Migraines and headaches,
- Acne,
- Nausea,
- Hair loss,
- Restlessness,
- Aggression, and
- Hormonal imbalance.
Conclusion
As you can see, RAD 140 offers you the chance to boost your endurance levels, shed body fat and gain lean muscle mass quickly and at the same time. Testolone can cause suppression of your endogenous testosterone production, but not as much as anabolic steroids.
Some bodybuilders have claimed to not implement a PCT protocol after their Testolone cycle and they have no issues, as their natural testosterone levels come back to normal.
However, to be on the safe side, you should have your PCT protocol mapped out before you even begin your RAD 140 cycle.
If you want free coaching on how to go about running a RAD 140 cycle and drawing up a PCT protocol that would be designed just for you, contact us today.