It’s a good time to be an athlete. Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about how the human body works and it shows in the diverse products that people today can choose between.
The South African supplement industry is poised for serious growth right now, as it is projected to grow by 13.5% in the approaching years. SARMs are often brought up when athletes are looking into supplements that can help them perform better. But what is the state of SARMs in South Africa? We’re happy to explain.
Here’s what you should know about SARMs and whether they’re a good idea for South African athletes to explore.
What Are SARMs?
Learning about Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) will help you figure out the ins and outs of whether they’re a worthwhile investment. These are anabolic supplements that athletes are beginning to gravitate toward, particularly in the bodybuilding industry.
The main way that SARMs work is by mimicking the anabolic processes of hormones like nandrolone and testosterone. Like anything that you put into your body as an athlete, it’s important to do your research and find out the legal status and whether you can take it in your chosen sport.
What Is the Status of SARMs in South Africa?
Legally, the status of SARMs in South Africa is that they are unregulated. If you purchase and use them, there are no legal ramifications that you’ll need to worry about. While SARMs are banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), they are legal to purchase and use almost everywhere in the world.
WADA bans SARMs because of their ability to enhance your performance and that they can give you an edge. If you compete in South African sports, it’s important to find out whether your sport is governed by WADA testing or any other anti-doping testing. The last thing you’d want to do is jeopardize your ability to compete because you unknowingly took a banned substance.
What Are the Benefits of SARMs?
If you train for your own health and well-being, or if your sport doesn’t ban SARMs, there are several benefits that you will come to appreciate. Always do your research into what you put into your body so that you understand the pros and cons.
Some of the advantages that you can gain by taking SARMs include:
It Can Build Muscle Mass
Athletes always need to train their various muscle groups to make sure that they have strength and muscle composition. Using natural muscle growth enhancers can help you train your muscles and get results quicker.
People often use SARMs in conjunction with a protein supplement to build muscle mass. When you train your muscles, you’ll also have more definition and enjoy the way that your body looks. People use SARMs to go through their bulk and cut sessions, to tremendous results. Building muscle mass as part of an organized regimen, with the help of supplements, is often the best way to go about it, no matter what sport you play.
You’ll Have Better Athletic Performance
Aside from purely having more muscle, SARMs can also help you become a better athlete. This increased muscle means that you’ll generate more force. It can allow you to run faster, jump higher, and have better agility.
SARMs will also help you to have less muscle fatigue. This means that you can work harder and for longer periods of time without your body getting worn down.
When you get better athletic performance, you’re also more likely to be more physically active, which is excellent for your overall health and well-being. You can use it to have better heart health, cardiovascular endurance, and better health as a whole.
Bone Density Improvements
Bone density is also an important attribute for athletes. When your bones are denser, you’re less likely to deal with injuries that keep you out of the action. Stronger bones also support the performance of your muscles, which can allow you to become a better athlete as a whole.
Having access to supplements that grow your bone density will allow you to hold onto your durability and athleticism well into your 30s and 40s and beyond.
It’s Excellent for Muscle Definition and Appearance
If you’re interested in the cosmetic aspect of muscle growth, SARMs are an excellent investment into your body if you want your muscles to have more pop and definition.
This is crucial because plenty of athletes build strength but aren’t able to enjoy the aesthetic aspect. You will typically notice this when you’re trying to put the icing on the cake for muscle groups like biceps, triceps, quadriceps, and others. It’s part of the reason why bodybuilders are particularly fond of SARMs and the type of cosmetic improvements that you’ll be able to receive.
You Can Shred Fat
Building muscle is one thing, but SARMs are also an excellent supplement to take if you’d like to burn fat. Shredding fat is a must if you’re trying to decrease your body fat percentage. This is often the hardest part for most people, which is why six-pack abs are so rare.
Many people have layers of muscle in their abdomen, but it doesn’t show up until they get rid of the fat. Because SARMs can help increase your testosterone levels and assist you in burning fat, you’ll have an easier time in this regard. For best results, use SARMs while also switching to a diet that supports you in keeping your fat content low.
The Mental Confidence Boost
Since SARMs mimic the anabolic response of testosterone, you will also get to experience the confidence-boosting benefits that come with the territory. When your testosterone levels are high, you become less fearful and more assertive. You may notice more bass in your voice and find yourself acting with more certainty.
Aside from the natural testosterone boost, the supplement can also improve your confidence by having better performance as an athlete. When you’re able to hit your personal bests in the gym, on the track, or elsewhere, you’ll appreciate that your hard work is paying off. These benefits will carry over into your personal life and allow you to feel more comfortable in your skin, love your life, and live with an improved mood.
It Aids in Recovery
The best athletes recognize the importance of recovery. Exerting yourself is one thing, but you won’t get far without letting your body rest and recover. This is the time when your muscles break down and you can generate new muscle. This also allows your body’s natural painkillers to set in so that you get over soreness and aches.
Recovery allows you to bounce back in your field of competition so that you come back better and stronger. You’ll find yourself more limber and strong, and won’t need to spend as much time in the ice tub.
You’ll Have More Energy
It’s also critical that you take advantage of SARMs so that you can have more energy in your field of competition and in general. Fatigue is one of the biggest factors that athletes need to fight against when they’re in competition. Whether you play an individual sport or a team sport, you need to make sure that you make it to the end as fresh as possible.
When you have more energy, you can perform at your best and will be better able to retain your form and fundamentals. This will help you put more points on the board and gain an edge as a whole.
This renewed sense of energy will also carry over into your personal life. People who take SARMs will have an easier time getting out of bed in the morning and won’t feel as much of a need to grab the coffee and sugary energy drinks in the middle of the day when they experience a crash. The energy that you experience will feel more natural, allowing you to show up with more youthfulness and vitality. This itself is worth its weight in gold and is a big reason that SARMs are the supplement of choice for many.
People Report Sleep Improvements
Athletes today also understand the importance of sleep. If you’re not getting your 8+ hours of sleep each night, you’re leaving something on the table when it comes to building your body and retaining athletic performance. Thankfully, improved sleep quality is yet another important benefit that you will appreciate when you take SARMs.
People who take SARMs report that they have better and fuller sleep and find themselves restored when they awaken. Improvements in sleep will also allow you to wake up in a better mood and feeling like you can endure the stresses that come with the territory. You will be better able to find pain relief when your sleep quality improves, which also means that you will be less likely to turn to the painkillers.
It’s Great for Weight Management
Taking SARMs is also excellent for weight management as a whole. Because SARMs boost muscles and control fat content, it’ll be easier to manage your weight. This is critical if you have a certain numerical benchmark that you’re trying to hit. You will have a supplement that can promote your metabolism so that you’re less likely to put on unnecessary pounds.
This is helpful whether you’re trying to lose weight to get in shape for the season or if you want to manage your weight in the offseason.
SARMs Help with Stress-Relief
Stress adds up for human beings, but it’s particularly harmful for athletes. Athletes are already under a tremendous amount of stress due to the pressure that they face. When you take SARMs, you will notice your cortisol stress hormone levels reduce. This allows you to walk around with less overall stress, and you’ll be better able to avoid the symptoms that stress brings.
Some of these stress side effects include things like chronic pain, headaches, elevated heart rate, and other such issues. A little bit of stress is a good thing, but too much will add up and hamper your performance.
Shopping For SARMs
South African athletes might consider SARMs if they are interested in the above benefits. Once you know that these supplements are legal in your sport and you’d like to give it a try, you need to…