Ostarine and Cardarine are two popular SARMs that are known for shredding off excess fat, helping to build lean muscle mass, and improving muscle strength in just a few weeks.
But, which of these selective androgen receptor modulators is better? Which one is better for putting on muscle mass, and which is better for shredding body fat?
In today's article, we'll cover:
- Which is Better for Endurance
- Which is Better for Weight Loss
- Which is Better for Muscle Growth
- Which is Better for Strength
- …and more
So, if you want to discover the pros and cons of these SARMs, which to use to combat muscle loss on a cut, which to use to get more energy, and everything else, then keep on reading.
Side-by-Side Comparison
First off, it's important to note that no SARM is inherently “better” than another. Each SARM specializes in its own unique thing. Some are better for fat burning, others are better for enhancing protein synthesis, and still others are better to prevent muscle wasting.
The best SARM will vary depending on what your individual goal is. Overall, if your goal is endurance, go with Cardarine. If you want lean muscle mass, go with Ostarine.
Cardarine is easily one of the best SARMs for endurance, whereas Ostarine is moreso a great cutting SARM that will help you burn fat and avoid muscle wasting while on a cut.
That being said, I'm going to quickly highlight the differences between Cardarine GW 501516 and Ostarine MK 2866 so you can make the decision for yourself.
Cardarine (GW-501516)
Benefits:
- Drastically Enhances Endurance
- Encourages Fat Loss
- Improves Blood Circulation
- Protects Against Liver Damage
- Improves Energy Levels
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels
- Doesn't Require A PCT
Drawbacks:
- May Lower HDL Cholesterol
- Not the Best for Muscle Growth
Overall, Cardarine really excels when it comes to endurance. If you're a long distance runner, or even a short distance runner, or if your athletic performance depends on endurance, Cardarine GW 501516 is absolutely the way to go.
Ostarine (MK-2866)
Benefits:
- Grows New Muscle Cells
- Shreds Off Body Fat
- High Anabolic Activity
- Avoids Non Skeletal Muscle Tissue
- Builds Lean Muscle Mass
- Improves Strength & Power
- Great for Cutting & Weight Loss
Drawbacks:
- Potential Joint Pain
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Requires PCT
Overall, Ostarine is a phenomenal SARM to create anabolic activity in the body and encourage the growth of new muscle tissue, muscle cells, and to encourage fat burning in the body.
It's not as good as Cardarine at improving endurance, but it is vastly superior when it comes to packing on muscle mass. If you're trying to enhance muscle growth, go with Ostarine.
Ostarine vs Cardarine
Like I said, many bodybuilders use both Ostarine and Cardarine on a cutting stack, because they work well together to deliver very promising results for muscle growth and weight loss.
In fact, we have a whole guide to the Ostarine and Cardarine stack if you want to read it. The Ostarine and Cardarine stack is a phenomenal cutting stack to shred excess fat and also pack on at least 10-15 pounds of lean mass over the course of 2-3 months.
Which is Better for Endurance?
If you want to know which is better for endurance, it's Cardarine by a long shot. While Ostarine is great for packing on lean mass, and burning fat, Cardarine REALLY excels when it comes to improving your endurance.
In fact, one study found that taking Cardarine will literally improve your endurance by 216% within the first 24-48 hours of administration. That's because Cardarine is not a selective androgen receptor modulator, but rather a PPAR Delta Receptor agonist.
This means it works in a much different way, so while people still throw it in with other SARMs, technically it has a different mechanism of action that focuses on cardio.
Which is Better for Fat Loss?
Ostarine and Cardarine will both help with weight loss and burning body fat, but when it comes to a cutting phase and really shredding off body fat, Ostarine is the king.
My first Ostarine cycle, even though I ate more calories than ever before, I didn't end up adding fat, I ended up LOSING fat, and I managed to also pack on many pounds of muscle mass while being able to lose body fat at the same time.
In short, Ostarine will help you burn fat, build muscle, and avoid muscle wasting on a cutting phase. It's probably my favorite cutting SARM, especially when paired with RAD 140.
Which is Better for Muscle Mass?
Once again, Ostarine reigns supreme here. Most users who end up taking Ostarine will pack on at least 2-3 pounds of muscles in the first week or so, when taken within the recommended dosage of around 10-25mg/day.
These two SARMs both act like mild anabolic steroids, in that they will both encourage weight loss, and more protein synthesis (which leads to the development and growth of muscles).
Which is Better for Strength?
If you want to increase strength, you should absolutely buy Ostarine instead of Cardarine. Don't get me wrong – I love Cardarine. It will give you better endurance than you've ever had in your entire life, especially if you're stacking Cardarine with SR9009 or another SARM.
But, if your goal is muscles and building strength, Ostarine is the way to go.
Conclusion
Either of these SARMs are great for cutting cycles. They both have a short half life, which means they get into your body and start acting quickly. I have personally used both Ostarine and Cardarine to achieve my health goals many times.
Of course, they both have certain side effects to be aware of, but nothing that you can't avoid and counteract with a good diet, the right supplements, and an informed decision.
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