Stacking SARMs: The ultimate guide

What is stacking?

Within the context of bodybuilding, stacking refers to the practice of combining multiple steroids, as well as peptides, and SARMs. The idea behind stacking SARMs is that the different kinds interact to produce a greater effect. When you combine multiple SARMs, you get the benefit that the compounds complement each other, in order to achieve better results in a shorter amount of time.

In this guide, we’re going to cover some of the best SARMs for bulking, cutting and recomp (recomposition). We will also discuss a number of popular SARM stacks can be stacked, in order to maximize the results.

What is the best SARM stack?

To determine what the best SARM stack is, it is important to define a goal. If you want a stack that is optimal for bulking purposes, you need a different combination than a SARM stack that is optimal for cutting. In conclusion, the goal that you want to achieve will determine what the best SARM stack is.

In this article we will cover the best SARM stacks for bulking, cutting as well as strength.

Best SARMs for bulking

Let’s start by pointing out that all SARMs can be used for bulking because they all have anabolic properties. With that being said, there are 4 in particular that are optimal for gaining mass.

1. Testolone (RAD-140)

RAD 140, also known as Testolone, is widely considered the strongest SARM available for sheer size and strength gains. This compound is mainly used for bulking and is often stacked with LGD-4033 and/or MK-677. RAD-140 is known to produce a rapid increase in lean muscle mass, while improving stamina and endurance.

2. Ligandrol (LGD-4033)

LGD 4033, or Ligandrol, is a great choice for a bulking cycle because it is very effective at increasing muscle mass. The gains that most body builders get from Ligandrol often exceed those of RAD 140, although they generally aren’t as lean or dry in comparison. Ligandrol drastically increases protein synthesis, glycogen storage, and blood flow. 

3. Ibutamoren (MK-677)

It is commonly known that bodybuilders, besides anabolic steroids, also use human growth hormone to pack on insane amounts of size and strength. While HGH is extremely effective, the problem is that it’s also extremely expensive and needs to be injected frequently. MK 677 is your ticket to a drastic increase in HGH because It is an oral solution that produces the same exact spike of growth hormone that real HGH does. It’s a fraction of the price as well. MK 677 has the added benefit of promoting quality sleep and also giving you better hair, skin, and nails.

4. Myostatin inhibitor (YK-11)

YK-11 is the fourth SARM that is excellent for bulking. YK-11 is somewhat unusual because it is the only SARM of the newer generation with a steroidal molecular structure. It is closely related to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which is a synthetic androgenic anabolic steroid. Similar to its steroid cousin, YK 11 acts as a potent myostatin inhibitor.

SARM stacks for bulking

Bulking stack: RAD-140/LGD-4033

Combining RAD-140 (Testolone) with LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) creates a potent stack for anyone aiming to maximize muscle size and strength in a short timeframe. Both are powerful SARMs, but their effects complement each other in unique ways, making this pairing a favorite among advanced users.

RAD-140 is known for delivering explosive power and noticeable improvements in workout intensity. It promotes dense, dry muscle mass and enhances performance without water retention, helping users look harder and more vascular.

LGD-4033, on the other hand, is ideal for putting on clean size. It supports steady gains in lean muscle tissue and accelerates post-training recovery, allowing for more frequent and intense sessions. It also has a reputation for increasing endurance and reducing muscle fatigue.

Together, this stack amplifies results beyond what either compound can do alone. RAD-140 drives strength and aggression in the gym, while LGD-4033 builds a solid foundation of quality mass. The result is a well-rounded, performance-enhancing cycle suitable for both bulking and recomping.

An eight-week cycle of this bulking stack may look as follows:

Advanced bulking stack: RAD-140/LGD-4033/MK-677

For experienced fitness enthusiasts looking to take their progress to the next level, stacking LGD-4033 (Ligandrol), RAD-140 (Testolone), and MK-677 (Ibutamoren) offers a powerful combination that simultaneously targets multiple performance goals: muscle growth, strength gains, recovery, fat loss, and improved sleep. Each compound plays a unique role, and when used together, their synergistic effects can produce exceptional results.

1. LGD-4033 – Lean Muscle and Strength

LGD-4033 is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) known for its muscle-building potential. It binds selectively to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue, promoting anabolic activity without the harsh side effects associated with traditional steroids. Users typically report lean gains of 5–10 lbs within a cycle, along with noticeable strength increases and faster recovery times between workouts.

2. RAD-140 – Aggressive Strength and Hardness

RAD-140 is among the most potent SARMs for pure strength and muscle density. It provides a more “dry” gain than LGD-4033, helping users achieve that hard, vascular look. RAD-140 also has neuroprotective properties and can support testosterone levels during a cycle, which helps maintain energy, libido, and mental sharpness. When stacked with LGD-4033, the two create a complementary effect—one promoting lean mass, the other reinforcing strength and muscle definition.

3. MK-677 – Recovery, Sleep, and GH Boost

MK-677 is not a SARM but a growth hormone secretagogue. It stimulates the ghrelin receptor and elevates endogenous growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. This results in improved recovery, better skin elasticity, joint repair, and deeper, more restorative sleep. Additionally, MK-677 enhances appetite and can support the bulking phase by promoting nutrient absorption and muscle fullness.

An eight-week cycle of this advanced bulking stack may look as follows:

Best SARMs for cutting

In bodybuilding, cutting is the process where the aim Is to get lean. In summary, the goal is to lose as much body fat as possible without sacrificing muscle mass. To achieve this goal, a caloric deficit is required. While most SARMs can help to establish this goal, there a number of SARMs that are perfect for this purpose.

1. GW-501516 Cardarine

Cardarine, also known as GW-501516, or Endurobol is an excellent choice for any cutting cycle. This compound is not a SARM but a PPAR receptor agonist. The most important effects of Cardarine include increased fat burning, improved endurance as well as stamina.

2. MK 2866 Ostarine

MK 2866 is the most well-known, as well as the most popular SARM currently on the market. It is also the most well-researched, safest, and mildest SARM around. MK2866 has strong anti-catabolic properties, which is exactly what you need while cutting.

SARMs stacks for cutting

Cutting stack: MK-2866/GW-501516

Stacking MK-2866 (Ostarine) with GW-501516 (Cardarine) is popular for athletes and bodybuilders who want to cut body fat while preserving muscle mass. This SARM stack is highly effective for body recomposition, delivering a leaner, more defined physique without the harsh side effects of traditional fat burners or anabolic steroids.

MK-2866 is a mild SARM known for maintaining muscle during a calorie deficit. It supports nitrogen retention and muscle preservation, which is crucial when dieting. Users typically notice reduced soreness, improved recovery, and a fuller look to the muscles even when losing fat.

GW-501516 works through a completely different pathway, activating the PPARδ receptor to boost endurance, fat oxidation, and overall cardiovascular performance. It helps the body burn fat more efficiently while increasing stamina, making it easier to push through long cardio sessions or high-rep workouts.

Together, this stack offers a clean, sustainable approach to cutting. MK-2866 protects hard-earned muscle, while GW-501516 accelerates fat loss and improves workout output. The result is a tighter, more athletic look without extreme dieting or stimulant-based supplements. This stack is also non-suppressive for most users, making it beginner-friendly and ideal for spring and summer shred cycles.

An eight-week cycle of this cutting stack may look as follows:

Advanced cutting stack: MK-2866/GW-501516/S-4

For those aiming to sculpt a lean, defined physique without sacrificing strength or muscle mass, stacking MK-2866 (Ostarine), GW-501516 (Cardarine), and S-4 (Andarine) offers a highly effective, synergistic cutting cycle. This trio targets fat loss, endurance, and muscle preservation from multiple angles, making it a go-to stack for body recomposition and athletic conditioning.

MK-2866 supports lean muscle maintenance during a caloric deficit. It helps prevent catabolism, allowing users to hold onto muscle even in an aggressive cut. It’s also known for aiding joint health and speeding up recovery—key benefits when training volume is high.

GW-501516 dramatically boosts endurance and fat metabolism. By activating PPARδ pathways, it enhances the body’s ability to use fat as fuel. This means longer, more intense cardio sessions and increased daily energy expenditure, without the use of stimulants.

S-4 adds a finishing touch to the stack. It promotes hard, dry muscle gains and sharpens overall muscular definition. It’s especially valued for enhancing vascularity and giving the physique a more “chiseled” appearance.

Combined, this SARMs stack for cutting is ideal for individuals looking to shed fat while staying strong, defined, and energized. With minimal water retention and a focus on performance and aesthetics, it’s a powerful choice for getting lean while preserving athletic form.

An eight-week cycle of this advanced cutting stack might look like this:

It is important to buy these products from a reputable source in order to get the correct dosage.

Post Cycle Therapy after running a SARM stack

Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is crucial after running an SARMs stack, even though SARMs are often marketed as “milder” alternatives to anabolic steroids. Compounds like RAD-140, LGD-4033, and S-4 can still suppress your body’s natural testosterone production. Without proper recovery support, this suppression can lead to low testosterone levels, resulting in fatigue, muscle loss, low libido, mood swings, and long-term hormonal imbalances.

Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that’s specifically designed to stimulate endogenous testosterone production by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Unlike older options like Clomid, Enclomiphene has fewer side effects while maintaining high efficacy. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, which causes an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)—two key hormones that signal the testes to resume testosterone production.

Using Enclomiphene after a SARMs cycle helps your hormones return to baseline faster, preserving the gains you’ve made during the cycle and reducing the risk of post-cycle crashes. Skipping PCT may undo your progress and leave you feeling worse than before. If you’re serious about long-term results and hormonal health, a proper PCT is not optional—it’s part of doing things the right way.

Frequently asked questions