You’ve probably stumbled upon this article as a result of your interest in SARMs for CrossFit.
Whether you’re searching for a way to improve your WODs (workouts of the day) or if you simply want to learn more about the history of SARMs in CrossFit, you’ve come to the right place.
This write-up will go through the following topics:
- Are SARMs allowed in CrossFit
- The history of drug testing for SARMs in CrossFit
- How does CrossFit test for SARMs
- Which SARMs are the best for CrossFit
- Famous CrossFitters that got caught using SARMs
- Should CrossFit athletes be allowed to use SARMs
- Where to buy SARMs For CrossFit
For the purposes of this article, we’ll also include Stenabolic, Cardarine and Ibutamoren into the fray, as well as SERMs such as Tamoxifen Citrate, since their usage is so commonly tied to SARMs.
Are SARMs Allowed In CrossFit
Since this is the burning question on everyone’s mind, I’ll answer it first.
No, SARMs are not allowed in CrossFit, they are a prohibited substance for which you can get disqualified and banned for a set period of years from CrossFit events, depending on the severity of the breach.
In accordance to the official CrossFit Rulebook of 2021, the following substances are forbidden:
- Anti-Estrogens (Nolvadex, Clomid…)
- Peptides (TB 500, BPC 157…)
- Diuretics (Lasix, Demadex…)
- Stimulants (Procentra, Vyvanse…)
- Beta-2 Agonists (Cardarine, Yutopar…)
- Beta Blockers (Sectral, Tenormin…)
- Anabolic Agents (SARMs, steroids…)
- Street Drugs (Cocaine, meth…)
As you can see, it’s not that the company behind CrossFit has it out for SARMs, but they are striving to create a competitive environment where talent and hard work are the only two factors that matter.
The History of Drug Testing For SARMs In CrossFit
The CrossFit Games are an annual competition that first started in 2007.
The first few years were uneventful, with little-to-no cash rewards and brittle competition. In fact, the company was so desperate for participants, they literally allowed anyone to join, as long as they made it to the venue.
As the CrossFit Games grew, year by year, so did more athletes join in the fun.
By 2011, the Games had partnered with Reebok, which made the total cash price for the first place jump from a measly 25.000$ to 250.000$, a tenfold increase.
It was exactly at this point that CrossFit started taking measures to prevent the usage of any drugs thought to improve physical (or mental) condition.
This was the end of the line for SARMs and any other PEDs. You will see why in the next chapter.
How Does CrossFit Test For SARMs
Before you’re even allowed to participate in the main event, you first have to go through the Regionals and qualify there.
This is an important fact to consider, as the team behind CrossFit has a very intricate drug testing process up their sleeves.
The first way athletes get tested is while on any competition sanctioned by CrossFit.
The test can happen at any event, even a Regional consisting of a few dozen participants.
Not everyone gets tested, it’s determined at random so if you’re an athlete on something, you can count on some luck to get you through the test.
Even if you’re born under a lucky star, it’s not very likely that you’ll get far.
You see, the second way they test athletes happens out of competition. As long as you have signed their consent form, they can test you at any time, during the entire year, whenever they please.
This is a bit excessive, but is a necessary precaution taken by CrossFit in order to ensure that the games are fair.
There is a lot of cash involved and it wouldn’t be fair if someone on juice could just sweep the competition.
Top 4 Best SARMs For CrossFit
Considering that CrossFit is a combination of many different physical exercises that require a lot of energy, endurance, and strength, we can safely assume that most SARMs would be a good fit for the average CrossFitter.
However, there are a few SARMs in particular (including compounds commonly stacked with SARMs) that are a cut above the edge when it comes to CrossFit.
They are:
RAD 140 (Testolone)
The great thing about RAD 140 is that it bestows the user with a lot of strength, which helps in the bodybuilding aspect of CrossFit.
Not only that, but the energy, rage, and aggression you get from RAD 140 help you push through your limits, allowing you to outperform yourself during a competition.
Last but not least, if you take normal dosages, you will not even have to do PCT, which makes it an even better choice as you don’t have to imbue anti-estrogens, which are an additional way to get caught during an event.
Learn more about this potent SARM by reading my RAD 140 review.
Ostarine (MK-2866)
Ostarine is mild, safe, and effective. It’s the most popular SARM out there.
CrossFitters require nimble and sturdy bodies, which is something Ostarine helps with immensely. But how?
It all has to do with the ability of Ostarine to aid in bone formation while increasing bone strength. Not only that, but it also helps with the formation of lean muscle mass.
Most importantly, you don’t need to do PCT for Ostarine, which is an additional plus.
Interested in more info about Ostarine? Check out my Ostarine review.
Cardarine (GW-501516)
There probably isn’t a better compound on the planet right now when it comes to HIIT training, which is an essential part of CrossFit.
Cardarine increases your endurance like no other compound and it bestows you with almost limitless energy.
Cardarine isn’t androgenic, so PCT is not needed.
This compound does a bit more than just boost endurance. Learn all about its benefits in my Cardarine review.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Last but not least, MK-677 is a great compound for joint healing.
Injuries are a very common concern among CrossFit enthusiasts and Ibutamoren can offset or delay injuries to your joints thanks to its amazing healing properties.
MK-677 doesn’t affect the endocrine system, so PCT is unnecessary.
MK-677 also has some side effects to its name, find out how to combat them by going through my MK-677 review.
Famous CrossFitters That Got Caught Using SARMs
The most famous case is definitely the one of Ricky Garard, who in 2017 finished in 3rd place in the CrossFit Games, netting himself a nice cash prize of 76.000$.
A subsequent drug test has shown Ricky to be positive for Testolone (RAD 140) and Cardarine (GW 501506).
This case is special as it was the first time a top-ranking athlete had failed a drug test, at least that’s what the official CrossFit website states.
Moving on, another interesting incident happened at the 2019 CrossFit Games to Katie Trombetta, the 44th ranked individual. She had been subjected to a drug test in the middle of the Games, which she failed, as traces of Ostarine and Cardarine had been found.
She was barred from competing for four years.
There are a few more cases, mainly of people using compounds similar to Cardarine, but the two above are the most popular ones.
Should CrossFit Athletes Be Allowed To Use SARMs
Let’s stop kidding ourselves, the widespread usage of SARMs and other anabolic agents in CrossFit is no secret.
The main reason why there haven’t been as many incidents regarding SARMs and CrossFit is because they have a very controversial drug policy.
According to the policy, it’s up to the company’s volition whether they will announce positive test results.
This means that they could technically be shielding athletes on SARMs, which I’m not implying to be the case, this is all just an observation.
This brings us to the case of Rich Froning Jr. and Mathew Fraser, the former winning four consecutive Games in a row, the latter five Games in a row.
Imagine the shock, horror, and negative media attention if any of them were to test positive for any prohibited drug. It would be a disaster for the company.
These two didn’t just win the Games, they dominated them, which is very suspicious.
The reason why I’m mentioning all of this is because I believe that everyone should be allowed to use PEDs, regardless of their status in the Games, so long they are not damaging to the end user.
Imagine if several monsters such as Dimitry Klokov joined the Games, it would be so much fun to watch and I’m sure that viewership would go up…
Where to Buy SARMs For CrossFit
I’ve studied SARMs for more than half a decade.
In that time frame, I had the pleasure (or misfortune) of testing hundreds of SARM vendors.
Only five of them have managed to pass my rigorous testing methods.
Have a look at my recommended SARM companies to learn the names of these five vendors!
Conclusion
SARMs for CrossFit are still illegal, so it’s best to stay clear of them if you’re a competing athlete.
Even though SARMs help athletes immensely with their workouts, it’s better not to risk the shame and humiliation of getting caught.
However, if you’re not competing and just doing CrossFit as a hobby, there is no reason why you can’t combine the two.
Remember to stay safe!
