Performance Stack GW-501516 & SR-9009

The Performance Stack of GW-501516 (Cardarine) and SR-9009 (Stenabolic) is a popular combination in fitness and athletic circles. This stack is designed to enhance endurance, boost fat loss, and improve overall metabolic efficiency without directly building muscle, making it ideal for athletes, runners, and those focusing on cutting or recomposition.

Overview of the Stack

GW-501516 (Cardarine)

• Mechanism: Activates PPARδ receptors, which regulate fatty acid metabolism and energy expenditure.
• Key Benefits:
  • Fat Loss: Increases fat oxidation.
  • Endurance Boost: Enhances cardiovascular performance.
  • Improved Lipid Profile: Reduces LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol.
• Dosage: 10–20 mg/day (once daily due to a ~24-hour half-life).

SR-9009 (Stenabolic)

• Mechanism: Activates REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ, influencing circadian rhythm and metabolic pathways.
• Key Benefits:
  • Increased Energy Expenditure: Boosts metabolism even at rest.
  • Enhanced Fat Loss: Promotes fat oxidation and reduces fat storage.
  • Improved Recovery: Reduces inflammation and improves muscle recovery.
  • Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Enhances wakefulness and energy levels during the day.
• Dosage: 20–40 mg/day, split into 3–4 doses (due to its short half-life of ~4–6 hours).

Synergistic Effects of the Stack

1. Fat Loss:
   • Both compounds work through complementary mechanisms to enhance fat oxidation and prevent fat accumulation.
   • GW-501516 focuses on fat metabolism during physical activity, while SR-9009 boosts basal metabolic rate even at rest.
2. Endurance and Performance:
   • GW-501516 provides significant endurance benefits, making it ideal for sustained physical performance.
   • SR-9009 adds energy and reduces fatigue, enhancing training capacity.
3. Recovery:
   • SR-9009 reduces inflammation and muscle damage post-workout, allowing for faster recovery.
4. Cardiovascular Health:
   • GW-501516 improves cholesterol profiles, while SR-9009 supports mitochondrial function for better energy production.

Dosage Protocol

• GW-501516:
  • 10–20 mg/day taken once in the morning with or without food.
• SR-9009:
  • 20–40 mg/day split into 3–4 doses every 4–6 hours for consistent blood levels.

Cycle Length: 6–8 weeks.

Potential Side Effects

GW-501516:

• Cancer Risk:
  • High-dose animal studies raised concerns about potential cancer risk, though these findings are not confirmed in humans at typical doses.
• Digestive Issues:
  • Some users report mild bloating or nausea.

SR-9009:

• Short Half-Life:
  • Requires frequent dosing, which can be inconvenient.
• Fatigue:
  • Users may experience fatigue if doses are missed due to its impact on circadian rhythm.

General Risks:

• Long-term effects are not well-studied for either compound.
• Both are banned by WADA and are for research purposes only.

Stacking Recommendations

1. Support Supplements:
   • Liver Support: While neither is directly hepatotoxic, NAC or milk thistle can be added for general health.
   • Omega-3s: To support cardiovascular health.
2. Diet and Training:
   • Optimize the stack with a high-protein diet and a calorie deficit for cutting or maintenance phases.
   • Focus on endurance-based workouts for maximal benefits.

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)

• Neither GW-501516 nor SR-9009 suppresses testosterone, so PCT is not required. However, it’s good practice to monitor overall health markers post-cycle.