7 Steroids to Get Ripped

Various anabolic steroids are effective for bulking up and gaining muscle mass. However, only a few compounds are capable of burning fat and building muscle simultaneously.

Below are 7 steroids to get ripped—and the pros and cons of each.

Top 7 Steroids to Get Ripped

Anavar

Anavar (oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic steroid often used in cutting cycles to reduce fat and build muscle.

Anavar’s muscle gains will be slightly less than Winstrol’s, with fat loss being roughly equal. Anavar is more commonly utilized compared to Winstrol, which can be attributed to it being a less toxic compound and used by both sexes.

Women who take Anavar do not typically experience masculinization under our care. However, virilization is possible in large doses or excessive cycles.

Some novices may utilize an Anavar-only cycle, with it posing less toxicity than other anabolic steroids. However, Anavar still causes potentially troublesome side effects (which are detailed in the side effects section below).

One advantage of taking Anavar over Winstrol, other than fewer side effects, is increased glycogen storage inside the muscle cells. This creates a full and pumped look rather than users looking depleted. However, this effect is temporary, with glycogen levels normalizing post-cycle.

Anavar also has diuretic effects, removing extracellular fluid that obscures muscle definition.

Anavar, despite being a cutting agent, is very effective at increasing muscular strength. We have known several elite strongmen who cycle Anavar before a competition. Its strength-enhancing attributes may be due to its unique ability to shuttle ATP (an essential molecule for energy) inside the muscle cells.

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Despite Anavar being a less toxic anabolic steroid, it still produces moderate side effects in users.

The two main adverse effects we have found with Anavar are:

1. Testosterone suppression
2. Raised cholesterol

A moderate decline in testosterone levels is to be expected on Anavar. This decline commonly normalizes several weeks after a cycle. However, if a user abuses Anavar with excessive dosages, endogenous testosterone recovery is not certain.

Our lipid profiles also show cholesterol levels shifting on Anavar, with LDL levels rising. This can cause an increase in blood pressure. We have found such cardiotoxicity to warrant concern, although it is less prominent than the following steroids:

• Dianabol
• Anadrol
• Superdrol

Acne vulgaris and male pattern baldness are also possible on Anavar. A few of our female patients have noticed their menstrual cycles becoming irregular, especially on higher doses and toward the end of their cycle.

A subtle decrease in well-being can be expected among both sexes towards the end of a cycle, which is an indication of lower endogenous testosterone levels. Although testosterone levels may recover naturally, we find post-cycle therapy can aid in mood regulation.

Trenbolone

Trenbolone is an injectable steroid that dramatically improves body composition.

Its anabolic rating is 500, indicating its ability to add large amounts of lean muscle. We have seen users gain up to 20 pounds following their first trenbolone cycle.

Trenbolone’s androgenic rating is 500, making it a potent fat burner, as androgen receptors assist in stimulating lipolysis and reducing fat mass.

Trenbolone is fast-acting, capable of transforming a person’s body in a short space of time. It can be used as a bulking or cutting steroid.

Trenbolone has diuretic properties, causing extracellular water to be flushed out. This is the water that collects outside of the muscles, causing a smooth and puffy look. Thus, with this fluid removed, trenbolone users can develop a more toned and dry appearance.

We find that when someone cycles off trenbolone, they typically regain this water weight. The majority of muscle gains and fat loss may be maintained post-cycle if users continue to lift weights and eat adequate amounts of calories. Almost all muscle growth will be lost if a user discontinues weight training.

Trenbolone is not a suitable steroid for beginners. This is due to it causing significant cardiovascular strain due to an increase in cholesterol levels (LDL).

In our testing, trenbolone is not particularly liver toxic (being an injectable steroid).

However, testosterone suppression can be severe post-cycle, meaning it may take several months for natural testosterone levels to regulate. Our patients often implement post-cycle therapy following trenbolone use to restore the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis.

Trenbolone does not aromatize and cause high estrogen levels, unlike some other bulking steroids. However, gynecomastia remains possible due to trenbolone raising progesterone levels.

Acne and hair loss are other side effects we see due to trenbolone’s high androgenic rating. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also common.

Winstrol

Winstrol is an oral steroid that simultaneously builds lean muscle while reducing body fat.

Winstrol won’t build as much muscle as trenbolone. However, its fat-loss results are similar in our experience.

In terms of results, a typical Winstrol cycle would look something like Zac Efron’s transformation for Baywatch in 2017.

Zac transitioned from being lean to ripped, gaining noticeable amounts of muscle while reducing his body fat percentage and becoming more vascular.

Winstrol can be used for a lean bulk or a cutting cycle. We typically see users gain 10 pounds of muscle on Winstrol while dropping a few percentages of body fat.

Other than Winstrol being an oral steroid and not being as anabolic as trenbolone, the main other difference is that Winstrol doesn’t fill out the muscles as much. We find that users on Winstrol can sometimes look a little flat (despite building muscle), which is due to intracellular water depletion.

Winstrol is a toxic steroid, like trenbolone.

Winstrol will raise LDL cholesterol levels and spike blood pressure. We find that orals are generally worse for the heart, as they stimulate hepatic lipase, with them being processed through the liver. This has a negative effect on cholesterol, consequently impeding blood flow.

Winstrol will also raise liver enzymes notably, so shorter cycles are commonly implemented (not beyond 6–8 weeks).

We notice androgenic side effects occurring on Winstrol; thus, some hair thinning or reduction on the scalp is possible, plus acne in genetically predisposed individuals.

Winstrol is also known to occasionally cause joint pain. This can be attributed to Winstrol drying out the body, resulting in less cushion for the joints. Therefore, older bodybuilders with existing achy joints should be particularly wary of Winstrol.

Testosterone

Testosterone is the first anabolic steroid to be produced. This injectable steroid is mainly used during bulking cycles due to it adding large amounts of muscle hypertrophy and strength.

However, testosterone is also an effective fat burner, as it causes water retention due to aromatization, combined with users typically eating in a calorie surplus.

Bodybuilders who take testosterone during a cut will notice that fat loss enhances while simultaneously adding muscle size on lower calories.

Testosterone burns fat in the same way as trenbolone, with its androgenic properties stimulating lipolysis. Although testosterone is not as potent as trenbolone for burning fat, it is roughly equal in regard to muscle gains. Testosterone is notably less cardiotoxic than trenbolone.

Bodybuilders have referred to testosterone as the “safest steroid.” However, no anabolic steroids are safe when taken in supraphysiological doses and without medical guidance.

2.9% of men over the age of 40 in the U.S. are currently prescribed testosterone replacement therapy (1) to help with low testosterone symptoms such as:

• Low libido
• Weak erections
• Lack of energy
• Decreased well-being

Testosterone is likely to raise cholesterol levels and increase blood pressure. This is of particular concern to individuals with a history of reduced LDL or high HDL levels. However, in comparison to other anabolic steroids, testosterone is the least cardiotoxic based on our sphygmomanometry tests.

The higher the dose of testosterone, the larger the increase in blood pressure.

Testosterone does not notably affect the liver, with it being injected straight into the bloodstream. Thus, ALT and AST enzymes often remain stable.

Gynecomastia is a concern when cycling testosterone due to its high aromatization, meaning a significant amount of exogenous testosterone will convert into estrogen. Although not deleterious in nature, manboobs can have a negative psychological impact as well as being physically undesirable for some users.

To reduce the chances of gynecomastia occurring on testosterone, our patients regularly take a SERM such as Nolvadex.

Hair loss is possible from testosterone due to a substantial rise in DHT levels, which can lead to shrinkage and damage to hair follicles on the scalp. Generally, it is not beneficial for bodybuilders to block DHT, as it is a powerful anabolic hormone. Anecdotally, we have seen reduced DHT levels inhibit increases in muscle hypertrophy and strength.

Regular steroid cycles can result in premature hair recession or loss. However, individuals with strong genetics may not experience male pattern baldness.

Some other issues we see with testosterone are:

1. Acne
2. Oily skin
3. Prostate enlargement

One of the drawbacks to being on TRT is that endogenous testosterone levels will decrease significantly, causing testosterone dependence.

We have found Clomid, hCG, and Nolvadex to be successful PCTs following testosterone use (2) to recover the HPT axis.

Equipoise

Equipoise is used among veterinarians to stimulate appetite and bulk up horses after weight loss (3).

Equipoise can be described as a slightly stronger version of Deca Durabolin and more cost-effective. It is more androgenic than Deca, resulting in moderate lean muscle gains and some fat loss.

Thus, Equipoise is used as part of a lean bulking cycle or a cutting cycle, as it rarely causes water retention unless taken in high doses.

Like Deca Durabolin, Equipoise causes slow and steady gains; thus, cycles can be lengthy (lasting 8+ weeks).

Equipoise is a beneficial addition to most stacks as it will enhance results. However, someone looking for dramatic results would rarely take it by itself.

In terms of getting ripped, Equipoise is most effective with non-aromatizing steroids, such as:

• Trenbolone
• Anavar
• Winstrol

This is due to aromatizing compounds obscuring Equipoise’s positive effects on muscle definition.

We have found Equipoise (boldenone) to be one of the least toxic steroids, inducing mild cardiotoxicity. Equipoise aromatizes, albeit not to a high level, thus offering some protection to HDL cholesterol levels, keeping them relatively high.

Equipoise poses little risk to the liver, being an injectable.

However, testosterone suppression is almost certain post-cycle, and some androgenic side effects may also occur, such as:

• Enlarged prostate
• Oily skin
• Hair thinning or loss (on the scalp)

We have not found Equipoise to be exceptionally androgenic, so these side effects won’t be to the extent of testosterone, for example.

We regard Equipoise as one of the least deleterious steroids to get ripped, alongside Anavar and testosterone.

Primobolan

Primobolan was believed to have been used by Arnold Schwarzenegger when cutting to help him get ripped for a competition.

Primobolan comes in oral or injectable form and is usually stacked with other dry steroids, such as trenbolone, to enhance its effects.

Primobolan is not exceptionally anabolic, so muscle gains are likely to be modest (up to 10 lbs).

Primobolan by itself will not get someone ripped; however, it’s a beneficial addition to any cutting stack due to its mild toxicity.

Primobolan is not overly androgenic, so fat loss is not going to be dramatic. Thus, Primobolan is more commonly utilized to modestly accelerate fat-burning while trying to preserve muscle and strength on lower calories.

Primobolan is similar to Anavar in regard to its side effect severity, posing notably less toxicity compared to steroids such as Anadrol, trenbolone, and Winstrol.

In both injectable and oral form, Primobolan presents some liver toxicity based on our LFTs. However, as it’s not C-17 alpha-alkylated, its oral pharmacology is unique. Thus, it causes notably less hepatotoxicity than other orals such as Dianabol or Anadrol.

Primobolan is somewhat androgenic (roughly half of testosterone), so oily skin, acne, and hair loss are possible.

Primobolan does not aromatize, so gynecomastia or water retention are unlikely to be an issue.

Primobolan will raise LDL cholesterol levels. We typically record mild increases in blood pressure, which are usually less than with other steroids. In our experience, Primobolan causes negative cholesterol alterations a little more than testosterone and Deca Durabolin.

Primobolan will decrease endogenous testosterone levels notably, yet we have found it to be the least suppressive anabolic steroid. Thus, a PCT remains likely necessary.

Proviron

Proviron (mesterolone) is a potent oral steroid that has the following benefits:

• Highly androgenic
• Doesn’t convert to estrogen
• Enhances the power of other steroids

Its potent androgenic properties stimulate fat loss when cutting while reducing water levels due to it antagonizing the aromatase enzyme.

We find Proviron has a high affinity for binding to SHBG, meaning it can effectively free up more active testosterone (4); thus, when it’s stacked with other anabolic steroids, their effects are enhanced.

This effect is why Proviron is nicknamed “the wingman” steroid. It was believed to have been used during the Golden Era of bodybuilding.

Many anabolic steroids are associated with an increased risk of infertility. However, Proviron induces positive effects on sperm quantity and quality.

Proviron can suppress total testosterone levels (5) in moderate doses (70 mg+/day). However, this decline is more acute compared to other steroidal compounds.

Proviron, due to it being an oral steroid and failing to convert into estrogen, results in significant increases in total cholesterol (with HDL levels decreasing and LDL levels spiking). Thus, we see Proviron causing notable increases in blood pressure (6). Consequently, stacking it with oral steroids can pose cardiac issues.

Sample Cycles

The steroid cycles below are used by bodybuilders with the intention of getting ripped. We have divided them based on the different preferences of users:

1. Orals-only
2. Maximum gains
3. Minimal side effects
4. Female-friendly

Orals-Only

These cycles are suitable for someone who wants to get ripped but doesn’t want to inject.

There are four oral steroids on our list:

1. Anavar
2. Winstrol
3. Primobolan
4. Proviron

Anavar and Winstrol

Anavar and Winstrol are taken to create a dry and vascular physique. However, Winstrol will cause elevated LDL cholesterol levels (7), increases in blood pressure, while straining the liver and shutting down testosterone.

This cycle combines a milder anabolic and a harsh one, yet it produces beneficial outcomes in terms of anabolism and reduced fat mass.

Primobolan and Anavar

This is a mild oral cycle that will result in moderate fat loss and muscle gains.

This stack is the least toxic duo for cutting. However, it is likely to cause moderate testosterone suppression (8) and increased cholesterol. In our experience, Primobolan and Anavar are costly compounds.

Proviron and Winstrol

We have found this to be the most efficacious oral cycle for getting ripped. Proviron will enhance Winstrol’s anabolic effects while increasing androgenicity further, aiding fat loss.

Both of these steroids are fast-acting, causing visual changes to body composition, specifically in regard to body fat, in the first few days of supplementation.

The downside to this cycle is that it is particularly cardiotoxic, with blood pressure rising considerably. Users can incorporate regular cardiovascular exercise into their schedule to reduce cardiac strain. We have found that 4 g/day of fish oil and a diet high in unsaturated fat or low in saturated fat are optimal for improved cholesterol levels. However, such methods are not guaranteed to normalize blood pressure completely from this stack.

Maximum Gains

These cycles are only typically utilized by seasoned steroid users who have developed tolerance to toxic steroids and are attempting to drop their body fat quickly.

Winstrol and Trenbolone

Severe adverse effects are common from this stack, with cholesterol levels potentially rising to high levels.

Prostate enlargement is common, with increased difficulty urinating. Testosterone suppression is also likely to be significant, requiring a diligent PCT.

Note: Some experienced bodybuilders add Proviron to the above cycle at 50 mg/day, which increases the anabolic nature of this cycle while accelerating fat loss. However, Proviron is likely to exacerbate blood pressure, and thus we consider Winstrol/trenbolone/Proviron to be a deleterious cycle.

Minimal Side Effect Cycles

Anavar

This cycle is common among novices, starting with a conservative 15 mg/day dose and lasting 6 weeks. We see more experienced steroid users take 20 mg/day for 8 weeks.

The main notable side effects are likely to be testosterone suppression and cholesterol alterations. Due to its less harsh nature, our patients have described Anavar as one of the “best steroids to get ripped” based on its gains vs. side effects profile.

Primobolan

Note: The dose in the above cycle is based on oral Primobolan (methenolone acetate).

Alternatively, injectable Primobolan (enanthate) is sometimes used and is typically dosed at around 300 mg/week.

Female-Friendly

Anavar (Females)

Lower doses of Anavar are utilized by females compared to men to reduce the risk of virilization. For more experienced women, Anavar cycles may start at 10 mg/day and extend to 6 weeks.

This cycle will result in significant fat loss, noticeable lean muscle, and strength gains.

Primobolan (Females)

Several of our female patients have reported using the above cycle when taking oral Primobolan.

A Primobolan-only cycle will produce similar results to an Anavar-only cycle. Moderate muscle gains and notable fat-loss gains can be expected. Some women may increase their dosage to above 75 mg per day; however, we find that going beyond this increases the risk of virilization.

This is a standard cycle we see among women for reducing the risk of masculinization.

Females stacking Primobolan with Winstrol or trenbolone for further results may result in virilizing effects. We have seen women stack Primobolan with Anavar; however, cautious doses are often taken to avoid masculinization.

Summary

We asked our patients what the “best steroids to get ripped” are and received different answers.

There are various steroids that can be taken to achieve this goal; however, each has its own pros and cons.

For users that are not concerned about their health, trenbolone and Winstrol may produce the best results.

However, users who want to minimize side effects may take Anavar and Primobolan due to their decreased toxicity. Yet they are more expensive options.

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