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For many years, Tadalafil (Cialis) has been proven to treat men with erectile dysfunction (1). The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor works by increasing the blood flow into the penis, causing an erection.
But Cialis is also now becoming popular for bodybuilders due to the belief that it can help improve gains, pumps, and overall bodybuilding results.
Is Cialis for Bodybuilding Really Effective?
Here’s what we know:
Cialis in Bodybuilding Is a Great Pre-Workout Supplement.
While Cialis is prescribed mainly for erectile dysfunction, it’s now also being recommended as a pre-workout supplement primarily because of its main ingredient, Tadalafil.
This PDE-5 inhibitor is designed to increase blood flow not only to the penis but also in other parts of the body (2), making it the perfect supplement if you want to increase your energy and stamina for those hours of pumping in the gym.
Cialis Helps Control Blood Pressure.
Cialis for bodybuilding is more than just about blood flow. Studies have also shown that Tadalafil is effective in helping reduce blood pressure (3), which is very important for hypertensive individuals on a medication cycle who are also working out.
When they are about to finish their medication, they usually experience sudden peaks in their blood pressure, which can be quite dangerous because it leads to stroke, disabilities, and even fatal heart attacks. A lot of weight lifters also have naturally high blood pressures that can be a cause of worry for them.
Cialis Has Longer Effects Than Other Pde-5 Inhibitors.
One of the biggest advantages of using Cialis for bodybuilding over Sildenafil and other PDE-5 inhibitors is that its effects last a lot longer. Unlike Viagra that only has a half-life of 4 to 5 hours, Cialis’ effects can last for up to 17.5 hours.
Cialis Offers Greater Gains in the Gym.
Aside from increasing blood flow for better stamina, the effect of Tadalafil also helps increase nutrient, blood, and water flow to the muscles. If you’re working out, this means that every pump will give you greater gains than when you’re not taking Cialis for bodybuilding.
Cialis Promotes Better Testosterone Estrogen Ratio.
Cialis for bodybuilding is effective in improving testosterone and estrogen ratio by up to 30%. This is especially beneficial for men who are on testosterone replacement therapy and those who are working out. Some men who use Cialis also reported having a better mood while using the drug as a pre-workout supplement.
Cialis May Have Some Side Effects.
If you’re using Cialis for bodybuilding and not to treat erectile dysfunction, you have to be aware that the drug can cause an erection in the most unlikely circumstances.
This is why it’s imperative to take Cialis only when you’re working out, or if you want to take it daily, you have to do it at the same time to avoid getting an erection while at work or when you’re working out at the gym.
Some men who are using Cialis for bodybuilding have also reported experiencing mild side effects like headaches, dizziness, and flushing of the skin. It’s also essential to be careful with taking Cialis if you’re on anti-hypertensive medication since taking both can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can be very dangerous (4).
What Is the Right Tadalafil Dosage for Bodybuilding?
Tadalafil (Cialis) is one of the most popular phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors used for treating erectile dysfunction, especially because of its longer half-life, which lasts for 17.5 hours. Some studies have also suggested that Tadalafil may still have some significant effects for as long as 24 hours after intake (1).
But more than treating erectile dysfunction, Tadalafil is now gaining popularity in bodybuilders because of its ability to increase blood, nutrient, and water flow throughout the body. This increases stamina and energy for better pumps at the gym, and it also allows for more significant gains. But what exactly is the right Tadalafil dosage for bodybuilding?
The recommended starting dose for Tadalafil is 5mg for bodybuilding. But if you’re going to take it daily, you can reduce the dose to 2.5mg to avoid those embarrassing and untimely erections in the middle of the day.
Some bodybuilders also take 20mg Tadalafil tablets two hours before they head to the gym to give the drug time to take its full effect and for them to maximize the benefits. But you have to remember that 20mg is already a maximum dosage, so you should never take more than this amount within 24 hours.
Finally, it’s essential to remember that taking Tadalafil has its side effects. This is why you need to start at a lower dose and gradually titrate your dosage to see how your body reacts to the medication.
The Bottom Line
The benefits of Cialis for bodybuilding have been proven by both studies and reviews from bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. But since not all drugs have the same effects on everyone, it’s crucial to test the waters first by taking Cialis at a lower dose to see if it works for you or not.
It’s also best to consult your doctor before taking the drug as a pre-workout supplement, especially if you are taking medications for pre-existing conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. This will help avoid any dangerous complications that might put you in danger. Most importantly, listen to your body and stop taking the drug whenever you notice any side effects.
