Cialis is the brand name for a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor called tadalafil. PDE5 inhibitor drugs are primarily for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).
Interestingly though, some take Cialis for bodybuilding instead.
Is there really any merit to this practice?
Taking Cialis for fitness purposes is a recent discovery that’s making waves in the worlds of bodybuilding and athletics—and we’ll help you decide whether you should try it firsthand.
Cialis: A Brief Overview
Most PDE5 inhibitors only work if taken about 30 minutes to an hour before engaging in sexual activity. Cialis was one of the very first that works beyond that timeframe (1).
It can also help with the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) since it relaxes the smooth muscles of the prostate gland. This results in relief in BPH symptoms.
Cialis can be taken either on-demand or daily. On-demand is taking Cialis 30 minutes before sexual activity, much like any other ED drug.
The daily option is proven safe, with a standard recommended dose of 5mg (2). This dose can be reduced to match individual responses to the drug, as well as the goal for Cialis use.
Cialis for Bodybuilding?
Some people, fitness enthusiasts and athletes especially, found another use for Cialis—bodybuilding and performance enhancement.
They found that the enhanced blood flow to the penis from Cialis use can also work in other muscles of the body. This effect has great implications during bodybuilding sessions and training.
During workouts and training, the muscles work actively. This increases their demand for oxygen and nutrients. Muscle contractions also produce many byproducts. These must be removed to reduce problems like cramps.
Removal is also necessary to keep the muscles working normally, without any substance buildup getting in the way. All these requirements can be met by simply increasing the blood flow to the muscles.
That’s where Cialis comes in.
Cialis promotes increased blood flow to various muscles in the body. This creates a greater “pump” during workouts and training.
More nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the muscles. This helps the muscles to work for longer. Bodybuilders, in turn, can train harder and for longer (3). The result is gaining the benefits of workouts sooner.
This is believed to be a result of the nitric oxide (NO) levels enhanced by the presence of Cialis. The increase in NO can help with training to failure and total weight lifted.
These effects are best seen when doing resistance training.
Another way that Cialis helps in bodybuilding is by raising testosterone levels. It prevents testosterone from being converted into estrogen. As you know, the male hormone is crucial in ensuring optimal muscle gain.
Cialis’ Other Advantages
Aside from offering effective treatment for ED and BPH, as well as serving as a good pre-workout option for bodybuilders, Cialis has other benefits to offer. These include:
- A significant decrease in inflammation
- Anti-depressant effects
- Prevention of plaque build-up in the arteries
- Better blood pressure regulation
Cialis is also a better choice among the other drugs in its class (4). It has fewer side effects and requires a much lower dose to be effective compared to others such as Viagra. Moreover, food doesn’t affect Cialis’ rate of absorption.
Cialis’ effects also last much longer. The drug’s active components have a half-life of 17.5 hours. That means that the effects of increased blood flow can be experienced for hours.
This same longer half-life may be an issue for some people though. The prolonged action on the blood vessels might cause some discomfort.
Another area of concern is when taking Cialis on a regular or daily basis, as it may cause dependence. This can have a few negative effects on some people. Hence, caution is a must.
Cialis for Fitness Goals?
Cialis is an effective and safe drug for ED and BPH. It’s also found to be helpful in bodybuilding with its secondary effect of promoting increased blood flow to the muscles.
Bodybuilders may find that they can train harder and longer, reaping benefits sooner when they use Cialis as a pre-workout regimen.
However, this secondary effect of Cialis for bodybuilding has not yet been well studied or tested for safety. If you have questions or insights to share, feel free to tell us through the comments section. Still, if you are worried about something, it’s best to consult with a medical professional instead.