As a personal strength and fitness coach, I regularly work with amateur and professional clients who want to maximize their training efforts.
And while it takes hard work, dedication, and a strict diet, I've always favored supplements like Crazy Bulk products.
While these types of products work well, they can make quite a significant impact on muscle growth. But too many are unreliable, ineffective, and provide poor results.
So, our team at TotalShape got together with a few clients and a dietitian and invested six weeks into research and testing to determine the effectiveness of CrazyBulk Bulking Stack.
Here's what we found.
What Is CrazyBulk Bulking Stack?
CrazyBulk Bulking Stack is a collection of four bodybuilding supplements (legal steroids) — D-Bal, Testo-Max, Decaduro, and Trenorol — that work together as an ultimate bulking combo.
CrazyBulk claims that their legal steroids, combined with a balanced diet, can help you achieve a lean body mass by burning fat and building muscle.
While all that fancy marketing stuff is great, I went straight to the details to see how these products work and how they've changed over time.
An Evolving Stack
One thing that piqued my interest was how the bulking stack evolved over time.
In my opinion, that's generally a good sign that the company genuinely cares about fine-tuning its formula.
The Decaduro, Trenorol, and Testo-Max formulas have been the same since they were first released in 2018.
But, the D-Bal formula has significantly changed. I noticed it now has vitamins and minerals instead of just BCAAs for men and whey protein concentrate.
The original formula looked a bit too simple, but it now also has Ashwagandha supplement and Tribulus Terrestris, which have been linked to higher testosterone levels [1].
Suited for Men and Women
CrazyBulk Bulking Stack
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
What Does It Include?
CrazyBulk Bulking Stack includes four products: D-Bal, Testo-Max, Decaduro, and Trenorol. Some of these might sound familiar, as CrazyBulk chose names that sound very close to popular anabolic steroids.
But all of the Crazy Bulk products are based on natural ingredients and not illegal drugs to boost human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone levels [2].
"Human growth hormone (HGH), often known as just growth hormone (GH), is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The name is on-point: In adolescence, it's responsible for helping kids get taller."
- Rachael Schultz, Health & Fitness Writer at Mensjournal.com
So, what do they do then?
The goal of this stack is to help bodybuilders and athletes increase muscle mass at a faster rate while limiting stubborn body fat.
I've gone through more bulking phases than I can remember, and the biggest struggle is always abdominal and chest fat, which naturally builds up. But as a natural bodybuilder, I've never been interested in shortcuts to losing fat and boosting muscle growth through drugs.
That's why I was so interested in discovering what our CrazyBulk research would reveal.
CrazyBulk's Bulking Stack Benefits
CrazyBulk supplements are designed to help you gain muscle through the use of their powerful and effective ingredients. They can help speed your muscle-building efforts and combat muscle fatigue.
The first thing we did was take a careful look at the overall stack to see what kind of benefits it promised and how those compare with our testing results.
1. Overall Choice Of Ingredients
We'll get to the details about the ingredients below, but the first thing that stood out for me was that each of the four products had a clear and transparent label.
There are no hidden proprietary blends where you're left guessing, like with so many other bodybuilding supplements.
The other thing is that all the labels contain different mixes of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. And the great thing is that they don't have overlapping ingredients for lean muscle growth and body fat burning.
Instead, they each focus on one aspect with a set of ingredients.
It also looks like the majority of the ingredients have been chosen based on scientific evidence, with just a few that we couldn't verify. More on those shortly.
2. Dosage Of Ingredients
We asked our dietitian to help out with the research into the individual ingredients and their dosages.
That involved checking if the ingredients and combinations had any scientific studies to support their impact on things like lean muscle growth, fat loss, and protein synthesis.
Then, we checked those studies to see what dosage they used to achieve the results and compared them to the labels on the Bulking Stack supplements.
We found that this stack got very close to or exceeded the dosages used in clinical trials for most of the ingredients.
That was a promising sign and explained why we got positive results for the majority of effects that CrazyBulk claims in their marketing.
3. Convenient Use
Let me start by saying that all four products in the CrazyBulk stack come in capsules. I generally believe that capsules are a lot more convenient than powders that you have to measure out, especially in a larger stack like this.
The reason is that I can just put the bottles of capsules in my gym or work bag and take them any time, depending on recommendations and my workout plan for the day.
On the downside, all those capsules will add up.
How many are there?
You'll need to take 13 capsules every day at different times. While they are small enough to easily swallow, you'll probably want to set a few reminders on your phone to not forget to take them.
Personally, I got used to the timing after the first bulking week, and it just became a normal part of my routine.
Also, you can open up the capsules and pour the powder into a smoothie if you don't like the idea of that many capsules.
4. Effects On The Body
I mentioned above that CrazyBulk uses advertising terminology for these legal steroids that is a bit hyped up.
The claim is that it will increase lean muscle mass, burn fat, provide more physical performance, and speed up your recovery times.
One thing we did before and after a 4-week test cycle was to get some blood tests to confirm testosterone production.
For all of us on the full cycle, there was a marked increase, which also translated into faster lean muscle development than we expected.
We also all reported an improved workout performance with this bulking stack.
It's not like you turn into The Hulk, but you can expect to add an extra weight plate or a couple more reps in your sets in a matter of a few months.
One area where I would need to set the record straight is fat burning. I did find that my BMI didn't go up as much as in previous bulking phases. But I wouldn't go as far as saying that you'll burn fat faster. This wouldn't be a substitute for dedicated fat burners.
Fortunately, there's a CrazyBulk Cutting Stack that we are currently testing.
Overall, we got some promising results, and I'll get into more detail on each of the BulkingStack products and their effects shortly.
5. Value For Money
This is where CrazyBulk Bulking Stack stands out from a lot of the competitors out there.
The full stack for one cycle of four weeks costs $185, which is a $75 discount on buying the supplements individually.
But you can save even more.
There's a bulk order option where you can get three months' supply for a total of $370.
That's only $123 per cycle and great value for money.
6. Money-back Guarantee
CrazyBulk also has a lot of faith in its products, and that has resulted in an impressive money-back guarantee. If you don't see the results you expected for lean muscle mass, then you can get a refund within 60 days.
In my experience with various supplements, that's more than enough time to test it out on a free trial.
CrazyBulk Bulking Stack Pros And Cons
- Positive effects on muscle protein synthesis for better recovery times
- Seems to work well for preserving muscle strength during longer workouts
- Capsules are very easy to swallow, and you can spread them out over the day
- CrazyBulk offers great money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial
- Need to set a reminder to take the products at different times of the day
Are There Any Shortfalls?
Yes, CrazyBulk Bulking Stack has some shortfalls, including its apparent ineffectiveness in reducing fat. It might be working well to process all the additional calories and macros, but I don't think it burns fat as effectively as it builds muscle.
We kept some detailed records before and after using body fat calipers. While CrazyBulk seemed to have helped avoid excessive fat storage during longer bulking phases of 4–5 weeks, we didn't see any BMI reductions.
For that, you'd need to try CrazyBulk Cutting Stack.
CrazyBulk Bulking Stack Products
CrazyBulk's Bulking Stack has four different products that aim to complement each other.
If you're looking to achieve your bodybuilding goals, that can be a good deal as it helps support your intense workout routine, boost energy levels, aids in shedding stubborn fat, and promotes building strength, all while following a suitable diet.
Let's take a closer look at what they do.
1. D-Bal
D-Bal is an alternative to anabolic steroids like Dianabol.
After our dietitian had a careful look at the ingredients, the first thing she pointed out was the solid dose of ashwagandha extract that has been linked to increased testosterone according to Examine [3].
That also complements the Testo-Max supplement in this stack, which I'll get to shortly.
The other thing that I need to point out is that D-Bal contains 800mg of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This has only popped up in fitness supplements in the last year or so, and a study from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition has linked it to improved recovery times [4].
It's also an ingredient that wasn't in the original version of this bulking stack, so it's positive to see that CrazyBulk takes things seriously while maintaining the formula.
They have also added vitamin D3 and magnesium, which have also been linked to faster muscle recovery [5]. But I would like to see the vitamin D dosage increase a bit.
"Low magnesium can create a buildup of lactic acid, known to cause post-workout pain and tightness. Also, much of the body's energy comes from ATP, a molecule that captures chemical energy from food and uses it to fuel other processes in the body. ATP production depends on magnesium."
- Casey Seidenberg, Journalist at washingtonpost.com
The other ingredients are L-Isoleucine, suma root, Tribulus Terrestris, and sodium. According to my dietitian, they are all beneficial ingredients, which would explain why all of our testing team commented on feeling less sore after a workout.
Aim to take this about 30 to 40 minutes after your workout to kickstart muscle protein synthesis.
- Has a straightforward formula with proven ingredients to increase muscle mass
- Added vitamins and minerals should help with muscle recovery
- Aims to boost testosterone production through natural herbs
- Some people prefer a post-workout supplement as a powder
2. DecaDuro
If you've heard of anabolic steroids like Deca Durabolin, then you might understand why they called this one DecaDuro.
As a pre-workout supplement, it aims to increase your strength levels to lift more and, at the same time, helps to reduce premature fatigue.
As an anabolic steroid alternative, our dietitian first confirmed that all the ingredients are safe and not on any banned substances lists.
The first one of interest is L-arginine, which I have recommended as part of other supplement products specifically aimed at providing muscle pumps [6].
Similarly, the included L-citrulline has also been shown to improve nitric oxide levels, boosting blood flow and muscle pumps [7].
And acetyl-l-carnitine could help with ATP delivery to muscles, which is a form of energy that muscle cells rely on [8].
There is also scientific evidence that the combination of all three will support muscular mass development with the right diet and exercise [9].
The other ingredients included are wild yam root, ginseng, and Tribulus Terrestris, which could help boost testosterone levels [10].
- Positive effects were seen during testing for muscle pumps
- Provides a noticeable improvement in strength
- Capsules are easy to swallow and convenient for your gym bag
- You'll need to experiment with the intake timing to get the boost after your warm-ups
3. Trenorol
Trenbolone is a commonly used anabolic steroid in the fitness world, and Trenorol aims to achieve a similar effect over a longer time frame.
First of all, we noticed a good dose of nettle leaf extract. Studies have shown that this can help with high blood pressure by improving blood flow in the body [11].
That should translate into better nitrogen retention and improved pumps for a bodybuilder.
The other interesting ingredient is pepsin, and this has been shown to play a key role in the breakdown and bioavailability of complex proteins into amino acids [12].
The effect of that should be faster muscle-building after a workout as more of the essential amino acids should be available for use.
The other ingredients are beta-sitosterol and Samento bark.
I couldn't find enough studies to fully confirm that these ingredients work as intended, but given the positive results we had with this bulking stack for increased energy, I would say that they could be good legal steroid alternatives.
- Works well when taken with DecaDuro for boosted strength
- Claims to help with nitrogen retention for better protein synthesis
- Has a simple formula that doesn't cause side effects
- Some added fat burners would be great
4. Testo-Max
One of the key factors in increasing muscular mass is blood testosterone. It's why so many people resort to taking anabolic steroid drugs.
Testo-Max claims to boost testosterone levels in a similar way but without the use of illegal drugs.
That effect will gradually build up over several weeks rather than a few days with potent anabolic steroids, but you won't have all the nasty side effects of these drugs.
How does it do this?
The main effect comes from the combination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which is a significantly studied combination that has been medically proven to help boost T-levels [13].
D-aspartic acid is another ingredient that my dietitian highlighted, and a clinical trial has shown that it can boost T-levels in athletic men [14].
"More than 300 enzymes and more than 1,000 transcription factors rely on zinc to function. In men, zinc plays a critical role in testosterone production and overall reproductive health."
- Dr. Edward Group, Founder at globalhealing.com
There's also some Fenugreek supplement included, and multiple trials have shown that it influences the amount of free testosterone [15].
Other ingredients include vitamin D3 and K1, nettle leaf extract, ginseng, boron, and Bioperine. These are all common in testosterone boosters, and I would generally welcome these.
We also did some home testosterone kits to check what our levels were before and after taking this supplement stack for four weeks. The results were positive, with all of us showing an increase.
- Natural testosterone booster based on scientifically studied ingredients
- Positive blood test results for improved T-levels
- It doesn't seem to have side effects like anabolic steroids
- You need to take four capsules a day which can add up to a large stack
How Does Bulking Stack Work?
Bulking Stack works on the basis that you take different ingredients at different times of the day, which are aimed to trigger different responses in your body.
It all starts with Testo-Max first thing in the morning. You take four capsules before breakfast, and the aim is to boost your testosterone levels for the day ahead. Over the weeks, that should become noticeable as you gain muscle mass more effectively [16].
Then you take Trenorol and DecaDuro as a pre-workout supplement. I suggest taking it about 40 minutes before your warm-up routine and adjusting it once you notice the effects kicking in.
And finally, you take D-Bal as a post-workout supplement. I take it with my whey protein and find it helps with faster recovery times.
That's basically your daily routine, and you want to stick with it for at least a four-week bulking phase, through my own experience.
Let's see how those cycles should work.
Planning a Cycle
We did a couple of different tests with clients to see how long it would take to get good results.
According to the CrazyBulk Bulking Stack webpage information, the company recommends taking these legal steroid alternatives for eight weeks.
That's two cycles of the Crazy Bulk stack to see the full extent of increased muscle mass.
I generally don't recommend going for bulking phases that last eight weeks because it sometimes makes the cutting phase more difficult.
I find it better to shorten the bulking phase to about four weeks.
Based on our test results, we found that four to six weeks is a good range for this bulking stack. It seems to be long enough to get the improved free testosterone levels to kick in and for protein synthesis to achieve more muscle growth [17].
Who Should Consider Taking CrazyBulk Bulking Stack?
People planning to engage in multiple bulking and cutting phases over the next 6–18 months should consider taking CrazyBulk Bulking Stack. While you won't see any sudden and drastic changes, sticking with your plan and putting in the work will help you fast-track your goals.
So, if you're a bodybuilder or other performance athlete who needs to build muscle over the coming months, then CrazyBulk is how you can boost those intense workouts.
However, if you expect to achieve mega muscle mass gains in a few weeks, this is not for you, and you should probably need a healthy dose of a reality check.
Suited for Men and Women
CrazyBulk Bulking Stack
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
Where Can You Buy This Stack?
You can buy the Bulking Stack from the CrazyBulk website and other Amazon resellers. However, too many counterfeit supplements are being sold on the market, so I’d advise you not to risk it.
The official website is also the only place where you get the full money-back guarantee and great bulk order discounts.
And the deliveries we have received so far have all arrived within 48 hours.
How It Compares to Other Alternatives?
To provide a comprehensive comparison, we tested Crazy Bulk alongside three legal steroid alternatives, including TestoPrime, Andrew Huberman Sleep Cocktail, and MOAB.
Here's what we found.
TestoPrime
TestoPrime is designed for men who want to increase their energy, muscle strength, and overall vitality.
What I like about TestoPrime is that it has natural ingredients, like D-Aspartic Acid, Panax Ginseng, and Fenugreek.
Unlike CrazyBulk Bulking Stack, which is a combination of four supplements aimed at maximizing muscle growth and bulking, TestoPrime is a single product.
It's suitable for both men and women who are into bodybuilding and want to gain muscle mass quickly.
From my personal experience, TestoPrime can lead to noticeable improvements in energy and stamina, making it easier to handle intense workouts. It's particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their natural testosterone levels without resorting to synthetic alternatives.
While both TestoPrime and CrazyBulk Bulking Stack are effective in their respective areas, the choice between them depends on your specific fitness goals: TestoPrime for natural testosterone boosting and overall vitality, and CrazyBulk Bulking Stack for intensive muscle building and bulking.
Andrew Huberman Sleep Cocktail
Andrew Huberman Sleep Cocktail is a dietary supplement designed to improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. It contains a blend of natural ingredients, including magnesium and glycine, known for their potential sleep benefits.
In contrast, CrazyBulk and its constituents are geared towards promoting muscle gains and strength, making it unrelated to sleep support. These products serve different purposes, with Andrew Huberman Sleep Cocktail focusing on sleep enhancement and CrazyBulk targeting muscle development.
MOAB (Mother of All Builders)
MOAB (Mother of All Builders) by Perform is a natural muscle builder that combines anabolic and anti-catabolic ingredients. It’s designed to limit muscle breakdown while supporting muscle growth, helping users achieve muscle building faster in a natural way.
Like CrazyBulk, MOAB is non-hormonal and does not require post-cycle therapy. It works by upregulating the body’s natural anabolic processes, improving athletic performance, and decreasing muscle breakdown.
I’ve noticed that the supplement not only aids in intense training but also in faster recovery, enabling more frequent training and quicker muscle building.
While both products aim at muscle building, MOAB is an excellent choice for budding bodybuilders, whereas the CrazyBulk Bulking Stack is tailored for bodybuilders seeking rapid and significant muscle gains.
Other User Reviews
We pulled a few reviews from Crazy Bulk customers on the official website that showed some results that people have been getting.
"Almost done with first month of trenorol, testomax, and d-bal. I am up 4lbs and down almost 2% bodyfat. My recovery must be improved at least a full day ahead of schedule. Making my second order. Supplements live up to the hype."
- Todd
"Day 1, and I only took 1 tablet as I'm always over cautious when using new supplements – and I'm amazed. Pushed myself harder and for longer. Roll on tomorrow when I take the full recommended amount."
- Cheryl
"I've only been using this cycle for 2 weeks; obviously, the muscle gains aren't going to show yet, but my strength has gone way up, and my recovery time is crazy fast, so here shortly I will see the gains soon!"
- Nick Mattingly
"I first went on this bulk stack about a year ago. I put an inch on my biceps in three months and increased my shoulder size and strength majorly. I went off of it but am getting back in it. Great regimine love the results!"
- Jantol
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FAQs
Are CrazyBulk Supplements Safe?
Yes, CrazyBulk supplements are safe and contain only natural ingredients. These include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids that are generally safe to take.
Can You Take CrazyBulk Bulking Stack Long-term?
Yes, you can take CrazyBulk Bulking Stack long-term, but you need to plan for off cycles. To achieve a sustained effect on muscular mass, the company recommends an 8-week cycle with at least one and a half weeks off.
Are CrazyBulk Supplements Illegal?
No, CrazyBulk supplements are not illegal. The company only includes ingredients that are not on any banned substance or medically controlled list.
Should You Take the CrazyBulk Bulking Stack at the Same Time?
No, you shouldn't take the CrazyBulk Bulking Stack at the same time. You take Testo-Max in the morning, Trenorol and DecaDuro before a workout, and D-Bal as a post-workout supplement.
Our Verdict on CrazyBulk Bulking Stack
The overwhelming feedback we got from the team and clients for this Crazy Bulk review is that it's a great way to bulk up and retain lean muscle mass naturally.
The company has carefully chosen and adapted the formula for the four supplements to complement each other. The results we have measured are higher T-levels, better energy and stamina, and improvements in recovery times.
From my first-hand experience of using CrazyBulk, you can lift more for longer, and the result is overall faster muscle building.
We Recommend This Product
Crazy Bulking Stack
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Positive effects on muscle protein synthesis for better recovery times
- It seems to work well for preserving muscle strength during longer workouts
- The capsules are very easy to swallow, and you can spread them out over the day
- Crazy Bulk offers a great money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of December
- You have to set a reminder to take the products at different times of the day
About The Author
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The CrazyBulk Bulking Stack looks promising for bodybuilders looking to push their workouts to the next level. Might have to give it a try.