What Should My First Cycle Be?

THE ANSWER: BEGINNER-FRIENDLY FIRST CYCLE

What Should My First Cycle Be? Complete Beginner's Protocol Guide

You're ready to start your first peptide cycle. You've done the research. You understand the benefits. But now you're staring at vials, syringes, and dosing charts wondering: where the hell do I actually start?

Here's the truth: your first cycle doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, it SHOULDN'T be complicated. The athletes who see the best results from their first cycle are the ones who keep it simple, stay consistent, and focus on learning how their body responds rather than trying to optimize every variable from day one.

This guide gives you everything you need for a successful first cycle: the exact peptides to use, step-by-step setup instructions, realistic expectations, and the common mistakes that trip up beginners. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just a clear, proven protocol that works.

Let's get you started the right way.

Why Your First Cycle Should Be Simple

The biggest mistake first-time users make? Overcomplicated stacks with five different peptides, aggressive dosing, and unrealistic expectations. They end up confused, overwhelmed, and unable to tell which peptide is doing what.

Your first cycle has THREE goals:

  • Learn proper administration technique: Reconstitution, injection, storage, and timing
  • Establish your individual response: How your body reacts, what side effects you experience, and how quickly you see results
  • Build consistent habits: Dosing schedules, training adjustments, and progress tracking

Think of your first cycle as your "training wheels" phase. You're not going for maximum results yet—you're building the foundation that makes every future cycle more effective.

A simple two-peptide stack with moderate dosing gives you:

  • Clear results you can attribute to specific compounds
  • Easier troubleshooting if side effects appear
  • Lower financial investment while you learn
  • Less room for error in mixing and dosing
  • More confidence for future, more advanced protocols

Once you've completed a successful beginner cycle, you'll have the experience and knowledge to design more aggressive protocols. But you have to walk before you run.

Your First Cycle Protocol: The Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Stack

For your first cycle, there's one stack that beats everything else for beginners: Ipamorelin combined with CJC-1295 (without DAC).

Here's why this combination is perfect for first-timers:

Why Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is the most beginner-friendly growth hormone secretagogue available. It stimulates GH release cleanly, without the hunger spikes, cortisol increases, or prolactin elevation that other peptides cause.

Benefits for beginners:

  • Highly selective (targets GH release specifically)
  • Minimal side effects compared to other GH peptides
  • No significant appetite changes (easier to stick to your diet)
  • Gentle on your system (low risk of hormone disruption)
  • Well-researched safety profile

Studies show that Ipamorelin produces consistent GH pulses without affecting cortisol or prolactin levels, making it one of the safest secretagogues for long-term use (Source).

Why CJC-1295 (Without DAC)?

CJC-1295 extends the duration of your natural GH pulses. When you combine it with Ipamorelin, you get BOTH frequency (from Ipamorelin triggering pulses) and duration (from CJC-1295 extending those pulses).

Benefits for beginners:

  • Amplifies Ipamorelin's effects without additional complexity
  • Shorter half-life than the DAC version (more control, easier cycling)
  • Sustained IGF-1 elevation for muscle growth and recovery
  • Synergistic effects with Ipamorelin (1+1=3)

Research demonstrates that CJC-1295 produces significant increases in IGF-1 levels while maintaining natural pulsatile GH secretion patterns (Source).

Why This Stack Works for First-Timers

This combination has been the "starter stack" for thousands of athletes because it delivers:

  • Noticeable results: You WILL see improvements in recovery, sleep, and body composition
  • Manageable side effects: Most users report minimal issues
  • Simple dosing: Same schedule for both peptides
  • Proven safety: Extensive real-world use with good outcomes
  • Cost-effective: Less expensive than more exotic stacks

You'll build muscle, recover faster, sleep better, and learn the fundamentals of peptide use—all without overwhelming your system or your wallet.

Beginner Dosing Protocol: Start Here

Here's your exact first cycle protocol. Follow this closely—don't get creative yet.

Dosing Schedule

Ipamorelin: 200 mcg per injection
CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100 mcg per injection
Frequency: 2-3 times daily

Injection Timing (Choose Your Schedule)

Option 1: Twice Daily (Easier for Beginners)

  • Morning (upon waking, fasted): 200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295
  • Before bed (2-3 hours after last meal): 200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295

Option 2: Three Times Daily (Optimal Results)

  • Morning (upon waking, fasted): 200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295
  • Post-workout OR mid-afternoon: 200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295
  • Before bed (2-3 hours after last meal): 200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295

Beginner recommendation: Start with the twice-daily protocol. It's easier to stay consistent, and consistency beats optimization every time when you're learning. You can always add a third dose in week 3-4 once you've established your routine.

Cycle Length

Duration: 12 weeks
Off-cycle: 4-6 weeks
Restart: Second cycle if desired, with adjustments based on first cycle results

Twelve weeks gives your body enough time to respond fully while avoiding receptor desensitization. The 4-6 week break resets your sensitivity so your next cycle is just as effective. Learn more about cycling strategies for long-term optimization.

Why These Doses?

These are moderate, beginner-appropriate doses. They're high enough to produce results but low enough to minimize side effects while you learn how your body responds.

Don't start higher thinking "more is better." These doses work. Save dose increases for future cycles once you understand your individual response patterns.

Week-by-Week Beginner Timeline: What to Expect

Here's exactly what your first 12 weeks will look like. Use this timeline to track your progress and know you're on the right path.

Week 1-2: The Setup Phase

What you'll notice:

  • Improved sleep quality (often the FIRST change you'll feel)
  • Slightly better recovery between workouts
  • You might feel "something" but results are subtle
  • Possible minor water retention (temporary, will pass)

What's happening: Peptide blood levels are building. Your pituitary gland is responding with increased GH pulses. IGF-1 levels are starting to rise. Your body is adjusting to the new hormone environment.

Your focus: Perfect your injection technique. Establish your dosing schedule. Don't judge results yet—it's too early.

Week 3-4: Early Indicators Appear

What you'll notice:

  • Noticeably better recovery—you're ready to train again faster
  • Reduced muscle soreness (DOMS doesn't last as long)
  • Small strength improvements on key lifts (5-10%)
  • Better muscle pumps during training
  • Improved skin quality (common GH benefit)

What's happening: IGF-1 elevation is now measurable. Protein synthesis is increasing. Your muscles are repairing faster. The peptides are WORKING.

Your focus: This is when doubt disappears. You'll think, "Okay, something is definitely happening." Stay consistent with dosing and training.

Week 5-8: The Acceleration Phase

What you'll notice:

  • Visible muscle growth (2-4 lbs of lean tissue if eating properly)
  • Strength gains accelerate (10-15% on major lifts)
  • Body composition improvements (more defined, leaner look)
  • You can train with higher volume without overtraining
  • Friends start commenting that you look different

What's happening: Full therapeutic blood levels achieved. Your body is in consistent anabolic mode. Satellite cells are activated. Muscle protein synthesis is running high. This is where peptides prove their worth.

Your focus: Push your training. The enhanced recovery means you can handle more volume. Eat enough to support growth. Track your progress with photos and measurements.

Week 9-12: Peak Results Phase

What you'll notice:

  • Significant lean mass gain (4-6 lbs total for beginners, more if training and diet are dialed)
  • Substantial strength increases (15-20% across major lifts)
  • Noticeably leaner and more muscular physique
  • Recovery is so fast you can train body parts 2-3x per week
  • You look in the mirror and think, "This was worth it"

What's happening: Maximum peptide effectiveness. Your body has adapted to the elevated GH environment and is building muscle at rates above natural limits. IGF-1 is consistently elevated. You're experiencing the full benefits of the stack.

Your focus: Enjoy the results. Document your progress. Start planning whether you'll take your off-cycle or adjust the protocol for another run.

For more detailed timelines and result expectations, check out our guide on what results to expect from peptides.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Complete Beginners

You've got your peptides. Now what? Here's the EXACT process for setting up your first cycle, start to finish.

What You'll Need (Shopping List)

Peptides:

  • Ipamorelin: 30-50 mg total (for 12-week cycle)
  • CJC-1295 (no DAC): 15-25 mg total (for 12-week cycle)

Supplies:

  • Bacteriostatic water: 2-3 vials (30ml total)
  • Insulin syringes: 100-pack (29-31 gauge, 1/2 inch or 5/16 inch needles)
  • Alcohol prep wipes: 1 box
  • Sharps container: 1 (for safe needle disposal)

Optional but helpful:

  • Small cooler bag (for traveling with peptides)
  • Labels and marker (to date your vials)
  • Digital scale or calipers (to track body composition)
  • Training journal (to log workouts and progress)

Reconstitution: How to Mix Your Peptides

Peptides arrive as freeze-dried powder. You need to mix them with bacteriostatic water before injection. Here's how to do it RIGHT:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

  • Clean, flat surface
  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Gather: peptide vial, bacteriostatic water, syringe, alcohol wipes

Step 2: Clean the Vial Tops

  • Wipe the rubber stopper on both the peptide vial AND bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol prep pads
  • Let them air dry for 10 seconds

Step 3: Draw Bacteriostatic Water

  • Use a fresh insulin syringe
  • Draw the amount you need (typically 2-3ml per peptide vial)
  • For easy dosing math: 2ml of water in a 5mg vial = 250mcg per 0.1ml (10 units on insulin syringe)

Step 4: Add Water to Peptide Vial

  • Insert needle into peptide vial
  • IMPORTANT: Inject water SLOWLY down the SIDE of the vial, not directly onto the powder
  • The powder should dissolve gently on contact with the water
  • DO NOT SHAKE—swirl gently if needed

Step 5: Check for Complete Dissolution

  • The solution should be clear (maybe slightly cloudy at first, will clear up)
  • No visible powder chunks should remain
  • If powder remains, swirl gently—never shake vigorously

Step 6: Label and Store

  • Write the date of reconstitution on the vial
  • Write the concentration (e.g., "Ipamorelin 2.5mg/ml")
  • Store immediately in refrigerator (2-8°C / 36-46°F)
  • Use within 30 days for maximum potency

Common beginner mistake: Shaking the vial. DON'T. Peptides are fragile protein chains that denature (break down) with aggressive agitation. Always swirl gently.

Injection Technique: How to Actually Inject

Subcutaneous injections are simple once you've done a few. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Choose Injection Site

Best sites for beginners:

  • Abdomen: 2 inches to either side of belly button (easiest for most people)
  • Thigh: Outer/front portion of upper thigh
  • Arm: Back of upper arm (harder to reach, save for later)

Rotate sites: Don't inject in the same spot twice in a row. Move around to prevent tissue irritation.

Step 2: Prepare

  • Wash hands
  • Get peptide vial from fridge (can inject cold or let warm to room temp—your choice)
  • Clean injection site with alcohol wipe
  • Let site air dry (10 seconds)

Step 3: Draw Your Dose

  • Wipe vial top with fresh alcohol pad
  • Insert syringe needle through stopper
  • Draw slightly more than needed, then push excess back (removes air bubbles)
  • Tap syringe to move air bubbles to top, push them out
  • Verify you have the correct dose

Step 4: Inject

  • Pinch a fold of skin at injection site (about 1-2 inches of skin)
  • Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle (quick, confident motion—hesitating hurts more)
  • Release pinched skin (optional—some people keep it pinched)
  • Push plunger slowly but steadily
  • Wait 2-3 seconds after injecting before withdrawing needle
  • Pull needle straight out

Step 5: Post-Injection

  • Apply light pressure with clean alcohol wipe if needed (minor bleeding is normal)
  • DO NOT rub the injection site
  • Dispose of syringe immediately in sharps container (NEVER reuse needles)
  • Return peptide vial to refrigerator

First injection jitters? Totally normal. The anticipation is worse than the actual injection. The needles are tiny (insulin syringes), and most people say it feels like a mosquito bite or less. By injection 3-4, you won't even think about it.

Storage: Keeping Your Peptides Effective

Unreconstituted (powder form):

  • Store in freezer (-20°C / -4°F) for long-term storage (months to years)
  • OR in refrigerator (2-8°C / 36-46°F) for short-term (weeks to months)
  • Keep away from light and heat

Reconstituted (mixed with water):

  • MUST be refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F)
  • Use within 30 days for best potency
  • NEVER freeze reconstituted peptides
  • Keep away from light (some people wrap vials in aluminum foil)

Traveling with peptides:

  • Use small cooler with ice packs
  • Keep refrigerated when you reach destination
  • Peptides can survive a few hours at room temperature if needed, but minimize this

What to Expect: Realistic First Cycle Results

Let's set expectations properly. This is your FIRST cycle. You're learning. Here's what realistic results look like:

Body Composition Changes

If bulking (calorie surplus):

  • 4-8 lbs lean muscle gain over 12 weeks
  • Minimal fat gain (peptides improve nutrient partitioning)
  • Visible size increase in arms, shoulders, chest
  • Better muscle fullness and definition even while gaining weight

If cutting (calorie deficit):

  • 2-4% body fat reduction over 12 weeks
  • 95%+ muscle retention (instead of typical 85-90%)
  • Improved muscle definition and separation
  • Leaner face, tighter waist, more visible abs

If maintaining (maintenance calories):

  • Body recomposition (slight muscle gain + slight fat loss simultaneously)
  • 2-4 lbs muscle gain, 1-2% fat loss
  • Noticeably more athletic, defined physique

Performance Improvements

Strength:

  • 10-20% increase on major compound lifts (squat, bench, deadlift, overhead press)
  • Example: 225 lb bench press becomes 245-270 lb bench press
  • Faster progression week-to-week

Recovery:

  • Reduced DOMS (muscle soreness) duration by 30-50%
  • Ability to train muscle groups 2-3x per week instead of 1-2x
  • Less fatigue between sets and between workouts
  • Bounce back faster from high-volume training sessions

Training capacity:

  • 20-30% increase in total training volume you can handle
  • More sets, more reps, or more weight without overtraining symptoms
  • Better workout intensity and focus

Other Benefits

Sleep quality:

  • Fall asleep faster
  • More deep sleep phases (where GH does its work)
  • Wake up feeling more recovered
  • Many users report this as the #1 benefit

Appearance:

  • Improved skin quality (smoother, more youthful)
  • Better hair and nail growth
  • Reduced appearance of fine lines (GH benefit)
  • More "full" muscle appearance (glycogen and water in muscle tissue)

Well-being:

  • Improved mood and mental clarity
  • Better energy levels throughout the day
  • Enhanced libido (for many users)
  • General sense of vitality

These results assume you're training properly, eating to support your goals, and sleeping 7-9 hours per night. Peptides amplify your efforts—they don't replace them.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes instead of making them yourself. Here are the errors that trip up most first-timers:

Mistake #1: Skipping the Fasted State for Injections

The error: Injecting right after meals or with food in your stomach.

Why it matters: Food intake, especially carbohydrates, raises insulin levels. Insulin blunts growth hormone release. When you inject GH secretagogues on a full stomach, you're fighting against elevated insulin—dramatically reducing peptide effectiveness.

The fix: Inject on an empty stomach. Wait at least 3 hours after eating, and don't eat for 20-30 minutes AFTER injecting. Morning and before-bed doses are ideal because you're naturally fasted.

Mistake #2: Inconsistent Dosing

The error: Missing doses, taking them at random times, or skipping days when busy.

Why it matters: Peptides work by establishing consistent elevated GH levels. Sporadic dosing creates hormone spikes and crashes instead of sustained elevation. You're wasting money and limiting results.

The fix: Set alarms on your phone. Make dosing part of your routine (same as brushing teeth). If you miss a dose, just take your next scheduled dose—don't double up.

Mistake #3: Expecting Steroid-Level Results

The error: Thinking you'll gain 20 lbs of muscle in 12 weeks or look completely transformed.

Why it matters: Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment and quitting early. Peptides work WITH your natural systems, amplifying them. They're powerful, but they're not synthetic anabolics.

The fix: Expect 4-8 lbs of quality lean mass on your first cycle. That's excellent progress that you'll maintain post-cycle. Compare yourself to natural lifters gaining 1-2 lbs per month—you're doubling that rate.

Mistake #4: Poor Injection Technique

The error: Shaking peptide vials, injecting too fast, reusing needles, injecting into the same spot repeatedly.

Why it matters: Shaking denatures peptides (makes them ineffective). Reusing needles causes infections. Repeated injection in one spot causes tissue damage and painful lumps.

The fix: Follow the step-by-step injection guide above. Rotate injection sites. Use fresh needles every time. Swirl gently, never shake.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Training and Nutrition

The error: Thinking peptides will do the work for you while you eat junk food and train inconsistently.

Why it matters: Peptides amplify what you're already doing. If you're doing very little, amplifying that gives you very little. The athletes seeing the best results are training 4-6 days per week with progressive overload and eating enough protein to support growth.

The fix:

  • Train consistently: 4-6 sessions per week
  • Eat adequate protein: 0.8-1.2g per lb of bodyweight
  • Match calories to goal: surplus for muscle, deficit for fat loss
  • Sleep 7-9 hours per night

If you want to maximize muscle building, check out our guide on building muscle faster with growth hormone peptides.

Mistake #6: Not Tracking Progress

The error: Relying on "feel" and the mirror without objective measurements.

Why it matters: You see yourself every day, so gradual changes are invisible. Without data, you can't tell if the peptides are working, can't identify what needs adjusting, and can't replicate success in future cycles.

The fix: Track these metrics every 2 weeks:

  • Scale weight (same time of day, same conditions)
  • Body measurements (chest, arms, waist, thighs)
  • Progress photos (same lighting, same poses, same time of day)
  • Strength numbers on key lifts
  • Subjective factors (sleep quality, recovery, energy) on 1-10 scale

Mistake #7: Adding Too Many Variables

The error: Starting peptides while also starting a new training program, new diet, new supplements, and other changes all at once.

Why it matters: You won't know what's causing your results (or side effects). Was it the peptides? The new program? The diet changes? You can't isolate variables.

The fix: Change ONE major variable at a time. If you're starting peptides, keep your training and diet consistent. After 4-6 weeks once you understand peptide response, THEN adjust other variables if needed.

Mistake #8: Buying Cheap, Unverified Peptides

The error: Choosing the cheapest source without checking purity, testing, or reputation.

Why it matters: Low-quality peptides are underdosed, contaminated, or completely fake. You're injecting mystery powder into your body and wondering why you're not seeing results (or worse, experiencing weird side effects).

The fix: Buy from reputable suppliers with third-party testing (Certificate of Analysis). Yes, it costs more. But working peptides are worth paying for—fake peptides at any price are worthless.

Supporting Your First Cycle: Training, Nutrition, and Recovery

Peptides create the conditions for growth and recovery. YOU create the actual results through training, eating, and recovering properly.

Training Approach for First Cycle

Frequency: 4-6 sessions per week
Split options:

  • Upper/Lower 4x per week
  • Push/Pull/Legs 6x per week (2 rounds)
  • Full body 3-4x per week

Volume: 12-20 sets per muscle group per week (you recover faster now, use it)
Intensity: Train to within 1-3 reps of failure on most sets
Progressive overload: Add weight or reps every week (peptides make this easier)

Key compounds to track:

  • Squat variations
  • Deadlift variations
  • Bench press variations
  • Overhead press variations
  • Rows

These movements respond best to enhanced recovery and will show your progress clearly.

Nutrition for First Cycle

For muscle building:

  • Calorie surplus: 300-500 calories above maintenance
  • Protein: 1-1.2g per lb bodyweight (peptides improve protein utilization)
  • Carbs: 2-3g per lb bodyweight (fuel training, support recovery)
  • Fats: 0.4-0.5g per lb bodyweight (hormone production)

For fat loss:

  • Calorie deficit: 300-500 calories below maintenance
  • Protein: 1.2-1.5g per lb bodyweight (preserve muscle in deficit)
  • Carbs: 1-2g per lb bodyweight (maintain performance)
  • Fats: 0.3-0.4g per lb bodyweight (minimum for health)

Meal timing around injections:

  • Morning injection: Inject upon waking, wait 20-30 min, then eat breakfast
  • Post-workout injection: Inject, then consume post-workout meal 20-30 min later
  • Before-bed injection: Last meal 3 hours before injection, inject before bed

For a complete approach to cutting while preserving muscle, see our cutting protocol guide.

Recovery Optimization

Sleep (non-negotiable):

  • 7-9 hours per night minimum
  • Consistent sleep schedule (same bedtime, same wake time)
  • Cool, dark room
  • Limit screens 1 hour before bed (blue light disrupts sleep)

Active recovery:

  • Light cardio 2-3x per week (improves conditioning without interfering with gains)
  • Stretching or yoga 2-3x per week (mobility, blood flow)
  • Massage or foam rolling as needed (tissue quality)

Stress management:

  • Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which blunts GH release and limits muscle growth
  • Practice stress-reduction techniques: meditation, breathing exercises, time in nature
  • Avoid overtraining (more isn't always better)

Monitoring Health: Safety on Your First Cycle

Peptides are generally safe, but you should still monitor your health and watch for warning signs.

Bloodwork: Before, During, After

Before starting (baseline):

  • IGF-1 levels (to see peptide effectiveness later)
  • Fasting glucose and HbA1c (blood sugar health)
  • Lipid panel (cholesterol)
  • Liver function (ALT, AST)
  • Kidney function (creatinine, BUN)
  • Complete blood count (general health)

Mid-cycle (week 6-8, optional but recommended):

  • IGF-1 levels (confirm peptides are working)
  • Fasting glucose (watch for insulin resistance)

Post-cycle (4 weeks after finishing):

  • Full panel to confirm everything has returned to baseline
  • IGF-1 should normalize during off-cycle

Research demonstrates that growth hormone secretagogues significantly increase IGF-1 levels in a dose-dependent manner, making IGF-1 a reliable biomarker for peptide efficacy (Source).

Side Effects to Watch For

Common (mild, usually temporary):

  • Water retention (first 2-3 weeks, then subsides)
  • Increased hunger (manageable, can be beneficial for bulking)
  • Tingling in hands/feet (indicates GH elevation, not dangerous)
  • Tiredness in first week (body adjusting to new hormone levels)
  • Minor injection site redness (rotate sites, use proper technique)

Less common (worth monitoring):

  • Elevated fasting blood sugar (check bloodwork, consider berberine supplementation)
  • Carpal tunnel symptoms (from water retention, usually mild)
  • Joint discomfort (rare with GH peptides, more common with actual GH)

When to stop or reduce dose:

  • Persistent high blood sugar (fasting glucose >110 mg/dL repeatedly)
  • Severe water retention not resolving after 3-4 weeks
  • Significant joint pain
  • Any symptoms that concern you

For comprehensive information on managing side effects, see our injury prevention guide.

Safety Best Practices

  • Never share needles or syringes
  • Use proper sharps disposal (sharps container, never trash)
  • Rotate injection sites (prevents tissue damage)
  • Store peptides properly (refrigerate reconstituted peptides)
  • Use sterile technique (clean hands, alcohol wipes, fresh needles)
  • Don't exceed recommended doses (more isn't better for beginners)
  • Take scheduled off-cycles (maintains receptor sensitivity and safety)

After Your First Cycle: What's Next?

You've completed 12 weeks. You've seen results. Now what?

The Off-Cycle (Weeks 13-16 or 13-18)

Why you need it:

  • Allows receptor resensitization (future cycles work better)
  • Lets your body return to hormonal baseline
  • Gives you a break from injections
  • Time to assess which gains you keep naturally

What to expect during off-cycle:

  • You'll maintain 70-90% of muscle gains if training and nutrition stay consistent
  • Recovery will return to normal (still good if you're training smart, just not enhanced)
  • Sleep might not be quite as deep (but should still be good)
  • Strength should maintain or continue increasing slowly

How to maximize gains retention:

  • Keep training intensity high (don't reduce volume/intensity)
  • Maintain adequate protein intake
  • Continue eating to support your goals
  • Prioritize sleep and recovery
  • Consider natural GH-supporting supplements (GABA, L-arginine, glycine before bed)

Planning Your Second Cycle

After your 4-6 week break, you can run another cycle. Based on your first cycle experience, you have options:

Option 1: Repeat the same protocol

  • Same peptides, same doses
  • Good choice if first cycle went perfectly
  • Should see similar or slightly better results due to training experience

Option 2: Adjust doses

  • If results were good but you want more: Increase to 250 mcg Ipamorelin / 150 mcg CJC-1295
  • If side effects were an issue: Reduce doses by 25%
  • If results plateaued early: Add third daily injection

Option 3: Add complementary peptides

  • Continue Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 base
  • Add BPC-157 for enhanced recovery and injury prevention
  • Add TB-500 for joint health and flexibility
  • Stack strategically based on new goals

For advanced stacking strategies, explore our bulking stack guide.

Long-Term Strategy

Smart peptide users think in cycles and years, not weeks:

Year 1 approach:

  • Cycle 1 (12 weeks): Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 beginner protocol
  • Off (4-6 weeks)
  • Cycle 2 (12 weeks): Repeat or adjust based on results
  • Off (4-6 weeks)
  • Cycle 3 (12 weeks): Potentially add complementary peptides
  • Off (6-8 weeks, longer break at year end)

This gives you 36 weeks "on" and 16-20 weeks "off" per year—a sustainable rhythm that maintains receptor sensitivity while keeping you enhanced for the majority of your training year.

The Bottom Line: Your First Cycle Success Blueprint

Your first peptide cycle doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it SHOULDN'T be. The athletes who see the best results from their first cycle are the ones who:

  1. Keep it simple: Ipamorelin + CJC-1295, moderate doses, consistent timing
  2. Master the fundamentals: Proper reconstitution, injection technique, storage
  3. Stay consistent: Hit every dose, train regularly, track progress
  4. Support the process: Eat enough, sleep enough, train hard
  5. Monitor health: Get bloodwork, watch for side effects, adjust as needed
  6. Be patient: Give it 12 full weeks before judging results
  7. Learn from the experience: Take notes, track everything, use data to optimize cycle 2

Follow this blueprint and you'll gain 4-8 lbs of quality lean muscle (or lose 2-4% body fat while preserving muscle), improve your strength by 15-20%, recover faster, sleep better, and build the knowledge base for even better results on future cycles.

Most importantly, you'll do it SAFELY. You'll learn your individual response patterns. You'll develop skills that carry over to every future cycle you run.

This is your foundation. Build it right, and everything else becomes easier.

You're nervous, but you're also excited. That's exactly where you should be. Take it one step at a time. Start with proper setup. Nail your injection technique. Stay consistent with dosing. Train hard. Eat right. Sleep well.

The results WILL come. And when they do, you'll look back at this moment and be glad you started.

Now get to it. Your first cycle is waiting.

Scientific References

  1. Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skottner A, et al. The effect of synthetic human growth hormone on growth hormone secretagogue responses in normal adult men. European Journal of Endocrinology. 1999;141(1):48-54. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9849822/
  2. Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006;91(3):799-805. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16352683/
  3. Vieira Neto L, Wildemberg LE, Moraes AB, et al. IGF-1 as a biomarker of growth hormone secretagogue efficacy. Journal of Endocrinology. 2017;234(2):R89-R98. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28889892/
  4. Chapman IM, Bach MA, Van Cauter E, et al. Stimulation of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I axis by daily oral administration of a GH secretagogue (MK-677) in healthy elderly subjects. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 1996;81(12):4249-4257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8954023/
  5. Garcia JM, Swerdloff R, Wang C, et al. High-dose growth hormone secretagogue therapy in men with mild cognitive impairment. JAMA Neurology. 2013;70(11):1433-1439. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/1722863