Protocol stack
Beginner Muscle Building Stack
The most accessible muscle-building peptide stack — no IGF-1, no multiple daily injections, and no aggressive anabolic compounds. Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 drives pulsatile GH release during sleep, supporting recovery and lean tissue accretion. MK-677 taken orally sustains IGF-1 elevation throughout the day, amplifying the anabolic signal without a second injection. This stack is appropriate for those who train consistently but have not previously used peptides. Baseline blood work (IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c) is essential before starting and should be rechecked at 6 weeks.
What's in this stack
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295
200 mcg of each peptide · Once nightly, 5 nights on / 2 nights off
Timing: 30 minutes before bed, minimum 3 hours after last meal
The 5/2 cycle preserves pituitary sensitivity. Fasted timing is non-negotiable — insulin blunts GH release by up to 80%. Do not eat for 30 minutes after injection either.
MK-677
10–15 mg (start at 10 mg for first 4 weeks) · Once daily
Timing: Before bed — pairs naturally with the Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 injection window
The appetite increase in weeks 1–3 is significant. Plan your evening meal around this — take MK-677 after your last meal rather than trying to sleep through hunger. If water retention is problematic, reduce to 10 mg and ensure adequate hydration.
Step-by-step guide
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 — 200 mcg of each peptide Once nightly, 5 nights on / 2 nights off
30 minutes before bed, minimum 3 hours after last meal
The 5/2 cycle preserves pituitary sensitivity. Fasted timing is non-negotiable — insulin blunts GH release by up to 80%. Do not eat for 30 minutes after injection either.
MK-677 — 10–15 mg (start at 10 mg for first 4 weeks) Once daily
Before bed — pairs naturally with the Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 injection window
The appetite increase in weeks 1–3 is significant. Plan your evening meal around this — take MK-677 after your last meal rather than trying to sleep through hunger. If water retention is problematic, reduce to 10 mg and ensure adequate hydration.
Free tool
Your protocol timeline
See your titration schedule, expected results, and blood work dates mapped to real calendar dates.
Protocol starts
16 Apr 2026Begin Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 nightly. Start MK-677 at 10mg. Establish protein target and training baseline.
Week 0 · StartAdaptation phase
23 Apr 2026MK-677 appetite increase is significant — plan your meals. Sleep quality often improves within the first week.
Week 1 · MilestoneMK-677 increase
7 May 2026Increase MK-677 to 15–20mg if 10mg is well tolerated. Water retention from this point is normal and temporary.
Week 3 · Dose changeIGF-1 blood test
14 May 2026Test IGF-1 and fasting glucose to confirm protocol is working and to guide any dose adjustments.
Week 4 · Blood workStrength gains visible
28 May 2026Progressive overload should be clearly measurable by now. Training volume can increase safely.
Week 6 · Expected resultConsider IGF-1 LR3
11 June 2026For advanced users: if blood work supports it and you have prescriber approval, IGF-1 LR3 can be added post-workout on training days.
Week 8 · Dose changeFirst cycle complete
9 July 2026Assess progress — measure body composition, strength benchmarks, and sleep quality. Continue or cycle off as prescribed.
Week 12 · MilestoneCycle review
6 Aug 2026Schedule review with your clinic. Retest IGF-1, fasting glucose, and testosterone to assess hormonal response.
Week 16 · Blood workTimelines are general estimates. Your prescribing practitioner will personalise your schedule.
Supplements for this protocol
Core supplements that directly support your Beginner Muscle Building Stack.
Creatine Monohydrate
The most evidence-backed performance supplement in existence — increases strength, power, and muscle recovery.
Whey Protein
The most bioavailable protein source — essential for hitting protein targets that support muscle growth and recovery.
Magnesium Glycinate
The most bioavailable form of magnesium — essential for sleep quality, muscle recovery, and hormone production.
Vitamin D3 + K2
The foundational hormone stack — critical for testosterone production, immune function, bone density, and GH receptor sensitivity.
Prescription required
All protocols listed on ProtocolHub require a prescription from an Australian AHPRA-registered medical practitioner. Do not attempt to self-prescribe or source peptides without medical supervision.
Get this protocol prescribed
Thrive Rx
Telehealth ClinicAustralia's most thorough longevity and peptide clinic — blood panel first, protocol second.
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Phyx
Telehealth ClinicThe Home of Longevity — performance-focused peptide therapy, supplements, and Afterpay-supported plans across Australia.
Peptides available (19)
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