CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Dosage for Bodybuilding: A Comprehensive Guide
The combination of CJC-1295 (a growth hormone releasing hormone analog) with Ipamorelin (a selective growth hormone secretagogue) is often referred to as a "GH secretagogue duo." The main advantage lies in their synergistic effect: CJC-1295 stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone over an extended period, while Ipamorelin triggers short, high peaks of growth hormone secretion. Together they produce both sustained and pulse-like elevations of GH, which can translate into improved muscle hypertrophy, fat loss, and recovery.
Typical dosing regimens for bodybuilders fall within the following ranges:
- CJC-1295: 2–4 µg per kilogram of body weight, administered subcutaneously once daily or twice daily. A common split is 1 µg/kg in the morning and 1 µg/kg before bed.
- Ipamorelin: 10–20 µg per kilogram of body weight, given as a single dose either pre-workout or post-workout. Some protocols call for two injections—one before training (5 µg/kg) and another after training (5 µg/kg).
Understanding the Peptide Duo
CJC-1295 is a modified peptide that mimics natural growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary cells, prompting them to release endogenous growth hormone. One of its unique attributes is a long half-life when conjugated with an albumin-binding domain; this allows for sustained GH release over 24–48 hours after a single injection.
Ipamorelin, by contrast, targets the ghrelin receptor but in a way that selectively stimulates GH secretion without significant increases in prolactin or cortisol. Its action is short-acting—typically lasting 30–60 minutes—which makes it ideal for generating high peaks of GH around training sessions.
When used together, CJC-1295 provides a baseline level of GH throughout the day and night, while Ipamorelin boosts those levels during critical periods such as before or after workouts. The combined effect can increase protein synthesis, enhance nitrogen retention in muscle tissue, reduce cortisol-mediated catabolism, and accelerate glycogen replenishment.
The pair also encourages better sleep quality. Elevated GH during the night is known to aid deep restorative processes, while Ipamorelin’s pre-training dose can improve focus and energy without causing excessive stimulation that might interfere with rest.
Finding Your Dose
- Assess Your Goals
- For fat loss or maintenance of lean mass during cutting phases, keep the CJC-1295 dose on the lower side (1–2 µg/kg) and use Ipamorelin sparingly.
- Consider Your Body Weight
- Start Low, Go Slow
- Incremental Adjustments
- Timing Matters
- Ipamorelin: A pre-training injection 30–60 minutes before lifting enhances performance, while a post-training dose can help with recovery. Some users prefer splitting Ipamorelin into two smaller doses—half before training and half after—to maintain steady GH peaks.
- Cycle Length
- Monitoring and Feedback
- Safety Checks
- Verify the sterility of your syringes and injection sites to avoid infections.
- Stay hydrated; GH can increase water retention, so drink plenty of fluids.
- Pair the regimen with a balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
By combining an evidence-based understanding of how CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin work together with careful titration based on body weight and personal response, you can design a peptide protocol that maximizes muscle growth, improves recovery, and supports overall health. The key is gradual adjustment, attentive monitoring, and respect for the body’s natural hormone systems.