All of us have grown up watching WWE, right?
And, most of us fantasized if we could develop the body shape of our favorite wrestlers because it just looked too cool.
I mean, those big, bulky, and husky bodies had a different level of charm on television screens, and rightfully so, but it just seemed impossible to acquire that body shape, right?
Then, life happened, and we all grew up, and many of us gave up on the idea of looking a bit like our childhood heroes cum bodybuilders.
But for those who didn’t, if you are still on the path of fitness and bodybuilding, you have come a long way, my friend!
Bodybuilding requires sheer persistence, grit, and determination. It requires dedication and sacrifices.
But what if I tell you that there is a secret recipe that can enhance your bodybuilding journey?
Now you must be thinking, oh man! Another crappy anabolic steroids guide is on my way, but hang on, hang on!
PEPTIDES are what we are talking about!!
The use of peptides for muscle growth has increased significantly in the recent past, and rightfully so.
Here is my guide for the TOP 5 peptides for bodybuilding. Read through the end and gear yourself for a trip to your desired body shape.
Key Takeaways:
- Best Peptides for bodybuilding include CJC 1295, Tesamorelin, Sermorelin, TB 500, and Hexarelin.
- Peptides for muscle growth and bodybuilding are extremely safe, unlike other alternatives available in the market.
- Peptide therapy not only offers increased muscle growth but also other supplemental benefits.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve numerous functions in the human body (1). They play a significant role in maintaining the homeostatic balance of our body by modifying several metabolic pathways.
People often use them as a supplement for their advantages, such as enhanced lean muscle mass, rapid fat loss, boosting immunity, and much more. The concise structure of peptides also makes it easier for the body to absorb them.
How do Peptides for Bodybuilding Work?
Most of the peptides for bodybuilding work by mimicking the action of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). There are many GHRHs available in the market, including CJC 1295, Tesamorelin, and Sermorelin. Others, like Hexarelin, can work by acting as Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS). Nevertheless, these peptides raise the levels of human growth hormone (HGH) in the blood leading to a diverse range of benefits.
TB 500, one of the potent bodybuilding peptides, works quite differently. The peptide raises the body’s response to actin functioning.
No matter what category of peptides we talk about, all of these peptides accelerate the increase in muscle mass and reduce excess fat without changing muscle bulk.
Benefits of peptides
Peptides are very dynamic when it comes to human health. They function in various ways, leading to multiple benefits all at once. Most of these peptides work by stimulating the growth hormone, enhancing optimal muscle growth alongside efficient fat loss.
Besides that, peptides are also seen to improve skin wrinkling due to aging (2). After heavy exercise sessions, you can also use peptides for wound healing and joint recovery.
Interestingly peptides also contain antioxidants that can help prevent oxidative stresses. Peptides also decrease the risk of age-related bone loss in women.
#1 CJC 1295: Best Peptide to Increase Human Growth Hormone
CJC 1295 is one of the widely used peptides for bodybuilding in gyms. The peptide comprises 30 amino acids and is a potent Growth Hormone Secreting Hormone (GHRH) analog (3). It was manufactured by ConjuChem Technologies after Sermorelin. CJC 1295 comes in two primary forms, with or without DAC.
CJC 1295, being a GHRH analog, stimulates the somatotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland and causes a drastic release of Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like growth hormone (IGF-1).
Research suggests a greater half-life of CJC 1295 that can last up to 6 days in the human body.
CJC 1295, besides causing an increase in lean muscle mass, boost fat loss and improves the sleep-wake cycle. For optimum benefits, it is recommended to use 30 to 60 mcg per kg of body weight for approximately 12 weeks.
CJC 1295
CJC 1295 is known as a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone. This will cause the pituitary gland to produce, secrete, and pulsate more Growth Hormone into the bloodstream.
HGH has been linked to increased fat loss through its ability to increase lipolysis. It will also increase IGF-1 levels throughout the body which have been linked to fat loss, muscle gain, bone health, skin health, and even better hair.
You are best taking a GHRH with a GHRP for optimal results.
#2 Tesamorelin: Best Peptide for Fat Loss
Like CJC 1295, Tesamorelin too is a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog. It consists of 44 amino acids, and for better pharmacodynamics, Tesamorelin’s N-terminal portion is modified as compared to GHRH.
Tesamorelin causes an increase in local levels of growth hormone by stimulating the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland. GH then acts on adipocytes, hepatocytes, and myocytes to exert its effects. The peptide is also being used to improve HIV-associated lipodystrophy (4).
Tesamorelin, alongside increasing lean muscle mass, also causes a reduction in trunk fat, waist circumference, and abdominal fat. The peptide also promotes cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease. For maximum benefits, it is advised to use 2mg of the peptide per day subcutaneously. It is recommended to cycle it for two months, followed by a month off.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is known as a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). A GHRH will cause the pituitary gland to release more Growth Hormone which will have various downstream effects on the body.
Much like CJC it will cause a similar release in GH in the body leading to fat loss and muscle gain. That said, the benefits of Tesamorelin are more geared towards fat loss.
Tesamorelin has been found to be quite good at reducing the amount of fat around the abdomen.
#3 Sermorelin: Best Stacking Peptide for Growth Hormone
Sermorelin is an acetate salt consisting of 29 amino acids and mimics the action of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) (5). It is an artificial peptide that often goes by GRF 1-29 NH2.
The peptide causes an increase in the release of growth hormones. However, unlike CJC 1295 and Tesamorelin, Sermorelin causes a rather pulsatile growth hormone release according to our homeostatic needs.
Sermorelin causes a profound increase in lean muscle mass, healing of the wound, induces quality sleep, and decreases body fat. For bodybuilders, using 0.5 to 1.0 mg of Sermorelin twice per day is suggested. You can cycle it for 2 to 4 months.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is known as a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). A GHRH will cause the pituitary gland to release more Growth Hormone which will have various downstream effects on the body.
Unlike the two previous peptides this will cause a pulsation-like effect of GH release rather than something perpetual.
This is why it should be stacked with a GHRP to create smoother releases of GH release to get more of the benefits associated with GH.
#4 TB 500: Best Peptide for Injuries
Thymosin beta-4, aka TB 500, comprises 43 amino acids. It is (17)LKKTETQ(23), the central fragment of the peptide, that gives TB 500 its unique mechanism of action.
This naturally occurring peptide works rather uniquely. It works by enhancing the body’s ability to respond to actin functioning. This leads to more cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. This is eventually accompanied by increased lean muscle mass.
Research also suggests TB 500’s benefits in angiogenesis, wound healing, and regeneration. This causes more endurance and bone strengthening (6). For bodybuilders, it is advised to use 7.66 mg per week for 14 weeks straight. Taking three weeks off the cycle after the regimen is also essential.
TB500
TB 500 is perhaps the best injury peptide you can get. Injuries are known to happen quite often in those that are impaired do to over or under use and TB 500 will work for both.
Known as Thymosin Beta-4 is will work by decreasing inflammation and somewhat increasing blood flow to an area as well.
Some studies suggest other benefits such as better bone mass or muscle hypertrophy but this is only in those who are impaired.
#5 Hexarelin: Best Peptide for Muscle Growth
Hexarelin is comparatively a very short peptide consisting of 6 amino acids. It mimics a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) and stimulates GHS receptors in the peripheral organs.
Hexarelin works by phospholipid-dependent protein kinase pathway. The pathway eventually improves muscle growth through rapid and efficient protein synthesis (7). By binding to CD36 of the blood cells, the peptide also maintains cardiovascular health. It also aids in making your bones more robust and flexible.
Nonetheless, hexarelin can cause some potential side effects related to its endocrine sensitivity. It can cause a rise in serum cortisol and prolactin levels. Therefore, it is essential to use Hexarelin within the recommended dosages. Daily 200 to 300 mcg consumption for 12 to 16 weeks is safe.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a Growth Hormone Secretagogue meaning it will simply boost the natural Growth Hormone production in the body.
Besides being good for muscle growth the peptide also shows promise to improve overall cardiovascular health.
This is partly due to its ability to reduce fat mass while also increasing muscle mass.
Are Peptides Legal?
Most of the peptides are prohibited from human ingestion by the FDA. Due to the limited research available, it is yet to be approved by the authorities. Nonetheless, you can use these peptides for research and clinical purposes.
Who Should Use Bodybuilding Peptides?
These muscle-building peptides can be used by anyone looking to increase their lean muscle mass and reduce extra fat. However, it is more commonly used among athletes and bodybuilders to gain endurance and strength before their big day.
Nevertheless, if you’re someone with endocrine disorders or other cardiovascular diseases, it is contraindicated to use peptides unless necessary.
How to Use Peptides?
The injectable versions of the peptides give you a hard time. These peptides usually come in powder form that requires reconstitution. However, you have nothing to worry about.
Add a few drops of bacteriostatic water to the vial containing the peptide for reconstitution. Make
sure the amount of water being added is in accordance with the recommended dosage. Later on, keep the vial in a favorable environment for reuse. As far as routes of administration are concerned, you can inject the peptide subcutaneously, intravenously, or intramuscularly.
For a detailed guide on how to use peptides, read exclusively on Muscle and Brawn!
Forms of Bodybuilding Peptides Available
Peptides for bodybuilding come in various forms. You can purchase these peptides in oral, capsule, liquid, nasal sprays, creams, transdermal patches, and powder forms.
Importantly, powder forms need to be reconstituted before injecting them into your body.
For a step-by-step guide on reconstitution, read more on M&B!
FAQs
What are the functions of peptides?
Peptides cause numerous beneficial effects. They can aid in reducing inflammation, increasing muscle mass as well as endurance, and treating diseases.
What are the side effects of peptides?
The majority of the peptides are very safe for human consumption. Nonetheless, side effects such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea may be reported.
Are peptides safe for human consumption?
Yes! Most peptides are completely safe for humans without the risk of any adverse reactions.
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