- Thread Author
- #21
Hi Maasoud, hope you’ve been doing well bro!
No problem at all — I’ll upload some pics later today.
Since my last log when I was running the DHB and test, not much has changed in physique, thankfully!
🔥 Less Gear, More Discipline – BeefyM’s TRT Phase and Some Experiments 🔬
- Thread starter Beefym
- Start date
How to Earn Rewards
No problem at all — I’ll upload some pics later today.
Since my last log when I was running the DHB and test, not much has changed in physique, thankfully!
Hello.
You don't need to create a new cycle log.
Use the one you already have, update when necessary
I will merge everything and change the title for you this time
You don't need to create a new cycle log.
Use the one you already have, update when necessary
I will merge everything and change the title for you this time
- Thread Author
- #23
- Thread Author
- #24
Update
Day 2 / Week 1
Weight:89 kg in the morning
Compounds:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- IGF-1 LR3: 20 mcg daily (Day 2)
- Retatrutide: first 2 mg injection yesterday
Push day – Creeping Death 2, week 4
Good focus and solid pump, joints felt fine.
Cardio:
25 min LISS post-workout
Diet:
~2,700 kcal (around maintenance)
Observations / Notes:
- Got some redness on the skin around the IGF-1 injection site, but nothing serious. My skin is pretty sensitive anyway, so it could just be that.
- I noticed I wasn’t as hungry during the day — probably just placebo at this point, but we’ll see how it goes.
- No other noticeable effects yet. Still to early.
- Overall feeling fine, energy stable.
why are you using Reta if you're at a maintainance calorie diet?
also i would like to know your goals since im new in this log
- Thread Author
- #26
Hi Davy!why are you using Reta if you're at a maintainance calorie diet?
also i would like to know your goals since im new in this log
I’m mainly using Retatrutide to test its effect on metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and nutrient partitioning, not just for appetite control or fat loss.
Even though I’m around maintenance calories, my goal right now is a lean recomposition phase — keeping body fat stable or slightly lower while improving overall metabolic health before the next bulk.
I also want to gain first-hand experience with these compounds, to understand how they respond on my own body, in case I decide to include them in the next cycle.
I want to see if Retatrutide (together with IGF-1 LR3) can help improve glucose handling, fat oxidation, and recovery while on a low-androgen setup (just TRT).
Basically, this phase is about data, experience, and preparation for the next cycle.
Hope that makes sense
For an experiment it makes perfect sense.Hi Davy!
I’m mainly using Retatrutide to test its effect on metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and nutrient partitioning, not just for appetite control or fat loss.
Even though I’m around maintenance calories, my goal right now is a lean recomposition phase — keeping body fat stable or slightly lower while improving overall metabolic health before the next bulk.
I also want to gain first-hand experience with these compounds, to understand how they respond on my own body, in case I decide to include them in the next cycle.
I want to see if Retatrutide (together with IGF-1 LR3) can help improve glucose handling, fat oxidation, and recovery while on a low-androgen setup (just TRT).
Basically, this phase is about data, experience, and preparation for the next cycle.
Hope that makes sense
No hormonal variation so every data you collect will be related to retatrutide/igf1
Try to have an experience without the mix of the two (by removing igf1)
- Thread Author
- #28
Week 2 Update
Weight:87.3 kg
Compounds:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- IGF-1 LR3: started at 20 mcg daily, increased to 40 mcg, now back to 20 mcg
- Retatrutide: none this week (paused to isolate IGF-1 effects)
Leg day – Creeping Death 2
Good focus and intensity, joints felt fine.
Training and overall routine remain consistent.
Cardio:
20–30 min LISS post-workout (daily routine maintained)
Diet:
~2,700 kcal (around maintenance)
Macros and food choices remain the same — clean whole-food approach.
Observations / Notes:
This week I didn’t use Retatrutide — I decided to follow SalvatoreCortuse’s advice and keep only one compound active, but I decide to run IGF-1 LR3 alone.
After increasing the dose to 40 mcg daily, I started noticing some unpleasant sides:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath even during conversation
- Almost like the onset of a panic attack at times
Also noticed numbness in my hands in the morning, and even had trouble pinning my TRT shot in the glute
I dropped the dose back to 20 mcg, but occasional heart palpitations are still present.
If this doesn’t improve by next week, it’s clear that IGF-1 LR3 isn’t a good fit for my body, and I’ll drop it completely and switch to Retatrutide only.
Visual notes:
Definition has slightly gone down and muscles look a bit less full — but that’s expected given the context. Overall still looks good.
Attaching a photo from this morning
Has anyone here experienced something similar with IGF-1 LR3?
Would be great to hear your feedback or how you managed it
- Thread Author
- #29
Week 3 Update
Weight:87.2 kg
Compounds:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- IGF-1 LR3: discontinued (persistent side effects even after reducing to 20 mcg)
- Retatrutide: reintroduced at 2.5 mg / week
Same split and intensity as previous weeks.
- Push day– Creeping Death 2
- Focus and intensity remain solid.
- No joint discomfort.
Overall routine and recovery on point.
20–30 min LISS post-workout (maintained daily).
Diet:
~2,700 kcal (around maintenance)
Clean whole-food approach remains the same — no major changes in macros or timing.
Observations / Notes:
After dropping IGF-1 LR3, most of the negative symptoms (heart palpitations, shortness of breath, numbness in hands) have started to subside.
It’s clear that IGF-1 LR3 isn’t well tolerated in my case — not worth continuing.
Retatrutide was reintroduced at a low dose (2.5 mg) — so far no notable sides, possibly a slight decrease in appetite toward the evening, but that could be placebo at this stage. Too early to assess any real effect.
Training consistency remains excellent. Visuals stable — conditioning holdin.
Visual notes:
Body composition steady; vascularity moderate, slightly flatter look, but overall balanced. No noticeable fluid retention.
You look leaner.
It is uncommon the side effects obtained with igf1 lr3. But hey, the goal is not to suffer so if you feel better this way without using it, it's perfect.
Having done a week with a single product allowed you to isolate the cause of these problems.
Keep update
It is uncommon the side effects obtained with igf1 lr3. But hey, the goal is not to suffer so if you feel better this way without using it, it's perfect.
Having done a week with a single product allowed you to isolate the cause of these problems.
Keep update
- Thread Author
- #31
Exactly, thanks for the advice about running only one compound.
It’s a bit frustrating because I was planning to cycle IGF-1 LR3 throughout the year, kind of make it part of my long-term routine, but looks like it’s just not meant for me
I might give it another try sometime down the road though.
And thanks for saying I look leaner! I actually feel a lot smaller, but that’s just in my head.
The Meadows trainings are pretty brutal, but no real fatigue so far.
I could probably bump up the calories a bit, but on the other hand, if I come out of this phase a bit more shredded without losing much muscle tissue, I won’t complain
It’s a bit frustrating because I was planning to cycle IGF-1 LR3 throughout the year, kind of make it part of my long-term routine, but looks like it’s just not meant for me
I might give it another try sometime down the road though.
And thanks for saying I look leaner! I actually feel a lot smaller, but that’s just in my head.
The Meadows trainings are pretty brutal, but no real fatigue so far.
I could probably bump up the calories a bit, but on the other hand, if I come out of this phase a bit more shredded without losing much muscle tissue, I won’t complain
- Thread Author
- #32
Week 4 Update
Weight:86.1 kg (morning, fasted)
Compounds:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- Retatrutide: 3 mg (there was a bit more left in the vial )
- IGF-1 LR3: discontinued
- No other compounds
Push day today .
Training consistency remains the same as in previous weeks.
Cardio:
Daily post-workout LISS, 20–30 min, unchanged.
Diet:
~2,700 kcal (maintenance)
Same clean whole-food approach.
No intentional deficit, no cheat meals.
Observations / Notes:
Retatrutide definitely kicked in this week.
At evenings I’m not hungry at all, sometimes just a piece of fruit or something small satisfies me fully. This is going to be a real game-changer in future cycles.
Digestion:
- I go to the bathroom more often, but it’s not diarrhea.
- Before training I sometimes have to “sprint” to the toilet
- Mild discomfort in the gut/stomach here and there, but nothing serious or concerning.
Overall, I’m really satisfied so far and Retatrutide is starting to show its value. Super curious to see where I’ll be by the end of month 3. If God allows and it’s back in stock, I’ll definitely buy more for the future
Visual notes:
I do feel a bit flatter overall, but still looking good.
Even I’m technically at maintenance calories, it really seems like my legs are getting more defined and the love handles are slowly disappearing. The fat loss is noticeable in all the “problem areas,” which is a big plus for me.
- Thread Author
- #33
Week 4 Update
Weight:
86.1 kg (morning, fasted)
Compounds:
Training:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- Retatrutide: 3 mg (there was a bit more left in the vial
- IGF-1 LR3: discontinued
- No other compounds
Push day today .
Training consistency remains the same as in previous weeks.
Cardio:
Daily post-workout LISS, 20–30 min, unchanged.
Diet:
~2,700 kcal (maintenance)
Same clean whole-food approach.
No intentional deficit, no cheat meals.
Observations / Notes:
Retatrutide definitely kicked in this week.
At evenings I’m not hungry at all, sometimes just a piece of fruit or something small satisfies me fully. This is going to be a real game-changer in future cycles.
Digestion:
Fat loss seems to be happening even at maintenance calories. I’m especially noticing changes in my stubborn areas (love handles and legs), which for me are always the hardest.
- I go to the bathroom more often, but it’s not diarrhea.
- Before training I sometimes have to “sprint” to the toilet
- Mild discomfort in the gut/stomach here and there, but nothing serious or concerning.
Overall, I’m really satisfied so far and Retatrutide is starting to show its value. Super curious to see where I’ll be by the end of month 3. If God allows and it’s back in stock, I’ll definitely buy more for the future
Visual notes:
I do feel a bit flatter overall, but still looking good.
Even I’m technically at maintenance calories, it really seems like my legs are getting more defined and the love handles are slowly disappearing. The fat loss is noticeable in all the “problem areas,” which is a big plus for me.
View attachment 2038
Week 5 Update
Weight:84.5 kg
Compounds:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- Retatrutide: 5 mg
- IGF-1 LR3: discontinued
- No other compounds
Still running the same program.
Today was Pull, solid session, strength is still progressing gradually (progressive overload is on point).
No signs of overreaching or fatigue, joints feel good, motivation is high.
Cardio:
Same as usual: 20–30 min LISS post-workout, daily.
Diet:
~2,500 kcal
Appetite during the day comes and goes, but it’s more like a light hunger signal, nothing intense at all.
No cravings, nothing pushing me to overeat. Retatrutide is doing its job perfectly.
Observations / Notes:
GI side effects are mild, occasional discomfort around the gut/stomach, and I’m still going to the bathroom more frequently. Honestly, I kind of like it, because I don’t feel bloated at all.
Libido is good, not like a horny teenager, but yoga pants on a nice ass definitely still do their thing.
Mentally I feel stable, calm and focused. Sleep is good, performance at work is great, no dips in energy.
Training is smooth, weights continue to go up without feeling worn down.
Visual notes:
Definitely leaner this week, though still a bit flatter overall.
Pump in the gym is good, vascularity is increasing as body fat drops.
Midsection tightening up, legs and lower areas continue to get sharper.
I should do a log like that too, running around nearly natty actually lol
Keep us up to date!
Keep us up to date!
Quick question. What training do you do for the shoulders?
It seems visually behind the rest of the physique. The muscle looks short (genetic) so it doesn't help too much either.
It seems visually behind the rest of the physique. The muscle looks short (genetic) so it doesn't help too much either.
- Thread Author
- #36
You’re right, my shoulders are definitely a weak point. And honestly, my genetics aren’t doing me any favors either
Not trying to sound dramatic, but I was literally born with two spleens and organs placed in weird positions compared to a “normal” person 
One leg is also shorter than the other, so I’ve had tons of imbalances to fix over the years, but thankfully it’s way better now than it was ten years ago.As for training: shoulders are part of my push day. I hit rear delts, side delts and front delts, mostly different variations of laterals and different types of presses depending on the plan I follow. Right now I’m running John Meadows’ Creeping Death 2. I’ll attach it so you can take a look at how it’s structured.
If you have any advice on how to bring them up, I’m all ears, man.
- Thread Author
- #37
You definitely should, I’m looking forward to the moment when I stop having this natty feeling again
- Thread Author
- #38
This was today’s shoulder session. I’ve only been training in this style for about six months, so we’ll see, maybe there will be some noticeable difference over time. But like I said, my genetics are pretty shit overall. I love bodybuilding, but I’m not built to win shows. In the end I’ll still do it because I just genuinely enjoy it.
Right now I feel super small and flat, so I’m really looking forward to starting the bulk after this phase
Right now I feel super small and flat, so I’m really looking forward to starting the bulk after this phase
Yeah I really should but I don't have so much time tbh and I would forget to update the whole timeYou definitely should, I’m looking forward to the moment when I stop having this natty feeling again
Idk I feel the same if I'm natty or not haha
- Thread Author
- #40
Week 5 Update
Weight:
84.5 kg
Compounds:
Training:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- Retatrutide: 5 mg
- IGF-1 LR3: discontinued
- No other compounds
Still running the same program.
Today was Pull, solid session, strength is still progressing gradually (progressive overload is on point).
No signs of overreaching or fatigue, joints feel good, motivation is high.
Cardio:
Same as usual: 20–30 min LISS post-workout, daily.
Diet:
~2,500 kcal
Appetite during the day comes and goes, but it’s more like a light hunger signal, nothing intense at all.
No cravings, nothing pushing me to overeat. Retatrutide is doing its job perfectly.
Observations / Notes:
GI side effects are mild, occasional discomfort around the gut/stomach, and I’m still going to the bathroom more frequently. Honestly, I kind of like it, because I don’t feel bloated at all.
Libido is good, not like a horny teenager, but yoga pants on a nice ass definitely still do their thing.
Mentally I feel stable, calm and focused. Sleep is good, performance at work is great, no dips in energy.
Training is smooth, weights continue to go up without feeling worn down.
Visual notes:
Definitely leaner this week, though still a bit flatter overall.
Pump in the gym is good, vascularity is increasing as body fat drops.
Midsection tightening up, legs and lower areas continue to get sharper.View attachment 2098
Week 6 Update
Weight:85.0 kg (morning, fasted)
Compounds:
- TRT: 150 mg Test E / week
- Retatrutide: 5 mg
- IGF-1 LR3: discontinued
- No other compounds
Training plan remains the same + daily LISS cardio.
Energy stable, strength still progressing, no signs of overreaching or fatigue.
Everything feels smooth and consistent.
Diet:
~2,500 kcal
Appetite is still noticeably lower overall, but not in a bad way, just easier to control food intake.
Had a big cheat meal this week (~2,100 kcal KFC) and surprisingly didn’t gain anything.
Next morning fasted weight was actually slightly lower, which pretty much confirms Retatrutide is doing great for metabolism and nutrient handling.
Observations / Notes:
Went for bloodwork this week.
My hematocrit and hemoglobin are still elevated from the last cycle:
- HCT: 0.54
- Hemoglobin: 199
- RBC: 5.9
From now on I’ll be dosing TRT subq daily to reduce peak levels and hopefully keep HCT from creeping up again.
Hydration aiming for around 5 liters of water daily.
In suplement stack right now for htc omega-3s, nattakionase and 100 mg aspirin daily as a preventative measure.
The trend is already improving right after the last cycle I was at HCT 0.56, so it’s slowly heading in the right direction. After the donation I should be back in a safe range.
All other markers came back totally fine.
Until my HCT and the rest of the blood markers fully stabilize, I won’t start a bulk or add any additional androgens to my TRT.
If anyone has additional tips for managing high HCT (besides full TRT stop or home micro-bleeding), feel free to share. Always open to good advice.
Otherwise libido good, mood stable, drive normal.
No fatigue, no burnout, work performance is excellent, mentally I feel balanced.
Visual notes:
Still a bit flatter, mostly in my head though.
Vascularity is good, pump in the gym still good.
Midsection continues tightening up and legs/lower body keep improving.