LEAN bulking phase

Depends on age. Under 40 I would consider HGH, over 40 TRT. Same situation here, aiming to be lean by June and start bulking around September. The peptides that actually build muscle cost too much for the small gains they give compared with test or HGH. I would not stop the GLP-1 completely. Most bodybuilders just lower the dose so hunger is still there for protein but the other benefits remain. Maybe try a microdosing approach.

Time spent between phases does not matter much. A week or two is enough. What counts is tracking calories tightly and keeping the surplus small. You will likely add at least three or four pounds just from refilling glycogen and water when you switch. For a lean bulk the usual approach is a 4:1 to 6:1 ratio of bulk weeks to cut weeks. So for every four to six weeks bulking you should be able to cut that back in roughly one week at a moderate deficit. A 150-calorie daily surplus over four months adds about five pounds that can be lost in a month. Repeat and you get slightly leaner each cycle. Use the 6:1 ratio if you do not want to get any leaner. Always factor in the water and glycogen shifts on transitions.

Just curious why you want to skip the TRT route. TRT has worked well for me on keeping and adding lean muscle depending on the mix of Reta, Tesa, and calories. It feels like a trifecta and I do not understand why more people are not using it.

After doing this a long time I have found no length of maintenance makes staying lean easier. It comes down to solid discipline, though low-dose Reta helps. Without TRT, others will mention peptides that raise test levels, which seem like the next best option for adding muscle once everything else is in place. HGH at low doses will not do much unless IGF is already somewhat low.

Maintenance after a cut is not really needed. Just keep the diet clean and calories near maintenance. For the lean bulk after GLP-1 use, know your TDEE and run about 300 calories above it. No special trick, just keep the surplus controlled and intentional. Use a food-tracking app, weigh everything, stay consistent and there is nothing to worry about. For peptides, enclomiphene plus HGH can raise testosterone without suppressing natural production. Main side effect is minor bloating from aromatization. HGH at 2-4 IU daily works well for most.

Peptides are not really for muscle growth. Trying to use them that way leads to slow results. Anabolics, test, and HGH are what actually do that, along with hard gym work.

I would avoid TRT at 29 with no kids yet. In my late 40s my free T was in the 120s so TRT has been great and I do not mind staying on it. I feel much younger, stronger, and more alert. HGH would probably be the better choice now along with creatine, weights, and high protein intake.