Posted: 3/29/2008 9:21:12 AM EDT
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Does it do any good? I was reading about the training regimen that the Virginia Tech football players follow and many of them take creatine. I noticed that my new protein shake blend has it also. Sales gimmick, minimally useful or a necessity? FWIW I feel no different though I feel that it makes me more thirsty. 
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| you know i don't follow the fads, i steer clear. i am a work out hard, eat right and rest kinda guy. the supplements i add are food supplements; like protein shakes post work out, and carb gel/drink before/during ect, I do use Creatine. Now i don't think it makes a clear and defining difference in my gains, but it does seems to work. If i do 100% of everything else right; work out, eat, rest i do see a gain with the addition of creatine, IMHO. |
| i cycled creatine for a while, it upped my max weights of pretty much everything, i gained alot of water weight, i like it b/c i went from 185 to 200lbs. I didnt like it b/c it made my joints crack when i did push ups, it made me anxious and a lil edgy at times, i just take protien stuff now. |
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Creatine is about the only supplement that does work. All you need is the pure creatine and mix it up with juice or a protein shake every day. I take it 2 or 3 months then stop for 6 months or so. It does make you retain water and can cause cramps if you don't drink enough water. I find I can bulk up good by lifting heavier while on creatine. Good routine for the winter months. I'm doing a lot of running now to lose the bulked up mass from the winter so I'm not taking any creatine and have dropped about 10lbs in weight (215lbs) and dropped 20-30 pounds in max bench press (365lbs down to 335lbs or so). |
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It does dehidrate you so more water intake is necessary. The post above is correct that it makes you gain more water weight. Ive found that I have increased stamina and faster recovery time. There are a few different kinds that suit different needs but Ive just used the GNC monohidrate powder. Ive heard going off of it and then not staying active often leads to weight gain. My brother in law was a college level football player and got off the stuff and gained weight(not the good kind) I plan on starting up again in the next month and will take it along with protein |
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Took it for a while it did seem to help. I felt it's main benefit was that I felt I could work out harder, and longer; which results in more muscle development. I am off of it now, though; because the way the Army PTs you better make sure you're not dehydrated, and Creatine has a way of dehydrating you. |
| Every time some one asks about creatine on here, some times everybody says it's dangerious, then the next guy who asks and they all say it's great. I use it. I generally cycle 2 or 3 months on, 1 off. I quit for the summer, especially if I'm roofing or something where I can't afford to get dehydrated. The best I've found is the 6 star brand from Wal Mart. I don't gain water weight, in fact when I'm dieting I seem to lose weight better on it, but my amount I can lift gos WAY up! As with anything, get checked by your doctor first. I had my kindey and liver function tested as well as a diabetes test. |
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Creatine is made naturally in the body. When you lift or do short explosive movements your body uses the ATP-PC (ATP-phosphocreatine) energy system which is anaerobic, it's almost like free energy. So by taking creatine your cells will have more on reserve (probably the reason why your retain more water and bulk up as a result). HOWEVER, there are studies showing that long term and over use of creatine will lead to the body not producing as much creatine itself there by leading to the drop off when coming off of it. I would say some creatine supplement wouldn't be too bad but I would not advocate taking alot of it and everyday. Just enough to get yourself over some humps in training. |
That's pretty much the consensus from anyone/anywhere too. Give it a try and see how you like it. Personally, I found that it works in terms of strength and stamina, but found the "side effects" (dehydration, overstimulation) undesirable enough to stop using it. |