Creatine

Crashsti · 06-30-2005, 02:22 PM

there seems to be alot of interest in Creatine so i did a quick search and found a quick overview of how Creatine works and some other tidbits about it. the research cited is a little out of date, the newest source cited was 1997, almost 10 years ago. so some of the concerns about its use may no longer be valid.

http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/creatine.html

DrumzCT · 06-30-2005, 02:53 PM

Great article Crashti. That one section towards the middle has me curious to find out more on the type I and type II muscle fibers as well.

Crashsti · 07-04-2005, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrumzCT

Great article Crashti. That one section towards the middle has me curious to find out more on the type I and type II muscle fibers as well.

the article does give a brief explanation of type I vs. type II muscle fibers. however there is one thing i can add to it. everyone is genetically differant and the ratio of type I to type II fibers is genetic. meaning that you cannot change it. basically meaning, a Kenyan marathon runner will never have the strength of a World class weightlifter and vice versa no matter how much you train.

DrumzCT · 07-26-2005, 02:50 PM

After doing some research and stuff posted by some of you guys, I'm gonna start taking Creatine. I'll use this thread to post my observations on it and everything. How I think I'm developing compared to when I wasn't on it and such.

Also, here's another good site for info

Absolute Creatine

DrumzCT · 07-28-2005, 06:30 PM

Bought my Creatine. Got the GNC brand along with thier protein powder.

Very cool GNC gold card. For the first 7 days of every month I get 20% off my entire purchase. So I just buy my stuff in the first 7 days. To be a member cost 15 bucks but will be well payed for with savings. I think I payed 60 dollars total for the creatine and protein in moderately sized bottles. I know the Creatine had about 100 doses in it and was about $30.

After some research I decided to do a loading phase which is 20 grams a day for the first 5 days. Studies have shown that people who load and people who don't catch up and even out after about 4 weeks but I'm impatient so I figured I'd load.

I'm starting this Monday so I'll probably post some results in like 4 weeks.

SmashingMachine · 07-28-2005, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrumzCT

Bought my Creatine. Got the GNC brand along with thier protein powder.

Very cool GNC gold card. For the first 7 days of every month I get 20% off my entire purchase. So I just buy my stuff in the first 7 days. To be a member cost 15 bucks but will be well payed for with savings. I think I payed 60 dollars total for the creatine and protein in moderately sized bottles. I know the Creatine had about 100 doses in it and was about $30.

After some research I decided to do a loading phase which is 20 grams a day for the first 5 days. Studies have shown that people who load and people who don't catch up and even out after about 4 weeks but I'm impatient so I figured I'd load.

I'm starting this Monday so I'll probably post some results in like 4 weeks.

I was able to tell pretty much after the loading phase. My endurance, when sparring greatly improved...I recently ran out too. I can tell a difference in my cardio workouts...I just phase out earlier than normal. Creatine is good stuff all the way around.

DrumzCT · 08-01-2005, 04:14 PM

Well my workout today was awesome.

Did 15grams as I'm in the loading phase.

I had so much energy and stamina when I worked out. I was able to do more reps than usual and every rep just felt solid and after the workout I still felt the burn but not as tired as I usually am.

Good stuff.

DrumzCT · 08-02-2005, 10:44 AM

This morning I woke up barely sore at all, and I worked out pretty hard yesterday. I can feel a slight soreness when I stretch my arms out but it's very little.

Can't comment on how it enhances muscle growth yet but it definitely gives ton of energy like SmashingMachine said and greatly helps muscle repair after working out.

Kentified · 08-23-2005, 11:49 PM

Any updates on your use with creatine?

DrumzCT · 08-23-2005, 11:54 PM

It's going pretty much the same. Getting bigger and still have the energy boost. I was taking monohydrate creatine which lvsuspect informed me is the cheap stuff. I'm planning on getting the better Xyience stuff soon once my current bottle wears out.

sitnspin · 08-26-2005, 08:23 AM

I'm about to start on creatine for the first time. I'm working out a lot, both weights and cardio, aiming for a muscular 205 (18 lbs left to lose -- I'm 6'1). My concern, though, is that even if I burn off the rest of the fat I'm trying to lose, I'll add enough muscle mass on the creatine that my weight won't go down much. Thoughts? Because of this, should I skip the loading phase?

DrumzCT · 08-26-2005, 10:32 AM

Creatine helps build muscle, so if you don't want to build muscle too fast don't use the creatine I guess. Else just use it until you have enough muscle. Then switch to types of excersises that strengthen muscle but don't build more.

Crashsti · 08-26-2005, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sitnspin

I'm about to start on creatine for the first time. I'm working out a lot, both weights and cardio, aiming for a muscular 205 (18 lbs left to lose -- I'm 6'1). My concern, though, is that even if I burn off the rest of the fat I'm trying to lose, I'll add enough muscle mass on the creatine that my weight won't go down much. Thoughts? Because of this, should I skip the loading phase?

Creatine does help build muscle but it does it by giving your muscles a better ability to use energy. so you can think of it this way, by using creatine you're build more muscle which means you'll burn more calories thus lose weight a little faster. if you're looking to be a fighter i would use creatine for sure, you'll be stronger and heavier. most guys who fight at 205 cut weight down from 220. regarding the loading phase, i have seen reports that go both ways, some say its a waste of money, others say its important. i'd say skip it and save yourself some money. the facts are that your body cannot synthesis 20grams of creatine a day, you'll piss out most of it. you should howver cycle it. as in 6 weeks on it and then a week without it.

sitnspin · 08-29-2005, 05:26 PM

First day on creatine. Stomach cramps. Ugh. More water is supposed to help that?

DrumzCT · 08-29-2005, 05:30 PM

You definitely need to drink alot of water since your muscles will be absorbing more. Definitely drink lots of water!!

AikaImmortal · 08-29-2005, 06:05 PM

It is very easy to dehydrate if you take lots of creatine and do lots of cardio.. drink more water than you think youll need.

UFCRULEZ13 · 08-29-2005, 06:48 PM

ive taken creatine on and off for 4 years now... #1 you need to know it is VERY hard to lose weight and take creatine. you retain alot more of the water you drink, i tend to even gain some weight on creatine regardless of how i eat... i think if your trying to cut down weight and gain muscle there are other products you need to look at. (at this point i am more of a fan of just hard work)

sitnspin · 08-30-2005, 09:46 AM

I do a lot of cardio, though. Would that make the difference?

And I have another question for the posse: Do I take it on days that I'm not working out or training (I usually have one off day a week, sometimes two), or does it only serve a purpose if I'm going to be seriously taxing my muscles shortly after taking it?

DrumzCT · 08-30-2005, 12:06 PM

I take it on off days because it helps muscle recovery. Some people like to save money though but I find it helpful

sitnspin · 08-30-2005, 12:50 PM

Helping muscle recovery is a good reason, then. I had my very first BJJ class last night, and everything hurts.