Creatine & other Supplements...

[karate_chick]

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to ask whether anyone's found taking additional supplements etc help to increase their energy levels during workouts.

I've been used to working out around 3-4x week but am moving it up a notch and following a schedule Cathe suggested - 6x week. I'm just a little concerened my energy levels are going to take a plunge and I'll burn out too soon.

Have read a few articles on Creatine - would this be worth trying for energy and increased strength? Has anyone else tried it and had good/bad results?

Any advice would be greatly received.
TIA,
Andrea

 

[Maximus]

I'm heading into my 16th year of weight training, & I have tried most supplements. I read everything I could get my hands on when I first started working out, so in my 20s I experimented w/supplements like creatine.

I'm going to bottom line this for you here--all supplements IMO are a complete waste of money. I really didn't see or feel much of a difference in either my energy or my results. If you're in this for the long haul, if you eat right & have a good exersize routine, there's no reason in the world to take supplements. JMHO.

 

[Aquajock]

Thanks and props to you, Maximus. That is precisely the response I gave to Andrea for her similar question on the Ask Cathe forum. Nice to hear it from someone who's been pumping iron a lot longer than I have.

A-Jock

 

[trevor]

Creatine caused cramping in my calves. It is a waste of money. From what I have read, stories of improved performance, etc. are largely anecdotal. I think it mainly just pulls water into the muscles and makes them more pumped looking.
T.

 

[Maximus]

Thanks Annette--now if I could only learn how to spell exersize....exercise.....excersize....ah the hell with it.x(

 

[Aquajock]

Eggzercise . . . exorcise . . . ecksoresize . . . for cryin' out loud, how DO you spell it?

A-Jacques
}(

 

[Maximus]

LOL let's just say fitness routine & leave it at that.

 

[kathryn]

Exercise, unless you are possessed by a demon, then it could be "exorcise"! (Spin your head around three times. Bend yourself in half backwards. Turn yourself inside out. Repeat for 5 sets.)

 

[Maximus]

Oh jeez, I've only been doing 2 sets. Guess that explains why I got the cloven feet but the horns never developed.

 

[Buttercup]

Andrea, supposedly creatine may help, but I have read a lot of contradictory stuff on it. Namely, that it doesn't have much effect on women. Not many articles will own up to that, but if you search long enough you'll find it. Also, I've read that creatine makes you retain water. Not something any pms-ing woman wants to hear(can you say "bloated?"). I'd say, save the money and get a good night's rest instead.

I usually strive for 6 to 7 days of working out, but I always bear in mind that a "blah" day is sending me a message and I need rest. I also try to cycle hard days with easy days. Going all out every day is not all good unless you don't have a job or kids that take time and energy, too.