Creatine..

[naughtoj]

Ok, I think this is one topic I have never seen discussed here. Don't know why!!!

I am thinking of supplementing with Creatine Monohydrate. Anyone else do this?? I typically shun all supplements, right down to vitamins, but I have heard alot of good stuff about this one. Starting to think it would be very helpful, not only in the weights arena, but also with some of the more explosive moves on Cathe tapes. I read quite a bit about it lastnight and think I am going to buy some tommorrow. I am not going to load it however, maybe take 5 grams a day..

Any experiences???

Janice

 

[heidi36]

I went for a check-up several weeks ago and asked my Dr. about Creatine. He didn't think it was a bad supplement to take as long as you take the proper doesage for your weight, etc. which may be kind of tricky to figure out at first. As you know Creatine Monohydrate is naturally found in muscle tissue. Athetes use it primarily to extend endurance (i.e., if you know you have a tough workout ahead, it will help you push through it). However, I have read that in some instances creatine supplementation can cause muscle cramping and/or bloating, especially in women. I have never used it although since my Dr. said it was OK once in a while, I'm also thinking about it. I would suggest starting out with the smallest dosage possible and then work up from there. Let us know your results. Good luck!

 

[Bobbi]

Read up on it and be careful to hydrate. It can cause problems with hydration. I used it and had some amazing workouts running but then I started to feel bad and I quit. Be careful! There's no substitute for hard work and a clean diet. If, like me, you are a hard gainer, you may find that it doesn't help enough to risk the problems it might cause.

http://www.plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif Chick's Rule! B http://www.plaudersmilies.de/natur/petals.gif bbi

 

[naughtoj]

Ok, well I have already decided I am going to take this. In addition, I think I am going to start taking 1/2 a multivitamin and supplement Vitamin E. Thinking about Glucosmaine Chondroitin as well as Glutamine. Probably only glucosamine though as I do not know much about glutamine. You have to be careful with bodybuilding supplements you know because I definitly do not want hair on my chest!!!

Thanks for the info. I purchased a very small bottle of pure 99% Creatine to start out with and see if I like it. I will report all results!!!

Janice

 

[pfive]

Janice - I second taking the smallest doses at first, giving your body time to adjust. I used to take and have been considering using it again. I plan to pick up my products next week. I've read that you don't necessarily have to do the loading phase, which I did once and just found it a hassle trying to drink the creatine throughout the day - never have liked keeping my eye on the clock! When I tried it the second (after reading that you don't have to load), I found that the second week of taking the creatine, my workouts were improving. I am going to follow this method again when I start back next week!

Bobbi - how did the creatine improve your running? I'm really curious since I've taken up running (again) but before deciding to do this I had already made plans to take the creatine. I read that creatine just helps with strength gains, doesn't improve cardiovascular fitness at all. I'm more than happy to hear that it helped you! Do tell!

Angie

 

[trevor]

Hi Janice!
I have used creatine in the past and experienced severe muscle cramping in my calves. And when they werent cramping, I always felt like they "wanted" to cramp up if I put any pressure on them at all.
Also I have read and heard that all this stuff does is basically put water in and around your muscle tissue and gives you the look of being pumped up. I personally don't think this stuff is worth anything.
Trevor :-jumpy