Creatine

JonPop · 05-21-2009, 08:57 PM

Please tell me, anyone, if you have tried this. As you all know, I'm slidin down the other side of the slope and I hear that this is a great energy boost. Any Pro's? Con's? Thanks, JP.

W.M.P. · 05-21-2009, 09:35 PM

Interestingly enough, I'm about to start using it again after many years of not using it. All I remember was that I would have way better workouts, mostly out of how quickly my muscles would recover between sets of push-ups and pull-ups. Also, after working out, the recovery of overall muscle energy was quite quicker, plus growth and overall fitness progress was also faster. Creatine Monohydrate is probably the most thoroughly researched supplement in the history of this type of stuff. If I were you, I would check the Life Extension website for articles of all the research done on all the other benefits that Creatine supplementation brings, in terms of overall health. My aunt has been a subscriber of their magazine for years and I do remember reading some great articles about Creatine's benefit for aging adults, and how it helped tremendously in keeping overall health (cardiac, brain, etc.). The cool thing about Creatine being so thoroughly researched for so long is that a LOT of this research has been conducted by some of the top universities in the world, instead of being some of your classic flawed research that's behind all kinds of random supplements flooding the market these days.

JonPop · 05-21-2009, 10:38 PM

Thanks, Sir Jim.

W.M.P. · 05-21-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonPop

Thanks, Sir Jim.

Any time, Popster. Now let's see how the other fellas who have used Creatine can enlighten us some more about this.

Pegasus · 05-22-2009, 08:16 AM

I have tried it.
It is widely used among athletes requiring repeated burts of activity. For instance football players of all kinds. Hydration can be an issue. A typical weight gain would be 2 kg(5lb) on a lean 90kg(200lb) guy. This is from creatine pushing water and nutrients into the muscle, so it doesn't go to your gut. Bodybuilders claim it helps muscle growth and ther is some evidence to support this. Also some evidence it does not help weight loss, if that is an aim. At 5grams a day ,which is all you would need, it is cheap and well researched. One thing I have found though, is that it does not mix with alcohol. This causes it to urinate out of the system and causes hydration problems. Which is one reason I do not use it on an ongoing basis.

N.Soze · 05-22-2009, 09:00 AM

I have used it a couple of times and it does speed up recovery time after workouts and give you a pretty good boost. just make sure you are active regularly, hell anything to better yourself as a person.

Pegasus · 05-22-2009, 01:35 PM

PS creatine does not work for everyone, around 20% do not respond. If you have not used it before, there is a method to tell if you are in this group. You load creatine at 20 grams a day, ( 4 doses of 5 grames) for 4 days ,if you respond you will have a weight gain.

BigHose · 05-23-2009, 05:38 AM

JP,
I've used it off and on since it became available back in the 90s. Of all the ones I've tried, I responded best to Creatine ethyl ester or CEE. I still use it. The best part is that you don't have to load with CEE. And, you can use it off and on instead of everyday.
The basic premise with creatine is it increases the pool of Phospho-creatine in the muscle which when in the presence of ADP (the waste of ATP) will convert it back into ATP which any weight-lifter knows is the very beginning fuel to muscle contraction. The more conversion to ATP, the more you can push muscle resistance exercises.
It is also responsible for volumizing the muscle with glycogen.

Betterman · 05-23-2009, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHose

JP,
I've used it off and on since it became available back in the 90s. Of all the ones I've tried, I responded best to Creatine ethyl ester or CEE. I still use it. The best part is that you don't have to load with CEE. And, you can use it off and on instead of everyday.
The basic premise with creatine is it increases the pool of Phospho-creatine in the muscle which when in the presence of ADP (the waste of ATP) will convert it back into ATP which any weight-lifter knows is the very beginning fuel to muscle contraction. The more conversion to ATP, the more you can push muscle resistance exercises.
It is also responsible for volumizing the muscle with glycogen.

JonPop is on Hiatus, I am no expert, never claimed to be. I speak of personal experience. I tried Creatine, it did as advertised. When I stopped useing Creatine the results diminshed. Take from this what you will.

BamBam · 05-23-2009, 05:39 PM

Make sure you stay very, very hydrated because creatine draws lots and lots of water into the muscle!

Pegasus · 05-23-2009, 11:22 PM

Be very carefull what they sell you, this product should not be expensive. Sometimes they try and sell you a product that is mostly sugar. Or something exotic.
No need to load on Creatine Monohydrate, just a method to find if it is working for you.

BigHose · 05-24-2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamBam

Make sure you stay very, very hydrated because creatine draws lots and lots of water into the muscle!

It's not exactly going to suck you dry...but yeh, good hydration is important especially if you on creatine.

CEE should run you about $30/kilo if you buy in bulk powder.

Mr. Tripod · 11-30-2009, 01:21 AM

If you don't want to use it long term or if you are someone getting started into weighlifting it works as a nice boost as others said and it also helps recovery (soreness goes away ALOT sooner). I would reccomend drinking more water then usual because of dehydration. I noticed a lot of cramping (although I sweat A LOT!!) more

tailrunner · 01-14-2010, 05:11 AM

I have used Creatine Monohydrate as a supplement to a very proteine rich diet, proteine supplements and a very rigorous workout plan focused only on gaining muscle weight.
They inc. says that people respond very differently at creatine, but I must say the effect was over my expectations. After a week or so after incorporating it in my workout plan, I gained a noticable size in muscle, although not that defined. More "pluffy". Also, workouts got more explosive.
It's very cheap and really effective. There should be a reason why its a standardized supplement among bodybuilders and athletes alike.

pdubs · 01-14-2010, 07:09 AM

Considering JP's first post about this was months and months ago I'd like to hear how it went and if you are still using it? I used to use it...stuff gave me a stronger head buzz then Copenhagen. Havent used it in a long time.

lizagill · 03-08-2010, 09:43 AM

Creatine supplements are athletic aids used to increase high-intensity athletic performance. Creatine is 100% natural and occurs naturally in many foods; Many foods especially herring, salmon, tuna, and beef contain some creatine. However, the very best source of creatine by far is creatine monohydrate because it contains more creatine per weight of material than any other source.

lifted · 03-09-2010, 05:31 AM

Don't use creatine if you have renal failure or insuficientcy.

slickwillie · 04-05-2010, 01:42 PM

I've used Creatine in the past and it gave me a good pump/workout and made my body look bigger. I stopped using it a long time ago and now just drink a nutrition shake and V-8. Pop, my 2 cents would be to try the vegetable juice because even though it tastes like crap, I feel it gives me a good feeling everyday (including energy and hopefully I'll live a few days longer). :) Cheers...

ikered · 04-06-2010, 03:49 AM

Creatine retains water so thats why you "look bigger" when you take it. Just stick to a good protein afterworkouts and try a pre-workout like Jack3d by USP, Superpump250 by Gaspari, or N.O. Xplode by BSN. I personally like SuperPump 250 over N.O Xplode. Havent tried Jack3d yet but will soon

Big Al · 04-08-2010, 09:23 PM

I've been using creatine for several years with no ill effects. Taking it does make a noticeable difference.

slickwillie · 04-09-2010, 12:52 AM

I'm not a creatine guru in any way, but do you guys have any info on buying the cheap creatine from Walmart? I know they sell Body Fortress creatine, which is the same cheap shit protein shake that I drink so thought I'd throw that out there and get some opinions. Thoughts?

Big Al · 04-09-2010, 01:00 AM

Sometimes, buying the cheap stuff is worse than buying nothing at all. If you;re going to put something into your body, make sure it's quality stuff. Quality doesn't have to equal expensive, but it should be something that you know is good for you.

Pegasus · 04-09-2010, 02:09 PM

Thats just the problem, since price and quality arn't very related in the supplement industry, how to choose?
Ahh ikred, the active constitunt in those products you mention, wouldn't be creatine made expensive with some fillers ?

Big Al · 04-09-2010, 06:13 PM

If you can find "German" creatine go with that. From my experience, it's the best- while the creatine from China is reported being of the lowest quality.

ikered · 04-10-2010, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pegasus

Thats just the problem, since price and quality arn't very related in the supplement industry, how to choose?
Ahh ikred, the active constitunt in those products you mention, wouldn't be creatine made expensive with some fillers ?

yeah all those products contain creatine in it but jack3d has no fillers according to their website. I never said creatine was bad, I just heard it retained water.

ikered · 04-10-2010, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Al

If you can find "German" creatine go with that. From my experience, it's the best- while the creatine from China is reported being of the lowest quality.

how do you know where the creatine comes from?

ikered · 04-10-2010, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwillie

I'm not a creatine guru in any way, but do you guys have any info on buying the cheap creatine from Walmart? I know they sell Body Fortress creatine, which is the same cheap shit protein shake that I drink so thought I'd throw that out there and get some opinions. Thoughts?

I tried that walmart brand and it did nothing.

slickwillie · 04-11-2010, 03:23 AM

I've been using the cheap Walmart protein shake, so hopefully I'm getting some protein and amino's from it (at least that's what the label claims to say it has in it)? Then again, I eat good food, which (in my opinion) cannot be substituted with anything (no offense, crazy gym guys). :)

Big Al · 04-11-2010, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwillie

Then again, I eat good food, which (in my opinion) cannot be substituted with anything

I'm with you on that- supplements cannot replace good overall nutrition.

slickwillie · 04-11-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Al

I'm with you on that- supplements cannot replace good overall nutrition.

And a good daily dose of "tail", which keeps you well in mind and body!

Big Al · 04-11-2010, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwillie

And a good daily dose of "tail", which keeps you well in mind and body!

I'm with you on that too

happy stud · 04-11-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Al

If you can find "German" creatine go with that. From my experience, it's the best- while the creatine from China is reported being of the lowest quality.

Big Al is right. I know a guy that got sicker than shit from taking creatine that was made in China. Im betting the panda bears pissed in it.

slickwillie · 04-13-2010, 02:45 PM

Well, finished working out this morning, just had my shake and skipping the creatine and going to get my morning dose of tail. Nothing like a post workout, workout. Top that creatine (just kidding about the creatine)! :)

Big Al · 04-13-2010, 05:29 PM

The creatine formula that' provided the best immediate feedback (not necessarily results) was BSN's NO Xplode powder. I used it several years ago during a cutting phase, and the vascular pumps I'd get were incredible.

piranha_banana · 06-16-2011, 05:30 AM

If it's still relevant to anyone, you have to use it carefully. I have 3% Creatine in my bulking powder and that's plenty. You'll see results fast, but for creatine to be the least bit effective, you have to drink at least 4 litres of water a day, because all creatine does is increase your muscle's ability to retain water- thus making you look slightly bigger. Otherwise it's stored as fat around your gut and butt. I don't think it would help penis enlargement though..