Creatine Monohydrate
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- ********
I've heard it's bad, but after doing some research on the web - I can't really find out why.
I've read reports which indicate benefits to endurance, muscle mass - even brain functioning.
It seems the biggest problem might be related to kidney / liver function - but that this could be alleviated through proper hydration.
Is it bad?
- kult0
No. It's not bad. It's one of the most thoroughly researched supplements in the world.
That said, it's not worth your money. A solid diet/nutrition and strong physical exercise is all you need for huge results. Anyone who 'plateaus' in their training doesn't need creatine, they usually have major gaps in their regiment that need addressing.
- drgz0
If you do amateur weight lifting, you don't need it
If you mostly do cardio workout, you def. don't need it
If you decide to use it anyway, follow the phases and drink a lot of water
- ********0
Thanks for the info. I eat fish, but no meat - so figured it might be something I'm missing. Might give it a shot .. will be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- drgz0
Creatine doesn't build muscles, its an aid to push yourself to heavier lifting. Muscles become more endurant because creatine makes them store more water and glycogen, so they will temporary swell because of this, but if the rest of your routine and diet is not in order, its a waste
- ********0
Ah okay - that makes sense. Maybe I need to look at sorting out a more serious routine... are there any sites that are worth checking out that could help with this?
- ifeltdave0
i suggest working with a personal trainer if you have the scratch for it. they can help to kill a lot of the myths people buy into. its pricey, but its a great way to see results if you're a noob to fitness and nutrition.
- blogger0
www.bodybuilding.com has a wealth of resources
- aanderton0
I've been cycling it for almost a year now. It definitely helps with gains. Currently taking protein, Nitric, Creatine and ZMA.
However if you're not going to do correct diet (including drinking a lot of water) then Creatine will have little effect. I'd recommend protein shakes and nitric much more.
www.muscleandstrength.com is another very useful one.
- Btw if you need help with a routine feel free to drop me an email.aanderton
- ********0
- jaylarson0
as your doctor/nutritionalist
- epic_rim0
- < Hasn't seen his wee-wee in years.imakethepictures
- fake********
- utopian0
Creatine is not regulated and or been studied by the FDA.
- moldero0
In my late 20s I did a lot of creatine, I'm a small guy already (filipino blood) when I was on it I was 5'8" 160 lbs benching 335 lbs, 3 reps with no spot, it works, but it will eat away at your bones (so I heard) also your going to want to watch out for estregen levels trying to catch up to your testosterone levels (or you'll get bitch tits) cryisin works good for this. I'm 36 now.
- a combo of Creatine and high-protein diet, is what weaken your bones.SoulFly
- SoulFly0
back in 2001, after seeing my brother "diesel-up" on Creatine, I decided to try it, as I was into body building myself. I took the proper amount, but after about 1 month, I started to notice it was making me feel not so well, so I dropped it right away. I did extensive research as well at the time, but apparently you need to take lots and lots of water, and dilute the solution in a lot of water when taking it.
- mikotondria30
Genuine question - what is the appeal of body-building ?
It seems like an awful amount of fuss, taking myriad potions to 'help your muscles store water and glycogen' (wtf ?). If you have enough strength to get by in your daily life and enjoy being fit enough why would you want to puff up like these people in the pics above ? Is it fun to actually do the process of exerting yourself for dozens and dozens of hours a week (where do you get the time ??), do you think it looks attractive, are you attracted to it, whether you're gay or not ?
I'm honestly just asking and not pointing a finger and snickering at you all that do it..- I did it for the health benefits. Dad's family has a heart disease history. I switched to biking later.SoulFly
- SteveJobs0
@mikotondria3
first off, i highly doubt anyone does it to look like those guys. second, the average workout length is generally an hour, maybe an hour and a half, and most people do a 5 day split, so it's not 'dozens' of hours as you say.everyone's reasons vary. many do it to attract the opposite sex. no matter what culture or social background you come from, almost any woman is attracted to a nice physique, over a skinny, fat or average one. nice is subjective, so a guy with bulging veins may not appeal to every woman, but you get the idea.
working out offers an endorphine rush and it relieves stress. it promotes health, fitness, endurance (another pro for those who enjoy sex), etc. it also provides a feeling of well-being and boosts your confidence.
also, while some may go overboard with diet and supplements, many prefer to just watch their carbs, cals, fats, proteins and enjoy the benefits of weight loss, or perhaps a prolonged life.
it really comes down to your value system and what motivates you i guess.
- ********0
I think I understand where you're coming from. I think there are a few answers.
One is, that it's about vanity. If you work out, you end up looking more muscular and fitting some set of 'idealised' images of what it means to be a man. Is this image a true or honest reflection of masculinity? Of course not. Is vanity a worthy thing to obsess over? No.
So why bother?
I don't take it very seriously - I don't want to look like the guys in the photos.
If anything I want to be toned, healthy, fit. I run regularly and more than ever I've realised that as I get older, my body is changing - and what I do to myself has more of a lasting effect on me than it used to.
It feels like I now need to start paying more attention - and have to put some kind of effort in place to ensure that I don't go to shit. Strength training is part of that. Being stronger and fitter will hopefully allow me to do more, and I won't complain If I end up looking better as a result.
- maikel0
one thing on creatine,
it does indeed help you to muscle more weight, but it does not change your body structure or help your joints in any way, nor gives you any help with poor technique... so beware of sprains and tendinitis... because you may start working out heavier than what your joints can take.
Telling by experience... while taking creatine I had a shoulder injury and had to stop training for months, and even now have to take it easy with some exercises. A friend of mine who's a PT explained that basically the muscles could bear more weight than what my joints could : (
- Hombre_Lobo0
I have two carrier bags in my cupboard full of creatine powder tubs.
I don't take it. For two reasons.
Often people find when taking creatine they can lift more like a couple of reps, however when they stop taking it they go down a couple reps. So it's almost pointless. If training for an event however it is ideal, giving you better results on the day, but it doesn't improve your rate of development. I have climber friends, a few of which are the best in the uk and top 10 in Europe and some of then I think supplement their diet with creatine for the day competition.
I also don't take it because I mate of mine studied creatine use in rugby athletes for his masters and when he started the study he himself was on creatine (had been for years), but towarda the end he stopped. I can't remember his exact reasons, I'm still waiting on a copy of his study.
Remember that whilst on creative weight increases may be in accurate as you are storing lots more water.
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