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OnceMore 01-16-2011 05:16 AM

Creatine Questions
 
Hey guys, so I'm thinking of adding Creatine to my nutrition plan for my muscle building program. I've heard a lot of different opinions on the dosage though so I am a bit confused. Obviously that is my first question, how much should I be taking? I do strength training 4 days a week. Just a basic summary of my training is:

Monday: Legs, Chest, Biceps, Triceps.
Tuesday: Back, Shoulders, Core.
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Legs, Chest, Biceps, Triceps.
Friday: Back, Shoulders, Core.

I'm roughly 185 pounds with around 20% bodyfat. Basically my goal is to get a more lean, defined body in time for summer. Will creatine supplementation benefit me in any way?

Summary of the questions:

Is it worth me taking creatine supplements?
If so then how much creatine should I be taking and how often/for how long?
What is the best form to take it in?
Where is the best place to buy it from? (mainly asking who, in your experience, is the most reliable as money isn't really too much of a problem.)
Have you used creatine? If so did you notice a difference, significant or not, when you were taking it?

Anything you guys can offer will be appreciated. Just as a P.S. I know my program probably isn't the best but it's worked better for me so far than anything else I've tried so unless you recommend an already fully constructed program that's proven to be the best in the world, please keep any comments on it to yourself ;).

Thanks in advance! Hope to hear back soon.

iron_worker 01-18-2011 08:37 AM

I don't think creatine will help much for losing fat so I dont' think i would waste my money until you decided to do a real bulk cycle.

I've never taken creatine however so maybe someone else will chime in.

IW

Kevsworld 01-20-2011 05:38 AM

3-5 grams a day is fine for creatine. I like prolab's version but any creapure product is fine (stick with plain creatine mono). Some recommend a loading phase, but it isn't necessary (it may take a little longer for your muscles to get saturated, but there's no problem there).

Creatine is not a fat burning supplement, but it should enhance your training, which would be good for the long-term goals.

gjsj517 01-20-2011 08:13 PM

I agree with post #3. Any simple creatine mono is fine to take. It is not used for fat loss, but it will help with your weight training. This in turn will help with builing lean muscle which will help with fat loss in the future.

I do, however, recommend loading. (Although it's not necessary) I believe you can get to the benefits of using creatine sooner by loading.

You can load by taking 20-30 grams throughout the day 4-7 days.
Afterward, maintain by taking 5-15 grams a day.

stevedav 01-27-2011 09:10 PM

I think you have to consult a doctor or physician ,he will tell you the better solutions for this...

crashbailey 02-01-2011 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevsworld (Post 88635)
3-5 grams a day is fine for creatine. I like prolab's version but any creapure product is fine (stick with plain creatine mono). Some recommend a loading phase, but it isn't necessary (it may take a little longer for your muscles to get saturated, but there's no problem there).

Creatine is not a fat burning supplement, but it should enhance your training, which would be good for the long-term goals.

I agree, I take 5 grams pre-workout and I've never tried loading. I've always been able to feel the effects from day 1 of every cycle, but everyone is different.

I think they recommend taking on an empty stomach to encourage the 'pump' feeling. I've experienced a more intense pump on an empty stomach than a full one before, but it was accompanied by discomfort as well so I stopped. There's no need to take it on an empty stomach if you don't want to.

Creatine offers the capability for a more intense workout. When combined with an efficient circuit training routine and proper nutrition, it can actually be part of an effective weight loss regimen.

Above all, don't forget to stay well hydrated when supplementing with creatine.

iron_worker 02-08-2011 09:29 AM

What do you take your creating with? I've read/heard that you are to take it with some sort of simple carb to use a "transport mechanism." Is this necessary? If so, what do you use? I've heard of things like fruit juice and waxy maize.

IW

crashbailey 02-08-2011 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iron_worker (Post 88771)
What do you take your creating with? I've read/heard that you are to take it with some sort of simple carb to use a "transport mechanism." Is this necessary? If so, what do you use? I've heard of things like fruit juice and waxy maize.

IW

I've heard grape juice and apple juice are great for insulin levels, which is the actual transporter.

I take my creatine pre and my bcaa's post with grape juice.

Your depleting glycogen stores during intense workouts, so the sugar in the grape juice post-workout help to restore it immediately.

Glycogen is stored in muscles as ATP, which is what allows them to contract and relax.

They do a much better job explaining it here:

http://www.illpumpyouup.com/articles...ou-workout.htm

It says for post-workout but you can easily apply the concepts to your pre-workout nutrition.

They explain the effect working out has on insulin levels along with the details of other nutrient transportation including protein.

Kevsworld 02-11-2011 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iron_worker (Post 88771)
What do you take your creating with? I've read/heard that you are to take it with some sort of simple carb to use a "transport mechanism." Is this necessary? If so, what do you use? I've heard of things like fruit juice and waxy maize.

IW

From what I understand, the first creatine studies were done with coffee. I'm not sure there's any concrete scientific evidence that it matters what you take it with.

I usually just take it with my post workout shake.

iron_worker 02-14-2011 06:03 AM

What is the reasoning to take it post workout? To me it would make sense to take it pre workout since it helps with ATP regeneration etc etc. Or is timing a non-issue so long as your body is saturated with creatine?

IW

Maryiesblunt 02-16-2011 08:41 PM

Creatine
 
Look, every single person in this world has about 3.5 grams of creatine per kilogram of muscle. This is because creatine is a natural thing found in foods such as red meats, so when you start taking supplemental creatine you're just increasing the amount of creatine per muscle that you already have. What creatine does is that it bonds with ADP (unusable energy) and turns it into ATP(usable energy), it also draws water to your cells which makes you look bigger .

ngnutrition 03-04-2011 08:36 AM

Creatine will add water weight which in turn increases muscle size appearance. If you are trying to get cut I would recommend kre-alkalyn over creatine. It has all the same benefits of creatine without the need to load and there is no bloat with kre-alkalyn.

Kevsworld 03-23-2011 05:02 AM

I'm not really sure what your point with this post is. Creatine monohydrate is, without question, one of the most well researched supplements out there, with numerous studies to back up its efficacy. It's not a miracle supplement, but it is effective. All forms of "buffered creatine," on the other hand, are yet unproven.

suppRatings 04-28-2011 12:45 PM

Creatine really isn't near as complicated as everyone makes it...just follow directions on label

Bigger Bicep 12-31-2011 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iron_worker (Post 88623)
I don't think creatine will help much for losing fat so I dont' think i would waste my money until you decided to do a real bulk cycle.

I've never taken creatine however so maybe someone else will chime in.

IW

I once read that creatine will decrease fat burning. Sorry don't know where I read this

SportyBoy 06-18-2012 06:52 AM

Doses of pure creatine monohydrate typically cited in the scientific literature range from between 2 and 25 grams per day for an average framed male (70 kilograms/154 pounds).

More isn’t necessarily better. The actual amount of creatine monohydrate taken in a single day should never exceed more than ten-times your normal daily turnover of creatine. Creatine turnover is a function of total muscle mass and for an average sized male is rougemy 2 grams per day. Therefore, an average sized male (70 kilograms / 154 pounds) should never take more than 20 grams per day!

colossus 06-21-2012 09:45 PM

studies show 2-5 grams is all that is needed; this is of creatine monohydrate. Other creatines are essentially creatine with a different delivery system. ex kre-alkalyne= creatine & baking soda, creatine malate= creatine & malic acid. These are to aid in delivery so that the need for a carrier is fulfilled. Sugar is conventionallly packaged w/ monohydrates but protein is I believe 95% effective at aiding creatine absorbsion.
Creatine increases ATP your body's currency for cellular energy; take some before workout and get a better work out, take it after and recover better.

Generally supplements are absorbed better post workout especially when aided with proteins due to increased protein synthesis, so if anything take it post workout. For best results take ~2grams before and 3 or so after. :)


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