CREATINE ..... your thoughts? the good, the bad, and the ugly .....

[Maverick2002]

Well, I decided to go ahead and take at least Creatine. I think I'll stick with regular foods (don't have enough $$ to buy protein as well) for everything else. So the gym that I go to offers a jug of this stuff (a 200-day supply) for $45. Good deal?

EDIT (new topic sorta):
Hmm, well thanks for the tip, that's interesting. Do you know a lot about creatine? I mean, I'm trying to get big (been working out for about 2 months now, gained 25lbs but am now bottoming out). I am also involved in several aerobic-intensive sports in school (right now Cross Country). Now assuming I don't do what those dumnuts do and take more than recommended, what are the possibilities of bad short term/long term side affects? Also, when working out 6/7 days a week for about an hour (split routine mind you, certain muscle groups each day) will this supplement help in the long run? While I don't plan on consuming a whole lot, I do intend on taking even smaller doses but for a longer period of time (months). Your thoughts?

 

[PG]

It's up to you, but read this first:

http://www.cyberpump.com/lastrep/lastrep012.html

 

[Maverick2002]

Hmm, well thanks for the tip, that's interesting. Do you know a lot about creatine? I mean, I'm trying to get big (been working out for about 2 months now, gained 25lbs but am now bottoming out). I am also involved in several aerobic-intensive sports in school (right now Cross Country). Now assuming I don't do what those dumnuts do and take more than recommended, what are the possibilities of bad short term/long term side affects? Also, when working out 6/7 days a week for about an hour (split routine mind you, certain muscle groups each day) will this supplement help in the long run? While I don't plan on consuming a whole lot, I do intend on taking even smaller doses but for a longer period of time (months). Your thoughts?

 

[MrBond]

<< what are the possibilities of bad short term/long term side affects? >>

long term aren't really known yet, AFAIK. It's like lasik eye surgery, it hasn't been around long enough to test the long term effects.

Hasn't at least one state banned creatin?

 

[StageLeft]

I haven't got time to read that link at cyberpump but when I used to visit their site all the time they are almost religiously against supplements.

If you're taking creatine drink a lot of water. Also eat a lot. Personally I found it worked kickass the first time. I put on about 12 pounds in two weeks and after 40 days my benchpress was up 40 pounds. It was incredible. I was well rested though...perhaps take a rest before doing it to ensure you're not overtrained.

Safety wise almost everybody says its very safe. I'm not 100% convinced but other than protein and food its probably the most safe supplement and also the most effective.

For me personally (mileage varies for others) I put on a lot of weight and a lot of strength. When I stopped taking it basically the best I found a person could expect was to maintain that strength as their creatine levels go down in the body...but it did work and I've done it a couple times since.

Find a few articles on the net or talk to the guy at the gym about how to take the stuff properly...

 

[Maverick2002]

OK, since you have experience, next question. How long have you been consecutively taking it? And how much per day would a 145lbs person take? I want this to be long term, even if it means taking under half of the recommended dosage. Also, once you stop taking creatine, can you still gain muscle mass/weight? As far as a protein supplement is concerned (I'm not sure which I'll take, but protein, although more expensive, seems safer), does it work better?

 

[Maverick2002]

what about protein, is that a better alternative (albeit a more expensive one)?

 

[TranceNation]

get celltech brand, the best

 

[Jfur]

read this too -->teen athletes

 

[HOWITIS]

why are you in such are hurry to gain muscle? i've been lifting for about 13 months and have never taken any supplments. if you keep putting pressure to gain and gain fast you may find it hard to stick with it. in the long run creatine isn't ging to give you much, but it could cause some problems.

 

[Maverick2002]

Well, I'll be 18 in about 5 months. Anyway, I don't want to be ignorant and use it if I shouldn't be, just need to find a way to gain weight and stop this plateau effect. Any negative side effects of protein supplements? And how do the two compare?

 

[Antisocial Virge]

I used it probably for probably two years a while back. Nothing but good. Anyone know a good place to buy it online? Nothing fancy...just cheap pure stuff.

 

[Maverick2002]

HOWITIS I agree, that's why I'm trying to get more information. What about protein supplements, any negative effects of that (I'm talking about the powder btw)?