One of my friends recommended that I use creatine to help me train harder. I thought I'd ask those who know a bit more about it though. What do you guys think and how should I use it if it's a good idea? I am just a beginner.

Al

One of my friends recommended that I use creatine to help me train harder. I thought I'd ask those who know a bit more about it though. What do you guys think and how should I use it if it's a good idea? I am just a beginner.

Al

For some, it's awesome. For others, it's junk. Some people respond to creatine (I for one do), others don't. The only way to know is to try. There's about eight-zillion posts about this, half of them likely have my take on creatine posted within.

Hit the search function, friend, then ask your questions.

-R

^^ What he said. ^^

It's a good product. Some people can be "non-responders" but I think it's pretty rare. I respond well to creatine myself.

I'd use it if I were you on a couple of conditions - 1) you already have invested in a few other baseline supplements (multivitamin, vitamin c, efa, flax, protein, etc.) and 2) you can afford it. :)

Go search through the forums though, there are plenty of threads on this. Come back here with your questions. :gl:

Actually, I spoke with a nutrionist AND my doctor and they both said that it was basically bad. They both brought up the point that as soon as you go off of it, your muscles not only lose everything you worked for, but become smaller than what they were to begin with! :mad: NOT GOOD! Also, the nutrionist brought up that it can cause extreme liver problems, as her mom is a doctor and has seen cases. Both said, though, that if a person just eats right and sticks with the whey protein, you will get the same results you want! Hope this helps :tu:

i think the doctors were talking about STEROIDS.
take creatine.

your muscles wont shrink when you stop using it, they just lose some water mass.

personally though, i think i'm a non-responder.
I take CEE, 0.5tsp before and 0.5tsp after weights with a glass of water.
never noticed any effects whatsoever while in the weight room.
but... i also have the smallest muscles known to man, so it would make sense that it doesnt work for me

Wow, sorry its not like I meant any harm. I wanted to take it too but I was scared out of it by a nutrionist and a doctor. And the fact that there are other possible side effects with blood pressure and what not. Geez man

Actually, I spoke with a nutrionist AND my doctor and they both said that it was basically bad. They both brought up the point that as soon as you go off of it, your muscles not only lose everything you worked for, but become smaller than what they were to begin with! :mad: NOT GOOD! Also, the nutrionist brought up that it can cause extreme liver problems, as her mom is a doctor and has seen cases. Both said, though, that if a person just eats right and sticks with the whey protein, you will get the same results you want! Hope this helps :tu:

Never heard of liver problems. Kidney problems, yes. Liver problems, no. From what I understand, these problems only occur during the loading stage or in the case of "over doing it". I've read a gazillion studies ALL indicating creatine was perfectly safe when taken in the recommended dosage. Hell, my kids M.D. told me it was safe for him to use it and he's 15.
As for muscle loss after the fact. Don't make much sense to me. I myself definetely get stronger from creatine. My lifts increase. If my lifts are up, it's reasonable to assume my muscles are getting stronger.
Granted, you'll lose some water weight but i'm sure some of the strength stays.

Wow, sorry its not like I meant any harm. I wanted to take it to but I was scared out of it by a nutrionist and a doctor. And the fact that there are other possible side effects with blood pressure and what not. Geez manDon't worry, pmh's response was totally out of line. You did nothing wrong (you're just misinformed about creatine). We don't put up with flaming here, so he won't be posting on JSF anymore. He also has the privilege of being the first JSF Supporter ever banned. No one is above the rules.

Carry on.

He also has the privilege of being the first JSF Supporter ever banned.
...i SOOOO thought that title was going to belong to me. :(


anyway - if you're worried about taking creatine, read this article on it.
The Safety of Creatine (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/layne22.htm)

...i SOOOO thought that title was going to belong to me.

You 'n me both.

Actually, I like Jeremy's take on creatine (http://naturalphysiques.com/cms/index.php?itemid=153). the protocol I follow is very similar to his, minus the calculation for the loading dose.

-R

I thought it was doing something for me. Then I stopped taking it, and didn't lose mass and my growth didn't slow.

The primary benefit it gave me was thinking that it gave me something.

Thanks for the replies guys - haven't been able to see it as I'm out the country. I'll have a look at the stuff on creatine and think about using it. My initial thought are that I don't need this until I'm a bit more advanced...

Al

You 'n me both.
-R
Would I be rude if I said I thought it might be you too. ;) hehehehe j/k!!!

Thanks for the replies guys - haven't been able to see it as I'm out the country. I'll have a look at the stuff on creatine and think about using it. My initial thought are that I don't need this until I'm a bit more advanced...

Al
I think your decision is the best one. Stick with the basics my friend. Multi-vitamin, and perhaps a protein powder and some flax or EFAs. Some extra vitamin c wouldn't hurt either in my opinion.

Build yourself a solid base foundation. Get used to exercise, eating healthy, etc. Learn more, read and study. When you think you are ready, then try creatine.

:tucool: