Do I need creatine????? - JP Fitness Forums

woody116 · 10-13-2005, 01:09 PM

Question for you all. I have been reading some articles off T-Nation regarding creatine. I am trying to decide if it is something I really NEED, or if it will really benefit me based on my wants/needs.

My situation. I have been working out somewhat regularly for the last year. I hit it hard for about 6 months, and am down to running 1 or 2 times a week, and lifting about 3 days a week.

Recently, I made my Department SWAT team, and want to better myself for that position. Basically, I want to be faster, stronger, and have more endurance. I need to increase my running and lifting by about double what I do now. I am not looking to gain size, only strength. (I know that size comes with strength, I am not looking for bodybuilding size)

I am trying to decide if a supplement plan would be for me. I looked at GNC anabolic kit which contains mulitple things, including creatine.

Would this be of benefit to me? I know some may bash the GNC brand, but that isnt what I am looking for here. FOr now, I am looking more for some advice or direction from those who have used creatine and have knowledge in what it would add to my plan.

Basically, I have read the info, but am asking for a more simple explanation.

Thanks in advance.

BRITISHBULLDOG · 10-13-2005, 01:24 PM

no you dont need creatine,infact if you are gonna buy anything buy more protein.You are better of just eating more food,that stuff is far better!Too many people take too many supplements or even worse steriods!Yes creatine is a good,but there are better things out there,If i where you i would get some met-rx protein and take more of that cos i never saw better results with anything,no doubt someone will give an even better answer than me,good luck in your journey

Blackjack · 10-13-2005, 02:35 PM

Do you NEED it? Probably not. But it may help you reach your goals. You have to remember, if you eat a lot of meat now, you already are getting a lot of creatine.

It's not dangerous as long as you are drinking a lot of water. Give it a try for a couple months. If it helps, great, if it doesn't quit using it. Most likely, results vary person-to-person.

When I started taking it, I recovered from intense workouts better and made strength gains. You may have better or worse results. Give it a try, its not that expensive.

Ted

Bulking Up · 10-13-2005, 03:06 PM

If you can honestly say that your diet is as good as it can possibly be, then adding creatine might be a good next step. I worked out and ate well for almost a year before taking creatine. Since I started, I have noticed a slight strength increase. Make sure to drink plenty of water, although you should be doing that already. Also, the bottle may recommend a loading phase. I have read in a lot of sources that this isn't necessary. I just started taking 3-5g per day.

woody116 · 10-13-2005, 08:05 PM

Thanks guys. I am having some second thoughts on it.
What started my thinking were adds for the Xyience products XLR8 and the NCO3. They both claim to give energy and etc etc. I know the latter is creatine and the first is a stimulant.

My problem is that due to a hectic home and work schedule, I am feeling drained alot and my workouts suffer. There are days where I just dont have the motovation to do it, or when I do, I am feeling sluggish.

Is there a stimulant, such as Xenadrine that would be recommended? I already drink 3-5 cups of green tea a day, having switched from coffee. My hope was that would do it, but it really hasnt.

OldGuy · 10-13-2005, 09:43 PM

Do you drink a carb/protein drink pre/during workouts? When I started doing this I didn't feel as drained during the workout.

Lost Dog · 10-13-2005, 10:21 PM

I'm with OldGuy. Make sure your pre, during, and post-workout nutrition is in order.

Also, creatine is very cheap and has no downside to speak of. I say to use it. 3-5g per day, workout or not. On workout days, put it in your post workout drink. By the cheapest plain creatine powder available. Not one mixed with carbs, etc. Those are too expensive.

Green Tea has far less caffeine than coffee and that's where it's stimulant effect comes from.

A lot of folks (me...) down a cup of coffee (or two?) an hour or so before a workout for a boost. There are "special" pre-workout aids that you can get. Many of them are mainly caffeine. T-Nation advocates Spike. I've never tried it, though.

BritishBulldog had an excellent point about protein. Many people don't get enough, especially with a hectic schedule. If I had to choose between my creatine and my protein powder, I'd choose the protein. But, I don't so I get both...

JoshDunn · 10-14-2005, 01:25 AM

Creatine is essential for ATP production. When exercising you ATP stores are only used for the first few seconds then after that your other energy systems take over.

Not really worth it unless doing sprints or real short lifts.

In my opinion that is.

JOSH

hypersonic · 10-15-2005, 08:38 PM

for supplements get http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/whey.html http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/ast/multi-pro.html
and ull be set

Canadian_Bacon · 10-16-2005, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JoshDunn:
Creatine is essential for ATP production. When exercising you ATP stores are only used for the first few seconds then after that your other energy systems take over.

Not really worth it unless doing sprints or real short lifts.

In my opinion that is.

JOSH

It may also help w/ intelligence which makes mild supplementation worth it for me. This avenue doesnt have enough research behind it to state it as fact one way or another but it is another possible benefit.

eastcoastsurfer · 10-24-2005, 08:41 PM

As far as the energy thing goes. I take my 3-5g of creatine with some powder gatoraide pre-workout. I notice less energy on days where I might skip my creatine/gatoraide. Not a scientific study or anything. It could all just be in my head [img]smile.gif[/img]

Lost Dog · 10-25-2005, 01:40 PM

I don't think it's in your head. It's in the Gatorade! You're missing that energy from the carbs in the drink.

The creatine should have no immediate effect. You take that to keep your creatine levels high. It's that the creatine is already in your muscles that helps. So, not taking the creatine today can effect future workouts, but not today's.

Jeff Fisk · 10-30-2005, 07:16 PM

Here is my stand on creatine. You can get strength and mass benefits from creatine. Some people get substancial mass and some bloat up. It facilitates increased water metabolism in muscle cells, hence the need for so much water. I ask my clients 2 questions: Are you doing training for athletics? If not, do you intend to stay on this the rest of your life, or just 10 or 15 years? The reason I ask this is that when you stop taking the stuff, you will lose mass. Strength loss occurs, too. This all varies from person to person. I tried it, gained mass, couldn't keep up with the water, felt dehydrated, looked a bit bloated, and realized I was not going to do this daily grind the rest of my life, and stopped. If you tap your body the right way, you can get what you need for SWAT. I'll eat dinner and come back and tell you how.