Star Gazer Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 It's the only supplement I've seen that has been widely regarded as safe and effective in building lean muscle mass. Isn't that just because it increases the amount of water your muscles hold? All other things being equal, if you stopped using it, you'd shrink a little. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Isn't that just because it increases the amount of water your muscles hold? All other things being equal, if you stopped using it, you'd shrink a little. So much for that big guns competition Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Isn't that just because it increases the amount of water your muscles hold? Yea, it increases water retention and creates the "puffy" look in your muscles. All other things being equal, if you stopped using it, you'd shrink a little. :eek::eek: Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 :eek::eek: Not *that* kind of shrinkage. It's not a muscle. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Not *that* kind of shrinkage. It's not a muscle. You're not helping with your words... 2 Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied supplements out there. It is widely considered to be both safe and effective. While around 10 percent of people are "non responders" (I'm not entirely convinced I actually get anything out of my creatine use), it's so cheap that it's basically pointless not to take it (or at least try it for a bit). No need to cycle it or load it. Just 5 grams a day forever. If you respond well, perhaps go off of it a couple of weeks before a show or going to the beach, as some people experience water retention while using creatine. Mr. Scorpio-those are all fine fitness goals. The nice thing is that since they are fairly general, your training can be fairly general as well. A good mix of weight training, bodyweight training, and conditioning will help you out. You might consider looking into Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 program. It is extremely versatile and allows you a ton of leeway into how you set it up. Many people have found it effective for powerlifting training and general strength training, though it can be set up for bodybuilding and athletic training as well. I think that you could possibly meet your goals the best by setting it up for a 2 or 3 day per week lifting schedule, with 1 or 2 running days, and 1 or 2 bodyweight training days. Again, you could basically set this up however you want. Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 ...it's so cheap that it's basically pointless not to take it (or at least try it for a bit). No need to cycle it or load it. Just 5 grams a day forever. I know no other way.... Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Ok guys, I still have some in the fridge and I'll take it. If I get cancer of the kidneys it will be your fault 1 Link to post Share on other sites
hppr Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 It's the only supplement I've seen that has been widely regarded as safe and effective in building lean muscle mass. Creatine did nothing for me, same for all manner of protein shakes. Some people think that it helps with their 'pumps' but personally I believe that to be all in their heads. Really if you want to gain there is no substitute for a complete meal of good food. Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Creatine did nothing for me, same for all manner of protein shakes. Some people think that it helps with their 'pumps' but personally I believe that to be all in their heads. Really if you want to gain there is no substitute for a complete meal of good food. Many, many studies indicate that creatine's effectiveness is not all just "in one's head". I do agree with you that there is no substitute for quality nutrition, however. Link to post Share on other sites
fortyninethousand322 Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Creatine and protein supplements have always given me digestive problems, for some reason. Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Creatine did nothing for me, same for all manner of protein shakes. Some people think that it helps with their 'pumps' but personally I believe that to be all in their heads. Really if you want to gain there is no substitute for a complete meal of good food. The problem is the average layperson cannot determine whether creatine actually "did anything" for them. It's not something that you can feel tingles to know that it's working...and unless you perform a very strict and rigorous study of your training, you won't have any idea how much it actually attributes to your mass gains. Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Creatine and protein supplements have always given me digestive problems, for some reason. I can see supplemental protein causing some digestive issues, but I've never heard of creatine causing any problems. Have you tried it completely plain, on its own (as in, pure powder, not in gel-caps, or as part of another "conglomerate" supplement)? Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Creatine and protein supplements have always given me digestive problems, for some reason. Yea, this is a common side effect... Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Yea, this is a common side effect... For creatine too? Huh. Well, I guess I learn something new every day! Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 For creatine too? Huh. Well, I guess I learn something new every day! Yea...it gets me if I haven't taken it for a while, but you get over it. Just some smelly farts and epic poops. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Yea...it gets me if I haven't taken it for a while, but you get over it. Just some smelly farts and epic poops. That's hawt Link to post Share on other sites
Babolat Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I have worked out my entire life (mid 40s now) and thought I knew what I was doing. I dated a personal trainer last year who taught me a lot. I was a snob at first and told her I knew how to work out. Boy was I wrong! I now do higher reps, 15, sets of 3, and I do more body weight type of exercies, like push ups and pull ups. I change the angles a lot too. I use weights for curls and shoulders and I use pulley/cable machines for rows and pulldowns. I do not used fixed machines, like nautilis. Forcing your body to balance is key. I have also increased my cardio big time, and it shows, I have more definition then ever. I added Yoga recenlty and I walk and bike a lot to. I also keep going, I rarely rest, to keep my heart rate up. I will rotate push ups with pull downs, curls with tricep extensions, no rest in between. I will rest my upper body by doing leg presses and calf raises. Abs, I hit em hard for 20+ minutes, lots of body weight kinds of exercises. Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 That's hawt Let's take some creatine, hop in bed, and pull up the covers! 2 Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I have worked out my entire life (mid 40s now) and thought I knew what I was doing. I dated a personal trainer last year who taught me a lot. I was a snob at first and told her I knew how to work out. Boy was I wrong! There are plenty of different styles of training with different goals in mind. The best personal trainers are the ones who can tailor a program specific to an individual's needs. More importantly, they should be able to identify each individual's needs. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
fortyninethousand322 Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I have worked out my entire life (mid 40s now) and thought I knew what I was doing. I dated a personal trainer last year who taught me a lot. I was a snob at first and told her I knew how to work out. Boy was I wrong! Yeah I used to think this way too, when I was younger. My view now is (like with everything else) I only know that I don't know. I'm open to experimenting and learning something from different people. Whether they be people from the gym, youtube channels, or whoever. Being open to new ideas and different opinions is key. Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Scorpio Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Yeah I was just messing with you. I'd honestly consider him one of the strongest people of the 20th century. His routine was ridiculous. Not to mention his rehab after injuring his back doing "good mornings". Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Scorpio Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I think that you could possibly meet your goals the best by setting it up for a 2 or 3 day per week lifting schedule, with 1 or 2 running days, and 1 or 2 bodyweight training days. Again, you could basically set this up however you want. What is this 'bodyweight' training that you speak of? I assume pushups, pullups, dips, etc. If so, why not simply incorporate those into my lifting days? This week I'm going with chest and back on Sunday & Wednesday, arms and shoulders on Monday & Thursday, and jogging on Tuesday & Friday. Time permitting. Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 What is this 'bodyweight' training that you speak of? I assume pushups, pullups, dips, etc. If so, why not simply incorporate those into my lifting days? This week I'm going with chest and back on Sunday & Wednesday, arms and shoulders on Monday & Thursday, and jogging on Tuesday & Friday. Time permitting. You got it man! Push ups, pull ups, dips, squats, lunges, jumping, sprinting, etc. You can certainly incorporate them into your lifting days. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Let's take some creatine, hop in bed, and pull up the covers! It's interesting which posts get the emoticon Link to post Share on other sites
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