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This week in Focus--Creatine

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  • This week in Focus--Creatine

    Creatine is made by the combination of three amino acids, processed and distributed throughout your body and used as an energy source.

    Numerous studies over the last couple of decades have proven that Creatine can improve athletic performance and increase ones muscle mass. Studies also indicate the health benefits of Creatine for heart, muscle and diseases. Creatine supplementation has been known to reduce low-density lipoprotein (ldl cholesterol) by one-third in a matter of months.

    The popularity for users of this supplement still remains with body builders and people looking to increase there lean body mass. Results from Creatine can be seen in the first week. The initial gain in weight can be associated with the water retention caused by the Creatine.

    Research performed at the Pennsylvania State University shows the effects of taking Creatine for twelve weeks and combining it with a weight lifting program. The study shows users of Creatine gained twice as much muscle as the group who just exercised and did not supplement.

    Professor Roger Harris led a research group that proved that Creatine is more effective after exercise then if you take it before or during exercising. Creatine given before exercise was shown to have no effect. Creatine given during exercise showed to interfere with the gains made. Creatine post exercising showed great results.

    Publishing’s in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise showed the effects of Creatine supplementation on a European Soccer Team. Group one who was given 20 grams of Creatine for six days showed results with faster sprints and improved jumping performance then group two how was given a placebo.

    Similar studies were done by other organizations with positive results of Creatine’s effectiveness.

    To sum it up, the best time to take Creatine is after exercise. Small doses of Creatine have little effect but higher doses such as 5 grams increase levels 15 fold. Creatine can improve performance in certain sports but remember you will gain weight while on Creatine.

    There are many different brands of Creatine being sold on the market. None have shown any evidence of advantage over “Creatine Monohydrate”. In fact studies done on liquid Creatine are showing the same results as someone drinking water. So in my own opinion “Creatine Monohydrate” is the best choice.


    Total Lost 70 lbs
    Body fat: 30+% to 6.5%

  • #2
    I am also a fan of creatine, but it is an expensive supplement, so make sure you don't take more than you need, cause more doesn't seem to be better. Start with a high amount over the first few days to load up the muscles, and after that, the body can only use 2 to 3 grams aday. Also, make sure you drink your water as creatine draws on water from other parts of the body to help the muscles do their work. Skimping on water is not a good idea.

    Great report Tommy,



    41 pounds down and counting

    If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else. - Yogi Berra

    Comment


    • #3
      Tommy Great Post

      So the expensive liquid creatine is totally useless? Unbelievable, last week some salesperson was really trying to push it to me as the 'new' way to go.
      I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once

      Started June 1, 2003
      Start 229/ Now at 188/ Goal 175

      Straight White Male, Married, 56 Years Old looking for........

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by skank
        Tommy Great Post

        So the expensive liquid creatine is totally useless? Unbelievable, last week some salesperson was really trying to push it to me as the 'new' way to go.
        Completly useless, well the first bottle I had, had a great placebo effect till I researched it and saw how utterly useless it is. Creatine level in the body can be scientifically proven but not with the liquid forms.


        Total Lost 70 lbs
        Body fat: 30+% to 6.5%

        Comment


        • #5
          Tommy so I bought a lage container of pure
          Creatine Monohydrate (Scitec Nutrition Brand)
          No added sucrose etc

          How long do you think loading should be?
          I've read everything from 5-15 days

          I exercise in the morning & later afternoon
          so according to what you are saying I should take after morning & afternoon exericse session, 3rd time during loading lunch?

          After I'm taking once a day if I have two sessions when is the best time?
          If I have only one session same question? Resting Day, take then?

          Sorry so many questions but I am ready to be a 'guinea pig' & see how it goes. Should I expect some weight gain early on?

          OK enough questions for one day
          I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once

          Started June 1, 2003
          Start 229/ Now at 188/ Goal 175

          Straight White Male, Married, 56 Years Old looking for........

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by skank
            Tommy so I bought a lage container of pure
            Creatine Monohydrate (Scitec Nutrition Brand)
            No added sucrose etc

            How long do you think loading should be?
            I've read everything from 5-15 days

            I exercise in the morning & later afternoon
            so according to what you are saying I should take after morning & afternoon exericse session, 3rd time during loading lunch?

            After I'm taking once a day if I have two sessions when is the best time?
            If I have only one session same question? Resting Day, take then?

            Sorry so many questions but I am ready to be a 'guinea pig' & see how it goes. Should I expect some weight gain early on?

            OK enough questions for one day
            One week is fine for the loading phase. Some re-do the loading phase monthly.

            After researching this and posting the article I started my loading phase too. (I usually stop while actively trying to lose weight just because of the water retention I cant judge the weight loss) So I'm doing it with ya... Today will be day 3 for me.

            I would take it after your heaviest resistance training for the day. I would take L-Gluatimine after cardio workouts to prevent muscle breakdown. And yes take creatine on the resting day.

            Yes early weight gain is water retention. In the past I've put on 8 lbs in the first week of taking it. Scary considering were trying to lose weight. But remember water is part of your lean body mass that will help speed up your metabolism.


            Total Lost 70 lbs
            Body fat: 30+% to 6.5%

            Comment


            • #7
              i used to take a protien shake that had 20grams of whey, creatine, and l-glutamine, and nitroxen all together only 3.5 net carbs, i lost weight while on it, its not ur usualy 30 gram scoop of creatine, it was just 2, gave u an extra boost, my biceps/triceps were lookin nice too, im gonna go back to taking it when i hit goal, after i take some animal m stack to bulk up.
              i lost 70 lbs most of it muscle... shoulda done something else......

              Comment


              • #8
                Tommy when you gained 8lbs in one week during loading was that preAtkins & in conjunction w/carb consumption.

                I'm only 3&1/2 days into the loading & regular routine as alwaysbut have not gained.

                Some Guys at the pool that also encouraged me to do this said since I wasn't a 'newbie' trying it all at once but someone who already has a long running exercise routine going that it probably won't make me gain that much as I continue to build muscle & burn fat more or less at the same time.

                What say you?
                I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once

                Started June 1, 2003
                Start 229/ Now at 188/ Goal 175

                Straight White Male, Married, 56 Years Old looking for........

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by skank
                  Tommy when you gained 8lbs in one week during loading was that preAtkins & in conjunction w/carb consumption.

                  I'm only 3&1/2 days into the loading & regular routine as alwaysbut have not gained.

                  Some Guys at the pool that also encouraged me to do this said since I wasn't a 'newbie' trying it all at once but someone who already has a long running exercise routine going that it probably won't make me gain that much as I continue to build muscle & burn fat more or less at the same time.

                  What say you?
                  Creatine will cause water retention and if your already retaining water there may not be anything additional for you to retain. When I did gain the 8 lbs I was strict induction so yes there was plenty of room for me to retain water.

                  I gained about 3-4 lbs this week but same thing I wasnt retaining much water at the time, so it was expected.

                  Ok water retention aside, any noticable differences already? I gotta say I didnt expect anything besides the water retention the first week but I did have a great week working out. I added 10-30 lbs to all my lifts.


                  Total Lost 70 lbs
                  Body fat: 30+% to 6.5%

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    don't know yet if it's some sort of placebo effect but yeah today running this morning I really kicked *** going up some pretty steep parts of the trail almost full blast

                    & my reps are getting better, almost back to where I was before I had to quit from smashing & injuring my wrist. Still wearing a wrist brace during weight work but can tell its almost time to do away with it.

                    Overall seems pretty good, I should probably have a real handle on how its worked right about when you're taking off for a different type of training.
                    I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once

                    Started June 1, 2003
                    Start 229/ Now at 188/ Goal 175

                    Straight White Male, Married, 56 Years Old looking for........

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Ended loading phase today. I was staying around same weight 1st 4 days & then had a root canal, where they gave me some kind of steroids to minimize rejection of the platinum threads they implant in the hollowed out root that made my Blood Glucose go haywire. Had to rest a day after that surgery & went up like three lbs& held it for a few days .

                      Now everything is back in synch & I now this morning was up exactly 1 lb from pre loading.
                      I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once

                      Started June 1, 2003
                      Start 229/ Now at 188/ Goal 175

                      Straight White Male, Married, 56 Years Old looking for........

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        About 5 years ago (before graduate school, before 2 babies...before life really set in) I was a bodybuilder...total gym rat. My bodyfat hung out around 16%. Decided, with some coaching from my trainer, to gear up for a show. Started creatine around that time and I can't say how much it helped, but between dedicated lifting, super clean eating, and the recommended schedule of creatine I got down to almost 10% body fat. I looked amazing...but it was really alot of work.

                        Doubt I can do that again anytime soon. (I have a 1 and 3 year old who take up most of the time needed for that level of dedication.) But I'm still proud that I did it and know that its in me.

                        Never did compete...my husband was diagnosed with cancer and that kindof changed our priorities. (He's healthy as a horse today, praise the Lord.)
                        Kristen
                        Recommitted to Atkins 13 Sept
                        172/168.5/138
                        **current size 12, goal is size 8**
                        Mini goal #1: 167

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                        • #13
                          I posted
                          310/252/220 -- 100% Male -- 2 years low carb!
                          I'm not weird -- I'm eccentric!
                          Stop Discrimination!

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I'm checking out the newer research that shows Creatine lowers LDL cholesterol by 30% over a period of a few months. LDL is the once Blood Lipid component I'm having problem getting into normal range

                            The muscle building aspects are also an appealing secondary reason too.
                            I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once

                            Started June 1, 2003
                            Start 229/ Now at 188/ Goal 175

                            Straight White Male, Married, 56 Years Old looking for........

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I am now two weeks into Creatine, laoding done etc.

                              Looks as if I've put on around 4lbs (Tommy you said expect around 5) & today looking at the mirror while doing the Nautilus it is starting to 'show' in muscle. I honestly feel like its muscle & water not fat

                              Big question is what my next LDL reading is, if thats really improved I guess its great stuff!
                              I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once

                              Started June 1, 2003
                              Start 229/ Now at 188/ Goal 175

                              Straight White Male, Married, 56 Years Old looking for........

                              Comment

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