Creatine Questions

[Mtal]

I am getting back into martial arts, but I also like to lift weights. Wanting to improve my performance in the gym, get stronger (I have been pretty consistant in the gym lately, so want to take it up a notch). I was thinking of taking creatine. First, is it good for someone who does martial arts to take? How much should be taken? Should it be taken every day or just days you train (if so, then do I take it on martial art workout days or just gym days)? Do you cycle every few months (well take it for a month or two, go off it)? Is the pill form ok (well I am on the go alot, and I just see it would be hard to make a shake at times)? Any good web sites on the topic? Oh and any other advice is more than welcomed. Thank you.

[Kirves]

Basic use: 2-5 grams a day, everyday.

Some people prefer to cycle it on and off. Don't ask me for any scientific pros or cons, I don't know.

Some people load the first week with higher doses of 10-30 grams a day, to get the effects running faster (creatine accumulates slowly into the body, so a load-up phase quickens that up a bit). Don't ask me if that is advisable healthwise, or not.

If you have liver-problems of any kind, don't use creatine. (My guess is that people cycle on and off because they want to give their liver a break, but that's just my guess.)

I have no idea why creatine would be a problem for martial arts.

[bugei]

Before you start using it, make sure you know all the facts. The UGA football program put it's athletes on creatine, and after a week of use all of the team members began to suffer from heat exhaustion. The heat exhaustion was linked to creatine use, so i don't think you would want to use it, unless you want to faint during a tough practice session.

[MAS]

There's no substitue for hard work. Don't take the easy route.

[nwtogame]

Creatine is perfectly safe and almost ALL athelets are using it now also. Look its no miracle thing though your not going to get THESE amazing effects out of it. Its more noticeable to someone that has hit a plateau then starts it and it helps them edge over it. Over long term use it does good though. YOU defently need to consume more water using it and thats the reason if somone suffers from heat that would be it. As far as a whole football team, thats just nonesense. Maybe the overweight ppl trying to lose a few pounds and get into shape before season and not drinking water like they should ok I could see that one. The again its their own ignorant ass faults too. Research it for youself though and try to crap form facts. Ppl are quick to give their opinions in fact form when they don't have a clue what they're talking about. I could go on and on about Creatine but you have to make the call for youself.

[osopardo]

I use it when I'm in heavy training mode, like a few weeks before a test or competition. The initial loading phase can be harsh on your digestive system (for me it caused diarrhea) and there are those who believe the loading phase is unnecessary.

Make sure you drink a lot of water (at least a gallon per day) because without the water you will dehydrate and possibly damage your kidneys, liver, etc.

Stay away from caffeine and other substances which are considered to be diuretics.

Taking creatine is not cheating or "taking the easy route". It is a tool to help you achieve legimate goals, just like using a dumbbell instead of a rock. It will enhance your performance during training, aid in muscle recuperation and muscle cell hydration and you will see visible results more quickly than you would without it.

[MAS]

This is what I don't understand. You take this stuff and say it helps you out. Then you gotta watch how you take it so you don't hurt yourself.

[osopardo]

Well, duh! You gotta be careful with everything! Weight training, sparring, crossing the street... You ever try benching 500 lbs without a spotter?

[Kirves]

Exactly! Everything in moderation. Creatine is naturally found in red meat. As are vitamins, minerals, and so on. But any substance taken out of context, can be harmful if taken in too high doses. Be it creatine, a vitamin, a mineral, or whatever. You don't want to overdo it.

[MAS]

Why are you in such a rush for results? This is how I see it. If your not naturally working yourself out and using some chemical enhancement.. It's gonna hurt you. I wouldn't want to look back and say I had to take stuff to make me get in shape. This is how I feel about it. Its your decision.

[nwtogame]

MAS are yo talking ANABOLIC steroids you mean, or are you simply talking about over the counter creatine? LMAO......cause if your talking about creatince......please just ignore his comment ppl hes just another hater who doesn't want someone to be the best they can be. So if you wake up in the morning with a hangover.......you don't take a aspirin so you can tough through it and look back and say see i did that without any help....WTF? I suppose you prolly don't drink though but its all the same, I could see taking a stand against anabolics but for supplements? Are you serious the FDA has already banned everything thats going to make a differenece enough to see it real fast anyhow. Its your option bro Creatine is considered to be doing it naturally though so if its that title you talking about don't worry your still well within the guidelines.

[MAS]

I don't think anyone should stop from being the best they can be. But what makes taking creatine the way to do it. It makes you gain muscle mass quicker. How is that not taking the easy route for muscle gain? Whats wrong with doing it naturally? Is it more of a risk taking it and working out, or not taking it and working out? If it aint natural, its gonna hurt you somehow.

[Kirves]

Creatine is natural. It is a substance common in red meat. Just like protein. So if someone wants to eat more quality protein without eating that much of whole meat, he may buy some of his protein in powder form in a bucket. It's still natural protein food, nothing else. Same goes for creatine. If protein powder wasn't natural, then wheat flower probably isn't either...

Of course, just because it's natural, doesn't mean it's good for you (cyanide is natural... ) but that's another story.

[T-3]

Creatine is natural and safe for the most part. It works as a cell volumizer. It allows for muscle fibers to take on more water allowing for a longer contraction with less fatigue. It also helps in the recovery phase through the same mechanism. If you do plan on taking creatine, it is highly suggested that your water intake increase. Anything that is not utilized by your body will pass in your urine. First and foremost, if there exists any kidney function problems seek advice from an MD; also secondly, if there exists any liver function problems. The most commonly known side-effect of taking too much creatine is diarrhea. Most people that I know that take creatine will cycle on/off with it. Good luck.

[MAS]

A half lb. of meat contains excatly 1 gram of creatine.The long term effects of creatine are still unknown. So why neglect your health for the purpose of gaining muscle or increasing speed? Plus, it puts more stress on joints, bones, and ligaments because of the quick muscle increase. And what happens when you quit creatine? Youll get fat. Unless you start working out again without it, but then your body will probably have withdrawels. So then youll be stuck using it again so you don't get fat. Because you think taking creatines the only way to be the best you can be.