I'm thinking about using creatine. If you have used it, please tell me what you think, your recommendations

Question

I've been lifting weights for about 6 months and had decent results. I initially focused on losing weight and went from 165 to 140, and have been focused on adding muscle since I lost the fat. In 6 months I have seen progress, but it is a slow process. I have a good regimen that I follow lifting 3 days per week, lifting heavy with low reps in 6 to 8 range with about 75 to 80% of my max when using the bench press. I eat clean seven days a week, 6 meals a day, about 3000 calories, lot's of protien. But I am a vegetarian and I believe this is the reason I am not progressing as fast as I would like. I really like the upside that I have read about creatine, giving you short bursts of engery to lift more weight, and the bulking effect it will have with the water retention. But I am concerned about the side effects - kidney problems, hair loss, change in tempermant, etc. Please tell me only what you know from experience, results & side effects - not what you've heard. Thank you.

I'm 5'7", 145 lbs, 39 yrs

I lift to failure, and really push myself hard during my three lifting sessions, primarily foucusing on upper body, take protien supplements, and get plenty of sleep & water.

Answer 1

Never had any side effects personally. It will definitely give you the boost that it sounds like you are looking for. Try it for a month to six weeks it's not going to happen over night.

Answer 2

I have used it and loved the results. I am very thin, so I had noticable muscle cutting within the first 3 days of using it, even without any exercise. I stopped though because sometime after I started a heavy vitamin and creatine regimine, I was found to have a kidney atrophy to 1 cm. There is no way of knowing the cause, but I did notice that using creatine caused pain in my kidney area. Call a nephrologist (kidney Dr.) out of the phone book and ask about the stress of creatine on the kidney before you begin. Good luck!

Answer 3

Well, I hardly eat meat, maybe chicken/fish once in a while. You need to lift MORE weight - without hurting yourself of course. Avoid a lot of aerobic activity. Use some soy supplements too. I have worked in a health club and also taken some health courses, I'm no pro, but that's the sum of what I know that's possible. I respect the fact you don't eat meat - but you might have to settle for less than spectacular results. Try protein bars and soy supplements. I like Genisoy Vanilla soy milkshake mix.

Answer 4

Creatine is a naturally occuring substance, so don't worry about side effects. You need to get the right kind of creatine, however. Many brands don't work effectively, the "gains" they give you are just water weight. At GNC they have one called "SIZE ON" which is one of the best. I have found it works the best when I drink it steadily before, DURING, and after my workout.

I would suggest you get off the vegetarian thing before you try creatine. That's not how nature intended a man to eat. You have to "eat like a man to look like a man."

My bible (GET IT TODAY):

"The Testosterone Advantage Plan," by Lou Schuler, et al.

Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0743237919/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/002-2338454-2913632?ie=UTF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=-SubmissionDate&n=283155

Answer 5

Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines rates creatine 'A' in effectiveness for increasing lean body mass and strength. GNC and Walmart carry it. Take it as directed on the container.
Good luck.

Answer 6

i don't know with the side effect but one thing is certain if you don't eat meat/fish as protein you won't get much muscle (unless your taking whey protein)

from what i've heard it's a before and after thing.. it's suppose to get you really pumped up.. just follow the tab's instructions...

when i have the money i'll buy some but right now i'm kinda broke hehehe.. will tell you the result after i can get a bottle.


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