creatine

[Nothing_Specific]

I just bougt some creatine-Generic GNC Brand, and it doesn't specify how to load. What are the actual grams for the loading and maintenance phase. Additionally, when should I take it, before or after a workout?

 

[evansss]

Somebody correct me if im wrong, but the loading phase is usually bullshit. I would skip that if i was you. I think its either 5 grams a day if my memory serves me correctly. What time of creatine is it ?

 

[Eze]

Just take 5g everyday.

Some people load, some don't. If it is creatine monohydrate it may cause stomach discomfort if you take too much (loading)

 

[Nothing_Specific]

also, i'm not planning on hitting the gym until monday, should I start taking it today or wait until monday, I read you should take it after working out as part of your PWO.

 

[Cakalac]

usually it says like "one rounded teaspoon" or something of that nature.

 

[sofreshsoclean]

Just take 5g everyday.

Some people load, some don't. If it is creatine monohydrate it may cause stomach discomfort if you take too much (loading)

Oh my god yes. The first time I used creatine, I put to much creatine in, and not enough water. I had stomach discomfort for 3-4 days, it was terrible.

 

[PGHRam]

Can creatine be taken while cutting? Well, not really cutting but more like trying to lose fat with diet and a thermogenic. I'm not trying to lose any pounds, just trying to drop the fat while eating clean.
Would the thermo and creatine counter each other?

 

[Eze]

It is fine. If you use monohydrate you will tend to hold water, but it won't make you hold onto fat. Actually creatine can help keep your strength up with dieting.

 

[johnnylightning]

I just bougt some creatine-Generic GNC Brand, and it doesn't specify how to load. What are the actual grams for the loading and maintenance phase. Additionally, when should I take it, before or after a workout?

NS,

In my use of Creatine, I discovered very, very little actual benefit from taking pure Creatine Monohydrate alone. I mixed it with cold water, and saw no changes at all. However, I started trying Phosphagen HP, which is creatine monohydrate + sugars (carbohydrates), and had noticeably better strength/gains when using it. I believe several studies have been conducted showing the increase of creatine transport to muscle cells when ingesting sugars/carbs at the same time as Creatine.

So, if you got regular Creatine Monohydrate from GNC, I would take it either with a glass or two of grape juice, another sports drink that contains dextrose, or simply buy a bulk bag of dextrose from somewhere like here http://www.bulkfoods.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamTxt=3989&txtsearchParamCat=1&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch and mix it with your CM. I would go 5g of CM, and 35-40g of Dextrose.

Oh, and personally, I don't believe in the loading phase of Creatine. I think it is probably just a suggestion by the manufacturer so you will use the bottle faster, therefore having to buy Creatine more often! I did it a couple of times, and saw no benefit whatsoever.

 

[bigjd69]

You get what you pay for. I don't believe in the loading phase esp when using Creatine Mono. The companys push that loading phase so you go thru more product.