Creatine Question

BossArky

A bit of background first --> I started training "seriously" around 18 months ago at bodyweight 75kg. I dropped to just under 70kg in about 6 months, knocking off bodyfat with cardio and ad hoc gym machines.

10 months ago I started to use a whey supplement and got back up to 75kg from squat, deadlift, bench, pull ups, etc.

4 months ago I started to supplement with creatine every few weeks on and off. It had obvious positive effects on my squat, deadlift and bench press, pushing them all up to new pbs of 10 to 20%. The extra work capacity was pretty cool and it helped me burn through a plateau.

I stopped supplementing with creatine about 3 weeks ago and I'm 74kg right now. I'm stopping because I feel it affects my running, and also because I am interested in assessing the before, during and after affects for my own info.

My questions:

1) How long before my body returns to "normal" creatine saturation levels. I know this depends on diet too. Two weeks, two months..?? I want to assess my strength after creatine vs with creatine.

2) How long before I can stand on a weighing scales and know that the weight dosen't include extra water stored on account of the creatine? I want to figure out my current bodyfat and see how much muscle I may have put on with this little experiment.

I've performed many a google search for this info. There are heaps of articles about creatine but not much on post creatine.

Thanks for any info.

tribulus

Completely anecdotal but I've found it to be about 3 weeks. I obviously have no way of quantifying that but from the time I stopped before after regular (4x a week) use my weight had dropped without any significant diet or training changes and I felt a difference.

That's as scientific as I can get!

As a matter of interest how do you feel creatine affects your running? Is it the extra weight or were you cramping?

BossArky

What sort of weight gain/loss did you have?

No, I didn't get any cramping. I want to loose the extra water weight for the moment and see what kind of weight I'll get back down to, plus assess what my strength is like afterwards.

Hanley

Like Trib, based on nothing more than my own personal observations;

-I gain and lose 2-3kg before starting and after finishing creatine usage. Weight gain comes in 1-2 weeks and goes in 2-3.

-Max strength stays fairly flat, but rep strength goes down a bit.

BossArky

Thanks for the info folks. I'll see what happens.

jon burrows

I've just started taking creatine in the last week and am wondering:
1. How many scoops a day should I take
2. Can I add it to my whey protein shake??
3. Are there any side affects to taking creatine
4. How soon should I see results (muscle)

LightningBolt

jon burrows wrote: »

I've just started taking creatine in the last week and am wondering:
1. How many scoops a day should I take
2. Can I add it to my whey protein shake??
3. Are there any side affects to taking creatine
4. How soon should I see results (muscle)

1. I take it in tab form and take 10gm before training, 5gm after.

2. If a powder yes.

3. Yes they should be stated on the package. Generally the most common types I know of are stomach cramps and acne.

4. As soon as you start working your arse off in the gym, you're progessively increasing the weight in your compound exercises. you're getting quality sleep and you're eating a calorie surplus diet.

jon burrows

Thanks for the reply, so far no side affects so fingers crossed......

jon burrows

I just read the side of the creatine tub and there are no warnings on side affects. I heard liver damage can be a side affect, is this true?? I got my creatine from thesupplementfactory.com, has anyone had any side affects from this creatine?? I haven't so far but just curious.

Hanley

jon burrows wrote: »

I just read the side of the creatine tub and there are no warnings on side affects. I heard liver damage can be a side affect, is this true?? I got my creatine from thesupplementfactory.com, has anyone had any side affects from this creatine?? I haven't so far but just curious.

No no... that's what we called "le bullsh!t". It MIGHT have an effect on the kidneys, but in the absence of a pre-existing condition (ie if you kidney's are on their last legs anayway!!), it won't.

Stomach upsets/bloating can happen if you take TOO mcuh tho.

As close as you'll get to being 100% safe tho otherwise.

jon burrows

Thanks, I feel a bit better taking it now. I would generally take 2 scoops a day 1 before and 1 after a workout.