Creatine

Equus5374

I'd like to hear from anyone who uses Creatine daily to help with muscle repair/fatigue. After interviewing several distance running friends, I've started using it daily after my workouts and in the mornings of rest days. My doctor also recommended it. Often after speed and strength workouts, my muscles feel so heavy and fatigued that I can't even run one mile. I have already noticed a difference in muscle soreness -- much less after strenuous workouts. Hopefully it will help with the fatigue too.

12by311

I use it. Helps with my recovery as well.

LazSommer

It's nice.

cgvet37

I have been using it for some time. In terms of recovery, I take BCAA's.

CasperNaegle

I try to get about 5-6 grams a day of it in my protein shakes. It definitely seems to improve my recovery time.

liftorgohome

I take creatine pills, 2 a day. Creatine 4200. Helps with long workouts and cardio.

not_a_runner

I have tried several different brands and I always end up cramping and lot, and/or having to poop... a lot...
After a highly recommended brand that claimed no cramping made me cramp and poop.. I decided to forget about it. I didn't seem to respond well to it other than those effects

Equus5374

I'm using the Six Star Creatine X3 powder, which includes BCAAs. Since it's a powdered drink mix, I sip it slowly after a workout. No stomach issues so far. I'm taking about 6g daily to start. It's also pretty delicious!

12by311

TresaAswegan wrote: »

I have tried several different brands and I always end up cramping and lot, and/or having to poop... a lot...
After a highly recommended brand that claimed no cramping made me cramp and poop.. I decided to forget about it. I didn't seem to respond well to it other than those effects

I take straight monohydrate creatine. No flavor.

You have to drink a lot of water to keep the cramps away. And to help with digestive issues, I mix it in a little bit of really hot water. I stir it every so often and let it sit and dissolve as much as possible before drinking it.

not_a_runner

12by311 wrote: »

TresaAswegan wrote: »

I have tried several different brands and I always end up cramping and lot, and/or having to poop... a lot...
After a highly recommended brand that claimed no cramping made me cramp and poop.. I decided to forget about it. I didn't seem to respond well to it other than those effects

I take straight monohydrate creatine. No flavor.

You have to drink a lot of water to keep the cramps away. And to help with digestive issues, I mix it in a little bit of really hot water. I stir it every so often and let it sit and dissolve as much as possible before drinking it.

Yes, I tried a plain monohydrate and it wasn't as bad as others for the digestion, but cramping was daily. I drink at minimum a gallon of water a day, usually more. I drink plently intra workout. I also let it dissolve a while and shake frequently. I have never experienced a tricep or trap cramp before using the monohydrate. The benefits just don't outweigh the cons for me. I tried for several months to make it work, but I would rather get back to better workouts where I don't have to be more concerned about trying not to cramp up.

Soundwave79

cgvet37 wrote: »

I have been using it for some time. In terms of recovery, I take BCAA's.

Same. I like Amino X. I hardly ever get sore anymore. I take the Creatine for strength gains mostly.

cgvet37

I found it's better to just dump the creatine in your mouth, and wash it down with water. I don't have the time or patience to let it dissolve, and what does not dissolve, sticks to the inside of the bottle.

SonyaCele

i dilute it in a shot glass, and drink it and then add more water to get the whats stuck on the bottom.

ShodanPrime

Funny story, my PT told me one of his cop clients put on 40# of muscle in 6 months. So the PT asked him how. This guy said, oh just work out and take creatine...


Lol.

shor0814

I throw it in with my pre-workout and down it. I usually have to rinse or swirl the bottle at the end to get it all. I don't like sipping it because the granules never really dissolve.

Carla1962Shaw2015

I've been using for about 6 weeks. I can tell a difference in " pump" in my muscles, especially my arms. Didn't think about soreness before I read this thread but now that I think about it, I guess it's helped with that as well.

StealthHealth

I take micronized (dissolved in water easier) creatine monohydrate daily. I can't comment upon it as a recovery aid but it does lead to increased water retention which you will see as scale weight and in some cases increased muscle volume. I remember being pretty thirsty for the first day I took it.

The information on this page http://examine.com/supplements/Creatine/ does seem to indicate (7 studies) that there is an positive effect upon fatigue. And, the increased power output with creatine is well documented.

Given the benefits for someone trying to retain/gain muscle or get stronger, the price and minimal side effects in most (and seemingly zero for myself - I've never had any cramps or stomach problems) it's a no-brainier for me.

kwtilbury

Creatine is one of the most well-researched and effective supplements out there, and it's cheap to boot. No-brainer.