Creatine and post workout supplements

theleftie

I am finishing a cycle of creatine, and although I have seen the positive results from taking it - I don't think I want to continue. So, I am looking for a good, solid post - workout supplement (or something) I can take to aid in both recovery and continued metabolism boost. I'm pretty much a nutrition rookie, so any help would be appreciated. Thoughts?

lizard053

Protein! It will help boost muscle repair and growth, sort of. It's a great way to replenish after a tough workout. And LOTS of water.

theleftie

Thanks Lizard - Ok, I guess I should've added this point... I do try to boost my protein intake and I've heard that chocolate milk is a really good way to do this...

dane11235813

why do you want to stop taking creatine?

theleftie

I have been taking it for about two months and understand there is a "wash out" phase in which you give your body a chance to recover from the high doses.

dane11235813

I have been taking it for about two months and understand there is a "wash out" phase in which you give your body a chance to recover from the high doses.

i don't believe that. i take 3-5 grams a day and never cycle it.

theleftie

How long have you done that? Are you taking straight creatine? I am using Assault by Muscle Pharm.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/musclepharm/assault.html?CJAID=10409943&CJPID=3194159

dane11235813

mostly i just use creatine mono. sometimes i'll change things up if i find something on sale. i've used controlled labs green mag a couple times this year.
price wise you can't beat monohydrate though.

FORIANN

Optimum Nutrition Whey....Natural is best...Gold Standard almost as good....some of the best you can get because it's manufactured INSIDE the USA. A lot of companies outsource to third world / third parties. I think milk slows down the delivery....with water its faster absorption.

billtonkin

Just use Creatine Monohydrate, it's cheaper. Creatine monohydrate info has changed, no cycling, no loading phase, etc. Like Dane said, just take 3-5g a day. It doesn't even matter when you take it, morning, noon, or night.

tgzerozone

I've noted that some people take a week break or something after 12 weeks. Dunno if it is required.

I use it along with a dextrose and protein shake before and after gym. 10 grams a day. Take 5 grams creatine with 50 grams dextrose and 40 grams protein mixed with water before and after gym with one of those minus the creatine during gym. Drink loads of water of course as well. Non gym days I just drink 5 grams with juice or water in the morning.

I don't see any reason why you should stop it, it's a great supp. If you do stop it though, just stick with Dextrose and whey protein.

dane11235813

I've noted that some people take a week break or something after 12 weeks. Dunno if it is required.

I use it along with a dextrose and protein shake before and after gym. 10 grams a day. Take 5 grams creatine with 50 grams dextrose and 40 grams protein mixed with water before and after gym with one of those minus the creatine during gym. Drink loads of water of course as well. Non gym days I just drink 5 grams with juice or water in the morning.

I don't see any reason why you should stop it, it's a great supp. If you do stop it though, just stick with Dextrose and whey protein.

this is some old school thinking. you don't need 10 grams of creatine a day. that's a total waste. stick with 3-5 grams every day.

mfisher16508

I cant answer you, but I did enjoy learning as I have heard people at the gym talking about it. Now I dont feel so dumb.

TY

bciochetti

You could try looking at a BCAA supplement. I just switched from Assault to ON Essential Amino Energy as my pre-workout. The main difference is that instead of creatine it has BCAAs. I haven't noticed a decrease in size or number of reps I can push out, but I have noticed a slight improvement in recovery time. My post workout is just a scoop of ON 100% Whey and fruit juice.

Acg67

I've noted that some people take a week break or something after 12 weeks. Dunno if it is required.

I use it along with a dextrose and protein shake before and after gym. 10 grams a day. Take 5 grams creatine with 50 grams dextrose and 40 grams protein mixed with water before and after gym with one of those minus the creatine during gym. Drink loads of water of course as well. Non gym days I just drink 5 grams with juice or water in the morning.

I don't see any reason why you should stop it, it's a great supp. If you do stop it though, just stick with Dextrose and whey protein.

this is some old school thinking. you don't need 10 grams of creatine a day. that's a total waste. stick with 3-5 grams every day.

^ this, you can fully saturate your muscles taking 5g/day for a month, then you can actually cut back to 4x a week. There is no need to load it or take it grape juice or any of the once thought things about creatine

Acg67

I've noted that some people take a week break or something after 12 weeks. Dunno if it is required.

I use it along with a dextrose and protein shake before and after gym. 10 grams a day. Take 5 grams creatine with 50 grams dextrose and 40 grams protein mixed with water before and after gym with one of those minus the creatine during gym. Drink loads of water of course as well. Non gym days I just drink 5 grams with juice or water in the morning.

I don't see any reason why you should stop it, it's a great supp. If you do stop it though, just stick with Dextrose and whey protein.

Didn't we just have this discussion that the dextrose + whey combo is completely unnecessary?

theleftie

Hey thanks for all the insight! Much appreciated! I'm much better informed now.

tgzerozone

I've noted that some people take a week break or something after 12 weeks. Dunno if it is required.

I use it along with a dextrose and protein shake before and after gym. 10 grams a day. Take 5 grams creatine with 50 grams dextrose and 40 grams protein mixed with water before and after gym with one of those minus the creatine during gym. Drink loads of water of course as well. Non gym days I just drink 5 grams with juice or water in the morning.

I don't see any reason why you should stop it, it's a great supp. If you do stop it though, just stick with Dextrose and whey protein.

Didn't we just have this discussion that the dextrose + whey combo is completely unnecessary?

Aha, yes we did, and I didn't agree remember.

GorillaNJ

So far I have read three different articles and have found 4 different answers... is it best to take the creatine after a workout or before?

And how about on non-lifting days. Like tonight I am doing spin class, and am assuming I do not want to take it before that unless I get a much bigger water bottle for class.

dane11235813

So far I have read three different articles and have found 4 different answers... is it best to take the creatine after a workout or before?

And how about on non-lifting days. Like tonight I am doing spin class, and am assuming I do not want to take it before that unless I get a much bigger water bottle for class.

see ACGs answer above
it doesn't matter what time of day you take it. you don't even really need to take it every day after your muscles are saturated. i only do that because i just get into a routine of taking it and a couple extra doses a month of mono isn't going to break the bank.