Women on Creatine
mandeenicoleb
Posts: 479 Member
I apologize if this is redundant, I searched the board first and didn't really find anything.
I have been doing the SL 5x5 program for about a month now.
I started wondering about creatine as part of a pre workout. I'm also going to use vitamin B12 and regularly take calcium with d-3 since my doctor is always saying I'm deficient.
I already ordered it at no risk because I figured I'd give it to my boyfriend or dad if I don't use it.
I want a much leaner look. I don't mind adding some muscle and then cutting down body fat. I figured 3g only on lifting days for about a month and then going off and trying to cut. I'm still a "noob" and have been trying to do my research so hopefully this doesn't sound TOO silly.
I understand that bloat comes from the water that the muscles pull in. My bf worried I'll look "puffy." Should I just avoid it all together?
Any guidance on the matter would be very much appreciated.
I'm not sure if you need my stats since this is a supplement question but just in case!
I'm 25, 133 lbs, around 21% BF last time I checked (but I'm not confident with my work with the calipers) and I eat about 1,700 calories a day.
Edited: for my horrible typos
I have been doing the SL 5x5 program for about a month now.
I started wondering about creatine as part of a pre workout. I'm also going to use vitamin B12 and regularly take calcium with d-3 since my doctor is always saying I'm deficient.
I already ordered it at no risk because I figured I'd give it to my boyfriend or dad if I don't use it.
I want a much leaner look. I don't mind adding some muscle and then cutting down body fat. I figured 3g only on lifting days for about a month and then going off and trying to cut. I'm still a "noob" and have been trying to do my research so hopefully this doesn't sound TOO silly.
I understand that bloat comes from the water that the muscles pull in. My bf worried I'll look "puffy." Should I just avoid it all together?
Any guidance on the matter would be very much appreciated.
I'm not sure if you need my stats since this is a supplement question but just in case!
I'm 25, 133 lbs, around 21% BF last time I checked (but I'm not confident with my work with the calipers) and I eat about 1,700 calories a day.
Edited: for my horrible typos
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Replies
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The extra water, like you said, is surrounding the muscles. It's not like water retention under the skin, so it shouldn't make a visual difference.
I don't see the point of going off of it when you cut though.0 -
what rock said.
Creatine (after fully "loaded") adds about 3-5 lbs on my frame and it helps a little in the early parts of workout after a few weeks. It's one of those supplements I'd admit I "should" be taking, but I just don't out of cheapness and laziness right now.0 -
Take it for a while and see if you like the results.
If you order the creatine monohydrate it's relatively cheap, pretty much one of the very few things people agree on as far as helping achieve results, and it's easy to add to just about any food or drink because there really isn't any taste or smell involved.
I'm sure you've researched it enough to know that it's common to have a "loading" period and then to maintain at 3-5 grams per day.
Also, if you know in advance the scale may or may not go up due to water weight and you're ok with that...I don't see why you wouldn't be taking it.0 -
Thanks for the input. I am definitely going to have to ditch the scale. I figured trying shouldn't hurt at all.0
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Just try it. If you find yourself puffy, stop and it will go away in short order.0
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Just try it. If you find yourself puffy, stop and it will go away in short order.
Agreed. Not like you're getting cosmetic surgery or something. The effects are temporary. Having said that, I take 10g a day every day and I didn't gain any water weight or change my looks at all (I've been taking it for around 6 weeks). I eat a lot of meat though, think my natural creatine intake is already pretty good. From what I understand it helps vegetarians more.0 -
Take it for a while and see if you like the results.
If you order the creatine monohydrate it's relatively cheap, pretty much one of the very few things people agree on as far as helping achieve results, and it's easy to add to just about any food or drink because there really isn't any taste or smell involved.
I'm sure you've researched it enough to know that it's common to have a "loading" period and then to maintain at 3-5 grams per day.
Also, if you know in advance the scale may or may not go up due to water weight and you're ok with that...I don't see why you wouldn't be taking it.
You do not need to load it. Just take 5g a day.
And as everyone said, its not 'normal' bloat.0 -
Just try it. If you find yourself puffy, stop and it will go away in short order.
Agreed. Not like you're getting cosmetic surgery or something. The effects are temporary. Having said that, I take 10g a day every day and I didn't gain any water weight or change my looks at all (I've been taking it for around 6 weeks). I eat a lot of meat though, think my natural creatine intake is already pretty good. From what I understand it helps vegetarians more.
Meat eaters creatine levels are not that high as the cooking process effects it. However, they will be higher than vegetarians. I gained about 4lbs when I started it.
You may not gave gained if you are a non responder - some people are.0 -
Also adding that it is not a pre workout. Take it whenever in the day.0
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A lot of great info!!! Thanks so much!!! I can't wait to try it out when it arrives.0
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Just try it. If you find yourself puffy, stop and it will go away in short order.
Agreed. Not like you're getting cosmetic surgery or something. The effects are temporary. Having said that, I take 10g a day every day and I didn't gain any water weight or change my looks at all (I've been taking it for around 6 weeks). I eat a lot of meat though, think my natural creatine intake is already pretty good. From what I understand it helps vegetarians more.
Meat eaters creatine levels are not that high as the cooking process effects it. However, they will be higher than vegetarians. I gained about 4lbs when I started it.
You may not gave gained if you are a non responder - some people are.
Interesting. My weight isn't consistent enough (goes up and down 1-5lbs a day) to really tell but I really didn't notice any major differences in the fluctuations or difference in appearance. I'm still a little chubby though so it might be hard to see. I bought a huge tub so I guess I might as well continue to take it.0 -
I take creatine post workout with my shake, mainly because it's just simple to do it then.No specific timing issue or reason. I did notice about a 6lb gain right after starting it. (222 - 228) But the scale is not what I am concerned with, so it is no biggie for me .....0
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Creatine is arriving today. I am going to shoot for around 3-5g daily. Most likely in the morning because it's what will work best for me. Thanks for all the feedback! I am hoping I see the difference in my lifting. I am also going to avoid weighing myself for a while, because while this isn't what matters to me, it still messes with my head!0
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You still wouldn't gain on a deficit - even with creatine, would you?0
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You still wouldn't gain on a deficit - even with creatine, would you?
You won't gain muscle but you'll likely gain some weight from water retention.0 -
Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is supposed to give you the same results as Creatine Monohydrate without the water retention. I found it helpful but in fairness I've never tried Creatine Monohydrate.0
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I've gained about 5lbs from taking it. I like the Con Cret brand best.0
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You still wouldn't gain on a deficit - even with creatine, would you?
You won't gain muscle but you'll likely gain some weight from water retention.
Yup^^^ That's why I need to ditch the scale for a bit. Gaining water weight is no biggie for me. Fat is the problem! I might not like water weight but I can take it off.Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is supposed to give you the same results as Creatine Monohydrate without the water retention. I found it helpful but in fairness I've never tried Creatine Monohydrate.
I must look into it when I finish my monohydrate. I only bought a small 100g in case I didn't like it.0 -
Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is supposed to give you the same results as Creatine Monohydrate without the water retention. I found it helpful but in fairness I've never tried Creatine Monohydrate.
Nope
Everything other than creatine mono hydrate Is either not any better or worse and usually more expensive. Pure marketing
You actually want creatine to cause some water retention that's part of how it works
See
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWx3qWrELzU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
And
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi2BZ453zFE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
^ see link in description for full study of creatine mono v kre-alkalyn0 -
I just wanted to add that although I've put on 5lbs since taking creatine daily, I don't look any differently. My waist is the same so I'm sure it's just water weight as it aids in muscle repair.0
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Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is supposed to give you the same results as Creatine Monohydrate without the water retention. I found it helpful but in fairness I've never tried Creatine Monohydrate.
Nope
Everything other than creatine mono hydrate Is either not any better or worse and usually more expensive. Pure marketing
You actually want creatine to cause some water retention that's part of how it works
Seehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWx3qWrELzU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Andhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi2BZ453zFE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
^ see link in description for full study of creatine mono v kre-alkalyn
I have to take a look when I get home. I'm getting schooled
I just wanted to add that although I've put on 5lbs since taking creatine daily, I don't look any differently. My waist is the same so I'm sure it's just water weight as it aids in muscle repair.
I've heard a good amount of ppl don't see the water weight, which is nice. Plus I don't mind if the water is hanging with my muscles those are welcome to look bigger lol. 0 -
Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is supposed to give you the same results as Creatine Monohydrate without the water retention. I found it helpful but in fairness I've never tried Creatine Monohydrate.
Nope
Everything other than creatine mono hydrate Is either not any better or worse and usually more expensive. Pure marketing
You actually want creatine to cause some water retention that's part of how it works
Seehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWx3qWrELzU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Andhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi2BZ453zFE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
^ see link in description for full study of creatine mono v kre-alkalyn
Posting from my phone but I recall Helms going over this. I'm going to guess that's what one of the above links is.
Agreed with your points though, good post.0 -
Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is supposed to give you the same results as Creatine Monohydrate without the water retention. I found it helpful but in fairness I've never tried Creatine Monohydrate.
I must look into it when I finish my monohydrate. I only bought a small 100g in case I didn't like it.
Don't bother. Stick with mono.0 -
Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is supposed to give you the same results as Creatine Monohydrate without the water retention. I found it helpful but in fairness I've never tried Creatine Monohydrate.
Nope
Everything other than creatine mono hydrate Is either not any better or worse and usually more expensive. Pure marketing
You actually want creatine to cause some water retention that's part of how it works
Seehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWx3qWrELzU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Andhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi2BZ453zFE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
^ see link in description for full study of creatine mono v kre-alkalyn
I have to take a look when I get home. I'm getting schooledI just wanted to add that although I've put on 5lbs since taking creatine daily, I don't look any differently. My waist is the same so I'm sure it's just water weight as it aids in muscle repair.
I've heard a good amount of ppl don't see the water weight, which is nice. Plus I don't mind if the water is hanging with my muscles those are welcome to look bigger lol.
If you do not get a pop in water weight (and its in the muscle, not normal bloat), it is not working. Either because it's crap or because you are a non responder0 -
I was taking some cheap stuff I bought at Meijer and saw some bloat with it. The Con Cret doesn't seem to cause the bloat but I do still have the water weight gain which is fine with me.0
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This is a timely post for me so am tagging - just started taking creatine on 12/08/2013, have gained on the scale considerably in just the four days... eek! Repeat mantra to self... ' forget the scale it's BF% and waist inches that matter'.
Will report back over the next few weeks how things go....0 -
This is a timely post for me so am tagging - just started taking creatine on 12/08/2013, have gained on the scale considerably in just the four days... eek! Repeat mantra to self... ' forget the scale it's BF% and waist inches that matter'.
Will report back over the next few weeks how things go....
I'm definitely interested in hearing your progress. I just started yesterday and took dose number 2 today. I still have some time before I either notice or don't notice a difference. Headed to the gym tonight!0 -
This is a timely post for me so am tagging - just started taking creatine on 12/08/2013, have gained on the scale considerably in just the four days... eek! Repeat mantra to self... ' forget the scale it's BF% and waist inches that matter'.
Will report back over the next few weeks how things go....
I gained 4 -5 lbs - don't panic 0 -
mandeenicoleb - Will look forward to hearing how things go with you too - always good to compare notes.
Sarauk2sf - that's reassuring, will see on Monday which is my 'proper' weigh in day what the damage is... (don't normally weigh myself daily, but was curious having read about the potential water gain).0 -
@selinafzr---any updates?
For me--I am going on 3 weeks of creatine. I did NOT load. I take in 5g a day. Twice I had 10g a day but that made me feel nauseous, so that was a good indicator that loading isn't for me anyway.
I only started to notice the bloat a couple of days ago. I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me at all. I have an excel spreadsheet that tracks my progress with the SL 5X5 program (with some added lifts). I have consistent gains (which might not necessarily be the creatine, BUT...)
....I noticed a real difference a couple of days ago! This also happens to match the timing of the visible bloat. For instance, I doubled my dips, even though I left it for last. Usually if I leave dips for last, my arms are pretty shot, but I blew past my previous numbers where I did NOT leave it for last.
Overall, I am happy with continuing. I would love more input. I have a cruise to go on in January so I was thinking of going off of it by December...when do you stop taking creatine (aside from cycling it)?0
