Supplements & Lifting ?

Talan79
Talan79 Posts: 782 Member
edited November 16 in Fitness and Exercise
Anyone using any supplements like Creatine,
Beta-alanine, or BCAAs? I read an article that recommended those for vegetarians.

Replies

  • fishgutzy
    fishgutzy Posts: 2,807 Member
    Creatine causes muscle inflammation, not muscle growth. Some will argue that it helps recovery. But as soon as you stop taking it, the muscles will return to natural size.
    Personally, I don't take any supplements. But then I'm too damn old to care about developing a beach body :)
    I just try to eat right and workout in a way that strengthens and tones what I do have.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Those are all good, depending on your goals. Don't expect a lot though, they are just part of that last 1%.
  • CodyVongprachanh
    CodyVongprachanh Posts: 3 Member
    I use muscle pharm creatine and so far so good. My 1 rep max for bench, power clean, and squat have gone up 10-20 pounds within a 3 month period. But of course you still need to lift heavy and that is why they are called supplements :) I say try one out for a month or two and see if you like it. Everyone has different experiences with supplements
  • ythannah
    ythannah Posts: 4,371 Member
    My protein intake tends to be a little low at times and I workout fasted, first thing in the morning, so I started taking a BCAA pre-workout. It seems to be helping my stamina/performance a bit... I'm hedging a little because I've also been recovering from a wicked sinus infection so it's hard to tell what has really improved things.

    The one really weird side effect is that, since taking them, I bruise less easily. I've bumped parts of myself really hard (I'm very clumsy) with no visible bruising and that's really unusual for me.
  • Charliegottheruns
    Charliegottheruns Posts: 286 Member
    tzarba wrote: »
    Anyone using any supplements like Creatine,
    Beta-alanine, or BCAAs? I read an article that recommended those for vegetarians.

    Creatine is primarily used for muscular energy, which supports power, strength and stamina (ATP ). Creatine alone has no calories and does not build muscle unless its used with extra calories. It also draws water to the muscle and it will not work right if the body isn't properly hydrated. It's made naturally by the liver from arginine, glycine and methionine. It can also be consumed in meat, fish, eggs and dairy and thats why it's recommend for Vegetarians.

    Beta-Alanine is also produced by the body, but it's found in animal proteins and that would be why it is recommended for Vegetarians. You find it often in pre-workouts, it's often used by endurance and body builder athletes. It's got to do with keeping PH balance in muscles.

    BCAA's Branch Chain Amino Acids, They are 3 specific amino acids, ( Leucine, Isoleucine and valine ) They have a different molecular structure the other amino acids, they can be metabolized directly in the muscles and are involved in the growth and repair of the muscle.
    All COMPLETE proteins such as protein from red meat, pork, poultry, fish, soy, eggs, and dairy contain BCAA's, again why they may be recommended for Vegetarians.

    Carnitine helps metabolize long chain fatty acids. Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid made in the body from lysine and methionine. It's found abundantly in red meats but deficncies can happen to people who avoid red meats. Good for Vegetarians.

    :)
  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    tzarba wrote: »
    Anyone using any supplements like Creatine,
    Beta-alanine, or BCAAs? I read an article that recommended those for vegetarians.

    Creatine is primarily used for muscular energy, which supports power, strength and stamina (ATP ). Creatine alone has no calories and does not build muscle unless its used with extra calories. It also draws water to the muscle and it will not work right if the body isn't properly hydrated. It's made naturally by the liver from arginine, glycine and methionine. It can also be consumed in meat, fish, eggs and dairy and thats why it's recommend for Vegetarians.

    Beta-Alanine is also produced by the body, but it's found in animal proteins and that would be why it is recommended for Vegetarians. You find it often in pre-workouts, it's often used by endurance and body builder athletes. It's got to do with keeping PH balance in muscles.

    BCAA's Branch Chain Amino Acids, They are 3 specific amino acids, ( Leucine, Isoleucine and valine ) They have a different molecular structure the other amino acids, they can be metabolized directly in the muscles and are involved in the growth and repair of the muscle.
    All COMPLETE proteins such as protein from red meat, pork, poultry, fish, soy, eggs, and dairy contain BCAA's, again why they may be recommended for Vegetarians.

    Carnitine helps metabolize long chain fatty acids. Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid made in the body from lysine and methionine. It's found abundantly in red meats but deficncies can happen to people who avoid red meats. Good for Vegetarians.

    :)

    Why would someone recommend a non vegetarian supplement to a vegetarian? Or are there vegetarian sources I am not aware of?
  • Charliegottheruns
    Charliegottheruns Posts: 286 Member
    tzarba wrote: »
    Anyone using any supplements like Creatine,
    Beta-alanine, or BCAAs? I read an article that recommended those for vegetarians.

    Creatine is primarily used for muscular energy, which supports power, strength and stamina (ATP ). Creatine alone has no calories and does not build muscle unless its used with extra calories. It also draws water to the muscle and it will not work right if the body isn't properly hydrated. It's made naturally by the liver from arginine, glycine and methionine. It can also be consumed in meat, fish, eggs and dairy and thats why it's recommend for Vegetarians.

    Beta-Alanine is also produced by the body, but it's found in animal proteins and that would be why it is recommended for Vegetarians. You find it often in pre-workouts, it's often used by endurance and body builder athletes. It's got to do with keeping PH balance in muscles.

    BCAA's Branch Chain Amino Acids, They are 3 specific amino acids, ( Leucine, Isoleucine and valine ) They have a different molecular structure the other amino acids, they can be metabolized directly in the muscles and are involved in the growth and repair of the muscle.
    All COMPLETE proteins such as protein from red meat, pork, poultry, fish, soy, eggs, and dairy contain BCAA's, again why they may be recommended for Vegetarians.

    Carnitine helps metabolize long chain fatty acids. Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid made in the body from lysine and methionine. It's found abundantly in red meats but deficncies can happen to people who avoid red meats. Good for Vegetarians.

    :)

    Why would someone recommend a non vegetarian supplement to a vegetarian? Or are there vegetarian sources I am not aware of?

    Supplements & Lifting ?
    Anyone using any supplements like Creatine,
    Beta-alanine, or BCAAs? I read an article that recommended those for vegetarians.

    I'm not sure why you consider these " NON vegetarian " supplement's. These are not animal supplements, All of these can be made by the body or found in complete proteins. All are amino acids except creatine. You can get complete proteins through non animal sources.
    As for vegetarian sources you are not aware of ? I guess only you can answer that.
  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    tzarba wrote: »
    Anyone using any supplements like Creatine,
    Beta-alanine, or BCAAs? I read an article that recommended those for vegetarians.

    Creatine is primarily used for muscular energy, which supports power, strength and stamina (ATP ). Creatine alone has no calories and does not build muscle unless its used with extra calories. It also draws water to the muscle and it will not work right if the body isn't properly hydrated. It's made naturally by the liver from arginine, glycine and methionine. It can also be consumed in meat, fish, eggs and dairy and thats why it's recommend for Vegetarians.

    Beta-Alanine is also produced by the body, but it's found in animal proteins and that would be why it is recommended for Vegetarians. You find it often in pre-workouts, it's often used by endurance and body builder athletes. It's got to do with keeping PH balance in muscles.

    BCAA's Branch Chain Amino Acids, They are 3 specific amino acids, ( Leucine, Isoleucine and valine ) They have a different molecular structure the other amino acids, they can be metabolized directly in the muscles and are involved in the growth and repair of the muscle.
    All COMPLETE proteins such as protein from red meat, pork, poultry, fish, soy, eggs, and dairy contain BCAA's, again why they may be recommended for Vegetarians.

    Carnitine helps metabolize long chain fatty acids. Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid made in the body from lysine and methionine. It's found abundantly in red meats but deficncies can happen to people who avoid red meats. Good for Vegetarians.

    :)

    Why would someone recommend a non vegetarian supplement to a vegetarian? Or are there vegetarian sources I am not aware of?

    Supplements & Lifting ?
    Anyone using any supplements like Creatine,
    Beta-alanine, or BCAAs? I read an article that recommended those for vegetarians.

    I'm not sure why you consider these " NON vegetarian " supplement's. These are not animal supplements, All of these can be made by the body or found in complete proteins. All are amino acids except creatine. You can get complete proteins through non animal sources.
    As for vegetarian sources you are not aware of ? I guess only you can answer that.

    I just looked it up because I was curious. It seems like most, if not all, creatine supplements are synthetically made with a catalytic reaction. Since that's the case, I respectfully revoke my earlier comment about creatine being non vegetarian.
  • Talan79
    Talan79 Posts: 782 Member
    My goal is a recomp. I'm lifting 6 days a week. 3 days legs, 3 days upper body. 20 min of HIIT each day. My macros are 30P-30F-40C. I'm eating at maintenance, which for me is about 1650. I'm 5"2, 117 lbs, with clippers I tested 18.5% bf, on the scale, 20.5%.
    I think its just gonna be a slow process and I need to be patient.
  • vfit10
    vfit10 Posts: 228 Member
    1. Mitivitamins-must
    2. Fish oils - def a must
    3. Protein shakes
    3. Creatine - it helps me to push more weight and has other functions
    4. Bcaas I don't really use unless I'm not getting enough protein .
  • gemr1217
    gemr1217 Posts: 1 Member
    Can I have some advice on protein and lifting, there is alot of info and sometimes it dont help. For a beginner but whats a quick change. Thanks
  • Talan79
    Talan79 Posts: 782 Member
    @gemr1217 Tell us more about yourself, there are tons of people here who can help. My suggestion would be to make sure you get 30% of your calories from protein to ensure that you do not lose muscle while dieting/lifting.
  • DaddyOf3Gs
    DaddyOf3Gs Posts: 6 Member
    edited April 2015
    I was taking pre workouts with creatine in them and also using BCAAs as a post workout, it seemed to help with endurance during and recovery afterwards. I just recently (for about a week now) started using Pre Jym and Post Jym which have all the ingredients you listed in them plus some more. I have definitely noticed my endurance increase even further and recovery has not been much of an issue at all. I did a lot of web searching and review reading and found a lot of positive. Watch some of Jim Stoppani's videos about his products and he explains why he has each ingredient and why it has a specific dose. I felt he was pretty informative.
  • slideaway1
    slideaway1 Posts: 1,006 Member
    ON Whey Protein powder (2 X scoops = 50g protein/250 cals).
    ON Creatine (5g per day. There is no need to load. There is no need to cycle off).
    Multi Vitamin
    Fish oil.
    I hate any pre workouts (caffeine makes me jittery, anxious, and moody when I crash).
    BCAA are useful to preserve muscle if you don't want a shake or protein meal etc before exercise. Sits nicely on the tummy before cardio to prevent muscle loss (not sure if I agree with this though as unless training for a marathon I don't think it will happen).

    Just my opinion.
  • DaddyOf3Gs
    DaddyOf3Gs Posts: 6 Member
    slideaway1 wrote: »
    ON Whey Protein powder (2 X scoops = 50g protein/250 cals).
    ON Creatine (5g per day. There is no need to load. There is no need to cycle off).
    Multi Vitamin
    Fish oil.
    I hate any pre workouts (caffeine makes me jittery, anxious, and moody when I crash).
    BCAA are useful to preserve muscle if you don't want a shake or protein meal etc before exercise. Sits nicely on the tummy before cardio to prevent muscle loss (not sure if I agree with this though as unless training for a marathon I don't think it will happen).

    Just my opinion.


    I also use ON 100% whey protein powder. After numerous web searches it seemed to be one that was constantly on everyone's top 5 list, bonus is most of the flavors I've tried are all pretty tasty so it also helps curb the sweet tooth a little.

  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    I'm not a vegetarian but I do use creatine and BCAAS. I am about to add beta-alanine to my stack as well. I have definitely experienced strength gains while on creatine.
  • Talan79
    Talan79 Posts: 782 Member
    Ok, so maybe BCAA's and creatine is what I'll add. Not sure about beta-alanine, I read that it causes hot itchy feeling. I don't wanna feel anything awkward like that.
  • DaddyOf3Gs
    DaddyOf3Gs Posts: 6 Member
    tzarba wrote: »
    Ok, so maybe BCAA's and creatine is what I'll add. Not sure about beta-alanine, I read that it causes hot itchy feeling. I don't wanna feel anything awkward like that.
    Beta-alanine is also in the pre and post JYM formulas and yes I have read about people experiencing the itchy hot feelings but I personally have not had that reaction to it. Now I have felt that from niacin in other stuff.

    VegasFit wrote: »
    I'm not a vegetarian but I do use creatine and BCAAS. I am about to add beta-alanine to my stack as well. I have definitely experienced strength gains while on creatine.
    If you are purchasing these ingredients separately it may be beneficial for you to do some reading into the pre and post JYM products as they have all of these already stacked together.
  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    DaddyOf3Gs wrote: »
    tzarba wrote: »
    Ok, so maybe BCAA's and creatine is what I'll add. Not sure about beta-alanine, I read that it causes hot itchy feeling. I don't wanna feel anything awkward like that.
    Beta-alanine is also in the pre and post JYM formulas and yes I have read about people experiencing the itchy hot feelings but I personally have not had that reaction to it. Now I have felt that from niacin in other stuff.

    VegasFit wrote: »
    I'm not a vegetarian but I do use creatine and BCAAS. I am about to add beta-alanine to my stack as well. I have definitely experienced strength gains while on creatine.
    If you are purchasing these ingredients separately it may be beneficial for you to do some reading into the pre and post JYM products as they have all of these already stacked together.



    JYM is a new one to me. I will have to check my Arnold expo stash and see if there are any in there for me to try. I'm pretty loyal to ON and have been for a while.

This discussion has been closed.