is creatine important?

[bass slayer]

As mentioned before, Ive been lifting for around 5.5-6months. I have been taking protein powder for most of it (been off it for a month due to funds) but have not touched any creatine. I have made some pretty good gains but am wondering if creatine would increase my gains. Some people say its a waist of money, others say you cant take it to the next level without it. Which one is it?

[joey54]

It is a good supplement, but right now your focus should be on food. Worrying about the next level after 5-6 months of training is counterproductive. First learn to work hard/smart and eat correctly for your goals.

[Ryan Bracewell]

Creatine works, simple as that, but it does not replace proper diet and sufficient calorie intake. It sounds like you have a small budget for supps, so I would only recommend getting creatine after you have purchased your protein/gainer supplement.

[bass slayer]

Alright, cool thanks. My diet has been pretty crappy lately but I have enough to get some quality protein now. I just cant wait to stop stuffing my face though, lol.

[MightyPitbull]

Not that important in my opinion. Creatine doesn't even make a difference for me.

[Invain]

It's dirt cheap if you want to try it. I never really noticed any benefits from it so I don't bother wasting money on it anymore. I'm sure it affects people differently though.

[BFGUITAR]

It's not important. It did nothing for me personally but if it did I still don't think it would be important.

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

It works for some people, doesn't for others. No reason not to try it. It's dirt cheap.

Here's a 400 day supply for 35 bucks ~>

http://supplementdirect.com/?content=52&product_id=10807&PHPSESSID=caec9d626e1bc8ce11b4ef35a8be621f

[Tom Mutaffis]

Creatine works, simple as that, but it does not replace proper diet and sufficient calorie intake. It sounds like you have a small budget for supps, so I would only recommend getting creatine after you have purchased your protein/gainer supplement.

Exactly.


It works for some people, doesn't for others. No reason not to try it. It's dirt cheap.

Here's a 400 day supply for 35 bucks ~>

http://supplementdirect.com/

If you wanted to try something I would start off with buying less than a year supply, and would go with a high quality product like creapure so that you will definitely know if it works or not.

You can purchase a 3 month supply of creatine for less than $15 here: Creatine 500 (http://atlargenutrition.com/nutrition_detail.php?products_id=3&osCsid=ae75b3ff0e68b909cd246995acc66b14).

This will give you plenty of opportunity to evaluate the product and determine if it is something to add to your overall regimen. As Ryan suggested I would focus on having some whey protein for PWO first, then creatine, then other supplements (energy, mass gainer, etc.).

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

Or he could get the same thing for 10 dollars on the site above... which is still 99.9% pure... I honestly don't see the point you're trying to make other than to advertise the site, which is fine... but I don't think what I provided will put a hole in his wallet or something. It's not a lesser quality product if that's what you're implying. Creatine 500 is fine, though.

[Pimpstick]

Or he could get the same thing for 10 dollars on the site above... which is still 99.9% pure... I honestly don't see the point you're trying to make other than to advertise the site, which is fine... but I don't think what I provided will put a hole in his wallet or something. It's not a lesser quality product if that's what you're implying. Creatine 500 is fine, though.

As a moderator/sponsor I'm pretty sure he it's his job to plug ALN products. I love supplement direct, I've saved a ton of money buying raw ingredients in bulk.

[Tom Mutaffis]

I like "REPS" by supplement direct, but for creatine always use creapure creatine (ISS and ProLab also sell it but the ALN one is the same price and it does support this site).

Just giving an honest assessment - if someone wants to "try something out" I wouldn't purchase more than a year supply. It is like the guys who buy 10 lbs of protein because it is a good deal and can't stand the product after using less than half of it. Especially when the original poster said that he is very low on funds and one product's overall price is $12 (sale) vs $35.

Supplement Direct does have some good pricing and as I mentioned above I have used some of their products. For Creatine I would still recommend the Creatine 500 though. If Bass Slayer determines that creatine is a worthwhile part of his program then buying in bulk may be a good idea; although creatine monohydrate is really not expensive when looking at all of the other sports supplements out there.

[tnathletics2b]

I have always found creatine to reduce my recovery time. I like it a lot.

[bass slayer]

alright thanks for the replys. After looking at other supplements creatine is a whole lot cheaper than other stuff. I might actually put in an order at ALN or the supplementdirect site after I get the PWO whey powder. Stuff like Myoshock and Celltech and all that other crap is way to expensive. After seeing all there prices im supprised they are actually staying in business. not to mention the 400mg of caffeine in a serving, probably not good for ya. Thanks again for the helpful advice.

[Pimpstick]

alright thanks for the replys. After looking at other supplements creatine is a whole lot cheaper than other stuff. I might actually put in an order at ALN or the supplementdirect site after I get the PWO whey powder. Stuff like Myoshock and Celltech and all that other crap is way to expensive. After seeing all there prices im supprised they are actually staying in business. not to mention the 400mg of caffeine in a serving, probably not good for ya. Thanks again for the helpful advice.

No offense, but it's people very similar to you that are the reason that MuscleTech and similar companies are in business.

Impatient, uninformed, undersized. It's a good thing you found WBB!

[bass slayer]

No offense, but it's people very similar to you that are the reason that MuscleTech and similar companies are in business.

Impatient, uninformed, undersized. It's a good thing you found WBB!

yeah, it is a good thing I found this site.

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

I like "REPS" by supplement direct, but for creatine always use creapure creatine (ISS and ProLab also sell it but the ALN one is the same price and it does support this site).

Just giving an honest assessment - if someone wants to "try something out" I wouldn't purchase more than a year supply. It is like the guys who buy 10 lbs of protein because it is a good deal and can't stand the product after using less than half of it. Especially when the original poster said that he is very low on funds and one product's overall price is $12 (sale) vs $35.

Supplement Direct does have some good pricing and as I mentioned above I have used some of their products. For Creatine I would still recommend the Creatine 500 though. If Bass Slayer determines that creatine is a worthwhile part of his program then buying in bulk may be a good idea; although creatine monohydrate is really not expensive when looking at all of the other sports supplements out there.
Yes well... supporting the site is a good thing. :) I know what you mean about buying a bunch of crap that you don't use later. Been there, done that. =\

[Skalami]

dont buy anything with names like War, Gun Powder, or names similar to real steroids. Even if the underlying product is helpful youre paying a premium for all that packaging, marketing and the people needed to come up with such a strange name.

[operationblade2]

I personally did not notice any effects when taking creatine

Suppose it differs for every user

[samadhi_smiles]

people that creatine is not 'working' for, you might want to check if your water consumption is high enough. You have to drink multiple glasses of water with a 5gram dose (or I do at least) otherwise the creatine will not absorb very well (and just pass through causing GI distress). I mix it in a glass of water (tall) and then sip another tall glass after it.

[thewicked]

absolutely! quality creatine and dosage is important imho.. ALN's results is by far my favorite. NEver had anyone use it and not love it but i feel you get the best benefit from creatine products when lifting super heavy and/ or within a certain percentage of your 1RM.. however.. if you lift heavy and hard in general, you can most certainly benefit from creatine usage. You'll see the most benefit in rep ranges between 1-10 reps.

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

people that creatine is not 'working' for, you might want to check if your water consumption is high enough. You have to drink multiple glasses of water with a 5gram dose (or I do at least) otherwise the creatine will not absorb very well (and just pass through causing GI distress). I mix it in a glass of water (tall) and then sip another tall glass after it.
You're forgetting the huge dextrose factor.

[Cards]

I think as others have said a 15$ bottle of creatine will last you roughly 3 months. Last I remember taking a creatine supplement will increase the the amount of/production/absorption of creatine by 50% or looking at it from a whole, an additional 33%. that equates to maybe another rep or two give or take.

[samadhi_smiles]

You're forgetting the huge dextrose factor.

what do you mean? I take my creatine with dextrose and protein just cause I guess its the best time to take it (after workout). I guess it helps shuttle the creatine into muscle but I'm not sure tbh.

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

Yes, it does help shuttle creatine faster. I'd recommend around 65-70 grams of dextrose with 5 grams of creatine pre-workout. And drink lots of water. This isn't crucial though, the point is to saturate your body with creatine over a period of time. Just a recommendation.

[Southern Beast]

I've had very good results with creatine, especially as of late. I was off of it for a while, and got back on with 5 grams a day about 3 weeks ago, and have seen great results.

Certainly worth a shot.

[Skalami]

dont mistake i did: i started creatine about 2 months ago. I half assedly got into it just putting a little half tsp in my post workout shake. Hard to tell if i was just making normal gains or it was helping. I recently got a little more serious with my lifting, nutrition and supplementation, started drinking a lot more water and upping the 5grams of creatine post workout and even taking a small half tsp in the morning. So the gains i have made are hard to discern if ive gotten any advantage from the creatine. I know my brother doesnt see any from when he tried it awhile back. Lucky SOB, makes great gains is huge doesnt supplement at all and just eats moderately healthy..doesnt even have a post workout meal.