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Has any one here used creatine!

I use creatine regularly. Like mentioned, it mainly enhances recovery between sets in your work out, making it more likely to get the most out of a workout. TRT is mainly used for recovery AFTER a work out, in that the increased testosterone enhances the alpha receptors of your muscle tissue to allow better absorption/bonding of amino acids (muscle protein synthesis) that repair the damaged muscle fibers (at least as I understand it).

The only real side effect (of creatine) is slight water gain (for me, it's about 3lbs) after loading the first week (which you may or may not do; it's not necessarily required or effective on everyone).

Now, all this being said, if you have a history of kidney problems, then steering clear of creatine monohydrate is usually a prudent thing. In healthy individuals though, there is no known side effects (aside from the water gain).
 
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Thanks guys! I have a son who is 17 yrs old who had tommy John surgery last June. He started taking it when he started his therapy on the road to recovery. Once he was able to start back working out he went from 190 to 210 lbs in couple of months although he’s around 6’3” it could also have been he just grew a little. Haven’t seen anything but positive benefits but I’m real Leary of stuff like this. Nothing is important enough to chance your health on. He’s a baseball player trying to get back. He has a chance to be real good if he can stay healthy.
 
I had considered TRT, since I beat the shit out of myself three times a week in the gym doing heavy lifts, but decided against it.

I just remember to clearly how bad my temper was when younger (and brimming with testosterone), and actually prefer the older, more mellow me these days. Besides, there's something rewarding about being the old lanky guy, that deadlifts more than most of the young guys in the gym. :p
 
Thanks guys! I have a son who is 17 yrs old who had tommy John surgery last June. He started taking it when he started his therapy on the road to recovery. Once he was able to start back working out he went from 190 to 210 lbs in couple of months although he’s around 6’3” it could also have been he just grew a little. Haven’t seen anything but positive benefits but I’m real Leary of stuff like this. Nothing is important enough to chance your health on.

17yrs of age is the prime time where heavy lifting will increase muscle mass quickly.

That being said, creatine is actually more beneficial to the older folks, since making and retaining ATP is harder as we age (digestion and liver are just not as efficient as we age).

If you're an older lifter, you should definitely consider creatine as a supplement.
 
Hi,

Another key thing in regards to taking creatine...as PMI has already stated; in rare instances it is bad on kidneys (If you already have history of kidney problems) BUT even if you do not have history of kidney problems and take creatine...WATER is your best friend.


Sincerely,
Theis
 
Hi,

Another key thing in regards to taking creatine...as PMI has already stated; in rare instances it is bad on kidneys (If you already have history of kidney problems) BUT even if you do not have history of kidney problems and take creatine...WATER is your best friend.


Sincerely,
Theis
This is worth repeating "STAY HYDRATED" when on creatine. Creatine pulls water (hence the water weight gain) into the muscle as a transport of sorts for ATP. You need to drink plenty of water, and you'll likely get very thirsty about 20 mins after taking it.
 
I didn't notice much difference when taking it but I'm only about 5-11 155

A lot of times it's not noticeable if you're not lifting heavy and/or you're not resting appropriately between sets. Creatine is not a magic pill that makes lifts easier, it just makes them possible, when you'd otherwise just have no gas left (like that third heavy ass set).

It said all the time, but it bears repeating: Supplements are just that: supplements. They help you complete your workout, not make it easier.
 
I’m 6’2 and 255. I gotta start hitting the weights again and get down to 220. Are there any good supplants to help me cut a bit? also 53 yrs old

Don't rely on that over the counter quick way lost crap,it can also come with many side effects,if you just walk for an hour every day or every other day,you will see results in a short time.diet is also something to look into.
 
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I’m 6’2 and 255. I gotta start hitting the weights again and get down to 220. Are there any good supplants to help me cut a bit? also 53 yrs old

Your diet is the best supplement. As the saying goes, "You can't out exercise a shitty diet."

Just watch your fat intake, and keep your protein and carbs up at first. Figure out your TDEE and figure ut a workable diet/meal plan to meet your numbers. No cutting. Just maintenance calories until your get some lean muscle mass built up. You can deal with cutting the extra body fat after about 6 months or so. JMTCW...
 
BTW, whey (isolate, not that shitty concentrate crap) protein powder is an easy way to add protein without a lot of fat (though you should never get more than half your daily protein from protein supplements).

Whey Isolate is also much easier for older folks to digest.
 
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Your diet is the best supplement. As the saying goes, "You can't out exercise a shitty diet."

Just watch your fat intake, and keep your protein and carbs up at first. Figure out your TDEE and figure ut a workable diet/meal plan to meet your numbers. No cutting. Just maintenance calories until your get some lean muscle mass built up. You can deal with cutting the extra body fat after about 6 months or so. JMTCW...
One thing for sure,Stay away from the burger and fries,if you are a meat eater,try to buy the leanest meat you can find.
 
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One thing for sure,Stay away from the burger and fries,if you are a meat eater,try to buy the leanest meat you can find.


Yes, and no. (LOL!)

An occasional burger and fries is a good thing (Quarter pounder with cheese and a med fries is like 60grs of protein), you just can't eat it every day, or even multiple times a week (due to the fat content). But some days (like on a heavy deadlift day) when eating your way to recovery is a plus (or even required to function normally), then some higher fat meals are okay. Diet, much like lifting, is a long term prospect. It evens out over time to an average. If your average in weight being lifted is going up, you will continue to build muscle. If your average in fat intake is above what your TDEE macro is...you're going to get fat. Pretty simple.

But simple shit is usually the hardest shit to do.

Heavy deadlift days always leave me stumbling around until I pound some serious calories. I just account for it (the additional fat consumed) on the off days, and lean out the diet on those days, shooting for hitting protein numbers, but keeping the fat numbers way low.
 
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Yes, and no. (LOL!)

An occasional burger and fries is a good thing (Quarter pounder with cheese and a med fries is like 60grs of protein), you just can't eat it every day, or even multiple times a week. But some days (like on a heavy deadlift day) when eating your way to recovery is a plus (or even required to function normally), then some higher fat meals are okay. Diet, much like lifting, is a long term prospect. It evens out over time to an average. If your average in weight being lifted is going up, you will continue to build muscle. If your average in calories and fat is above what your TDEE is...you're going to get fat. Pretty simple.

But simple shit is usually the hardest shit to do.

Heavy deadlift days always leave me stumbling around until I pound some serious calories. I just account for it on the off days, and lean out the diet on those days, shooting for hitting protein numbers, but keeping the fat numbers way low.

:ROFLMAO: once a week is ok.
 
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I get mine from Amazon. I use one teaspoon in whey protein smoothie every day before workout. It is cheap, and has a nasty aftertaste. Wish I could find a made in the USA source. This is USDA certified.
 
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Dam I need to bulk up muscle mass and bone density. Tough in old VX age

Yes you do! LOL!

BTW, heavy lifting addresses both of those issues. The stress of heavy weight lifting causes your bones to become denser, and also build muscle mass. It also addresses two of the other 3 things to be concerned with as you age. "Range of Motion" and "Balance". Performing compound lifts trains your sense of balance, as well as insures your joints and ligaments retain their full range of motion.

The only thing it doesn't address (completely) is the fifth item: polypharmacia (the increased usage of drugs to combat age related maladies). To some extent it can aid in resolving hypertension and the diet required to lift heavy continuously can help with diabetes, but it can't address all it.

At the risk of sounding like a professor, remember, as we age the five things we face are:

Ostopenia (bone desity loss)
Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass)
Degraded Range of Motion
Degrade sense of balance
Polypharmacia (being on multiple medications, usually one addressing side effects of another, and so on, and so on).
 
Yes you do! LOL!

BTW, heavy lifting addresses both of those issues. The stress of heavy weight lifting causes your bones to become denser, and also build muscle mass. It also addresses two of the other 3 things to be concerned with as you age. "Range of Motion" and "Balance". Performing compound lifts trains your sense of balance, as well as insures your joints and ligaments retain their full range of motion.

The only thing it doesn't address (completely) is the fifth item: polypharmacia (the increased usage of drugs to combat age related maladies). To some extent it can aid in resolving hypertension and the diet required to lift heavy continuously can help with diabetes, but it can't address all it.

At the risk of sounding like a professor, remember, as we age the five things we face are:

Ostopenia (bone desity loss)
Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass)
Degraded Range of Motion
Degrade sense of balance
Polypharmacia (being on multiple medications, usually one addressing side effects of another, and so on, and so on).
Me and jerry got to get our shit together for the next apocalypse!
 
Creatine Monohydrate is pretty much creatine monohydrate. "Micronized", "ultra pure" and other monikers are largely marketing.

As to timing there is no solid evidence as to when it should be taken (before or after workouts). With it being processed over time, it stands to reason that it really doesn't matter, since making ATP from the creatine takes time. Some recommend before workouts, some after: I think taking it consistently/regularly is likely the key.

I use Legion products mostly, as I like that they list the dosages on the label (as well as all ingredients). None of this "Proprietary Blend" bullshit. There are many reputable supplement providers out there, but there are far more unreputable ones. This is largely because the supplement industry is unregulated by the FDA. So caveat emptor here; do your research.

BTW, I love the Legion brand creatine ("Recharge") because they have made it available in flavors that are palatable (as well as toss in some BCAA's; which may or may not be beneficial if you're eating a balanced diet). So far the Raspberry and Strawberry Lemonade are my favs. Their mocha cappuccino whey isolate powder is also pretty tasty stuff. Just my personal bias though, use whatever you find works for you and your tastes.
 
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Use creatine only after a workout. Don't pre-load like many companies tell you to. They are just trying to make more money off of you. Also, buy good quality creatine. As others stated, stay hydrated. If you eat a lot of lean red meat, you probably don't need creatine.

For nutrition, if you need help gaining or losing weight... check out RP Strength. They have an app that will give you plan with options of different foods to eat to hit your macros. Real simple.
 
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Creatine works pretty good if you use it with consistency, 3 weeks or more straight. It’s not a good “get strong quick” supliment. It rehidrates muscle fibers during lactic acid buildup. That’s why while on it consistently guys feel a stronger “pump” while lifting. It does have a natural derivative as it’s found in red meat, but in tiny amounts, so you can’t really over do it. It just becomes sort of useless after a while. It does work best if you’ve already got some time in at the gym.
As for real side effects all I ever heard of or had was retaining a bit of water. Bloating for lack of a better term
Natural Test boosters sadly don’t exist. The only natural testosterone booster is actual testosterone and that’s not something I’m gonna get into in depth on the forum. Talk to your doctor I guess
 
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I used Creatine.. realy improved my workouts on day one.. After it felt like I drank a gallon of water lol when I quit it i lost like 5 lb in water weight and it showed in my face lol

But as others have said... you have to take it consistently ... and there are other things you should be taking before.. you need to be a gym rat first and use it to break a platue in you training if you ask me..
 
None have any scientific studies that prove they work.[/
I’m 6’2 and 255. I gotta start hitting the weights again and get down to 220. Are there any good supplants to help me cut a bit? also 53 yrs old

Methamphetamine tends to work pretty well based on the multiple times I arrest the same people, and they just keep wasting away.

JK.

Investigation into hormone replacement therapy with your doctor works wonders.