Re: Creatine Supplementation

[Guest guest]

I have some creatine sitting in my fridge, and it did increase short term

strength for me. I've heard anecdotal reports about cramping but I've never

experienced any side effects beyond some appetite enhancement (a serious

negative for CRON). FWIW I also dosed at 1/2 or less than they recommended.

I found it useful for dealing with plateaus or breaking through weight

thresholds that are resistant. Creatine would increase my strength a few

percent, enough to make the difference between making a lift or not.

These days I am less concerned about actual weight lifted. While I'm still

bench pressing my weight, I have lost 40+ lbs, and lost some strength along

the way. FWIW I wasn't lifting during a portion of that weight loss, and

injuries further set back my weight training. I am very happy now to be

injury free and making good progress.

I am currently following a program of 4 sets of 15 reps, progressing 10 lbs

per set, and targeting to be at failure or close on the later reps of the

last set. I lift 3x a week, and maybe once or twice per month I will forgo

the volume workout and rip off some low reps at higher weights. I haven't

used creatine in quite a while and don't see using it under my current

program until/unless I plateau (haven't yet).

JR

-----Original Message-----

From: riabrownlow [mailto:riabrownlow@...]

Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 12:23 PM

Subject: [ ] Creatine Supplementation

What are the thoughts of the weight-lifters

in the group as to supplementation with

creatine? Does it make any difference

whether this supplementation is for a man

or woman? Thanks for the input.

[Guest guest]

I can't think of any contraindications for either sex. I believe

creatine only works in 78% of people, btw.

-

> What are the thoughts of the weight-lifters

> in the group as to supplementation with

> creatine? Does it make any difference

> whether this supplementation is for a man

> or woman? Thanks for the input.

[Guest guest]

I take it...works great for me. Don't bother with it except when you're training for serious strength gains. For a light weight/high rep routine, creatine is worthless. I cycle off of it during periods of extended rest, and during periods of lighter training. But when I'm working heavier, down in the 3 to 6 rep range, creatine does amazing things for me.

Suz

----- Original Message -----

From: riabrownlow

Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 10:22 AM

Subject: [ ] Creatine Supplementation

What are the thoughts of the weight-liftersin the group as to supplementation with creatine? Does it make any differencewhether this supplementation is for a manor woman? Thanks for the input.