Anyone trying Creatine for their workouts?

I use Optimum Nutrition for both creatine and glutamine...powdered form for both.  I've got a buddy who swears by the capsules, but for my RNY plumbing feel like powdered is best for maximum absorbtion. I put the stuff in my protein shakes in the morning and at night before bed on rest days and an hour before workouts and about 30 minutes after workouts on my weight room days.   My weight routine now is full-body every other day in an effort to maximize my rest time in between.  I saw an immediate impact when I went to this regimen vs. an everyday routine alternating between upper and lower body.   I do limited cardio in between weight days, but have to be very careful as I drop weight too easily, so cardio is inconsistent by necessity.  I was worried that decreased cardio would really affect muscle tone and definition but it has not...I attribute this to the creatine and glutamine.   Thanks!!

i'm thinking the same think CF. i don't need cardio but feel compelled to do it. it does help with definition and i freak out if i gain even just a little weight. a head problem more than anything. you have an excellent work out routine. i may go to a full body in the summer when i step up my swimming routine. one thing i found out today, the creatine with the other suppliments are $$$. wow! thanks......Carbonblob

CB,

I haven't tried creatine yet, but I know I should be since everything from Dx's F is for Fatigue post has to do with increasing available ATP. Right now I'm using NADH lozenges, which give you an immediate surge of dopamine and ATP. Creatine is really expensive here and heavy to ship here, so have yet to do that.

I think Chris said you don't have to use it all of the time. Right before a workout is fine. I also read that right after cardio is good as well, since cardio depletes the ATP that you need for short bursts of energy as with weight lifting.

If your weight lifting AND cardio are COMBINED, it may not work as well, since you tend to bypass some of the ATP and go on to other sources of energy.

Dave

Bingo. It takes time to deplete the creatine you have stored.. more then folks would have you believe.   IMHO, do the load phase and just take 5g post workout.. Between this and red meat, that should do you fine.  I use plain old Creatine Monohydrate from the vitamine shop.  A 100 serving bucket costs me 10 bucks.  You really cannot beat the bang for the buck..and the stuff has more studies around it then any other suppliment.  As for noticing the effects.. I noticed them right away. It took 3 days after I started using it for me to notice an increase in the amount of weight i could lift and the endurance while lifting. More weight and more endurance means more stress on the muscle, which means bigger growth :)

thanks chris, knew i could count on you for the definitive answer! i couldn't make it to the shoppe so did the gnc route today but got it on sale. so the next batch will be the one you take. i was wondering if i should do the load, now i will. so 5 grams for 5 days and then maintain right? thanks for the great answer as usual.........let's see more pics of your physique! carbonblob

Actually, loading is 20g a day for 5 days... Then do 5g per day you workout after that.  The idea is to get the creatine in the muscle as quick as you can. You do not -have- to do a loading phase.. just takes longer to get loaded up if you do not :)

right as rain again as usual. let me tell you it's expensive here too as i just found out! i'm cutting down on cardio and getting back to your basics for my legs instead of the treadmill. just walking now instead. of course i'll have to rethink as i start swimming again this summer........Carbonblob

CB, You look great, I mean great. What is your routine? I haven't had surgery yet, but hopefully this summer. would like to start training and maybe loose a little before surgery. I'd love to have a fit form like yours afterwards too. I know Dave works out too and I really enjoy your posts and your pages. Brian

See CB's previous discussion topic "What is your weight lifting routine" in the men's group at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/a,messageboard/action, replies/board_id,5479/cat_id,5079/topic_id,3218708/

hey Brian, thanks for the compliment. my routine is listed on the "what's your routine" post a few back. I just changed it so the new one is on there. You look like you have perfect build to work with. Plus you're a lot younger than me so expect some damn good results. also, see Dave's and AJ's profile if you want to be inspired as to what can be accomplished! the trick is to rest after surgery and don't start lifting for about 3 months. take it easy, really. don't rush. you'll be losing weight fast enough to start. you might find you like some of the other exercises the other guys do instead of lifting as well or a combination. i found i like to lift and swim. when you're ready there's a bunch of us on the site that can help you with a beginning routine. i would start with a full body workout 3 to 4 times a week with cardio in between. do that for 3 or 4 months and then a beginning program for then next 6. then intermediate for a year and then isolation exercises from then on of course keeping with the basic compounds like Dave does. Just look at some of the routines in that last post. there's some guys *****ally know how to get the best out of their body types. there's no way i can keep up with some of them but pick and choose the exercises you like and just try them out. that's what i do. let me know if you want a routine and email me and i'll set one up for you when you're ready. good luck......Carbonblob.....oh, i am a little more fortunate because I started lifting when i was a little kid so i've always had great trainers around to help me. i'm kinda skinny now and don't want to be big anymore so that's why i say, go for whatever body type you want and form your workouts around that. good luck...........