• FreeTrainers.com Forums
• General Fitness & Exercise
• Need some creatine advice

Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Need some creatine advice

rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/19, 06:46 PM I started CellTech creatine today. As a general rule, how quickly should I notice any change? I worked out today (chest) and I know it was probably psychological, but I did feel a little stronger. I'm sure it was the placebo effect, but does anyone have some guidelines based on personal experience? Also, anything I should watch out for? I already drink plenty of water per day, and I've read where lack of water with creatine can be problematic. other than that, I'm open for advice and suggestions. Thanks.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/19, 08:07 PM Cell-Tech...good stuff! I noticed a difference the very first time I took any type of creatine. It gives you that extra boost during lifts and you should also notice that your recovery time is quicker! Drink plenty of water and protein powder about 45 mins. after your workout. You should also remember to cycle it...get off of it after about 8 weeks or so, for about 2 weeks, then load again. Good luck and keep us posted...
Ironbod Posts: 71 Joined: 2002/01/18	2002/01/21, 11:57 AM You should notice some results within a couple of weeks, but that depends on how you respond to it and how hard you are working out. As rpacheco said its a good idea to cycle it, but I'd coast for about 4 weeks after a 8 week use period. You will still be getting the benefits of the creatine, but it will also be easier on the wallet.
rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/22, 07:37 AM The CellTech calls for 5 days, twice per day for loading, then once per day for a total of 8 weeks on the stuff. At $49.99 a jug, that's just a hair under $200.00, which makes me wonder: If I do see substantial gains, do I need to cycle on and off creatine forever to maintain them?
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/22, 10:41 AM Rick, remember that supplements only enhance and help. When you become muscular (and you're happy with your physique), you won't need very much supplementing at that point. Cycling is recommended with anything you take as a supplement. Good luck!
MuscleRage Posts: 203 Joined: 2001/12/09	2002/01/21, 05:21 PM Yeah..it probably was psychological. If this was your first time taking anytype of creatine supplement then you probably weren't any stronger yet. After your first week of loading on the supplement is when you should start feeling an increase in strength.
rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2002/01/21, 08:29 PM I'm going to seem TOTALLY off my rocker, but this is how I used creatine (Creapure brand only) and my cycle. It's simple, and cheap: I took 10g of creatine along with 5g of glutamine with my pre-workout meal (shake), and another 10g with 5g with my post-workout shake. I only took this combo on training days (4 days a week). I did this for 6 weeks on, 2 off for several months, and I noticed by best greatest strength gains when I did it this way. Go ahead and slap me for being different, but it worked for me..............Michael
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/01/22, 02:55 AM Oh Michael, no good taking glutamine in the same time as your protein shake. The amino acids will get in competition and you'll have a less good absorbtion of both the supplements. Take them in 15 mins interval.
ltroisi Posts: 764 Joined: 2001/11/06	2002/01/22, 07:20 AM many protein drinks have Glutamine in them already. I learned that they complete each,they function together and are the building blocks of tissue and muscle repair.
ltroisi Posts: 764 Joined: 2001/11/06	2002/01/22, 07:21 AM should say"complete each other"
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/01/22, 09:22 AM Yes Leslie, glutamine is an amino acid like the other ones you have in a good quality protein shake AND the diff amino acids DO complete each other. BUT you can also make them compete if you take too much of one thing and not enough of the others..... It's a quite complicated thing I agree (maybe Michael can tell us more) Creatine is an amino acid as well, but we don't normally mix it with our protein shakes.....
rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/22, 07:34 AM See, this is the part that baffles me -- the science of nutritional supplements. Mix this with that in this combination 10 minutes apart -- it all seems too complicated. Just give me a powder, mix it up, drink it, and move on. I'm giving the creatine a shot anyway, because I'm curious what it'll do, but I'll tell you something -- it's tastes God awful. Like the oversugared Kool-aid you buy from one of the neighborhood kids in the summer. if I can get past that, I might be OK.
ltroisi Posts: 764 Joined: 2001/11/06	2002/01/22, 07:40 AM did anyone suggest mixing it with a little grapefruit juice. that is recommended.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/22, 11:49 AM He's trying Cell-Tech...no need to mix with juice. The stuff tastes pretty good...
rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/22, 04:58 PM It calls for 16 ozs. of water to two scoops. I used almost 24 ozs. of water,put it in a water bottle, and took it with me to work. I had to nurse it for almost an hour. That stuff tastes vile! maybe I'll get used to it.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/22, 05:37 PM Really? Besides the slight burning sensation (from the alpha lipoic acid), it tastes alright with me. Maybe it's a little sweet (they do recommend mixing it with more water if it's too sweet), but vile? Oh well, I guess it's palettable to some...
rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/23, 07:11 AM It's probably just me, because I asked around GNC before I bought it, and most people the liked the taste. I'm the kind of guy who uses no sugar at all. Black coffee, black tea, and no candy or desserts. If something is even a little sweet, it REALLY tastes sweet to me. Diluting the CellTech should work fine. I did notice the burning sensation, though. They do warn about that on the label. It's not terrible.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/23, 11:21 AM Well, if you end up not liking Cell-Tech after you finish the bottle, you could try just regular creatine monohydrate powder. You mix it with water or grape juice. Keep me posted on your progress with Cell-Tech. Personally, I love the gains I got from it...good luck!
rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/24, 06:26 AM Thanks for all the advice. This will be my 4th day of using the CellTech, and the taste is growing on me a bit. I do dilute it almost twice what they suggest. I'll keep you posted if I notice any significant improvements. I'm the original doubting Thomas (and a hardgainer to boot)when it comes to this stuff, so this should be an interesting experiment.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/24, 10:26 AM Welcome to the hardgainers club! I was skeptical, too...in the beginning. I'm on my 7th week since taking Cell-Tech; can't complain at all! Don't forget to cycle after 8 weeks of consecutive use. After about 1 or 2 weeks off, you can begin loading again. Good luck!
rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2002/01/23, 02:53 PM I think I’ll call this the “Great Creatine/Glutamine Conspiracy!” I have been searching for some information about creatine and glutamine competing in the body, but as of yet I cannot locate any substantial documentation with citable references from peer-reviewed journals. All I have found were some “articles.” So, if anyone can get to me that info, please do. But here is my take on it. Creatine is not a protein amino acid per se, but a synthesized compound resulting from the reactions of the aminos glycine, arginine and methionine. For the sake of space and time, I’ll go ahead and assume that everyone here understands how creatine works (ATP, phospate, etc.), as well as the functions of glutamine in the body. That being said, I cannot see where the two would conflict. They chemically react with the body totally differently. The receptor sites that they interact with are completely dissimilar; they do not have to compete for the same ones. Therefore, taking them as supplements together should not impede either of their functions in the body. Hope this helps…………………..Michael
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/01/24, 03:26 AM Thanx for the infos Michael, but the question actually turned into protein shake competing with high glutamine intake in the same time...... If too many glutamine acids will compete the other amino acids in the protein shake..... If you explain me that one as well, I'll send you a billion kisses. ;-)
Arnold Posts: 1,112 Joined: 2000/11/27	2002/01/22, 12:15 PM I've used cellTech and had good results with it. If it is your first time with creatine then you should load it.. directions are on the label. If it is not your first time, then just take 1 serving after your workout with glutamine. Drink plenty of water. Good Luck. .o0 Arnold 0o.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/22, 02:38 PM Ahhh, another MuscleTech user! Didn't know that, Arnold...
Arnold Posts: 1,112 Joined: 2000/11/27	2002/01/22, 07:16 PM I like to try everything.. plus I got it really cheap so why not?.. I know that they OVER advertise.. and make crazy allegations about gains.. but the products are of quality. .o0 Arnold 0o.
RealClowN Posts: 8 Joined: 2002/05/12	2002/05/12, 02:51 AM Hello, i'm 14 and been on this whole weight lifting scene for about 2 months. My friend who is 16 wants me to take cell-tech with him. I was told at school by teachers that it hasn't been tested, and might not be safe. My question is if it is safe, and what is the proof of either side? Could someone please email me with their response? My email is clownzzzzz@aol.com. Thanks!
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/05/13, 10:14 AM You should not use Cell-Tech unless you are at least 18 years old. -------------- **_Robert_**
acostaz Posts: 1 Joined: 2002/12/17	2002/12/17, 04:44 PM Have ben working out natural for a while.Not by choice my wife thinks the splement way is bad for you.Also we are trying to have a baby.Is creatine ok?Let me know. ACOSTAZ
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/12/17, 04:48 PM Absolutely safe. One of the few supplements that is legal for olymic athletes to consume. If you eat meat and fish, it is found naturaly in those products. Good Luck with the baby factory and train hard! -------------- The trouble with jogging is that, by the time you realize you are not in shape for it, it is too far to walk back! Franklin P. Jones Ivan Montreal Canada
	2002/12/17, 05:53 PM What a hot topic, Creatine love it but be careful, you could be spending alot of money on it. a load up 2 servings 5 days is not needed. As for grapefruit juice, It does work with a simple none mixed creatine product. What happens is that the acids from the juice counters the stomach acids and allows for more to be taken in. The new Cell-Tech is great and EAS Phosphegen is awsome. Some take to it quickly an some take a few weeks longer. Most important, IT IS A SUPPLEMENT FOR DIET NOT AN ALTERNATIVE. EAT!EAT!EAT!
benpeters8 Posts: 22 Joined: 2005/01/06	2005/01/06, 10:54 AM do you actually get stronger on creatine, or is it just a salt of some sort sucking water into your muscles so you look "buffer?" -------------- Ben
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2005/01/06, 11:05 AM creatine give you the engery to acomplish more reps. So basicly its like getting a high grade fuel in yoru car, same engine but better performance and gas milage -------------- The following, has not be approved by the FDA or FT, it was not meant to diagnose,treat,or prevent any diease(s) Please consult a moderator or doctor before using any of the suggestions or comments.
benpeters8 Posts: 22 Joined: 2005/01/06	2005/01/06, 12:16 PM iight cool...so is there any reason to take it other than before or after a workout?
lorenz089 Posts: 1 Joined: 2005/02/06	2005/02/06, 01:15 AM ok, i'm a football player, i'm 15 and i weight 170 and i am trying to increase my performance, i would like to know how to properly use creatine and what i should diet with as a teen please write me @ WarpR@Aol.com
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2010/01/31, 02:34 PM Take your creatine before (about 20 min) the workout and your protein ( within 45 min) after the workout. How many grams of protein are you getting per scoop? -------------- Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. Ivan (GO HABS GO!) Montreal Canada (City of Festivals)
croatiansensati Posts: 1 Joined: 2010/01/31	2010/01/31, 01:15 PM I take one scoop of nectar protein 1 hour b4 workout and 20 mins b4 creatine cell tech one scoop. i am confused tho after workout i am told to take 2 protein scoops and then one scoop of creatine and spoonful of glutamine... which one should i take first and what time periods in between after workout please help thank you