Creatine BS or no

[pressrack]

What do you guys think about creatine? I appreciate your input and experience. What does it really do?

[sayagain]

Creatine is the one supplement, other than protein, that I use. I just use creatine monohydrate, as there is a lot of research on this product and its cheap. When I start taking it I usually put on about 6-8 lbs of water weight in the first week. As far as strength gains, I definitely feel an improvement in both rep strength as well as max strength. I'm not sure if it is placebo effect or I am actually stronger, but either way I'll take the gains.

Just make sure that you get plenty of water when you are on creatine, because like I said, you will retain water. Its not just a bloat in your belly, but I feel bigger all over when I am on creatine. My arms, shoulders, and chest all seem to expand.

[steeda]

man im not exactly sure if its a great help or not ive used it before and yes it may help a little but is it worth the money?

i think your mind is better than the supplement,its getting yourself motivated and focused workout after workout after workout.

between a multivitamin,protein powder,pre & post workout drink,and creatine you can have a healthy investment.

if your goals are to compete then you need every advantage to keep yourself on a level playing field as the rest of your competition.

i most likely will use it again but right now im doing well just eating great and trying to get the best rest possible.

protein will always be the best strength edible nutrition and if your not getting enough nothing will substitute

is it great to cycle or take it continually that is something that would be great to hear from the elite lifters on here

great topic i hope many of our members contribute!!!!!!!!!!!

[groundpounder]

In my opinion it definately helps . to what degree thats the real question . i think if your already consuming alot of redmeats and foods that promote natural creatine you may not notice much of a difference, and if your not getting that creatine naturally i think youll definately notice a difference. once youve taken creatine i think its more noticable once you cycle off of it just how much it was working for you.
As far as how it works it works on the same principal as steroids. it makes you hold water and pumps up your muscles which in turn helps you lift a little more . it also turns creatine into phosohate which increases your short term energy burst. thats the jist of it without getting to scientific . but if you want more detail google it theres all kinds of info on it.