Originally posted by gecko Yeah, I must say it is a far better to get an objective point of view, anything I've come accross, up until this, was presented by the manufacturer.
I've used creatine periodically over the last few years and found that it gives good results in increasing weight-training intensity and bulking up. But I also found that it gave me horrific quad and hamstring cramps on hard training rides early in the racing season. I actually had a muscle tear as a result of a hamstring cramp a few years ago. I have a friend who works closely with the BC and Canada nordic ski teams and they have advised their athletes to avoid creatine during the race season. It takes 25-30 days to purge your system of the effects of creatine supplements, so you can winter-train with it and then drop it when you switch to heavy cycling mode in the spring. If you stay well-hydrated there should be no problem with using it in off-season strength training. And use monohydrate, not citrate.
JAYDEE has explained the effects of creatine on a cyclist PERFECTLY! It will help in the gym but a side effect (if thats what you want to call it) is cramping during the ride. The calves seem to be primarily affected by this.
Originally posted by FrazzledBanana JAYDEE has explained the effects of creatine on a cyclist PERFECTLY! It will help in the gym but a side effect (if thats what you want to call it) is cramping during the ride. The calves seem to be primarily affected by this.
2 summers ago I reviewed a lot of studies on creatine. Results were so variable that it was difficult and still is to come to any conclusions about its use ie. how much, when to take it, how long to take it, etc. We did our own little study in the PT clinic using 2 PT's as subjects. It was a blind study, one PT took the creatine one did not ( we did not know who was taking it} We exercised for 6 weeks without any supplements, then 6 weeks with. Our results definitly demonstrated a significant change in muscle size for the person using the creatine as well as strength. However as soon as the creatine was stopped, even though exersice continued muscle size was decreased. Since at that time there were no studies on the long term use of the supplement I felt it wise to stick to a good protein drink while building muscle rather than a quick fix. It was a very interesting experience for us. I was the one taking the creatine, built up some strong legs and arms! At least I'm not blind any more
Originally posted by RideMonkey My philosophy is simple: If it was made in a laboratory, it shouldnt be put in your body. That goes for anything, including creatine.
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