Help with my next creatine cycle

[Madd Hatter]

I started taking Creatine Jan. 2nd, about 7g for a few days, then about 10g from then on til now. I took half before workout, the other half right after. On off days I took it all at once in the morning. And I haven't noticed JACK, it sucks. I was originally going to stop Feb. 14 and take two weeks off of it, now I'm thinking of stopping right now, waiting 10 days, and then starting again, loading this time (5g 4x a day). Does this seem ok? How long should I load, maintain, and then go off? My first shot didn't do crap, so I'm looking for changes. TIA

 

[DR. NOE]

When loading during your first two weeks, your intake should be around 5 grams, four times per day. After completing the loading phase, take 5 grams per day to maintain. If you still do not see any results, stop taking it. Creatine does not work for everyone.

 

[MrMemphis]

First, try a good brand (Prolab, EAS, or anything that contains Creapure). Mix it with carbs. Try adding ALA. Bump it up to 10-20 grams ED. If that doesn't work, quit.

 

[dude]

What kind of creatine are you using? Also, what do your training and diet programs look like?

 

[Madd Hatter]

I used Volumex, I now have Prolab's Creapure also.
My diet is a bulking one.... meaning I have a fair amount of "cheat" food. My protein intake is on the low side (160g+ I think on work days, maybe only 120 on a bad day), I THINK fat is acceptable, carbs either acceptable or on low side (before I started a gainer shake, I don't think I was at 75% RDA for an average person). On the menu is: oatmeal, turkey, protein shakes (including gainers), tuna, protein bar (not for long though), normal person cereal/toast/oj. Occasionally I'll scarf down a frozen pizza, because what the hell, I'm 6'2" 175.
I train on a 3-day split (chest/tris, bis/back, legs/shoulders), go to the gym 4-5 days a week usually. Tend to do more sets/exercises than I probably should, but I never feel like I'm doing any good, and hardly ever feel sore. I feel I have an intensity problem, but I'm not whistling while I lift. Do incorporate bench presses and squats, just last week started TRYING deadlifts, though I'm sure I'm doing them wrong. I could post a detailed day if you think it matters. Thanks.

 

[dude]

Intensity is very important if you are only training 3 days a week. If you train more frequently you can get away with less intensity. Other than that, everything looks pretty good. Even though your amount of protein could be considered low, I can make gains off of 160g protein and I weigh 215. Granted, I eat more protein when I can afford to. I've never known anyone who used Volumex creatine but I would highly recommend Phosphagen HP by EAS. I'm not sure how good the Prolab stuff is but I believe Prolab is a good brand.

 

[RGC3]

I have heard good stuff about Prolab but I say try AST or EAS creatine. I never do a load phase and I don't take creatine on my off days. I slam 5-7g before workout w/ dextrose and Whey (15 min before workout) then 5-7g of creatine after workout w/ dextrose (no whey). Dextrose will allow your muscles to absorb the ceartine. Then take just whey 30min after workout. Then wait 30 more min... now is time to eat. I think you will see improvements for your dollar. If not, get rid of creatine but stick w/ shake and food routine.

 

[MrMemphis]

Prolab is the best creatine. For one, it contains creapure. Creapure is 99% pure. The lab tests of each batch are stamped on the bottle along with the manufacturing date. I don't know of any other product with that much info. backing it. You can also find creapure in other products, but Prolab usually offers good deals with free tee-shirts or twin packs of creatine.

 

[Madd Hatter]

Thanks for the replies.

I don't know much about GI carbs for post-creatine.... are they necessary? Would oatmeal or a gainer shake count? I don't have any dextrose, and I've ordered 3 batches of supps in the last month, I really don't want to order more.

 

[MrMemphis]

Dextrose is cheap, but so is Gatorade. Either will do. Try it at 75g of carbo.

 

[RGC3]

MrMemphis is correct. Dextrose is real cheap (corn sugar ). You can also try Gatorade but what you pay for one Gatorade could buy you a months supply of Dextrose. You can online order Dextrose or go to some nutrition store (not GNC..they don't carry it....to them carbs are bad!?!?!)

 

[visions]

what about the creatine serum shit or what about betagen?

 

[dude]

I've heard creatine serum is bogus. I have tried HMB and I never really gained any muscle but when I was dieting I definitely noticed less soreness and less loss of muscle. I think you need more then 3gms a day in order to get good results but it is too darn expensive.

 

[RGC3]

Visions-

I don't like already mixed products...so Betagen is not in the picture. I suggest buying all (or most) supps separately then mixing them yourself. This way you know what you are getting.

I've never taking Creatine serum...I stick w/ the powder.

 

[visions]

mixing meaning taking each ingredient seperately in its purest form?

Also should the loading period for creatine be 10 days or 14 days??

 

[Lguy00]

try cell tech its expensive but the results are way better than just plain creatine

 

[RGC3]

Visions-
Mixing means: buying supps sep then putting each supp in your shake(s). This way you know what your supp(s) gram amount are. Your not depending or hoping that the manuf labels are correct.

Lguy00-
Cell Tech is just Dextrose and creatine (a little amount that is) mixed together. So save a lot of money and make your own 'cell tech'. But you are correct that Cell Tech is better than plain creatine.

 

[LETHAL BURN]

try cell tech its expensive but the results are way better than just plain creatine

Really all you need is an effervecent creatine and add 200mlg of ala with it. It worked for me more than Cell-Tech

 

[Madd Hatter]

Ok, so dextrose or Gatorade would be best, but would Oatmeal/ a gainer shake work or not?

I don't see how, but would there be anything wrong with mixing my creatine in water in the morning and drinking it throughout the day? What about mixing it in my shake?

 

[RGC3]

Oatmeal is a complex carb and is good for meals but not as a after workout carb.

I don't think you need to take creatine except for before and after workouts. I hear of guys taking it while they workout but I doubt they get anything out of it.

But if you got the money, try it. Post the results.

 

[dito]

IM not sure if any of you have read this article yet. I have posted it many times and will start it once my order gets in.http://avantlabs.com/issue5/pre_post_workout_nutrition.htm
Also Iyou want to consume your creatine right away. And not leave it in water all day. Because it is not stable in liquid and turns into creatinine. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Madd Hatter]

Alright, I've got me some dextrose. Now when I'm loading (5g 4x a day), do I need to take it with every dose? Or just in my post-workout dose? I'll plow through this stuff pretty fast if that's the case. What about on off days? How much dextrose should I start with, 50g?

Also, I don't see how leaving the creatine/dextrose in water all day would matter, it's just water. Can someone clear this up for me, because right now my plan is to mix my daily doses all at once and drink it throughout the day. Thanks.

 

[dito]

You might want to do a search on liquid creatine. I only take my dextrose and maltodextrin post work out.