So I have just bought Creatine

[leishman63]

I have just invested in some Creapure Reflex Creatine and want to know the best way to take it? Should i load or not? Do i take it every day or just workout days? and if i take it everyday do i take it again after a workout or just after the workout?

Also i have exams in late june should i take it during? Will it affect me in anyway?

Thanks

[Boss Man]

No offense, but why did you buy Creatine and then ask how to take it, instead of asking first before you bought?

I say this as if you don't know how to take Creatine then buy it anyway, it shows you couldn't have done much if any research into Creatine, so how do you know it's even safe for you, or worth your money and time?

For the record though, take it every day and load. If you don't take it every day, you won't get sturation, because some will be able to get out of your system on the off days, almost certainly causing incomplete buildup.

Oh and don't even think of drinking Alcohol on it, it's counterproductive.

Also if you're someone that's not been lifting very long be ready to expect poor results, as that might just happen.

Not to be rude or critical, but I'm still interested in why you bought Creatine then asked about it, not asked first then "perhaps" bought?

[leishman63]

Well I have been doing weights for about 2 years and have started getting more serious in the past 4 or 5 months, and I have read up on it before there just seem to be a lot of different methods and views especially about the loading phase. So I wanted to know what the members of this forum recommend?

Also I know about the alcohol as it acts as a diuretic so would get rid of the retained water. Do you think it would effect exams? It works out that I would finish first cycle just before I start them.

Also I'm doing 4 weight sessions a week and 2 cardiovascular, I have a estimated body fat of 13.42% according to the ShapeFit calculator and weight 81 kg how long until I would expect to see/feel results?

Thanks for the reply

[Boss Man]

No worries, I asked as too many people just buy supplements for the wrong reasons, like

A: A mate or family member suggested it.

B: a celebrity uses it.

C: some dude in a shop told them it's good, when they asked "what's can I use that will help me get buff", or something like that.

D: The magazines made it look good.

E: They have heard of it and think it's automatically what they need, when they plateau way too soon, because their training and / or diet aren't up to snuff.

Creatine isn't likely to affect mental performance or shouldn't.

With your build in fact most people of any build, should see results potentially within a week, as a loading phase takes around 5 days to complete. Obviously stronger people are more likely to benefit better of Creatine.

[leishman63]

Thanks for all your help I'm planning to start Monday will probably do a 8 week cycle, then 2 weeks of due to exams.
I kno it's a bit of a different topic but I will also be looking to cut after cycle do you have any tips or favorite exercises/foods for doing so?

Thanks again

[Boss Man]

I'd extend the off period personally.

Some people do 2-3 months on 1 off, or the smallest is 3 weeks on 1 off. For the length of time you're planning ot do it, I wouldn't go shorter than 3 weeks off, potentially 4 weeks off, because I think the level of exposure you're attempting to give the Kidneys, will require a longer rest period than you're proposing and in the long-term a minor loss of results, is better than a minor loss of Kidney health.

[lens_d]

I have never read anywhere that you should cycle creatine. Where does that come from?

Dont worrie about your exams either its not like creatine makes you stupid. As far as I know it should have no effect on your brain power. I feel no different at all when I am using it.

[Boss Man]

Lens, Creatine MUST be cycled, because it's considered detrimental to the Kidneys, to use it constantly. Even those like CEE that claim no cycling required, should really be cycled.

Most cycles are 2-3 months on, 1 off, the shortest is 3 weeks on 1 off, but you should always cycle it, because it gives time for the Kidneys to take time off from it. You get 2g Creatine from Meat and Fish per day anyway, even when you don't Use Creatine.

Similar kind of thinking to Steroid cycling to stop the Liver getting exposed to Steroids 365 days a year

[lens_d]

Thanks for the info bossman.

I dont think I have ever taken it for longer than 2 months at a time anyway. I always get lazy with it and quit for a while.