Anybody use creatine?

chadders81

Trying to get loads of miles in my legs for some big rides this summer and getting pretty knackered.

Somebody I know suggested using creatine to speed recovery.

Anybody on here ever taken it as a supplement? Experiences?

I have read that it's perfectly healthy in the short term as long as you're sensible.

MountainMonster

Protein shakes work quite well, the ones from powder.

Do me wonders at least.

ShutUpLegs

Doesn't getting the full benefit from creatine mean cutting other things out of your diet, like alcohol and caffeine?

A decent recovery drink would be better.

sumosprintstar

+1 for protein based recovery drink.

pastey_boy

if i want farts that would make a dog cough plus a very round face i find creatine fantastic, all creatine really does is pump your muscles full of water which is great in the gym but carting around all that water on a bike ride is less than ideal.

Anonymous

Tried it. Found that the weight gain more than offset any (if there were any) benefits. Fine for the gym or power sports but pap for endurance sports.

All in my ill informed, un-evidenced opinion.

Protein and good fats with some alkaline foods is what you need.

For carbs immediately after a ride a binarner or raisins are good as they are very alkali.

After a long ride get some of these alkali carbs in and a protein shake within 30 mins of finishing.

amaferanga

What's a binarner?

mrwibble

buy this matey pops,
http://www.boditronics.co.uk/xcart/express_carbs.php


good for mixing with protein especially after riding

mrwibble

forget the creatine by the way, used it for body building and never got on with it. you just have to keep drinking water all the time. it just hydrates your muscles.

the carb powder is the type of thing you are after, buy the 5kg size, it will last forever

Garz

I used some years ago when in the gym, didn't notice much difference however as others have already mentioned I would see no need for it in generic cycling apart from maybe track sprinting.

Don't waste your cash on creatine, try protein shakes/recovery drinks.

geordiefella

i think if you're going to use creatine on its own it's to be a pre-workout supplement. having said that, Maximuscle Cyclone is awesome (it contains creatine). i found that as a post riding protein i felt my recovery was better when i rode next but that year i didn't lose much weight. I use protein drinks less now, only after intense riding / gym workouts rather than easy rides, strictly, recovery proteins are good, one with LGlutamine is which the body release when you do intense exercise and so this will make sure you replenish your stocks (and not lose muscle mass). L Carnitine too as a daily tab will ensure you're using fats as energy as best your body can.

Monty Dog

I use Hurricane XS or Cyclone, which both contain creatine as a pre or post race load / recovery drink and find it better than a straightforward protein shake. Using creatine on it's own has nothing like the same effect - better to get someone else to get the right blend of other ingredients IME. What it allows you to do is recover more quickly - it doesn't have any benefits if you do make hard efforts.

geordiefella

agree with that. on its own its a daft supplement. only works to inflate cell volume and make them work better so you also need other essentials immediate post ride.

RowCycle

My primary sport is rowing. My cycling is commuting and the odd weekend ride. I have used creatine.

The instructions on the packet were to have a load period (large quantities) followed by a maintenance period. I used it as a recovery type thing, so I only every took a maintenance dose, once per day after my training in a pint of juice. My training was rowing sessions (a mix of endurance and power) and weights - plus a short daily commute.

I had similar experiences to many already posted. I drank more to stay hydrated. I gained weight. I farted more (and they smelled bad).

But I found it easier to do hard sessions, or to do more hard regular hard sessions and perform. My times improved over the period, I down to more, harder training, rather than any special effects from the creatine.

Once I stopped taking it, I lost weight, I didn't get back to my starting weight (although close), but I think that was down to putting on muscle from the training. My need to drink more and fart more went away.

But my performances remained as they were while taking it.

So I would suggest you could give it a try provided you'dd be happy to have some short term affects in the hope of long term gain.

carrock

amaferanga wrote:

What's a binarner?

Think he means a Bannarner... :shock:

AndyD2574

Totally pointless for endurance. You will probably find you tend tyo cramp more too.

Took it for a while and its good for explosive power and and putting a bit of muscle mass on BUT you need to tailor your training for it.

In general.......creatines not for cycling...................use a good protien or meal replacement

Anonymous

carrock wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

What's a binarner?

Think he means a Bannarner... :shock:

Yep.

I strugal with me froots.

donkykong

creatine, ain,t that something you get at b&q to go with their fencing post mix ??