Weightlifting, Bulking Up and Other Fitness Topics (Part I)

[Cylon]

Originally Posted by Z3CH

You just gave out a website that contradicted your post. It does more than just giving you energy. Read up. And remember, if you're gonna take creatine, drink a helluva lot of water.

Exactly, taking Creatine has a lot more effects on the body then imply giving it more energy.

In addition to dehydrating your body, it could have some serious effects to your kidneys if you take it months straight. You will also notice that when you are not taking Creatine, you may not notice significant gains or even a "loss" of strength. The gains made while taking Creatine are not as permanent, and give you a "false" strength as I like to call it.

The most important advice before taking any protein/energy/muscle enhancer is to research it first. Make sure you identify all the negative effects it could have on your body. Ask people as well (That KNOW what they are talking about). You don't want to damage your body by taking something that has a serious effect that you over looked.

[.Freed.]

What is this creatine and what does it do?
On topic i started lifting about a year ago for baseball, and it definetaly helps if to be stronger and healthier because im a pitcher. Also I eat lots of protein and protein shakes, those help a lot if you are trying to build mass and strength.

[Cylon]

Originally Posted by socom_sniper_99

What is this creatine and what does it do?
On topic i started lifting about a year ago for baseball, and it definetaly helps if to be stronger and healthier because im a pitcher. Also I eat lots of protein and protein shakes, those help a lot if you are trying to build mass and strength.

I could explain everything in my own words to you, but I think these descriptions will suit you better.

What is Natural Creatine:

Originally Posted by Bodybuilding.com

Our bodies naturally make the compound, which is used to supply energy to our muscles. It is produced in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, and is transported to the body's muscles through the bloodstream. Once it reaches the muscles, it is converted into phosphocreatine (creatine phosphate). This high-powered metabolite is used to regenerate the muscles' ultimate energy source, ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

What does Creatine (the product) do:

Originally Posted by Bodybuilding.com

Creatine can significantly increase lean muscle mass in just two weeks. It is also responsible for improving performance in high-intensity exercise, increasing energy levels, and speeding up recovery rates. Creatine's ability to enhance energy reserves in muscles comes from its muscle protein synthesizing action, while minimizing protein breakdown. It enhances muscles' growth too-making muscle fibers bigger and stronger.

[Z3CH]

In addition to Cylon's post, I have some info as well. A lot of creatine's gains on the body i simply water.

Creatine extracts water from parts of your body and transports them to the muscle being used. In the first few days of using creatine, people will gain a lot of extra poundage. Usually 7-15 pounds. This is just water, which is eventually washed out of your body anyway. The reason why you must drink so much water is because creatine takes your regular water needed to stay hydrated, and gives it to your muscles. You can easily become dehydrated while using creatine.

It also affects the rate at which protein is used. It will help itself to the protein in your body to give you better gains.

Creatine is slightly new and so far has no long-term effects. But you can never be sure. Remember, especially if you are a teenager, never to take more than the recommended dosage. Teenagers are still growing, and creatine can have nasty permanent affects on the body, and supposedly it can even cause deformities.

Things to remember:
-Creatine is not just for staying strong, but gaining muscle mass as well. You do not want to take creatine if you are trying to lose weight.
-Keep drinking water. While you're working out, don't take sips between reps, take gulps. If your metabolism is fast, drink even more.
-Read about it and do what the pros say. You don't need to take more so that you'll get stronger, you'll hurt yourself more than anything and you'll regret it.

I think that's enough for now.

[Pvt.Dirt]

good facts, and a well discussed topic!

When I work out with it, I usually have a gallon of water standing by for when I get thirsty. I agree with Z3ch on some of the things he said. It does take away protein, thats why you eat or drink a protein bar or drink right after working out. But if you start getting thirsty drink water RIGHT away. But you have to remember thats not all Xyience is, Creatine is only a SMALL portion of what is in Xyience, so it's not like just plain creatine. But still, the risks are there.

[Z3CH]

Originally Posted by Pvt.Dirt

good facts, and a well discussed topic!

When I work out with it, I usually have a gallon of water standing by for when I get thirsty. I agree with Z3ch on some of the things he said. It does take away protein, thats why you eat or drink a protein bar or drink right after working out. But if you start getting thirsty drink water RIGHT away. But you have to remember thats not all Xyience is, Creatine is only a SMALL portion of what is in Xyience, so it's not like just plain creatine. But still, the risks are there.

Yup, most kids I know who take creatine just take one of those 1-gallon bottles that milk comes in(water does too) and fills it up with water. They work out with that baby by their side.

[Z3CH]

More info from the Z3CH... YAY!!!!

For many rather small people (skinny or short or whatever) you may find it hard to start getting bulk. When I started working out, I grew 10 pounds, reached a max, and worked out for like 6 months without gaining anything. I was an idiot, I wasted a whole lot of time. For many people like this, they will start thinking about taking things like protein, creatine, steroids, or whatever muscle-enhancing things they can get their hands on. One thing to think about before you take these is the question "Are you eating right?" The main factor of gaining muscle is what you eat. It needs something to turn into muscle, right? Before relying on supplements, make sure you are on a good diet that will give you enough calories, carbs, and protein. It's good to take things like whey protein if you can't always get good meals with protein, but try not to become reliant on supplements that provide you with chemicals.
Now let's see if there is anything else I can add... ;D

[Pvt.Dirt]

absolutely correct Z3ch, people want to build muscle and lose weight at the same time. So they eliminate carbs from their diet but you forget you need carbs to have energy, you can eliminate the bad carbs by eating right but don't take out everything that has to do with them.

[..NUK-EM.]

you dont have to change your diet you can build muscle by lifting and lose weight by running bikeing. but you dont have to change your diet. you might a little if your eating all crap

[.Freed.]

Originally Posted by ..NUK-EM.

you dont have to change your diet you can build muscle by lifting and lose weight by running bikeing. but you dont have to change your diet. you might a little if your eating all crap

Yes definately changing you're diet helps, but you dont have do. Its just better.