has anyone tried CREATINE and does it actually work?
408358
I tried it and noticed that when weight training I was able to do more reps in my 2nd and 3rd sets than normal, as a result I made quicker strength gains.  It won't give results just by taking it alone but is a beneficial supplement, I would particularly recommend it if you were undertaking an intense weight training schedule.
115799
do you mean creatine? if so yes it is great for muscle building.\nCreatine is a naturally occuring substance in the foods the we eat and even in our bodies. We can synthesize creatine in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys from the amino acids Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. It can also be found in meat type foods such steak, fish, pork, tuna, etc.\n\nHowever, the amount of creatine we get from foods is minimal compared to the amount needed to get the maximum beneficial effect. To get roughly 20 grams of creatine (the general dosage amount for the loading phase), one would have to consume roughly 16-18 steaks. Because of this, it is much more convenient to simply consume creatine as a supplement, otherwise one would have to eat alot of meat products. \nThe energy released from the reduction reaction of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) to ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) fuels everything your muscles, as well as almost anything else in your body, do. Creatine is stored in the form of Creatine Phosphate in the body. When ATP looses one of it's phosphates in the reaction to create energy, creatine donates its phosphate to regenerate ATP so that it can break apart again to provide the muscles with energy.\nThe creatine phosphate system is anarobic, meaning that it does not require oxygen to run and is the first system called upon when ATP needs to be regenerated. Therefore, supplementing extra creatine into the diet will allow the muscles to use this system longer.
781295
Ther shouldnt be any interaction between the two products. I take creatine and use thermogenic fat burners (which im guessing is what riped fuel is) somtimes together and have never had any problems. Once though i had gotten bad cramps in the abdomin but attribute this to the fact that i was not drinking enough water. Once i drank more water the cramps went away. So drink lots of water and you should be fine.
562403
chances are you are simply wasting money \n\nyour creatine needs to be pure and mixed in an acidic solution and is effective if you use it around workouts \n\nonly about 60% of people respond to creatine so unless you are one of them you are wasting dollars\n\nnitrotech probalby does nothing more than a far cheaper whey supplement
316658
Creatine is intended for people 18 and over as well with other supplements,  if you are 18 you should take Creatine in a powder form (absorbs the best) Creatine Ethyl Ester would be very good with out any loading phase 3-5 grams day :)
1174109
Creatine and amino acids serve different purposes.  I don't take amino acid supplementation, so I haven't done much research on it, but I am taking creatine and have done a lot of reading on it.\n\nCreatine is a natural substance that you obtain from your diet and can make yourself.  Creatine's primary purpose in weightlifting is to replenish ATP stores during intense activity.  By taking creatine supplementation you can increase your creatine stores by up to 40% (depending on how much you are already getting in your diet).  This will allow you to work out harder longer and get better results from your training.\n\nCreatine is also known to cause cell volumization, as it causes the muscles to hold more water.  Note that this is different the water retention, as water retention is when water is retained on the outside of the cells, causing the muscles to lose definition and look smoother.  Cell volumization pulls the water into the cells and causes the muscles to look harder.\n\nThere are also studies that have come to light recently that show that cell volumization can make protein synthesis more productive.  In theory this could mean that creatine could directly help you build muscle, but more research needs to be done to prove this effect.\n\nCreatine is also a very safe substance to supplement.  While there are rumors of some side effects, such as muscle cramping, kidney problems, etc, no studies have actually proved these to be actual risks.  One possible risk is the down regulation of the creatine transporters due to oversupplementation, but if you follow the recommended guidelines you shouldn't have to worry about that effect.  To be safe you should actually take less creatine than most manufacturers recommend, though.  Studies have shown that your body can absorb a lot less than most companies suggest you take anyway.  They have found that your body is unable to absorb more than 3-5 grams of creatine per day after you have finished loading.  To top that off, after working out you are capable of absorbing up to 10% more than your normal maximum capacitiy.  They estamate that you only use 3% of your creatine stores when you don't work out.  That means that if you are fully loaded and then take creatine after working out you will have more creatine than you body can obsorb for the next 3-4 days or until you work out again.  Bottom line: after loading it is only necessary to take creatine after working out.  I only take about 5 grams after I work out to replenish the creatine I have used.\n\nAs far as amino acids go, do some research and see what the benefits are to you.  I've already found an article that proved to me that glutamine is a waste of money, but I haven't researced any of the other availlable products.
399496
creatine really works at trapping water in ur muscles. and thats all it does tho. u should take it about an hour before u hit the weights.  results depend on the the FIT principle. frequency intensity and time
216045
I reckon most of the above are partially correct but they don't really address your question. \n\nWe are all aware of the side effects from steroid abuse (note abuse) Steroids or testosterone can be taken depending on type and dosage while being monitored by a doctor quite successfully. It's the monster bodybuilders and 'self medicaters' that 'stack' steroids daily who are likely to have complications and even die.\n\nThere is no one hormone aside from testosterone that will help you. HGH supplementation does work but only with a few products on the market- Most claim miracles - not really true. You do not take this until you pass 30. It stimulates the pitutary (sp) gland as it secretes less as we get older. It works and side effects are minimal - you must be under medical supervision once again.\n\nTestosterone does work but using the same caution as above\n\nUse -  Creatine / Glutamine / L-Arginine / Whey protein\n\nEnd of the day mate - eat good - workout hard - You'll look great
832290
Tons of information is available from Dave Palumbo's magazine 'Rx Muscle'.\n\nBut trust me.  They work, they work quick, and they work GREAT.
1101136
Creatine supplements are bad for you. Eat a steak.
316239
I tried it, but it really did not do anything. Like most "miracle" diet aids, this one also falls short. Diet and exercise is the way to go, believe me I have tried every pill out there (prescription also). I have been living on fruits, veggies, and Atkins bars for breakfast and lunch, and then have whatever I want for dinner. I have lost 27 pounds so far! Remember to drink plenty of water, it really does speed up your metabolism, and it is good for the skin!
167387
It surely works. But in order to get full benefit, you have to participate in aerobic exercise seriously by learning the proper way (like running, swimming, cycling)
168186
It does work if you ensure that you drink plenty of water, but use caution.... after you discontinue use, even if you continue to lift weights that you will lose muscle size.  Once you start using it, you have to continue using it or lose what you achieved with it.  Here's a tip, use D-Bol and Winni-V.  It is a form of legal steroid.  It is much more expensive, but the affects are much better than that of creatine.
467739
No good. Don't waste your money. A good supplement is a great addition to a diet/exercise routine. I've had great success with Lipo 6.
967343
Everyone responds differently to food, exercise, etc. so what works for others may not work for you. Taking protein supplements does not equal weight gain. You have to practice protein sparing, consuming the proper carbs and fats with your protein, so your body isn't burning the protein instead of using it to build muscle. And you have to time your consumption: too much and your kidneys will filter it off. Creatine is not a protein or a steroid-- it's a natural chemical found in meat that allows muscle cells to perform more work. It won't help you bulk up directly, but it will allow you to work harder for longer, putting more strain on muscles, thereby stimulating muscle growth. It'll also cause your cells to store water, which can give you that bulky, firm appearance. Whey protein is the best-quality protein you can buy-- it's not a magical type of protein, but contains all the amino acids. \n\nDon't waste your time on supplements! If you're trying to gain muscle, it's going to take exercise, time and a proper diet. When exercising, change your routine up every 6 to 12 weeks to ensure you're challenging and stimulating your muscles and your central nervous system. Your body will adapt to exercise to become smarter at it, while it may not become stronger. Like practising a jump shot, etc. your body becomes more efficient and in tune with the motion. Everyone puts on muscle at different rates, and some can be very strong without much mass at all. Don't compare yourself-- take the time to listen to your body, it will tell you what to do. And you'll avoid injuries if you avoid the rush, as well as boredom. And eat!! Don't cut anything out, just be smart about it. Eat protein from low-fat sources like chicken and fish. Choose carbs with a high glycemic index, so they break down more gradually, providing energy over a longer period. Things like whole grains, brown rice, etc. And eat plenty of fruits and veggies! Remember too that your body will not "create extra" if you don't provide it. If your energy budget doesn't provide some extra calories at the end of the day to "bank," your body won't have anything to work with. And muscle takes a lot of protein and energy to maintain. If you want to bulk up, you have to provide just a little extra-- but the right kind.\n\nIf you're still thinking of taking a supplement, try these: a multi-vitamin to ensure you're getting all your nutrients; an Omega fatty-acid supplement to ensure healthy cellular development; and a high-quality protein supplement. These three supplements are good for every cell in your body-- not just the muscles. When taking the protein, try it at various times-- many people recommend the morning, since your body's supply of free protein is virtually exhausted. Some will say before or after weight training, since this provides protein when your muscles need it at various stages. And still others will say even before bedtime, since much of your body's protein synthesis occurs then.\n\nRemember, you can't supplement exercise, rest and nutrition!
251791
I've tried many...and I wish I could have my money back lol.  Only thing that worked a little was Leptropril.  I lost about 8lbs, but gained it back.  Just stick w/ a healthy diet & regular exercise.  There's nothing better.
435352
Stay away from Creatine!  The best thing you could use is amino fuel and lots of protein.  Creatine will eat away at your stomach and give you a gastric intestinal disorder.  Creatine does not give you muscle it just pumps up the fluids.  Unless Creatine has changed in the last few years; I am telling you this from witnessing it first hand.  My husband was in the hospital three times from abdominal pain and runny stools.  Just eat healthy and use more weights with less reps.