[Ch40s]

Originally Posted by Azure

I don't take Creatine at the moment.

But I do use a protein shake, and the only evidence I have is the fact that I'm making gains. Do you need before and after pictures?

I'm making great gains as well, by working out regularly and eat healthy. Saying this means nothing to anyone else but yourself.

Originally Posted by Azure

Why are you asking? Frankly, as far as I'm concerned, most of the people here who are using creatine have said that it helps them. There are NO health risks involved with it(search Google, or all your freakin' textbooks).

Whats the problem? You're the one who automatically calls it crap....talks about how some meathead told them to use it, and turns around and asks questions about it.

I don't care what some random person says, I'm interested in the facts. I initially came to this thread looking for some facts about Creatine. Since no one provided any information about how it helps gain muscle mass outside of assisting in the Creatine Phosphate energy system, I looked into it further and have come to the conclusion that it does not assist significantly in everyday weightlifter's performance nor will it assist in muscle mass gain.

Originally Posted by Azure

Perhaps you should go read your textbooks, and look at what they tell you about what it takes to gain muscle mass. I'm sure you'll find something about lifting 75-90% of your ability in order to gain muscle mass. Common sense 'should' then tell you that if taking Creatine will allow you to lift at such a rate, you WILL gain muscle mass, providing that your protein intake is consistant enough based on your requirements in order to successfully allow for efficient growth and repair of muscle tissue.

Not to mention the fact that Whey Protein contains high levels of ALL the essential amino acids NOT produced by the body. Plus, foods with low amino acid content, BUT high in protein, are poor equivalents, as the body will remove the amino acids obtained which in turn will convert the protein into fats and carbohydrates, like you said earlier....but you left out the important details. That is why protein shakes are so successful, because they contain the essential balance of amino acids needed for a high degree of net protein utilization.

First of all, don't try and take a jab and "me and my textbooks" simply because I want facts to back up what I'm saying.

You do not need Creatine to lift at 80% of your 1RM. Creatine may possibly increase your 1RM very slightly. This does not affect the compensation curve of the muscle. As long as you apply enough overload, your muscle will tear slightly and overcompensate after a 24-hour period. With or without Creatine.

If, for some reason, you specifically are not getting enough protein in your diet, and have verified this with a nutritionist, why on earth do you take protein shakes? It's an easy way out. Instead of changing your diet to meet calorie/protein requirements, you simply grab some powder crap off the shelf and say "well that's all I need!".

And don't spew this crap about protein shakes being more successful. I'm sure you read that on one of the sites selling protein powder, "finally, the truth about protein powder! (Now buy ours!)". There is no substitute for a healthy diet.

Originally Posted by Azure

Not all of us spend 2-1/2 hours in the gym each day....nor do we 'compete' in events. But most of us have high standards, thus the need for supplements such as Creatine.

Most health experts will tell you that each person is different, based on body type, etc, etc. Some of us have experienced with Creatine and found that our body responds better to it. Others, like me have made significant gains without it.

If you aren't putting in the work needed for gains in muscle mass, then you simply are not going to achieve them. It doesn't matter what kind of pseudo-health products you put in your body.

Like I said, the performance results from Creatine are negligible. It isn't making you stronger or anything, it's just helping your Creatine Phosphate energy system provide evergy in that initial 10 seconds. Why does an average person need this? So they can life 10 extra pounds and show off to everyone else in the gym? That's ridiculous.