Topic: Thoughts on Creatine

[Andy Dick]

So I haven't posted in a while and I decided I will spur a discussion on this topic.  I know topics on this have already occurred but I was wondering what are people's view on the substance at this point in time.  I just read a literature review on the substance by a college student and it just makes me ponder the substance.  More is becoming known about it than before.  So what are all your thoughts? 

I currently do not take it and at first I was like well atleast I will know my gains will not be attributed to a substance.  But the more you think about it is that it is legal and would it be worth it to excel in the sport?  Especially if it is a legal of closing the gap against those that illegally dope.  Also, it makes you wonder if taking it will get you to a level that would never be able to attain while not on it or would it help you get to a higher level faster.  Especially, since some researchers believe there are no adverse side effects.

[Doug Berninger]

I have used it in the past when I was lifting toward the bodybuilding style and liked it. I had good results. Since I turned toward weightlifting and have been competing I haven't really been on a long enough cycle to see/feel any difference with it. I do believe it has a place in weightlifting. Especially, as you said, to shorten the gap of the people who choose to dope.

[Dave Almeida]

Closing the gap on those that dope? Its an amino acid found naturally in your body and attainable through consuming foods such as steak... It will help but not very noticeably as weightlifting is very central nervous system dependent. It may help squatting recovery somewhat depending on your rep/set scheme.
It will not take you to a whole new level like drugs would and you will not excel in this sport or any other because you take creatine. It amazes me after hundreds and hundreds of studies people are still clueless about creatine...

[Ryan Marciniszyn]

I think if your diet and recovery are in proper order then creatine is just another step in that direction. I personally notice improved recovery time and decreased soreness when using creatine. Not much direct carryover to increasing classic lifts. But I think if you feel better during your workouts all the lifts will increase.

[Matt Erdman]

I find it helps recovery between sets when I'm squatting for 5 reps or more. I don't get a lot of soreness in general, so I don't know if it helps long term recovery.

[Andy Dick]

Don't get me wrong I don't think creatine would cause you to hang with a doper.  But if it helped you improve even a few kilos, than if you are not on it wouldn't that be worth it?  Or if it helped you get to a higher level faster because you can recover faster and push yourself more.

I have not done much personal study on the topic because I was always afraid that creating would cause me to gain weight and screw up my weight.  But if I wanted to jump up a class would it be helpful would be a good question.

[Ryan Marciniszyn]

Weight gain for me is a kilo at most.

[Gary Deal]

     I TOOK IT FOR FOUR MONTHS IN 2005, HELPED RECOVERY, AND STRENGTH LEVELS, HOWEVER ALSO WT GAIN, WATER RETENTION, AND BLOOD PRESSURE ELEVATION, BUT I WAS 65 AT THE TIME, MAY BE DIFFERENT WITH YOUNGER LIFTERS, DO NOT BELIEVE IT WAS AROUND WHEN I LIFTED IN LATE SIXTIES AND EARLY SEVENTIES SO NO REFERENCE AS A YOUNG LIFTER,