Creatine - anyone take it?

[BoxOfCats]

Does anyone take creatine supplements? I’ve been hitting the gym harder than usual in the last few months and a friend recommended taking creatine supplements. If you take them have you noticed much difference? How has it benefited you?

I have read about it, bought it and not taken it 🙄
why? Because I am trying to loose weight, each lbs off privately celebrated and hard earned. Each week I stay the same, guilt over the money spent on WLI and gym without success.
So the fear of weight gain/holding water is the main reason I haven’t started it.
Im not sure the psychological insult is worth any physiological progress down purely to creatine??

Creatine won't cause weight gain through fat but 2lbs or so of water weight. Creatine causes the muscles to take on water which is what helps with their performance and recovery.

Not read all the comments, so please excuse me if it’s already been mentioned that creatine is more pleasant to take (as is less gritty) if it’s micronised.

It’s not fat, it’s water. The point is to draw water into your muscles, so yes if it’s working you will gain up to two pounds.

as said, I have gained, but my body is slimmer, it’s because I can work out more. And my muscles are stronger, so I’m burning fat. Even at rest. So I look more lean and toned.

Yes it should be micronised. I take a scoop in a small half cup of cold water, stir it in, gulp it down, job done.

I take it. Have done for about a year. It massively helps my cognitive ability as well as recovery. I take it first thing in the morning as a powder in squash (I don't like water). I'm also locked in on my nutrition.

I won't stop taking it now.

Can anyone recommend any that they use? I’ve looked at MyProtein. Does it matter?

DC recommended the MyProtein impact creatine.

I went for this one in the end after doing some research ….. ESN Ultrapure Creatine Monohydrate, 500 g / 1.1 lbs Creatine Powder, 142 Servings - Vegan - Made in Germany, Laboratory Tested

But I think they’re pretty much all the same. This one is good as it’s very fine and undetectable in water

I use it in a protein shake after each workout - so 2/3 times a week. Ive been doing this for a year. No visible results - i am stronger and fitter than a year ago but thats because of WLI and starting a fitness routine. Im sure creatine helps but i wouldnt be able to pinpoint exactly where

I take it as it was free with some collagen I bought from NutritionGeeks. I'm not convinced it does much and I probably won't continue when it runs out.

@PlacestogoFor best results you need to take creatine every day.

How much are you all taking?

Does it make you fart?

Just started taking it for perimenopause this week! Bought from Nutrition Geeks. Think my brain is working a bit better / am thinking more clearly but am NOT loving the 2lbs of water weight. Really hoping that goes away once my body adjusts to it. 🙈

I’m on day 3 of the nutrition geeks one. Am doubling up for the first week.
i did a weights session yesterday and my muscles don’t feel as sore as they normally do.

I've been taking it daily for a few months now. Any brand, as long as it's micronised and unflavoured (check out Boots £10 Tuesday). I do feel it has helped with muscle endurance and recovery, and anything that reduces post meno brain fog is welcome. I didn't get any weight gain that I noticed (if I did, it was fleeting).

There is a wealth of information online, and nearly all of it positive.

I usually add it to my coffee... everything I have read says it doesn't break down as long as it's not completely boiling, and you don't let it hanging about too long before drinking. Alternatively I stir it into yogurt.

You need to take it consistently, that won’t make any difference to you 2 or 3 times a week.

Caffeine is one they need more studies on, as there are conflicting reports. As long as not boiling and drunk immediately it should have a minimal effect on the potency of the creatine, but caffeine can blunt it.

to be sure, I’d just tip it into s small amount of water and drink it, no biggie. Takes seconds and you know for sure you get the full benefit.

www.health.com/supplements-not-to-mix-with-creatine-11876160

Why?
my reasoning (total guesswork!) is that it helps with building muscles so it is only after i exercise that am i going to build muscles. Why would i need to take it when i am not exercising?

Because it draws water into the muscle to help performance and improves energy to do the same,

Also the added water to your muscles aids recovery.

Because the muscle building happens in the recovery between workouts.

The stuff I’ve read and listened to (the BBC episode shared above), says it needs to be every day.

thank you everyone! I will listen to the podcast too.

Doh I’ve also only been taking it on days I exercise. Sounds like I need to change my regime.