Creatine?

[MakeItRainbows]

I have a new personal trainer who I am using to help build and maintain muscle mass. I am not yet on ADT (TBD), but I want to have good habits for strength training if indeed I end up going that way.

He mentioned recently that he might recommend creatine to me. I did some brief research and it seems like there's some good and bad data regarding creatine. While tempted, I am not super keen on supplements especially those considered controversial.

What do other people think of the safety / wisdom of taking it?

[mrscruffy]

Have been taking it for a couple years on advice from my trainer. No bad things to say about it and is essential for quick muscle growth. Ask your trainer about adding BCCA's if they haven't suggested it. Even though on ADT I have gotten bigger and stronger than I was in my 30's thanks to my trainer, she got me off my ass an into the gym regularly and even on vacation. Her supplements and workouts have made a huge difference in my health. My MO knew exactly what SARM I was taking and while he couldn't recommend it to me was happy to see me taking.

[Gym-rat]

As a longtime recreational body builder, I have used creatine on and off (mostly off) over the years. For me, taking more than one gram a day gives me a headache and unpleasant feeling. I’ve been on ADT over a year and take one gram a few times each week.

The creatine does not build muscle directly. It allows your muscle fibers to use more energy on demand. This slight/moderate increase in power allows you to lift heavier weights and do more reps. The result is your muscle fibers becoming conditioned to heavier weights, breaking down during recovery, then growing back stronger and larger. It doesn’t happen overnight, but you should see some results in a few months with a regular lifting routine and working the muscles to failure or near failure. Results will be seen without creatine but will take longer.

I kicked my workout routine into high gear once I found out that the ADT leads to rapid muscle loss and weight gain. Greatly altered my diet also to low carbs also. I’m pleased with the muscle gain and weight loss and I’m maintaining a steady body weight. It’s a daily routine.

If you do start taking creatine I would advise you to start on a low dose like 1 gram and monitor your creatine levels during your regular blood screening. Also advise your MO that you are looking at adding this supplement to your diet.