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creatine loading

hey_yoda Posts: 36 Joined: 2002/10/03	2002/12/05, 08:43 PM How long does it take to gain some pounds (of water) while taking creatine? I'm my last day of the loading phase, that's day #5. I've been taking 20g a day split into four 5g servings, usually mixed with either grape juice or dextrose. I've been using Prolab creatine (Creapure), and drinking at least a gallon of water every day. So far I haven't gained a single pound, but I think I've been doing everything right. Is it possible that I'm a so called "non-responder", or does it just take longer for the water retention to occur? Also, I haven't noticed any difference in my lifts at the gym, and I'm beginning to feel rather discouraged.
jbennett Posts: 1,558 Joined: 2001/02/28	2002/12/05, 09:09 PM Its only been 5 days. Stick with it and train hard. The creatine will at least help your recuperation. I know you want fast results but this kind of stuff takes time. Just be patient; in a month you'll be posting how creatine is the best stuff in the world. -------------- --JBennett "I've up-ed my intensity.... now up yours!" "Pain is only weakness leaving the body." "Never think of how weak you are; think of how strong you're going to be."
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/12/05, 10:04 PM Took me about 2.5 weeks until I noticed a difference and I did'nt do the loading phase. -------------- The trouble with jogging is that, by the time you realize you are not in shape for it, it is too far to walk back! Franklin P. Jones Ivan Montreal Canada
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2002/12/05, 11:07 PM Normal range seems to be 2 weeks or so after the loading phase. Creatine is not a miracle performance enhancer, thought it does work. Give it a little time. Stick with it, you will see results. Creatine is a true working supplement. It is the most researched supplement ever. I would not have used the dextrose on the loading phase, but that is already done. You probably got some pretty stiff insulin surges when they weren't really needed. -------------- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary!
hey_yoda Posts: 36 Joined: 2002/10/03	2002/12/06, 12:48 AM Thanks guys for the encouragement. I'll stick with it, and see how things go and I'll be back to tell about it :)
Lumina20 Posts: 966 Joined: 2001/10/31	2003/01/02, 11:15 PM would it be beneficial if i only took creatine for a month or do i have to take it longer????
ageis Posts: 198 Joined: 2002/10/25	2003/01/03, 12:34 AM It may be benificial to only take creatine for a month. Maybe it maybe be benificial to take creatine for 2 months. It all depends on if the user is satisfied with the results I suppose. Most people I know find it benificial to take it in 2 month intervals. It's all up to you ma'am.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/01/04, 12:42 PM I guess a good rule of thumb is when you feel your gains are at a standstill, and you have depleted all other options...i.e....increasing calories, changing your routine, etc.,then it is probably time to get off and reload. Usually try 3 weeks between, creatine does not totally deplete from your system for some time. Reloading thouroughly depleted is much more beneficial. -------------- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary!
nobull Posts: 53 Joined: 2002/06/24	2003/01/06, 05:01 PM I think I'm in the minority when I say that creatine does not need to be loaded. In fact, some studies indicated that loading is not necessary. I've loaded only once in my life, and I'll never load again.
ageis Posts: 198 Joined: 2002/10/25	2003/01/06, 09:50 PM There's creatine products out there which doesn't consist a loading phase. One of the most recommended products, MHP's Trac creatine (time released), allows you to take one heaping spoonful per day of only 5g of creatine, but again, most individuals prefer to load.
mothboy Posts: 17 Joined: 2003/01/03	2003/01/08, 03:04 PM what about creatine serum? what are the real facts about it? does it works or is it trash? -------------- Pain is weakness leaving the body
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/01/08, 04:10 PM Based on everything I've read, creatine serum is not good, nor does it work. I agree that a loading phase is not necessary as long as you're willing to be patient. Me, I'm not so patient and like to get my muscles saturated quickly, so I do load. It is good you brought that point up, nobull. hey_yoda, it is possible that you're a non-responder. I know I saw the weight gain only a few days after my load, but I couldn't speak generally on when you should see it. Has it worked out for you yet? -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan
anewfoundsin Posts: 37 Joined: 2003/01/04	2003/01/09, 04:20 PM whats a loadin plan? someone said its not wise to take creatine forever? ex. more than 2 months straight?
rebfootball Posts: 20 Joined: 2003/01/03	2003/01/11, 07:08 PM Ok, so you all are suggesting to not load the first time you use it, correct?
ageis Posts: 198 Joined: 2002/10/25	2003/01/11, 08:03 PM You can load the first time you use it. We're just saying that there are similar products that don't really require a loading phase. If you read directions from variety of creatine brands, you'll understand that most recommend a loading phase for maximum results. The handfull of others usually say "no loading required" on the product. The person using creatine is the deciding factor of whether or not to load. It's safe either way.
rebfootball Posts: 20 Joined: 2003/01/03	2003/01/11, 08:49 PM Ok, mine says to load, so should I? What does loading exactly do? Just get your body used to it?