Denis, I've joined the Creatine Club since reading this article, and from what I can tell, it is indeed providing some benefits. But then last night a cycling friend told me that you're supposed to (ahem) cycle through creatine, a process that basically comprises a loading phase (which you mention), then a maintenance phase (lasting four to six weeks), then a time-off phase (lasting two to four weeks). Then, it's a lather-rinse-repeat situation. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks!
That's a dated protocol. They used to think you, based on animal studies, that you needed to cycle to renew sensitivity, but that's no longer believed.
That said, I like to take a break from sups. I feel like it's a good check-in point to see what happens, maybe consider altering my protocol.
If I go down to Lindberg I'm going to be faced with 10 different brands to choose from in the creatine aisle. And to complicate matters further, there may be formulations which are less beneficial/effective than others (e.g., as with glucosamine sulfate vs glucosamine HCL).
Can you please tell us which one(s) *you* take? Thanks in advance
So, another creatine-related question: a friend told me that HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate) and creatine "go well together" -- apparently, the former helps keep muscles from being broken down as much during exercise, so (presumably) recovery is faster/easier? What are your thoughts on this?
Ironically, I was assigned an article on HMB for a magazine just last week, so I'm talking to a bunch of experts. I'll put a pin in this question, get a solid answer, and do an HMB newsletter.
Denis, I've joined the Creatine Club since reading this article, and from what I can tell, it is indeed providing some benefits. But then last night a cycling friend told me that you're supposed to (ahem) cycle through creatine, a process that basically comprises a loading phase (which you mention), then a maintenance phase (lasting four to six weeks), then a time-off phase (lasting two to four weeks). Then, it's a lather-rinse-repeat situation. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks!
Hey Todd -
That's a dated protocol. They used to think you, based on animal studies, that you needed to cycle to renew sensitivity, but that's no longer believed.
That said, I like to take a break from sups. I feel like it's a good check-in point to see what happens, maybe consider altering my protocol.
Thanks!
Also, thank you for the additional links you incorporated into the article that are not related to working out; i.e., inflammation, etc.
Of course! if you ever need links to stuff I mention that I've left out, let me know and I'll add them.
Found this article absolutely fascinating. Thank you!
OK, I'm convinced. But I'm a novice.
If I go down to Lindberg I'm going to be faced with 10 different brands to choose from in the creatine aisle. And to complicate matters further, there may be formulations which are less beneficial/effective than others (e.g., as with glucosamine sulfate vs glucosamine HCL).
Can you please tell us which one(s) *you* take? Thanks in advance
Go for straight creatine monohydrate with nothing else in it. Don’t worry about bells and whistles. NOW is a good brand. So is Optimal Nutrition.
So, another creatine-related question: a friend told me that HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate) and creatine "go well together" -- apparently, the former helps keep muscles from being broken down as much during exercise, so (presumably) recovery is faster/easier? What are your thoughts on this?
Ironically, I was assigned an article on HMB for a magazine just last week, so I'm talking to a bunch of experts. I'll put a pin in this question, get a solid answer, and do an HMB newsletter.