View Full Version : Creatine Cycling
thatguy22
01-10-07, 6:30 pm
im taking creatine for the first time and just seeing that other people think. how do you guys cycle it? take anything else with it?
You can still be taking what you normally go with. You don't really have to cycle it, and you don't have to load. What kind are you taking?
Might aswell take a creatine/NO product... would save you from buying multiple bottles
naturalguy
01-10-07, 7:30 pm
Might aswell take a creatine/NO product... would save you from buying multiple bottles
Good call. You can go with a product like Animal Pump which is a lot more than just creatine or you can go with Storm.
Either way, you want to get between 3-5 grms of creatine a day. You can cycle it but you don't have to.
thatguy22
01-10-07, 8:26 pm
im just taking creatine monohydrate
im just taking creatine monohydrate
Give a chance to the Pump Bro and you will face a new reality.
G Diesel
01-11-07, 8:40 am
I love Pump preworkout, it is my all time favorite creatine workout. I've used it since it hit the market. Postworkout, I'll throw a scoop (5-10g) of creatine mono powder in my shake. Peace, G
Wasteland
01-11-07, 8:53 am
im just taking creatine monohydrate
The classic. Don't need to cycle, don't "need" to take any other supplements with it.
thatguy22
01-11-07, 10:11 am
thanks fellas
what's up with the creatine chews?
I saw them the other day and wondered if they were legit and worth the money? I've got storm now, but would the chews be worth investing in?
http://bodybuilding.com/store/univ/chews.html
RedIron 392
01-11-07, 6:49 pm
If you want cheap, then go with mono. If you want something to rock your workouts, then get Pump. Give it a go and if you don't like it, then don't buy it again. I will warn you, once you start it you'll start geekin' if you forget to take it before you workout!
Later
LuvsThePain
01-11-07, 6:51 pm
Just make sure to drink a lot of water. I heard it can be hard on your kidneys if you're not consuming enough H2O.
Wasteland
01-12-07, 8:14 am
what's up with the creatine chews?
I saw them the other day and wondered if they were legit and worth the money? I've got storm now, but would the chews be worth investing in?
http://bodybuilding.com/store/univ/chews.html
Chews are essentially creatine mono that's been punched into tablets for convenience. As a result, they cost a little more. If cost is the main issue, stick with bulk mono.
intoodeep25
07-08-07, 1:04 pm
i was taking creatine for a while without cycling, but decided to take a month off from it..or is three weeks long enough? i just got shock therapy and i really dont want to wait another week to start taking it lol
Iverson3030
07-08-07, 2:24 pm
3 weeks is plenty i say take it
dominate77
07-08-07, 2:24 pm
well than take it, i think its recommended to take about two weeks off so your already passed it
niladmirari88
07-08-07, 7:27 pm
should torrent be cycled at all?
Liftbig21
07-08-07, 8:19 pm
with the different types of creatines out now they dont NEED to be cycled however i like to take 2 weeks off from it to keep my body guessing and for moderation.2 weeks is plenty bro.
with the different types of creatines out now they dont NEED to be cycled however i like to take 2 weeks off from it to keep my body guessing and for moderation.2 weeks is plenty bro.
There is a lot of articles out there say to cycle, not to cycle.....I like to cycle creatines themselves. Like storm then to pump, just to switch it up a bit...I typically don't take any time off from creatine.
bobbymart
08-15-07, 9:54 pm
I take creatine in one form or another all the time and never cycle i don't think there is a need never heard of a good explanation as to why you would nee dto cycle it.
never_2_big
08-15-07, 10:24 pm
i use animal pump just like i use the pak and flex, every day whether im training or not. they way creatine is formulated these days theres no real need to cycle it.
SO get on that shock therapy and enjoy the results
ChandlerXJ
08-16-07, 7:34 am
I know there is conflicting info on cycling creatine, however, I personally think it's bull shit. I've been on creatine for 4 consecutive years. I've switched up the brand and the delivery system a bunch of times - and I have always had awesome results.
There was ONE time where I stopped creatine for a month. I guess it gets built up in your joints if you have been on it for a long time, and when you stop, it flushes out and creates a very small space where it was. This made me so sore I could literally not walk for a week. This could be coincidence, but I believe in the theory. I got back on and haven't been off since.
Space Cowboy
08-16-07, 10:16 am
should torrent be cycled at all?
No. Especially as its designed only for pwo, the chances are you'll be taking 2 or 3 days off of it a week anyway.
I think if you've been on something for a long period, its good to jus step off it for a week or two, see how your body responds. I did this for 3 weeks, laying off all supps (except way and amino's), to shock my body. I admit it was tough, my performance didnt decline, but every last rep was that bit harder. Then when i jumped back into supps this week (STORM/AAKG/TORRENT) i felt like a new man, like i'd wiped the slate clean. It brought new focus, insane intensity and the pumps were the best ive ever had, this has been my most fullfilling week with iron this year, my 1st week back after the supp layoff (coincidence?).
EASI
dedicated1
03-16-08, 4:32 pm
What is the best way to take creatine? Take it for 2 or 3 weeks straight and a week off or take it just on the days I lift? What worked best for everyone?
simpleguy
03-16-08, 4:38 pm
there is no best way... personnally, I take a break from creatine every once in a while (usually about 3-4 months on, 3-4 weeks off)
spyderman4g63
03-16-08, 4:50 pm
I don't think it is necessary to cycle off creatine. Maybe somebody else can back me up on this, but I have seen a few articles that say loading phase is not needed and there is no reason you need to cycle off. No added benefit to cycling off and no added side effects to staying on it.
I would say i follow something like simple guy does. On for a few months, then I might take a month break.
ralf_snake
03-17-08, 2:08 pm
I don't think it is necessary to cycle off creatine. Maybe somebody else can back me up on this, but I have seen a few articles that say loading phase is not needed and there is no reason you need to cycle off. No added benefit to cycling off and no added side effects to staying on it.
I would say i follow something like simple guy does. On for a few months, then I might take a month break.
So 1 month no Pump and Torrent
What do we take instead?
spyderman4g63
03-17-08, 2:46 pm
So 1 month no Pump and Torrent
What do we take instead?
You could just keep taking it. I don't know what to take instead. I don't usually add anything. Most of the time when i decide to cycle off it is a money issue. You could substitute in chicken , eggs or steak for that one month, lol.
I know we hear this on every post on this forum (because it is so true), but there is not substitute to a good diet. That is the one thing I have learned since joining. At any age I would recommend food first.
Wasteland
03-17-08, 3:10 pm
Why cycle?
never_2_big
03-17-08, 5:06 pm
Why cycle?
exactly, W... gotta keep those muscles saturated with creatine so that you can make the most of your workouts and recovery time...
i take pump just like i take pak anp flex, everyday!!!
exactly, W... gotta keep those muscles saturated with creatine so that you can make the most of your workouts and recovery time...
i take pump just like i take pak anp flex, everyday!!!
Hmmmm, i was also adviced to cycle creatine. I remember getting some stomachproblems after a while after using Lava/Torrent... I also had that before with Animal Max. So i figured it had to be the creatine and took a rest period from it... maybe i was wrong and wrongly instructed?
Will see what happens when i start taking Kre-Alkalyn.
Research has shown that once the muscles are fully saturated in creatine, there are no added benefits from long term use. In other words, If you already have a lot of creatine saturation in your muscles, there is no need to use for extended periods of time. Creatine Monohydrate is not a foundation supplement like Pak or Flex, so cycling is advised. 3-4 months on, 1 month on seems to work.
simpleguy
03-19-08, 8:28 am
Research has shown that once the muscles are fully saturated in creatine, there are no added benefits from long term use. In other words, If you already have a lot of creatine saturation in your muscles, there is no need to use for extended periods of time. Creatine Monohydrate is not a foundation supplement like Pak or Flex, so cycling is advised. 3-4 months on, 1 month on seems to work.
I agree 100%... I mean yeah fuck research, but your body gets used to everything
can you say, dear Joe who's been taking creatine daily for the last 12 months, that you still feel it like you did at first?
I personally will only take it on my workout days...and even then it is only 5g
I did my research before I got my last jug of creatine mono b/c I haven't used straight mono since high school days and Universal's brand is Creapure which is so good b/c it is micronized and I don't get the ridiculous water gain like I used to...and 1000g for like $25, awesome deal!
Wasteland
03-19-08, 8:51 am
Research has shown that once the muscles are fully saturated in creatine, there are no added benefits from long term use. In other words, If you already have a lot of creatine saturation in your muscles, there is no need to use for extended periods of time. Creatine Monohydrate is not a foundation supplement like Pak or Flex, so cycling is advised. 3-4 months on, 1 month on seems to work.
Can you cite studies? Though the body can manufacture creatine, "saturation" typically occurs through supplementation, though more recent research has indicated that high levels are unnecessary. In the old days, people were taking 10+ grams. Research has shown that as little as 2-3 grams is all that's needed, though anecdotally, lifters take more.
Creatine is a natural substances that's found in many foods typical to a bodybuilder's diet. Just like you wouldn't get "used to" amino acids, why would you get used to creatine? Maybe we're talking about two different things, pure creatine products vs. cell volumizing products (creatine plus other compounds, such as stims)?
never_2_big
03-19-08, 8:59 am
Research has shown that once the muscles are fully saturated in creatine, there are no added benefits from long term use. In other words, If you already have a lot of creatine saturation in your muscles, there is no need to use for extended periods of time. Creatine Monohydrate is not a foundation supplement like Pak or Flex, so cycling is advised. 3-4 months on, 1 month on seems to work.
that may be the case if youre not training but when you use energy you use up creatine phosphate stores so therefore there is a demand for more hence why there is no real need for an athlete of any kind to cycle creatine.
its simple: u lift you use creatine phosphate the replacement creatine has to come from somewhere. ie. your creatine supplement
Can you cite studies? Though the body can manufacture creatine, "saturation" typically occurs through supplementation, though more recent research has indicated that high levels are unnecessary. In the old days, people were taking 10+ grams. Research has shown that as little as 2-3 grams is all that's needed, though anecdotally, lifters take more.
Creatine is a natural substances that's found in many foods typical to a bodybuilder's diet. Just like you wouldn't get "used to" amino acids, why would you get used to creatine? Maybe we're talking about two different things, pure creatine products vs. cell volumizing products (creatine plus other compounds, such as stims)?
I just read about this on bb.com under articles about creatine. I just cycle off for about a month because it works for me and other people I talk to. Ultimately the decision is yours. You need to experiment with what works for your body. I like to cycle off for a month after a couple of month on mono.
I personally will only take it on my workout days...and even then it is only 5g
I did my research before I got my last jug of creatine mono b/c I haven't used straight mono since high school days and Universal's brand is Creapure which is so good b/c it is micronized and I don't get the ridiculous water gain like I used to...and 1000g for like $25, awesome deal!
Where did you get Universal's creatine? I can't find it on any online retailers. Heard some good shit about Creapure.
Where did you get Universal's creatine? I can't find it on any online retailers. Heard some good shit about Creapure.
you can't go wrong w/creapure...it has practically no taste and the water gain is minimal if any
my advice would be to go to www.froogle.com and put in Universal creatine monohydrate and see what you can find
Universal Rep
03-19-08, 3:05 pm
I just read about this on bb.com under articles about creatine. I just cycle off for about a month because it works for me and other people I talk to. Ultimately the decision is yours. You need to experiment with what works for your body. I like to cycle off for a month after a couple of month on mono.
If it works, stick to it, M... Me, I don't cycle. Don't need to with creatine. I'm in the "don't need to cycle creatine" camp.
If it works, stick to it, M... Me, I don't cycle. Don't need to with creatine. I'm in the "don't need to cycle creatine" camp.
Yeah, I was part of that, but I held way too much waterweight.
I have just started out on Kre-Alkalyn from Universal today. Will keep you updated how it goes.
Universal Rep
03-19-08, 4:02 pm
Yeah, I was part of that, but I held way too much waterweight.
Intracelluar or extracellular? Cheap creatine can sometimes give you a "bloat".
Universal Rep
03-19-08, 4:02 pm
I have just started out on Kre-Alkalyn from Universal today. Will keep you updated how it goes.
Sweet.
Cycle 3 months on 1 month off. It works way way better.
What about pump? It is a "staple" should we ever take a break? How about ST? St says to take on training days, so on non training days I take Pump minus the red pill.
Any thoughts?
The only time I cycle off is when I don't have any money. you take creatine all the time with fish, beef and chicken. you just load with supps, your body uses creatine naturally and does not produce it on its own. use only good quality mono with the stuff to transport it into your muscle, the sugary stuff works but not for the people on diets. remember...
CHEEP usually= BLOAT. Just Say NO to Wal-Mart brands.
The only time I cycle off is when I don't have any money. you take creatine all the time with fish, beef and chicken. you just load with supps, your body uses creatine naturally and does not produce it on its own. use only good quality mono with the stuff to transport it into your muscle, the sugary stuff works but not for the people on diets. remember...
CHEEP usually= BLOAT. Just Say NO to Wal-Mart brands.
Well you're kinda right on some parts, and wrong on some others. Creatine is created in your body up to but not limited to 5mg per day ;)
[QUOTE=Shukin;331225]What about pump? It is a "staple" should we ever take a break? How about ST? St says to take on training days, so on non training days I take Pump minus the red pill.
Any thoughts?[/QUO
Yes, Pump is a staple supplement, but I strongly recommend using regular mono on your off days and reserve Pump for training days. If you have the money, then by all mean, go ahead, minus the stims. Shock Therapy should only be taken on training days because you can't take out the stims in ST like you can in Pump.
Ya got me PRESTON.. my bad. all vertibrates produce creatine, just small ammounts.
Universal Rep
03-24-08, 11:46 am
What about pump? It is a "staple" should we ever take a break? How about ST? St says to take on training days, so on non training days I take Pump minus the red pill.
Any thoughts?
Ya might benefit from cycling Shock, as the stims are built in. As for Pump, because you can easily remove the stims if need be, no need to cycle it.
Creatinine, not creatine is contained in meat. Its the breakdown
prodcut of creatine. So all that does is get filtered by your kidneys.
Its also excreted by the distal tubule.
Universal Rep
03-24-08, 4:22 pm
Creatinine, not creatine is contained in meat. Its the breakdown
prodcut of creatine. So all that does is get filtered by your kidneys.
Its also excreted by the distal tubule.
Where did ya get this info from?
Beef contains both creatine and creatinine...
ChandlerXJ
03-24-08, 4:23 pm
The creatine monohydrate that universal sells is the best, it's crazy pure and honestly, you cant go wrong with the original
I also don't cycle creatine - I'll give you a few reasons... First, I figure they want you to cycle it so you keep feeling the initial effects... the fullness, the energy etc... I mean, I know what it does, I don't need to feel the effects every 4 months to know it's working... Second, creatine gets stored in the spaces between muscles too, joints, etc... if you stop taking it after long term use, it will flush out, it will leave tiny tiny tiny spaces where it once was too - and this creates the most intense total body soreness you'll ever experience... I had that happen about 3 times in my life and never ever again will I do that. I'm a creatine lifer!
Universal Rep
03-24-08, 4:26 pm
The creatine monohydrate that universal sells is the best, it's crazy pure and honestly, you cant go wrong with the original
I also don't cycle creatine - I'll give you a few reasons... First, I figure they want you to cycle it so you keep feeling the initial effects... the fullness, the energy etc... I mean, I know what it does, I don't need to feel the effects every 4 months to know it's working... Second, creatine gets stored in the spaces between muscles too, joints, etc... if you stop taking it after long term use, it will flush out, it will leave tiny tiny tiny spaces where it once was too - and this creates the most intense total body soreness you'll ever experience... I had that happen about 3 times in my life and never ever again will I do that. I'm a creatine lifer!
I can understand cycling products that contain creatine in them, products with say, stims or other compounds. But cycling straight creatine, like mono?
Does anyone ever load up on creatine these days? I thought all that did was make me piss 15g of nice creatine into the throne...
ChandlerXJ
03-24-08, 7:40 pm
Rep - I meant I say no to cycling straight mono - I always use it, if I use storm, shock, or anything else with it in the product, those are cycled... I keep creatine mono always.