Dmit
02-09-2006, 06:36 PM
I am 18, I don't bodybuild but I do strength train. I am more lanky than buff, although I am NOT lanky (6'0, 171 lbs), if that makes sense. I do have a nice six-pack and I like my "slender" look, so not necessarily looking to "bulk up" dramatically or anything, but continued weight gain through strength training is something I would like to achieve since I do play basketball in a league and take martial arts.
Creatine question: So one of my friends, who actually hasn't lifted before, is now lifting and taking creatine. I am not aware of the specific effects on him or anything but it really got me reading about creatine. So here are my questions:
1.)Is the water gain: muscle gain ratio, in lbs, 1:1 or something else? I heard 15lbs are gained the first month, on avg. It seems like gaining 7.5lbs is kinda alot?
2.)Will consistent creatine use, even if I don't take specifically prior to sprint training, a ball game, or martial arts, reduce my ability to perform in those areas, in terms of speed? Since I will have added so much water weight by retaining it?
3.)How much of a "bloated" feel is there? Will I look bloated too? Because I don't really want to feel bloated all the time (like when you overeate sometimes and then the morning after) or lose my 6-pack look.
4.)Since the most gains are, understanbly, made within the first month... What happens if I stop using it? I realize since creatine actually automatically makes you a little bit stronger, that I will likely be able to lift a little less than when I used it... But will I be able to gain more strengh from training a month on creatine than without, considering that I will quit using it after a month?
5.)My basic concern is with the bloating issue and the perception I have that those who are heavily engaged in aerobic sports may feel negative effects from the water retention and such. Remember, I am NOT a bodybuilder nor am I training to be an Olympic lifter. My spring workout are very important and when I run in general, I run to improve my times, not to burn calories.
NO2:
1.)Same questions about bloating. Same questions about negative effects on aerobic activity.
2.)This may sound funny, but I am now a college student and thinking is pretty important. If NO2 is supposed to give you a constant "pump", does this mean the blood that's supposed to go to my brain will be elsewhere, such as in my biceps? That is probably a very rookie question, but I am very curious. Or is the "pump" feeling not something constant, such as water retention with creatine, and is only present after a dose of NO2 prior to working out?
Another overall question I have is that I have read the main "blank" in research of the possible negative effects of creatine and NO2 is that it is yet unknown what kind of effects they have on the heart, since the heart is also a muscle. Any more info on this that anyone is aware of?
*Note: With regards to my concerns of negative effects on aerobic activity, I AM perfectly aware that you don't take either substance prior to a 1-hour run or a basketball game.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any info would be appreciated. I wrote this fast and some parts may be unclear. Please let me know, I'll gladly clarify anything. Thanks, again.
Creatine question: So one of my friends, who actually hasn't lifted before, is now lifting and taking creatine. I am not aware of the specific effects on him or anything but it really got me reading about creatine. So here are my questions:
1.)Is the water gain: muscle gain ratio, in lbs, 1:1 or something else? I heard 15lbs are gained the first month, on avg. It seems like gaining 7.5lbs is kinda alot?
2.)Will consistent creatine use, even if I don't take specifically prior to sprint training, a ball game, or martial arts, reduce my ability to perform in those areas, in terms of speed? Since I will have added so much water weight by retaining it?
3.)How much of a "bloated" feel is there? Will I look bloated too? Because I don't really want to feel bloated all the time (like when you overeate sometimes and then the morning after) or lose my 6-pack look.
4.)Since the most gains are, understanbly, made within the first month... What happens if I stop using it? I realize since creatine actually automatically makes you a little bit stronger, that I will likely be able to lift a little less than when I used it... But will I be able to gain more strengh from training a month on creatine than without, considering that I will quit using it after a month?
5.)My basic concern is with the bloating issue and the perception I have that those who are heavily engaged in aerobic sports may feel negative effects from the water retention and such. Remember, I am NOT a bodybuilder nor am I training to be an Olympic lifter. My spring workout are very important and when I run in general, I run to improve my times, not to burn calories.
NO2:
1.)Same questions about bloating. Same questions about negative effects on aerobic activity.
2.)This may sound funny, but I am now a college student and thinking is pretty important. If NO2 is supposed to give you a constant "pump", does this mean the blood that's supposed to go to my brain will be elsewhere, such as in my biceps? That is probably a very rookie question, but I am very curious. Or is the "pump" feeling not something constant, such as water retention with creatine, and is only present after a dose of NO2 prior to working out?
Another overall question I have is that I have read the main "blank" in research of the possible negative effects of creatine and NO2 is that it is yet unknown what kind of effects they have on the heart, since the heart is also a muscle. Any more info on this that anyone is aware of?
*Note: With regards to my concerns of negative effects on aerobic activity, I AM perfectly aware that you don't take either substance prior to a 1-hour run or a basketball game.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any info would be appreciated. I wrote this fast and some parts may be unclear. Please let me know, I'll gladly clarify anything. Thanks, again.