Another age old question for the great minds...

[Yo Daddy]

I have been cutting for the past 8 weeks or so and have dropped about 28 lbs. I'm wondering whether to begin supplementing creatine in during the next 8-10 weeks of the cut.

Two things say "yes" this is a good idea. 1.) While I have been gaining strength and a bit of muscular size due to muscle memory, the nature of dieting will eventually prevent this and break muscle down. Creatine could help this process by slowing it/preventing it. 2.) Have heard creatine itself provides greater intensity for workouts which allows for increased workload/caloric burn during workouts.

The other side is both physical and psychological. The first is the issue of creatine actually being effective during this type of a regiment - circuit training/HIIT cardio isn't necessarily conducive for muscle/strengh gain. Second, is that water retention and size increase could screw with my ability to see fat loss and thus my motivation to continue to kill myself "for fun."

Thoughts... questions... experience? Help me out, I'm trying to learn from your mistakes/successes.

[Twistdenigma]

Water retention with creatine is inside the muscle, not so much subcutaneous. Unless you're on a ckd, I'd toss the creatine in there. Personally, I believe HIIT gives you the best chance of burning the most fat with the least amount of muscle loss overall.

[Twistdenigma]

Originally Posted by Twistdenigma

Personally, I believe HIIT gives you the best chance of burning the most fat with the least amount of muscle loss overall.

I'm sorry if that statement is confusing.

[Puddles]

Originally Posted by Twistdenigma

I'm sorry if that statement is confusing.

I think it was clear.

[Yo Daddy]

Not it was totally clear... so if I integrated creatine into my cutting phase, how much and what kind would you recommend? And, assuming I followed these instructions to a T, what else (supplement wise) would be included as well? I'm natural so clen is probably not what I would choose...

Lastly, what would change in appearance, and numerically in body weight or weights lifted, if creatine and other supps. were added?

Thanks for your patience... you are helping my future success.

[Twistdenigma]

I don't use creatine. I tried it a few times along time ago and it does nothing for me. I've used di-creatine malate 2 years ago coming off a cycle and liked it. I used it a few more times and continued to gain. More strength than appreciable size. I haven't tried it, but Creatine Ethyl Ester seems to be popular. I also read that it's very bitter, so you may want a capped version. Both products claim greater absorption and bioavailability than regular creatine. Recommended doseage is usually 2-5 grams per day.

Are you taking absolutely no supplements at all right now? If so, I'd jump on a multivitamin and some extra vitamin c. The longer I stay on BCAA's, the more I fall in love with them.

Check these links out for more info:
http://www.mmsfitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20526
http://www.mmsfitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21304
http://www.eas.com/training/vitaminchart.asp

As for what kind of results to expect and what not, that depends on the individual.

[Twistdenigma]

Originally Posted by Yo Daddy

Thanks for your patience... you are helping my future success.

Post away bro, that's why these forums are here. :woot

[Yo Daddy]

I have Optimum's Superior Amino Acids 2222, which I really haven't been using, as well as Chromium picolinate, CoQ10, L-Carnitine and glutamine. I have been taking glutamine with protein fairly consistently. When it comes to supplementation, I don't really utilize it the way I could. I don't have a multi-vitamin/multi-mineral I'm taking b/c the one I was using just didn't seem to make a difference to me. I ran out and haven't replace it.

What's a good mm/mv to take? I hear of GnC Men's Formula.
Where do I get BCAA's from and is the Amino acids I have good enough?

[Twistdenigma]

I used the GNC Men's formula or whatever I snag from vitamin world.
I get my BCAA's from www.superiornutraceuticals.com Great guy to do business with.
I would have to look up that product to see what's in it.

Consistency is the key with everything. For me, diet is the hardest aspect to be consistent with. I love to eat and I straight up love me some food. Be consistent with your diet and supplementation and you'll see results. You can take all the creatine, glutamine or testosteronamine you want, but if you're not consistent, you may as well flush it down the toilet.

[Yo Daddy]

Great point about consistency - it's true in pretty much every aspect of life. Physique definitely not being an exception. What do you do to cut? What's your diet/cardio/weight training look like? I'm trying to really kick up the intensity and bring my body into looking the way I want. I realize it won't happen overnight, but I want significant progress in the next 12 week.