Question about creatine.

[Douglas]

Would taking creatine help before a boxing workout? (Sparring rounds, the heavybag, running, etc.)? I've heard someone say it helps pump your muscles up more when lifting weights...

[Chris Nagel]

I wouldn't recommend it. It's not necessary for your workout, you can get some extra energy by setting up when you eat, or some simple carbs that will help you get through the workout.

If you want to know about creatine ask AdamGB, he's very knowledgable on the subject. You just be sure you use the search feature beforehand.

[AdamGB]

Cheers Chris!

Personally I don't think that it's worth it, you don't want to be 'pumped up'. You want functional strength not simply hypertrophy (size).

Some one who just trains recreationally mostly for aesthetics might benefit from using it, simply because they want the size... All it's really good for in terms of performance is giving your ATP-CP energy system a little bit more CP (Creatine Phosphate) to work with.

Some one doing intense training for a sport though, you don't need to saturate your muscles with it, you'll be getting a bigger threshold from what you eat any way because your body NEEDS it. It's the same with the (supposed...) increase in efficiency it gives you in metabolising protein... if you're training competitively you're body is gonna adapt and get this any way.

It certainly has it's uses but I don't think that it's worth the bloat that you get from it, the last thing you want is water retention and useless bulk. Not only will you perform worse but you're gonna be out of your weight for no good reason.

Like Chris said, it's all about getting your carbs in, Glycogen is what you want in your system when you're training. You'll find that there's really very little need for supplements other than convenience... everything you need is out there in foods.

[Chris Nagel]

Glycogen, that's the word I was looking for. It's also important to replenish your body's fuel glycogen following a workout, this is especially important if you have multiple exercise sessions say instance roadwork, going to the gym, etc...

[FeuerFrei]

If you're going to use creatine, use it after your workout. Not before. It helps replenish your muscles. And make sure you keep yourself well hydrated at it tends to dry you out a bit

[Chris Nagel]

There's more to it. Purportedly it's been said that increases those levels which account for more energy in a workout, and other things around those lines.

I don't buy it, there are more important things to do.

[Trainer Monkey]

There's more to it. Purportedly it's been said that increases those levels which account for more energy in a workout, and other things around those lines.

I don't buy it, there are more important things to do.

Ive used creatine alot over the years Chris,what it mainly gives you is bounceback for the next day
You just hurt a little less,and are a bit more ready to go,its a minor aid,and a good one,but never assume it as a crutch

[AdamGB]

It's also worth noting that your body metabolises slightly less Calcium when you're on it.

Drink ya milk and you'll be fine though! :P

[LUCKY_13]

As stated above, you don't necessarily need it before or a workout. There are pro's and con's for its use. Especially in boxing.

PRO:
Creatine Monohydrate regenerates Adenosine Triphosphate, which delays fatigue.
It can add to power and speed increases, temporarily, because it makes muscle fibers absorb more amounts of water, giving more of that 'pumped up' feeling.
With correct water intake it helps produce more sweat, which cools down the body faster.

CON:
Water intake must be increased dramatically and correctly. Creatine draws more water away from the body and into muscle molecules. If it can not get enough water from intake, it will deplete the bones, kidneys, and liver of water.
If too much water is taken, it can cause a heavy and bloated feeling in the stomach.
Water intake, while using creatine, should be experimented with beforehand.
Because it depletes bones of water if it can not find any anywhere else, it may cause calcium deficiencies.
Side effects include headaches, cramps, dehydration and increased risk of injury.

There for, from personal knowledge and experience, Creatine before weight training may prove beneficial because it is slow-paced training. However with boxing, being fast with lots of movements, it may be hard to judge water requirements and you may be more prone to injury.

I suggest personally, take a little creatine in juice half hour before a boxing workout for two successive days. If there are any odd changes, feelings or problems I wouldn't use it again.

The best thing for boxing workouts is WATER alone. You can't go wrong with H20 because the body can tell you when to much is enough and when you aren't getting enough.

Creatine may upset this balance.

Peace!

[AdamGB]

cc

[Scrap]

Ill second that cc

[LUCKY_13]

This is gonna sound dumb but um...what does 'cc' mean?

Lol

[Chris Nagel]

It's short for 'cool click', these are positive points that show up under your rating.