Hey guys, I've been working out for almost a month now and I'm thinking about using some of this stuff, some people have advised me to go for it. I'm not going to go for Proteins, because I don't want to get bigger in overall size. I've got big bones and am generally well built so I don't think I need that stuff. I'd love some specific info on this though. Creatine is what I'm looking at using right now. No one has been able to explain to me how it works, or if it has any serious side effects, bla bla. All I've heard is that it brings out your cuts somehow. I would LOVE some very detailed info on this if you guys could help me out. Any other advice in this department would be great. I've just begun lifting weights for 3 weeks or so, forst time in my life. I'm quite happy with my progress, except my biceps. Any pointers on a certain way to work out the biceps to get them bigger? My brothers told me that they had trouble getting their biceps to bulk up, but were ok in all other areas. I'm also still looking to drop weight, I need to drop around 8lbs of fat to reach my target. Should I be factoring added muscle right now or is it too early? I have some loose skin since I've dropped 26 or 27lbs in the past 6 or 7 months, which is why I'm thinking creatine would help. Is there something else I should look at? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
I dont know much about creatine, I work out (havent lifted in like a year, but just started up again yesterday by conicdence) and have always been told just to stay away from that stuff, but I remember having taken part in a thread like this awhile back and from what I remember some say its ok others dont. I dont want this thread to be like that, so I would say its your call.
Forgot something I wanted to add to that last post, I was wondering if anyone knows a good workout 1. For less weight more reps (looking to get cut) and 2. Good ab workout.
Get protein. Whey protein. Have a scoop right before working out and right after working out. The one after should also be had with a glass of Gatorade. Creatine doesn't have any documented ill effects as of yet. It's good, but it might be a little complicated for you right now. You have to drink a ton of water and you'll look a little bloated. It doesn't help bring out your cuts. The ONLY way that happens is by reducing your bodyfat. You don't do that by doing high reps to tone. That's a bunch of BS. For biceps, just do chinups and rows and then 3 sets of 6-12 of a bicep exercise of your choice (barbell curls,preacher curls, incline curls). Do chin-ups, lots of chin-ups. Not lat pulldowns, chin-ups. And no cheating...
WOW, news to me, my health teacher freshman year told me that doing less weight more reps would make you cut. Damn health teachers not knowing what they are talking about!
I thought I read recently that creatine worked something like Viagra. Anyone know if that's true? Or am I thinking of a different supplement. Just curious!
How old are you Sane? If you're under 30 or so it's not too hard to get cut if you are disciplined about working out, it's possible to get cut (but not big) just from aerobic exercise if you do it at a really high level regularly.
It's a common myth. The only thing it even has to do with making you cut is that you sweat alot and burn some fat. The burn doesn't mean a damn thing. Muscle tone is due to low body fat and muscle density. Low body fat is pretty obviously due to diet and activity level. Muscle density is from moving heavy weights. You do need a base of doing somewhat higher reps (8-15) first though before you do that.
The high reps thing is true. It will burn more body fat, but it wont grow your muscles, thats the problem with it. Are you absolutely positive that creatine doesn't bring out your cuts? I was told the opposite - to take it and minimize water intake and that it would bring out my cuts more. I'm well under 30, but am having a VERY difficult time losing these final 8lbs. That's why I'm looking for alternatives.
Creatine will not bring out your cuts. Not drinking water would be really stupid. Kidney stones? Honestly if you want to lose the last 8 lbs. make sure your diet is in check and look up "high intensity interval training."
go to www.bodybuildingforyou.com that should explain anything you want to know there are probably a ton of sites out there that you could find, but when i was working out i used this site. had good info and the webmaster of the site is pretty friendly. i emailed him with a few specific questions i had about some of the supplements and he was really helpful.
Sane, I pretty sure that you need whey protein because it helps to build lean muscle mass and it also gets to your muscles the quickest there by helping them to recover. Also when you take creatine, which I have, you have to drink tons of water or else you will get horrible cramps and also it messes with your stomach. Creatine helps with muscle recovery also but you do tend to gain a little water weight when you take it but it also helps with your strength in later sets. lastly, I am pretty much trying to do the same thing as you, you know slim down while getting cut. Anyways my friend who is a body builder basically said that I don't need to do the high rep low weight thing, he said that I just need to work out normal and do cardio 5-6 days a week. Hopefully I have helped you some.
Sane, I have worked out for over 2 years and I don't take any supplements. However, if I had to choose between creatine and proteins, I would go with proteins. I know a guy who was on protein stuff and he claimed that it helped him immensely; however, I think it all depends on your genetics and body make-up but that is just a guess since I have never (and don't plan on) taking that stuff. I just feel like it is cheating and the easy way out; trust me, you haven't been working out long enough to think about that stuff. Wait til after a year and if you are still unsatisfied that you are not cut then think about the protein stuff. Too many people want instant results now when all it takes is a little hard work and some patience.
I'll second the chin-ups - I don't do a ton of working out, but my biceps have started to get cut just from the chin-ups I do. (I'm up to 15 - Yay!) I'd recommend getting an ab wheel for some serious abdominal strengthening. It also hits your chest and arms.
Manny, it's not like if you eat more protein your body is gonna miraculously change. You still have to work out hard, so it's not like steroids or some miracle supplement. Our bodies need protein anyways.
Sane, I'm in Dubai at the moment. And by no means am I an expert on strength training, but I went to a very good personal trainer and he taught me quiet a few useful things. I would be glad to meet you and help you draw out a meal plan and a work out routine if you are interested. I myself have not been seriously working out for over a month and have put on 5-10 lbs I wanna lose as well. But hey, I know a little bit about supplements and what to eat and how to work out. If you want I can post my Dubai number on here.
I agree completely that our bodies need protein; I just feel weird having a meal that is nothing but a protein shake. And I guess I should back up and say that just because I would never take supplements mean that I think people who do take them are lazy or doing something illegal. It just annoys me when I hear people wanting a "quick fix" or what they think is one.
manny i think its easier for some people "me" to take protien shakes while working out when your trying to gain weight. when you need 5 meals a day and you work and go to school you really just dont have enough time.
