Beginners Query

[reder]

I am been training in judo all my life to a high level of intensity. I have now stopped and I wish to improve on my build. I am 5ft 8inches in height and about 64 kgs as a result of years of hard cardio work. I was advised that creatine monohydrate suppliments will definitely help me gain weight which I should then turn into muscle in the gym by weight lifting.

I have been using this product in capsule form which I bought in the web. I have been using it for 3+ weeks now and it has had no effect whatsoever. I recently met a friend of mine who told me I look very skinny. This product is supposed increase body mass not decrease it. Should I cease using this product or will my mass increase. I have recently purchased a second bottle of the product. My weight is about the same as before.

Please advise.

 

[Pylon]

In general, creatine helps you muscles hold more water, which helps them grow. (At least, that's the way I understand it.) Just taking it will not make you get bigger.

Also, I don't care for the pills that much. I like the powder much better, but that's just me.

What kind of lifting program are you on. What about your diet? Are you getting enough calories each day to grow? Post some more info and you will get lots of advice.

Welcome aboard!

 

[reder]

Firstly I take the capsules cos I am on the move all day. I leave for work at 6.45am and am not home until 6.45pm. From there I eat dinner, take 4 of the capsules and head to the gym or judo at 7pm. I know you are not supposed to eat before training but its a bad habit I started in my teens.

I take 4 capsules per day all at once of the following product.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/hp/creatinecaps.html

I go to the gym 3 times a week and train in judo 2 times a week now. In the gym I mostly (except for lats and chest presses(occassional)) use free weights I spend the first day of the week on my arms biceps, triceps, forearms reps of 10 and 15 at the highest weights I can lift. I also work on my chest.

On the second day I work on my legs and on the 3rd my back and shoulder.

I always mix in a session of cardio (running, rowing) as a warm up and warm. down.

I think the diet could be my problem, I dont have a bad diet at all. My tyical day is as follows:

Breakfast 6.30am: bowl of cereal, juice/water, yogurt,
Lunch 12.30 : 2 bread rolls, bunch of grapes, 2 pieces of fruit.
Dinner 6.45 : rice, pasta, fish, veg, red meat, chicken (not big portion of meat though).

Any help would be great.

oh yeah : I would eat 1 bar of white chocolate monday to friday, but NEVER each fast food etc.

 

[overthepond]

Looks like your diet generally consists of carbs, and mostly simple ones. Increase protein, eat 5-6 (smallish) meals a day. Go to diet forum and read the stickies then post a full diet breakdown and calorie totals.

 

[Arnold]

reder welcome to IM!

many people do not respond to regular creatine monohydrate, that is why I developed Maximum Pump which uses TriCreatine Malate.

 

[Pylon]

Looks like your diet generally consists of carbs, and mostly simple ones. Increase protein, eat 5-6 (smallish) meals a day. Go to diet forum and read the stickies then post a full diet breakdown and calorie totals.

I agree. Lose the rolls (or at least make sure they are whole wheat,) get some protein in there, be it meat or whey. 1g/lb lean mass minimum every day. And more meals. Don't neglect veggies either. Read the stickies, you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[reder]

Thats great thanks, just one more thing. Are peanuts or potato wedges any good as a source. Heard contradictory info about both.