Cardio/Creatine question

[MikeMartial]

Question:

Does anyone here currently use creatine and do intense cardio training?

I'm curious as to opinions, experiences, studies, etc.

Karma to follow all replies!

 

[pintoca]

From a theroretical point of view, the kind of Energy System that Creatine helps rebuild (ATP System) is not used for long-lasting cardio activities, but only for explosive, short-duration bursts.

I could say you would benefit if you are sprinting, but for long sessions, I wouldn't really expect a benefit.

 

[MikeMartial]

You must spread some Karma around before giving it to pintoca again.

Consider that an IOU

 

[0pus]

I am a cyclist and was curious if creatine would be of any benefit so I gave it a try.

My results...while I feel that it contributed to some performance gains (mostly strength), I found the sides outweighed the benefits. My competing weight is important and water gain is one of my worst enemies...I felt sluggish and heavy on the bike, especially while climbing hills. When I had to sprint or push my anaerobic zone I got the worst muscle pumps in my legs leaving me useless until I had a few minutes to recover=got dropped in races, not a plus. The water retention is great if you're in the gym trying to put on mass and it will definitely help you push out a couple extra reps but I personally saw no benefit from an endurance stand point. Hope that helps.

Maybe you should try it and see what happens.

 

[MikeMartial]

Thanks for the reply, Opus

I've actually currently taking it while training in TKD; since it's both an aerobic and anaerobic activity, I thought it might help out...and it has, to a small degree.

Interesting experience with the biking....I would think that dehydration would be a common negative side effect, but I never thought a "flash pump" like that in the legs would happen.

Rock climbing season is back in full swing, and while not an aerobic sport per se, it does require some anaerobic endurance...and I've never climbed while on creatine. I guess we'll see what happens

 

[0pus]

Mike,

thanks for the K. I usually take electrolyte capsules or an electrolyte drink mix especially if I'm doing rides over 90min. That takes care of any worries of dehydration.

I've never used creatine while climbing. Maybe it can help with the stop and go while on a route. Works great for activities that involve short bursts of energy where the body is utilizing it's ATP stores as a primary fuel source i.e. 100m-200m sprints or... maybe bouldering.

Unfortunatly it seems to have little benefit from an endurance standpoint if I'm on the bike for 4+hrs and yes, the pumps were completely debilitating. I felt like a gimp