Lifting, Plateau?

[Bretmj1]

I've been lifting for about 6 months, 3-5 times a week and have been taking creatine. At first I was getting noticeable gains in both strength and size, now i feel like either the mirror is playing tricks on me or i'm just not getting any bigger. Does your body get used to creatine? I'm taking the Cr5 from gnc, its my 3rd bottle non stop. Also, Does your body get used to a diet to where you wont get as good as gains from eating the right foods? I feel like i'm not getting any bigger and not gaining any stregnth. Would it make sense to stop lifting for a week or two then pick it back up full force? What do you guys think? Thanks alot

 

[Protobuilder]

At first I was getting noticeable gains in both strength and size

Beginner gains. Typical. You probably just experienced the best growth of your life. LoL

now i feel like either the mirror is playing tricks on me or i'm just not getting any bigger. . . . Does your body get used to a diet to where you wont get as good as gains from eating the right foods?

As your body weight goes up, you have to increase your calories in proportion in order to keep growing. You've gained weight. Now you need to add more fuel to keep going.

I feel like i'm not getting any bigger and not gaining any stregnth. Would it make sense to stop lifting for a week or two then pick it back up full force? What do you guys think?

Probably no need. Lay out your training program for the past few months. The only time you'd "need" a week off is if you're pushing yourself into overtraining.

In the meantime, do yourself a favor and read through the sticky. Pay attention to madcow's geocities website and start reading.

 

[platinum ice]

Yes, everyone hit plateaus. Now is a good time to kick up the calories and take in more food. As previously stated, you need more fuel. Also, some people have success cycleing Creatine. Something like 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off. Make sure when you hit your plataeus that you are changing up your excercises. Do a completely different way of working the same muscles. Instead of doing flat barbell bench press, try flat dumbell presses for awhile. Do different things to shake up your routine.