Is Creatine worth the weight gain?

[Poser]

From a strength perspective over the years, I have observed that I hit a ceiling on a my bench press right around 235# where the only way I'm getting past that is supplementing with creatine. My strength levels can fluctuate dramatically through the year depending on how much conditioning, skiing, backpacking etc I'm doing with my bench press at times being no more than bodyweight (usually around 205#) for reps to as high being north of 260# for sets of 3s or 5s. Having cycled on and off creatine many times before settling in to the mega doses for more of a focus on the cognitive benefits, I have absolutely observed that pattern of hitting a wall while not being on creatine vs. being able to run up my strength quite a bit for weeks on end beyond that wall while supplementing creatine.

 

[merkedmallard]

Just started taking creatine due to this thread. Is the 5g of creatine you are adding to your water dissolving well?

I'm usually rushed in the morning and shaking the water bottle a few times still leaves a bit off powder undissolved, which I slog down anyway.

 

[Poser]

Just started taking creatine due to this thread. Is the 5g of creatine you are adding to your water dissolving well?

I'm usually rushed in the morning and shaking the water bottle a few times still leaves a bit off powder undissolved, which I slog down anyway.

Its difficult to get it fully dissolved in water without using a mechanical blender. But, it doesn't really matter, so long as you consume it all.

 

[brca005]

Just started taking creatine due to this thread. Is the 5g of creatine you are adding to your water dissolving well?

I'm usually rushed in the morning and shaking the water bottle a few times still leaves a bit off powder undissolved, which I slog down anyway.

Just dry scoop it, throw a scoop in, take a sip of water and down the hatch it goes, it's called efficiency and nothing left over in the shaker. I do it, mainly because I hate seeing the undissolved powder left over. It's really not as terrible as it sounds once you get used to it.

 

[Trimbandit]

Yep, strait powder then a swig of water. Works every time.

For anyone not taking creatine I question "why?"

The only downside I can see is you will gain 2-5 lbs of water weight in the first month.

I know some folks get an upset stomach, that's a legitimate concern.

Are you concerned about something you heard decades ago? Worried it isn't safe? Worried it isn't natural or it will stop your creatine production?

 

[Dos Perros]

For anyone not taking creatine I question "why?"

Gives me anxiety.

 

[BBob]

still leaves a bit off powder undissolved

It's notorious for its limited solubility, a lot of it just gets suspended in the mix. You can do things to make it better but I just add mine to the post exercise recovery drink. Shake well, drink and not worry about it.

 

[Trimbandit]

Gives me anxiety.

That's a fair reason not to take it.
I don't know if you have experimented with other types of creatine. Monohydrate is the most common and cheapest by far. But there are a half a dozen or so more.