>Guys,
>
>I would appreciate any input or experience you have with the use of
creatine.
>I personally have noticed extra long-term endurance while being on the
'cycle'
>of creatine.  I also understand that it makes muscle tissue retain water
(like
>steriods without the side-effects, though).  That could be beneficial with
>respect to hydration, yes/no? Are you aware of any adverse affects related
to
>diving, or otherwise??
>>

Creatine is a "cellular volumizer"....it increases strength and recovery
speed, by  increasing the volume of nutrients the muscle cells pull into
themselves, along with an increased volume of fluid.
This accounts for the bloated look many creatine users experience, and it
also relates to a major danger to us as tech divers-----the creatine use
requires a massive increase in water consumption, to prevent dehydration of
the muscle tissue itself, from the osmotic changes the creatine will cause.
If you use creatine, ABSOLUTELY use the 2 gallon of water a day minimum
intake, and do not use creatine within 24 hours of deep diving.
Creatine can provide you with excellent strength gains, and much better
ability to recover from hard, muscular workouts. It is NOT one of the
supplements which those desiring major weight loss will want to experiment
with!!! It may even make you look 25 pounds heavier!!!  For endurance
athletes, it will also help with muscle recovery after long rides or runs,
and the energy issue you refer to is most likely the higher nutrient load
the cells in your muscles experieince, potentially "storing" more energy for
you to use over the course of a long ride/run. Use of creatine just prior to
a hard bike ride or run would NOT be advisable, due to the temporarily
dehydrating effects it has on your muscle tissue.  Take it AFTER you finish,
and are "re-hydrated".
Regards,
Dan

--
Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'.
Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.

Navigate by Author: [Previous] [Next] [Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject: [Previous] [Next] [Subject Search Index]

[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]

[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]