If i stop using creatine will i lose muscle mass?

[SoCoolGuy]

So I know there have been a lot of threads like this but I just can't seem to figure it out.
I have a couple of questions:

1. Besides improving my strength, will creatine improve the rate at which i gain muscle mass? (and I don't mean water weight)

2. After I stop using creatine, I know my strength will decrease and I will lose the water weight, but will I lose any muscle mass that I have gained through using creatine?

3. And what kind of creatine would you recommend me?

4. And how exactly does creatine help improve gains?

Thanks!

[Partyrocking]

So I know there have been a lot of threads like this but I just can't seem to figure it out.
I have a couple of questions:

1. Besides improving my strength, will creatine improve the rate at which i gain muscle mass? (and I don't mean water weight)

As far as I know, the answer is no.

2. After I stop using creatine, I know my strength will decrease and I will lose the water weight, but will I lose any muscle mass that I have gained through using creatine?

No, and you probably won't notice the strength decrease as it will be slight.

3. And what kind of creatine would you recommend me?

Bulk monohydrate, 3-5g a day. There are other types, but IMO no evidence any of them are any better than mono.

4. And how exactly does creatine help improve gains?

Creatine allows your muscles to store ATP (energy). The energy gets released during times of stress (for our purposes training), and this allows you to either get a few more pounds on the bar or an extra rep. It will give you improved results over time. It's not particularly noticeable in any one session.

Thanks!

You're welcome

[SoCoolGuy]

Thanks man, repped!!!

[sakmsb]

Thanks man, repped!!!

I hope you weren't being gender specific while thanking :P

[aberry9475]

Lean mass no, absolute (total) mass potentially. Creatine has the effect of pulling additional water into your muscles and can have a (small) potential volumizing effect in that regard. If you go off of it you'll keep all of your lean gains, but you will lose that water which may cause a (again, trivial) decrease in size. The only thing I have to argue is I do notice the difference when I'm off creatine versus when I have started it and been on it for a full week or so. It's not a big difference, but a couple extra reps here and there for sure. There's no need to cycle creatine though, I recommend just getting on it and staying on it (and drinking lots of water).

[NancySigzen]

Hi All,

I have a question regarding supplements intake. I heard from my friends that taking supplements are not good for health and it may damage kidney. Is it true or just a myth....please answer

[daduncan]

So I know there have been a lot of threads like this but I just can't seem to figure it out.
I have a couple of questions:

1. Besides improving my strength, will creatine improve the rate at which i gain muscle mass? (and I don't mean water weight)

2. After I stop using creatine, I know my strength will decrease and I will lose the water weight, but will I lose any muscle mass that I have gained through using creatine?

3. And what kind of creatine would you recommend me?

4. And how exactly does creatine help improve gains?

Thanks!

You will lose some endurance but your 1RM and lower rep potential will not change. You will not lose any muscle mass only water weight. Just buy creatine monohydrate, Optimum Nutrition is good. I take 7-10g a day and never cycle (other when I forget to take it).

[daduncan]

Hi All,

I have a question regarding supplements intake. I heard from my friends that taking supplements are not good for health and it may damage kidney. Is it true or just a myth....please answer

Your friends have no clue what they're taking about. That's an extremely generalizing statement. Some supplmenets are dangerous and can damage your kidneys but definitely not most of them or all of them. Pre-workouts tend to be more dangerous in general and that's why I never use them. If you're considering specific supplments tell me what they are and I'll let you know if they're safe.