Creatine+Contest Prep(please help!)

[bull_nova]

I'm not sure if I should take creatine prior to a contest. I'm about 6 1/2 weeks out from a show and I'm not sure if a should start continue taking it or stop until a week before the show, or just lay off until after the show. I am currently also taking HMB and Glutamine. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[toolegit2quit]

I was advised to drop the dextrose i take with my creatine at 8 weeks out and was taking just creatine with water until 4 weeks out then dropped it completely.

[primo]

The best thing to do is drink a post workout drink with 50g of protein and 50-75g of carbohydrates. These carbs can come from sugar because your insulin will show a much higheer affinity for muscle cells in you post workout period. I would say keep on your creatine to help with your workouts until your a few weeks out, then drop it to get rid of the extra water it holds.

[Timbo]

I don't see any need to drop the creatine. Creatine is a cell volumizer and the water that it draws with it goes INTO the cell, in intracellular space. This is opposed to water in the EXTRAcellular compartment, which would be detrimental in the exhibition of maximum muscularity and striations.

[Antonio]

Best advice I can give is to lay off the creatine until 5-6 days before you need to peak, and then load again. That will make your muscles fuller, save you a lot of money on creatine and lessen the risk of looking bloated.

[Dave]

www.USABodybuilding.com

Originally posted by Antonio
Best advice I can give is to lay off the creatine until 5-6 days before you need to peak, and then load again. That will make your muscles fuller...

exactly, then add in a little taraxatone just in case you took in too much creatine and "spilled over".. but not too much tarax, you want to eliminate excess water under the skin and not flatten out...

Dave
www.USABodybuilding.com