Creatine monohydrate pre contest

[btufts]

do you guys use it pre contest? im starting to notice some strength loss as the weight is coming off so id thought id start a little

[Delt King]

I keep it in for the first couple months of prep but drop it later to make my weight class. I feel a huge strength difference without it though.

[ironwill]

Personally i keep it up until the last 10 days.........:)

[Praetorian]

Make sure it is Creapure brand and you can run it up to 2 weeks out....some tend to retain water extracellular which is why most drop it a week or two out.
P

[O-Train]

I'm debating keeping it all the way through to contest day (if I ever compete again). The only water retention I notice with creatine is intracellular so combined with lots of water and high electrolyte intake I may have a chance of not looking flat and actually have some vascularity for a change. Probably just use 5g/day.

[ironwill]

Make sure it is Creapure brand and you can run it up to 2 weeks out....some tend to retain water extracellular which is why most drop it a week or two out.
P

Agreed on the creapure, some of those cheapo stuff with fillers are responsible for bloat, cramps etc.....

[ironwill]

I'm debating keeping it all the way through to contest day (if I ever compete again). The only water retention I notice with creatine is intracellular so combined with lots of water and high electrolyte intake I may have a chance of not looking flat and actually have some vascularity for a change. Probably just use 5g/day.

I dont think it will affect vascularity.....But that gaspari liquid gels NO product sure works well prior to hitting stage, and hot stuff....

[Praetorian]

The best thing for vascularity is sodium...ie increased blood pressure...AMP works well to in addition to sodium.
P

[L3]

The best thing for vascularity is sodium...ie increased blood pressure...AMP works well to in addition to sodium.
P

P can you please elaborate on this? more sodium = higher BP = more vascular? or more sodium = more sodium out through the urine = vascular because of lack of subq water retention?

thanks!!

[Praetorian]

P can you please elaborate on this? more sodium = higher BP = more vascular? or more sodium = more sodium out through the urine = vascular because of lack of subq water retention?

thanks!!

An increase in sodium = elevated blood pressure = more vascularity....this is achieved once water is removed. Most beginners make the mistake of taking in sugar thinking the additional carbs will make them more vascular...hence all the rice cakes and jam and honey etc backstage.
P

[btufts]

Definately true, I'm at a low enough bf right now when I add more sodium my veins are popping out everywhere. I'm just starting to take my creatine again and no water retention. Definately taking it till 2 weeks out

[jfusion]

Make sure it is Creapure brand and you can run it up to 2 weeks out....some tend to retain water extracellular which is why most drop it a week or two out.
P

trying to find places to get creapure type creatine in the GTA but having hard time.. can any1 suggest a good place with great prices comparable to bodybuilding.com .. i cant wait 2+ weeks for my order to arrive.

[ironwill]

trying to find places to get creapure type creatine in the GTA but having hard time.. can any1 suggest a good place with great prices comparable to bodybuilding.com .. i cant wait 2+ weeks for my order to arrive.

Trueprotein.com just added it to their stock....great price as well

[steve_d]

Most beginners make the mistake of taking in sugar thinking the additional carbs will make them more vascular...P

can you elaborate on this? I have never had a time where the additional carbs hasn't increased vascularity...

not that vascularity even matter for on stage. I find its mostly genetics that determines vascularity in general. I am one of the least vascular guys I know, and it never hurts me to not have veins.

[Sandwiches]

An increase in sodium = elevated blood pressure = more vascularity....this is achieved once water is removed. Most beginners make the mistake of taking in sugar thinking the additional carbs will make them more vascular...hence all the rice cakes and jam and honey etc backstage.
P

rice cakes jam and honey? double chocolate cake and salt & vinegar chips is where it's at! lol

[Praetorian]

can you elaborate on this? I have never had a time where the additional carbs hasn't increased vascularity...

not that vascularity even matter for on stage. I find its mostly genetics that determines vascularity in general. I am one of the least vascular guys I know, and it never hurts me to not have veins.

Vascularity is a result of being very lean and having adequate blood pressure...it has little to do with carbs. Genetically some may have more vascularity than others yes but if you dont have adequate blood pressure....hence being flat...it wont make the slightest difference.
P

[Sandwiches]

...:D