Creatine: Everything You NEED to Know Before Taking
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Date: 2025-04-03
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Comments and reviews: 20
athleanx
Thank you God! I needed to know the effects of creatine on the kidneys and if I should take it or not. I went to the store to see the creatine supplements and was about to purchase it until I saw in the back a disclaimer that said that you need to drink creatine supplements with a lot of water. This is a prayer I didn't ask directly but I didn't know would be answered so soon. Glory be to God!
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
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Thank you God! I needed to know the effects of creatine on the kidneys and if I should take it or not. I went to the store to see the creatine supplements and was about to purchase it until I saw in the back a disclaimer that said that you need to drink creatine supplements with a lot of water. This is a prayer I didn't ask directly but I didn't know would be answered so soon. Glory be to God!
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
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coolturbog
Creatine for sure makes my hair shed. I started creatine 3 years back when I started working out. Never had hair loss worked out to lose weight for over 6 months then I had listened to a Anthlean X video back then I started taking creatine. It did make my muscles more full then a few weeks later I was washing out hair was fulling out at extreme level. I kept taking it because I had not linked the issue tried everything to stop the hairloss, and tried to figure out what I changed in my diet and the only thing was creatine. So I stopped taking it about a month later or so my hair stopped shedding and I was fine. Then a month ago I listen to more videos and they all say there is no link, so I tried again. 2 Weeks later my hair started shedding. I naturally have high levels of creatine in my body, on the high end of level without supplement. I think I am pushing my body over its happy limit that triggers the hairloss. I don't notice it does my my muscles more full but not make me stronger. I like my hair more than fullness. I am off again and my hair has slowed down loss a few more weeks hopefully I should be back to normal
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Creatine for sure makes my hair shed. I started creatine 3 years back when I started working out. Never had hair loss worked out to lose weight for over 6 months then I had listened to a Anthlean X video back then I started taking creatine. It did make my muscles more full then a few weeks later I was washing out hair was fulling out at extreme level. I kept taking it because I had not linked the issue tried everything to stop the hairloss, and tried to figure out what I changed in my diet and the only thing was creatine. So I stopped taking it about a month later or so my hair stopped shedding and I was fine. Then a month ago I listen to more videos and they all say there is no link, so I tried again. 2 Weeks later my hair started shedding. I naturally have high levels of creatine in my body, on the high end of level without supplement. I think I am pushing my body over its happy limit that triggers the hairloss. I don't notice it does my my muscles more full but not make me stronger. I like my hair more than fullness. I am off again and my hair has slowed down loss a few more weeks hopefully I should be back to normal
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sagwayourmybf
I have done three different personal trials with creatine with three different brands in the last two years (5g, 2. 5, and then 5g again. All led to the same thing: hair thinning, dehydration, increased heart rate (both resting, during exercise, and also the pounding heart rate feeling, increased blood pressure, and increased sweating (and inability to cool down effectively when playing basketball, including an ER visit one time because I thought I was having a heart attack. The moment I go off it, all of those symptoms go away. I might be an outlier, but I wanted to leave this comment in case anyone is feeling gaslit by all these creatine videos saying there's nothing wrong with it. You are not crazy, creatine is not for everyone. I believe I have some sort of inflammation response to creatine that is not common, but after three different experiments with it, I can anecdotally confirm it messes me up. (I also never experienced any noticeable improvement in recovery. My first experience was about 3 months on it, second experience was about a month, and the last time was only like two weeks.
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I have done three different personal trials with creatine with three different brands in the last two years (5g, 2. 5, and then 5g again. All led to the same thing: hair thinning, dehydration, increased heart rate (both resting, during exercise, and also the pounding heart rate feeling, increased blood pressure, and increased sweating (and inability to cool down effectively when playing basketball, including an ER visit one time because I thought I was having a heart attack. The moment I go off it, all of those symptoms go away. I might be an outlier, but I wanted to leave this comment in case anyone is feeling gaslit by all these creatine videos saying there's nothing wrong with it. You are not crazy, creatine is not for everyone. I believe I have some sort of inflammation response to creatine that is not common, but after three different experiments with it, I can anecdotally confirm it messes me up. (I also never experienced any noticeable improvement in recovery. My first experience was about 3 months on it, second experience was about a month, and the last time was only like two weeks.
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danielwalker8266
I'm thinking of it. After watching this video, which I must say, is the most informative and comedic videos on the matter that I've seen. I've been researching for a few weeks now. Just a few quick question if you don't mind me asking.
1. I already supplement with your rx1(x-cite, rx2(best tasting protein powder ever, and rx3(reconstrucxion. Is this enough, given the x-cite has 2g of the type of creatine Jesse takes, the one easy on the gut. Or should I still supplement with more creatine
2. My 15 year old daughter started working out with me this year, she said my workout program(athleanx of course) is wat better than the school workout program lol. I of course let her join me and adjusted my workout in the afternoon around 4-5 after school for her. She is asking if she can take it as well. Is this safe for her FYI, she also takes your supplements, ax1, 2, 3. Only half dose on each because I didn't know, but she has made some gains since starting those supplements. Mainly to help get her protein number up.
Anyway, thanks for the video guys, enjoyed it as always!
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I'm thinking of it. After watching this video, which I must say, is the most informative and comedic videos on the matter that I've seen. I've been researching for a few weeks now. Just a few quick question if you don't mind me asking.
1. I already supplement with your rx1(x-cite, rx2(best tasting protein powder ever, and rx3(reconstrucxion. Is this enough, given the x-cite has 2g of the type of creatine Jesse takes, the one easy on the gut. Or should I still supplement with more creatine
2. My 15 year old daughter started working out with me this year, she said my workout program(athleanx of course) is wat better than the school workout program lol. I of course let her join me and adjusted my workout in the afternoon around 4-5 after school for her. She is asking if she can take it as well. Is this safe for her FYI, she also takes your supplements, ax1, 2, 3. Only half dose on each because I didn't know, but she has made some gains since starting those supplements. Mainly to help get her protein number up.
Anyway, thanks for the video guys, enjoyed it as always!
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argo60
My 16yo son wants to take whey and protein supplements for muscle growth. He is a hard gainer, just like Jesse, and has a hard time putting on muscle mass. He is ripped and sinewy, and an extremely high level athlete who burns loads of calories. He wants to put on muscle mass for purely athletic and competitive reasons (not for the vanity of the 'flex' lol. There seems to be loads of conflicting evidence out there, but much of it skews towards 'NOT' taking it for reasons that 'teenagers don't need it since they should be focussed on eating right' - which our son already does. He eats often when he can. Anyway, I have tried to convince him out of taking these types of supplements since they are purported to cause adverse side-effects in young, developing people,
I know this might have been touched on before, and if it has, can you at least update us on what you, Jeff, feel teens should or should not be doing for muscle growth and weight gains, etc. Thank you!
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My 16yo son wants to take whey and protein supplements for muscle growth. He is a hard gainer, just like Jesse, and has a hard time putting on muscle mass. He is ripped and sinewy, and an extremely high level athlete who burns loads of calories. He wants to put on muscle mass for purely athletic and competitive reasons (not for the vanity of the 'flex' lol. There seems to be loads of conflicting evidence out there, but much of it skews towards 'NOT' taking it for reasons that 'teenagers don't need it since they should be focussed on eating right' - which our son already does. He eats often when he can. Anyway, I have tried to convince him out of taking these types of supplements since they are purported to cause adverse side-effects in young, developing people,
I know this might have been touched on before, and if it has, can you at least update us on what you, Jeff, feel teens should or should not be doing for muscle growth and weight gains, etc. Thank you!
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patrickcobb5421
Great video as always. I took creatine twice for about 9 months each time. 5 grams/day no loading phase, no cycling off. I am 6’5 and was about 240lbs when I started taking it the first time. I loved the benefits in the gym and also the cognitive benefits. A few months into the first round I started getting severe cramps in my abs anytime I pushed remotely hard on an ab exercise. No amount of additional water, electrolytes, or anything else could stop this. Eventually stopped creatine and I never cramped again.
About a year later I started again and again loved the benefits. But about 4 months in, I was getting severe cramps in my legs anytime I was on an intense mountain bike ride. Again nothing fixed it, so I stopped taking it. Creatine monohydrate. Any recommendations here
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Great video as always. I took creatine twice for about 9 months each time. 5 grams/day no loading phase, no cycling off. I am 6’5 and was about 240lbs when I started taking it the first time. I loved the benefits in the gym and also the cognitive benefits. A few months into the first round I started getting severe cramps in my abs anytime I pushed remotely hard on an ab exercise. No amount of additional water, electrolytes, or anything else could stop this. Eventually stopped creatine and I never cramped again.
About a year later I started again and again loved the benefits. But about 4 months in, I was getting severe cramps in my legs anytime I was on an intense mountain bike ride. Again nothing fixed it, so I stopped taking it. Creatine monohydrate. Any recommendations here
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HappyGoLucky_03
Thank you for this video.
I have a query. I’m 41 YO Indian male, with hypertension, taking medication for it (Telmisartan Amlodipine cocktail named Telma AM once a day).
Into workouts now, with strength training 5 days a week. Take Whey protein as a supplement. Should I get on with Creatine I’ve got mixed opinion on Internet. The physician advised against it, along with Whey protein. But those came out more like a concern for (as far as Whey is concerned) from doubts about quality control in India. Would appreciate if someone can help, whether someone with Hypertension should take creatine or not. Thank you.
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Thank you for this video.
I have a query. I’m 41 YO Indian male, with hypertension, taking medication for it (Telmisartan Amlodipine cocktail named Telma AM once a day).
Into workouts now, with strength training 5 days a week. Take Whey protein as a supplement. Should I get on with Creatine I’ve got mixed opinion on Internet. The physician advised against it, along with Whey protein. But those came out more like a concern for (as far as Whey is concerned) from doubts about quality control in India. Would appreciate if someone can help, whether someone with Hypertension should take creatine or not. Thank you.
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dimitrisfikas7115
True issues with creatine are: non responsiveness which means you wasted your money but monohydrate is usually very cheap. Bloating, gas, diarrhea probably caused by the elevated levels of creatinine from the breakdown of creatine or the insufficient breakdown of it which likely ties with the first issue of non-responsiveness. I have not seen or experienced any other issue all these years so its safe to say these 2 are the main ones you might experience! You either are a non-responder or you have a bad time in the toilet which can be quite annoying depending on your work
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True issues with creatine are: non responsiveness which means you wasted your money but monohydrate is usually very cheap. Bloating, gas, diarrhea probably caused by the elevated levels of creatinine from the breakdown of creatine or the insufficient breakdown of it which likely ties with the first issue of non-responsiveness. I have not seen or experienced any other issue all these years so its safe to say these 2 are the main ones you might experience! You either are a non-responder or you have a bad time in the toilet which can be quite annoying depending on your work
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ianb8810
I'm 63 and have been doing strength training since 2019. I was using creatine and was doing 75 Kg on the pec deck. Somehow I got out of the habit of using creatine.
I was OK for a couple of months and suddenly found my strength was dropping. My Pec Deck weight dropped down to 54 Kg and all most of my other exercises suffered similarly.
I eventually I thought Oh, I stopped creatine. I started taking it again - it took a month or two before I noticed much difference, but my weights went slowly back to normal.
That proved the benefits to me.
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I'm 63 and have been doing strength training since 2019. I was using creatine and was doing 75 Kg on the pec deck. Somehow I got out of the habit of using creatine.
I was OK for a couple of months and suddenly found my strength was dropping. My Pec Deck weight dropped down to 54 Kg and all most of my other exercises suffered similarly.
I eventually I thought Oh, I stopped creatine. I started taking it again - it took a month or two before I noticed much difference, but my weights went slowly back to normal.
That proved the benefits to me.
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LUTHMETALCORE
I hate to say it but it really does mess with hair for some people because it increase DHT which benefits gains but thins hair. I've finally realized that this is the reason my hair has some spots so I stopped and will see what happens. I've taken creatine on and off for 2 decades but more recently I was taking 10g upping from my normal 5g. I noticed a big jump in hair loss so I'm done for now. Lets see what happens. This isn't genetics because the males in my family keep their hair well into their 60s and I'm in my 30s. Beware.
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I hate to say it but it really does mess with hair for some people because it increase DHT which benefits gains but thins hair. I've finally realized that this is the reason my hair has some spots so I stopped and will see what happens. I've taken creatine on and off for 2 decades but more recently I was taking 10g upping from my normal 5g. I noticed a big jump in hair loss so I'm done for now. Lets see what happens. This isn't genetics because the males in my family keep their hair well into their 60s and I'm in my 30s. Beware.
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athleanx
Nothing you said dismisses hair loss concerns. Hair loss is a long term process which requires genetic disposition, of course you’re not going to identify it in a single short study of young men. But chronically elevated DHT levels is an obvious predictor, and guess what your scalp receives circulation from your blood too The reality is there has not been a single study to falsify the theoretical link and anyone who has reason to be concerned with hair loss disposition would be insane to take something linked to significant DHT increases
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Nothing you said dismisses hair loss concerns. Hair loss is a long term process which requires genetic disposition, of course you’re not going to identify it in a single short study of young men. But chronically elevated DHT levels is an obvious predictor, and guess what your scalp receives circulation from your blood too The reality is there has not been a single study to falsify the theoretical link and anyone who has reason to be concerned with hair loss disposition would be insane to take something linked to significant DHT increases
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jmarcinko1139
I don’t know maybe my body is just weird but I’ve tried creatine at least a dozen times over the 30 years of strength training and ALWAYS leads to awful exertion headaches within a month of adding it to my list of supplements. Thought it was dehydration but I’ve experimented with various levels of water intake but to no avail; same result. BUT small amounts 1-2g in my preworkout doesn’t give me trouble. So just saying MOST don’t have issues with it but there is some risk that exists.
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I don’t know maybe my body is just weird but I’ve tried creatine at least a dozen times over the 30 years of strength training and ALWAYS leads to awful exertion headaches within a month of adding it to my list of supplements. Thought it was dehydration but I’ve experimented with various levels of water intake but to no avail; same result. BUT small amounts 1-2g in my preworkout doesn’t give me trouble. So just saying MOST don’t have issues with it but there is some risk that exists.
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ProAntagonistYT
I appreciate the video, it was very informative. Before I started taking creatine I had low drive, low weights, and low self esteem. But several weeks later I was increasing my dates, increasing my plates, and increasingly concerned about my low self esteem. Fast forward to today and I have been taking creatine for several years now and am now VERY successful, VERY healthy, and VERY very depressed about my low self esteem. I just wish creatine could help me with my self esteem issues.
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I appreciate the video, it was very informative. Before I started taking creatine I had low drive, low weights, and low self esteem. But several weeks later I was increasing my dates, increasing my plates, and increasingly concerned about my low self esteem. Fast forward to today and I have been taking creatine for several years now and am now VERY successful, VERY healthy, and VERY very depressed about my low self esteem. I just wish creatine could help me with my self esteem issues.
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ahsuser
I took creatine around. 15 years ago when it was new and found great gains, ran out / got divorced (not related. maybe) and never got back on. Been back in the gym and thinking about getting back on the C-Train - this cinched it. I teach high school and can tell which boys are on C, as they carry gallon jugs of water around (per mom's FB research) to ward off evil spirits and total kidney failure (water is magical like that. Perfect timing. Many thanks : )
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I took creatine around. 15 years ago when it was new and found great gains, ran out / got divorced (not related. maybe) and never got back on. Been back in the gym and thinking about getting back on the C-Train - this cinched it. I teach high school and can tell which boys are on C, as they carry gallon jugs of water around (per mom's FB research) to ward off evil spirits and total kidney failure (water is magical like that. Perfect timing. Many thanks : )
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albertko1
I'm in my late 40s and have been taking creatine for over 9 months now. I totally saw about 10lbs of weight gain between the water and muscle that Jeff mentioned. Added an inch to my chest and it's continuing to tilt my body composition toward more lean mass now.
I do calisthenics workouts and definitely seen increases in reps and energy during my regular HIIT workouts. It definitely helps with mental clarity as I'm often sleep deprived.
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I'm in my late 40s and have been taking creatine for over 9 months now. I totally saw about 10lbs of weight gain between the water and muscle that Jeff mentioned. Added an inch to my chest and it's continuing to tilt my body composition toward more lean mass now.
I do calisthenics workouts and definitely seen increases in reps and energy during my regular HIIT workouts. It definitely helps with mental clarity as I'm often sleep deprived.
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athleanx
This is literally the only video on creatine supplementation that you'll ever need. If you know anyone that is considering taking it or are worried about some its potential effects, please do a a favor and click the SHARE button and send it along. Meantime, curious to know how many of my viewers are current creatine users. Let me hear from you in the comments. Leave a comment and let me know what type you take. Doing research. Thanks, Jeff
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This is literally the only video on creatine supplementation that you'll ever need. If you know anyone that is considering taking it or are worried about some its potential effects, please do a a favor and click the SHARE button and send it along. Meantime, curious to know how many of my viewers are current creatine users. Let me hear from you in the comments. Leave a comment and let me know what type you take. Doing research. Thanks, Jeff
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erosenbauer3435
Ive started taking creatine for jiu jitsu training about 3 weeks ago. Ive noticed ive been able to roll a bit harder for a bit longer. One weird thing ive noticed is my muscles dont burn as much when they are stress loaded. As soon as the weights are down or the roll is over, then i notice how tired my body is. During the workout set though i feel like i could pump out an extra few more reps without that stong burning sensation
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Ive started taking creatine for jiu jitsu training about 3 weeks ago. Ive noticed ive been able to roll a bit harder for a bit longer. One weird thing ive noticed is my muscles dont burn as much when they are stress loaded. As soon as the weights are down or the roll is over, then i notice how tired my body is. During the workout set though i feel like i could pump out an extra few more reps without that stong burning sensation
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Khadak22
I have to cycle creatine. If I take it any longer than 2 weeks every day, I develop really bad abdominal cramping. One time, I was on it for 3 weeks, and any quick movement, would cause a nasty charlie horse in my abdomen. I take it 5 days, and then take 2 days off. That has been working really well. I also drink a lot of water throughout the day, so I know I'm not dehydrated. Maybe I'll try switching to HCL, see if that helps.
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I have to cycle creatine. If I take it any longer than 2 weeks every day, I develop really bad abdominal cramping. One time, I was on it for 3 weeks, and any quick movement, would cause a nasty charlie horse in my abdomen. I take it 5 days, and then take 2 days off. That has been working really well. I also drink a lot of water throughout the day, so I know I'm not dehydrated. Maybe I'll try switching to HCL, see if that helps.
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skitjaz
1) I have enough energy
2) I want to keep my weight low (for calisthenics)
3) I do skill based strength training on ketones (no carbs)
Am I still going to benefit from Creatine to reach my strength based calisthenics skills Weight matters a lot and even that little gained water weight makes it a lot harder. It sounded to me like creatine just gives you energy, but I have enough. It's the strength I need more of.
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1) I have enough energy
2) I want to keep my weight low (for calisthenics)
3) I do skill based strength training on ketones (no carbs)
Am I still going to benefit from Creatine to reach my strength based calisthenics skills Weight matters a lot and even that little gained water weight makes it a lot harder. It sounded to me like creatine just gives you energy, but I have enough. It's the strength I need more of.
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decoyhardstyle
The one thing that keeps me from using it is still the hair loss thing. I feel like the problem with hair loss is that if youre predisposed to it or if youre already seeing signs of it, that it might speed it up. And about the study thats referenced in this vid: doesnt a higher DHT concentration in the blood also mean that theres gonna be more DHT in the hair follicles Or at least greatly increase the chances
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The one thing that keeps me from using it is still the hair loss thing. I feel like the problem with hair loss is that if youre predisposed to it or if youre already seeing signs of it, that it might speed it up. And about the study thats referenced in this vid: doesnt a higher DHT concentration in the blood also mean that theres gonna be more DHT in the hair follicles Or at least greatly increase the chances
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