Hello. I started weight training around a month ago, and have been taking protein suppliements. I just began taking creatine today because I've heard some good things about it. However, I've also heard that you can lose gains if you stop taking creatine. I assumed that this loss of "gains" is just the muslces going back to a normal level of water retension. It seems impossible to me that real muscle gains just disappear when you stop taking creatine. Does anyone know the truth behind this? Also, anyone who has used creatine, do you recommend it? I've heard that it's good to use it in "cycles", similar to steroids.

whats the creatine you take called. And is it like taking a protein shake????
whats the difference

well, what happens is that ppl that cant make gains run to creatine thinking its some kind of miracle supplement. they load as the label says and gain something like 3-4 pounds the first week which they think is all muscle. then the second week, they notice that they can lift more weight. so they believe the prayers have been answered.

then soon or later, they stop taking creatine and there goes the weight and the strength. so they cry that whats the use of taking creatine, when you stop you lose all the muscle and strenght that you gained. when in reality, they didnt gain "muscle" and the strength was from the big influx of creatine that first week.

have pity for these ppl cause they have no clue. do your research before you purchase a supplement and you'll have a better understanding of how its supposed to work.

for instance, heres an article i cut and pasted :

http://www.worldfitness.com/showthre...light=creatine

when i took creatine, i gained a little weight, maybe 4 lbs and kept about 2 after i stopped taking. so you make some gains, and since some of it is water weight, you lose some of it. as far as strength gains, none of my maxes increased. i could workout longer on creatine, but i dont think i was any stronger.