My Creatine Experiment Update

by Mark McManus on December 18, 2008

A while ago I experimented with an alternative method of creatine supplementation.

This was the short-term loading method:

3 days load (approx. 20 grams a day)
3 days off

I have commented on my results on the forum and in ‘Total Anabolism 2.0‘, but I thought I would make a little post as I’m still getting questions about it.

So, here is the criteria by which I was judging this technique:

Strength
Muscle Cell Volume
Muscle Energy
Recovery

Drum roll please, the results were……….

No difference. I didn’t notice any difference in any of the above. In fairness, it also wasn’t any less effective than the regular method either.

Therefore I reverted back to the original technique purely because of its convenience.

I hope that this doesn’t discourage you from trying it out, it may produce different results for others.

Either way, creatine supplementation with creatine monohydrate is definitely recommended.

Stay Motivated!

Mark McManus

{ 12 comments }

1 Rob December 19, 2008 at 12:26 pm: I have probably read this wrong, but do you mean no difference in any of those things at all? or no difference compared to when you take creatine the normal way?
Also what would you reccommend is the best way to take creatine in terms of after workouts, before workouts and rest days etc.

Thanks
Rob.
2 creatine supplements December 19, 2008 at 2:26 pm: Thanks for posting the results of your experiment. I remember reading about this alternative method when you first wrote about it. Interesting that it was still just as effective, not more or less. I guess it just goes to show that there is more than one way to use creatine!
3 JC December 19, 2008 at 11:48 pm: I’ve been doing creatine 1 on 1 off because I workout every other. I get the same results as every day on. It saves me some money.
4 Jess December 21, 2008 at 1:33 am: Hi Mark, love the blog.

I’m starting to use Whey/Creatine, something I didn’t use before. I’m going to follow the directions for the whey after my workout, but what would you recommend for the creatine use, if the 3 day cycle didn’t show any gains over a more “convenient” usage?

I’m only lifting M/W/F, and I’m doing a low carb TNT/MANS diet, if that matters. Thanks!
5 Mark McManus December 21, 2008 at 1:17 pm: Hi Jess,

I would recommend using the regular technique and taking 5 grams a day in your post-workout shake (after a 5 days loading phase).
Mark
6 Mark McManus December 21, 2008 at 1:19 pm: @ Rob. I mean no difference compared to the normal way.
7 Son of Grok December 23, 2008 at 3:19 pm: Mark,
I am about mid-way through the “cycle” as you recommended it your “old ways”. I am enjoying the results but I am hating the dehydration. I wake up with some terrible cotton mouth and have cotton mouth during the day. During the night I also have to wake up several times to hit the restroom and urinate. Any recommendations? I drink plenty of water :-/

The SoG
8 David December 24, 2008 at 11:32 pm: Hey Mark! I wish a merry Christmas! And to, once again, thank you so much for all the effort you put on your blog and on the books! You rock! You have helped me so much in my transformation journey lol.

Merry Christmas from Mexico!!!

David
9 David December 24, 2008 at 11:34 pm: lol, i just saw a lil’ mistake! It was meant to be “Hey Mark! I just passed by to wish YOU a merry Christmas…”
10 Mark McManus December 25, 2008 at 10:59 am: @ Thank you VERY MUCH! You’re welcome to all the info, I’m glad it has helped you in your transformation and I look forward to serving you guys in 2009!
@ SOG. That’s a side-effect of Creatine supplementation. For me, it didn’t last forever though. After a few weeks I returned to normal after keeping my liquid intake up. Keep me posted on your progress.
11 Steve Shaw January 4, 2009 at 1:15 pm: Informative experiment. Thanks
12 josh February 21, 2009 at 10:55 am: Dude, man. I guess I’m a doushe. just got my nose broken from a cheap jealouse prick… ikd why I’m writting on here, guess I’m just hard up I guess. I odn’t know what else to do… FUCKKK!! sorry for the bad post