TKD and Creatine?

[MikeMartial]

I'd like to hear from any TKD martial artists who currently use, or have used creatine. If you have, please explain "why" you are/did, and any positive or negative effects you found while training in your dojang.

Please keep in mind I FULLY understand what creatine is, what it does, etc etc. And have used it in the past with great results---while weightlifting.

I'm contemplating loading it again to test the results with a highly dynamic martial art like TKD, but I'd like to hear from others prior to doing so.

Thanks!

 

[ajs1976]

It has been about 5 years since I used Creatine, so i'm not sure if I remember correctly. Isn't one of the side effects that it makes your muscles more likely to tear? If that is one of the side effects, I would be very cautious about using it with any MA.

 

[karatekid1975]

My boyfriend takes it (we both do TKD). It seems to work wonders for him. But I also used it for a while. But it made me thirsty. I know you are supposed to drink a lot of fluids with it, but no matter how much I drank, I still felt dehydrated. Maybe it just "re-acted" with my system like that, and not his.

 

[Dr. Kenpo]

I used it in terms of MA, and lifting. It didn't do a thing for me. Neither have most of the other supplements I tried.

 

[Miles]

Good question.

I have never used it but had thought about it.

For those who have used it, did you check with your physician beforehand?

Miles

 

[MikeMartial]

Thanks for the replies so far.


As far as the "tearing" of muscles goes: I have heard this from various sources, although it is pureply anecdotal, and nothing so far has been published to either confirm or deny.

Personally, I did fall prey to a few hamstring pulls when I began TKD, and at that time I was still taking creatine; extremely hard to say if it contributed or not. Many factors could have been involved in the injury, including dehydration, inproper conditioning, etc.

As far as consulting a family physician: Find me a doctor that know what creatine is beyond what what Mom knows about it, and I'd be surprised

My family doc is brilliant and young, but unless you find a sports medicine doc, most wouldn't know. Besides, creatine is the most studied sports supplement to date, so self-education is easy enough.

 

[TigerWoman]

I know you want to know about experience but as others will read this and not really understand creatine, I am posting a link to this article As creatine used wrongly can cause liver and kidney damage. Good to know as much about it as possible before taking it. TW

 

[jfarnsworth]

I have taken it and continueing to do so at the moment. I like it. Although I don't use it as directed. I take in half of the recommended dosage. I only use it to curb the soreness feeling. It is also very good for recovey. During my cardio sessions I have consecutively used the Elliptical machine, run a hard mile on the treadmill then biked 2 or 3 miles all in less than 40 minutes total. Afterwards I can carry on a conversation like I didn't even do any cardio. It works good. If you buy some make sure it's micronized otherwise it's real tough on the stomach.

 

[MikeMartial]

TW - Excellent article! I had no idea creatine was studied in cardiac rehab---but it only makes sense! I'm sure I'll be seeing patients on it as prescirbed by their cardiologist soon enough

jfarnsworth - Thanks for posting your experience; I hope to see similar results with recovery in both aerobic and (as well studied) anerobic areas. I have to admit, I never did a lot of cardio when I was weightlifting---but we'll see what happens in the dojang over the next few weeks.

 

[terryl965]

My friend used it and over the long run he had severe problems with his health as others has stated you need to look into any prodauct and consult a doctor about your particular stituation. Good luck and GOD BLESS AMERICA