demondeacon

I take GNC Whey protein every time I workout (1 scoop before and 1 after) and I took creatine mono for a few weeks once, but other than that, I have never taken supplements. For someone who is trying to get stronger and gain mass, what should I take? One of my concerns with creatine is that it will stop working and that cycling won't really work. Also I hate having to drink gallons of water every day.

Anyways, what are a few of the products I might want to look into taking/take together? Also, will I just have to take these every day from now on or only for cycles, or only to help me when I'm plateauing?

Thanks and sorry if I rambled.

strawser9

The water should be consumed whether you are taking supplements or not. Creatine, protein powder, BCAA's...they're there for you if you have some extra money around, but that diet better be secured first. If you have $20 to spend, you better have your chicken, eggs, and beef racked up first before you even contemplate spending it on supplements! Your whole foods are going to decide how far you go!

demondeacon

I hope I didn't give the impression that I usually have a poor diet. I make sure to drink water often during the day normally, just not the insane amount I do when I take creatine. I also try to eat good "workout foods" like the ones mentioned above.

Really I started this thread just to see what are some common and generally well-regarded supplement combinations because I am quite ignorant when it comes to this topic.

Thanks

Striker

You should be drinking water every single day if or if not on supplements. Also, creatine isn't necessary many people like to experiment with it. Protein and Multivitamins are vital to help add to a good diet but besides these basic supplements anything else is your choice.

1quick1

Really for the most part supplements don't do a whole lot.

Here's some I like though.

These are mandatory

whey
multi
fish oils

Other I highly suggest

creatine
beta-alanine
green tea extract caps
flax seed oil
RPN: Gut Health - this stuff is great
BCAA/EAA (Xtend and Purple wraath are good ones)
200 mg caffeine capsules (I like caps way better then tabs)

Critical Mass

To gain mass at your weight, you should be eating 300 grams of protein a day and about 4,000 calories. To do this, you are going to consume more than the average gym goer. Double up on your protein shakes. Each meal should be about 50-60 grams of protein, including the shakes.

You are going to need to drink a lot of water. Whether you want to admit it or not, a lot of "weight gain" is water. Aside from making you stroger, creatine helps the muscles to draw in water. That's why people gain a little swole off of it. N.O. products that (obviously) contain creatine have always worked for me.

As far as the creatine eventually not working, and having to cycle it.......... well, that's just the deal my brutha. Everything eventually stops working well. This is one reason we DO cycle. Don't ever expect it to give you permanent gains. It just gives you a little something along the way.

I take the following:
Food
Protein shake
Multivitamin
Fish oils
Essential fatty acids

Cheeez

Can you explain what does these supplements do?

beta-alanine
green tea extract caps
flax seed oil
RPN: Gut Health - this stuff is great
BCAA/EAA (Xtend and Purple wraath are good ones)
200 mg caffeine capsules (I like caps way better then

Kevsworld

Protein, Creatine, Fish Oil, and a multivitamin is all I take.

Shop online--you can find better prices than GNC.