NetMinder40

Hey, ive been looking for a slightly more advanced supplement (with limited creatine) and ive been looking at some different companies (I have been using GNCs own Whey Protein). I have noticed that the term anabolic gets thrown around a lot. I was wondering, since i don't really understand the science behind all of this yet, does anabolic signal steroid? I know the term anabolic steroids (though again, i don't understand exactly what they do), but i wasn't sure if anabolic was synonymous with steroids. Specifically, i'll use a musletech product for example. I was looking at the Nitro-Tech Hardcore. Are there steroids in this product? It talks about anabolically infused ______, but i can't translate it.

Another question is, how much of an effect would the creatine in it really have on me? I don't think much, as for a short while i used a Training Day product with the same amount and kind of Creatine in it, but again, you guys are much more qualified to say than I.

I'm doing research on the products, its just a little much to digest.

EDIT: I just came upon a Yahoo Answers thread adressing my question that stated that all anabolic means is muscle growth or building and that no legal product on the market can actually contain steroids unless labeled as a steroid and prescribed by a doctor. Is this true? In that case anything i have looked at so far may have high levels of creatine, but no steroids?

My first concern is that any new supplement i try is steroid-free, after that i'm looking for minimal creatine amounts.


Thanks very much.

Critical Mass

You are right. All "anabolic" means is "to grow muscle." For example, Dianabol is a steroid that is highly anabolic (you will grow plenty of muscle,) and highly androgenic. The androgenic part means there is added aggression, acne, hair loss, strength, ect. You can see why its so popular. You can take it as a pre workout energizer, as well as a muscle growing agent.

Now, Creatine will have a good effect on you. You will get stronger. You will be able to handle more weight for more reps. You will put on a couple of pounds. Creatine is one of the best products to ever hit the supplement market because it works in almost everyone. Nothing on the store shelves can legally have steroids in it. There have been a few who did it, and the FDA yanked the products. Legal products are going to be, for the most part, rather ineffective if you are looking for quick results. That's just the deal. These days you have to be more patient, lift heavier, and eat better than ever before to gain muscle.

NetMinder40

Ok, thank you for clearing up the steroid confusion for me, that is/was my predominant concern. I'm going to do some more homework on Creatine before i dive into it just to make sure its for me. The only thing that concerns me about it would be a loss in cardio performance.

1quick1

How old are you? If you're 18+ and up and in good health, there are very little drawbacks to creatine. Very safe and effective supplement.

NetMinder40

I'm 17 and in fairly good health. If i weren't an athlete id be screwed in that regrd.

Kevsworld

I agree with the previous comments on the term "anabolic."

But this term gets thrown around a lot in the supplement industry to promote crappy products which waste your money. In terms of over-the-counter supplements, "anabolic" usually means "bullcrap."


If you are normal 17 year old, you don't need ANY extra testosterone--you've got plenty of it naturally.

Creatine is fine; it is one of the most well-researched supplements out there.

NetMinder40

Ok, i think after this thread and a little outside homework i'll stick to a straight protein powder for a while.

However, on the creatine issue, since i have read some complaints about feeling bloated, or having a drop in cardio performance, is Creatine something i could take maybe once a week and still recieve any benefits? Or would once a week not be often enough?

Boki

you wont benefit from if you take it once a week, idk if its from the creatine or not but i have gotten cramps in my calf before when i was on it,

Critical Mass

Of course you will feel "bloated." It's one of the things creatine does. It causes you to retain water... and it makes you stronger. There's something else that makes you stronger and causes you to retain water. It's called Dianabol. Maybe you've heard of it.

I hear of a new creatine "side effect" every month. I've never read anywhere that it decreases cardo performance. You take creatine 3 times a day for the first week, then you can take it once a day after that....just take it about 45 min. before your workout and you'll be fine.

NetMinder40

Ok, i'm going to give it a shot for a while and see how it works out then. I'll probably go pick some up tomorrow and try it out on thursday.

Thanks for all the advice.