Creatine Bodybuilding

Creatine is often seen as a "wonder drug" among many weightlifters and bodybuilding. The idea of creatine bodybuilding raises images of a behemoth with giant biceps and a comparatively small head. It is perhaps for these reasons that creatine bodybuilding has been unfairly compared to anabolic steroid use. Make no mistake as creatine bodybuilding is in no way like anabolic steroids.

Anabolic steroids are widely known for their damaging effects on the human body. In addition to making your testicles look like grape seeds, steroids also make your face break out and cause you to punch children as hard as you can in the face. Creatine carries none of these horrible side effects. While it is true that creatine has been linked in some cases to liver problems, these are mostly due to misuse of the product, or preexisting conditions related to the individual. With proper use, creatine can be a godsend to somebody hoping to add size to their arms or an increase in their bench press.

It is important to follow the guidelines indicated on the label. In general, the average daily dose of creatine does not exceed five grams. Five grams of creatine monohydrate has been shown to greatly increase the strength gains from working out. In addition, using creatine helps the body to recover more quickly from the damage of intense workouts. With this one-two combination, creatine is wonderfully effective at helping to increase size and strength in the user.

While creatine is wonderfully effective, it is rendered nearly worthless without a proper diet. The most important staple in the diet of the weightlifter is protein. Without enough protein, there is no way for somebody who lifts weights to get bigger and stronger. Protein is, essentially, what makes muscles grow and strengthen. The general rule of thumb is that one gram of protein is needed for each pound of body weight if you want to increase your size. Therefore, a person weighing one hundred and eighty pounds must consume around one hundred and eighty grams of protein each day. This may seem a bit extreme, but it is within reach. Chicken breasts, tuna, salmon and other white meats are rich in protein and low in fat. An average chicken breast yields about forty grams of protein. That would make up about twenty percent of the daily recommended protein intake for a one hundred and eighty pound person.

Whey protein powder is nearly indispensable if one wishes to reach their daily protein intake. With two scoops of whey protein mixed with milk, one can ingest about sixty grams of protein. This is precisely the reason why nearly every weightlifter includes whey protein in his or her diet.