Argh, I definitely lost a little bit of progress since I had to stop taking creatine due to my kidney labs getting so bad… nothing crazy but definitely noticeable. So annoying that it was such a low dose and I know so many people who take it without any kidney impairment!
I will have to start working harder and going to the gym more often, which is not a bad thing— in terms of health benefits, doing strength training every other day consistently without supplements is probably better for you than every two to three days with a supplement, even if the results don’t come as quickly.
The worst change I noticed was definitely on the bench press which I already really struggle with due to my proportionally spindly arms. I still want to get to full 45lb plates this year but I really need to get better about using my back and core properly. If I put my shoulder blades together too tightly my back cramps, it’s hard to know how far in to go with them! Maybe I need to do an easy exercise that engages my back first. I am thinking if I set the assisted pull-up machine to a really easy level so it doesn’t tire me out at all that would be a good way to get ready.