We have different opinions on this. I feel anything you do on a consistent basic you should count. If you're focused on a balanced work out you shouldnt ignore significant physical exertion. If its a light sparatic workout definitely.. but spending time on cardio after walking 10 miles everyday isnt really needed for most people. Count that 10 miles and focus on other aspects of your workout. If its enough to calculate in your recovery (and you are burning calories like a boss) I say count it.
This is all working out is in a nutshell. Im probably going to print this off and post it up.
I've never been a fan of things like creatine. It definitley works, but I have always like using food... Im old fashioned that way. What worked for me to get the bursts of energy was eating 2 bananas, whole grain cereal, and drinking V8 about 30 - 45 minutes before working out. Following it up with boneless chicken (or fish), almonds, and grape juice right after the workout gave me the quickest results.