Creatine

Creatine For Workout Benefits

Creatine is probably one of the most well-known, most extensively researched, and most prized supplements for workouts, but did you know its benefits extend beyond the gym? One of the best-selling supplements to stimulate muscle growth, metabolism, exercise capacity, and prevent catabolism; Creatine is a molecule that is naturally present in the human body, especially concentrated in skeletal muscles. Roughly 90-95% of the creatine inside the body is stored in the muscles, the rest being found in the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and testicles. According to research, creatine is a performance enhancer that can increase maximum power and performance in high-intensity anaerobic repetitive exercise by 5 to 15%. Creatine supplementation has also been shown to increase muscle strength and endurance, and athletic performance; however, it is not believed to affect aerobic endurance. Just as interestingly, studies have demonstrated that creatine can help preserve muscle mass and prevent muscle wasting in periods of convalescence, as well as help rebuild lost muscle in the elderly.

Benefits of Creatine For Workouts

• Boosts Strength & Power Output
• Enhances Muscle Protein Synthesis
• Help Maximize Performance During High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
• Improves Muscle Recovery
• Prevents Muscle Wasting

Who Should Take Creatine?

Creatine supplements may be recommended to you if you’re looking to bulk up and stimulate muscle Protein synthesis (muscle building), as well as to improve muscle recovery and recovery from exercise, and maximize results from strength training. Creatine is also reported to have a beneficial effect on brain function and cognitive processing in the elderly, so supplementation may offer distinct benefits for the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord injuries, motor neuron disease, and memory and brain function in older adults.

Creatine Supplement Varieties

Creatine supplements are marketed in monohydrate (the most common), ethyl ester (CEE), gluconate, and nitrate, in tablets, capsules, as well as powder forms. Creatine is also a frequent addition to workout supplements to help enhance performance and stimulate gains. The suggested dose is 10g daily, though many bodybuilders opt for a loading phase of 20g daily for 5 to 7 days to rapidly increase muscle stores of creatine, followed by a 5g daily maintenance dose thereafter.

Final Thoughts on Creatine For Workouts

The absorption of your creatine supplement is improved if taken with a carb- or protein-based meal, so consider simply adding a scoop to your protein shake or smoothie. Creatine supplements boast an outstanding safety profile, with adverse effects caused to the liver or kidneys even in long-term use. Those with existing liver or kidney conditions should; however, consult with their treating physicians before supplementing. Stacking creatine with Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) is an ideal way to promote muscle growth, increased strength, and rapid recovery.

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