Creatine has become one of the most popular performance enhancers used by athletes and bodybuilders. Amino acids provide the building blocks for protein, and creatine is one such amino acid. Creatine is an organic acid which occurs naturally in the human body and helps supply energy to muscles. Because of creatine’s role in energy, athletes and bodybuilders commonly take creatine supplements. Creatine is a substance that can be found in trace amounts in certain foods, although when it is taken as a nutritional supplement, it is typically taken in much larger quantities. Creatine not only allows you to make better and quicker strength gains from the gym, but it will also speed your recovery time. Creatine is relatively inexpensive when compared to some of the other popular fitness supplements. Creatine has become a supplement staple for guys looking to build strength and lean muscle mass.
Creatine works to increase muscular storage of a form of energy called Creatine Phosphate (CP). CP has an important role in the production of energy for short-duration and high-intensity exercise. Without getting too scientific and technical, by supplementing with creatine, muscular stores of CP are increased helping to feed the ATP-PC energy system, which is the main energy system that we use in the gym when training with near maximal weight and power-type exercises. When used in combination with a balanced healthy diet and exercise, creatine supplements are beneficial for several reasons.
- Gaining strength
The main benefit of creatine supplementation for lifters is its ability to increase the stores of phosphocreatine in your muscles. Creatine influences your body’s energy levels. This happens because when you take a creatine supplement you are forcing your body to use its natural energy to contract the muscles. Consuming creatine can help your muscles build phospocreatine, which gives you the ability to perform better at shorter, intense, strength-building exercises. Because creatine can increase phosphocreatine levels and therefore increase energy production ATP, it is one of the few supplements repeatedly proven to increase strength and power.
- Increase muscle growth
One of the most noticeable ways that creatine will help you out is by increasing your overall level of muscle endurance. The creatines not only build muscle, but it also directly affect muscle mass by increasing the level of bioavailable energy during strength training and reducing muscle fatigue after an intense workout. Using creatine can result in bigger muscles. Creatine provides more energy, as well as more strength which allows you to lift more weight for longer periods of time. This instant presence of growth is motivating and encourages people to continue going to the gym which will further muscle growth.
- Testosterone Level
Creatine has a wide range of benefits in terms of power, lean mass, hydration, energy etc. but one huge benefit of creatine is that it increases testosterone levels. Creatine not only boost testosterone levels but at the same time helps to convert it into the more potent and bioavailable ‘DHT’ (dihydrotestosterone). It raises testosterone, which makes it a perfect for increasing anabolism and muscle growth.
- Brain Booster
Creatine is an important source of energy for cells in the brain that have high metabolic needs required for processes like working and long-term memory. Creatine increases levels of phosphocreatine and ATP, but these are not useful for building muscle, improving energy and preventing disease. It also improves brain health and function. Increased creatine levels actually have a huge impact on mental sharpness.
- Recovery Process
Recovery time is just as important as gym time .Weight training and exercise puts a lot of stress on the muscles which can result in damage. Your muscles need time to build themselves back up stronger than they were before. Creatine supplements increase the amount of protein that is available to the body. The protein then acts to repair and change the muscles to allow for growth. Taking this supplement after a workout makes the recovery process of damaged muscles faster. Creatine supplementation prevents lactic acid build up. It means faster recovery times for you.
You must understand that taking the supplement alone without any dietary and exercise plans will not help you succeed in your goals. Creatine as a component of a full-packed weight loss plan. Increasing your muscle mass is a powerful way to burn fat because muscle tissue naturally burns more calories than fatty tissue. Creatine helps to mobilize energy in your body and helps you stay longer in your training or exercise, thus helping you burn fat and lose weight. That’s how creatine can indirectly help you lose weight.
