How can Creatine help my Workout?

Creatine helps the body produce more energy when the normal energy production mechanism is unable to keep up with the energy demands. Some people consider creatine to be a backup generator for the body that generates energy when needed.

Creatine increases muscle hypertrophy. It helps the muscles store more water and as a result people tend to look bigger. The fact that it helps muscles look bigger makes it popular among bodybuilders.

Creatine is naturally produced in the body. However, it can run out when energy demands exceed certain limits. When taken 1 hour before a workout, the body can absorb it and use it when needed during the workout to provide extra energy.

After a workout, the creatine in the body could be depleted and this is why taking creatine after a workout can also be a good idea to help muscles recover.

Because Creatine allows muscles to absorb more water, it can cause dehydration if a person doesn't drink enough water. To avoid this effect, make sure you drink plenty of water if you are going to consume creatine before a workout. (See Why you should drink more Water?)

Some studies claim that creatine boosts some mental functions like memory. Anything that makes the brain more alert can help in recurring more muscle fibers to lift heavy weights and increase performance.

There are cases where creatine can't work. If your body already produces enough creatine or if it can't absorb the dose you took, then you might not experience any affects after taking it. Studies have shown that older people, above 60, don't experience any benefits when taking creatine.

Creatine can help give a person more strength and allow him to lift heavier weights. Those who consume creatine report being able to lift more and do more reps.

Creatine can increase power, especially when the exercise routine has plenty of heavy weight, short rep exercises.

A study has found that creatine can increase testosterone when taken consistently on a daily basis. (See How does it feel like to have high levels of testosterone?)

Creatine might prevent muscle loss or slow it down if a person consumes it while resting because of an injury.