Today we’re going to discuss a huge question in the health and fitness world; are creatine supplements safe?
This topic has been researched time and time again. There are many studies out there. Some claim it is one of the most researched products in the fitness world.
Why might creatine be researched so extensively?
Well, in my opinion, it has been researched at high amounts because there are many steroids or performance enhancing drugs (PED’s) on the market that are HORRIBLE for you. It only makes sense that this product, that has many benefits towards performance and shaping your body, is researched plenty too.
I am not sure why it has such bad reputation surrounding it, but, for years it was considered very poor for your health.
This raises another question, if it is seemingly so bad for you, why would anyone risk taking it?
Some folks believe that the benefits of taking creatine outweigh the risks.
Others have done the research themselves and came to the conclusion that it seems safe.
Either way, today we are going to discover is creatine safe.
What are the benefits?
According to a scientific study that can be found here, there are many benefits to using creatine.
If you don’t believe me, do your own research as well. There is a lot of information available on the internet concerning creatine and it’s uses.
– Spikes Energy Levels:
Creatine is proven through research and science to help improve exercises that involve bursts of energy in a short amount of time. For example, this involves sprinting, lifting, and more.
How might these spiked energy levels actually benefit you?
If you are a sprinter and you use creatine, scientific research, as depicted by the study linked to above, proves that you may have a large spike in your energy for a short duration of time. This helps you because it may help optimize your performance whilst undergoing an intense exercise such as sprinting.
If you seem to become often fatigued in the gym, perhaps It can help push you to the next level.
– Extra Reps In The Gym:
So, by now we know that creatine use has been scientifically proven to allow short bursts of energy as to improve exercises.
However, it doesn’t only improve sprints like the example above.
In the study mentioned and linked to above, it is stated that the use of creatine may help those who lift weights improve the amount of reps they can do. If this is true, then of course, it allows users to work harder in the gym!
Here’s an example.
Let’s say that you are using a flat bench press. You are hoping to lift 135 pounds for 8 reps. Based on the science, creatine can help improve your energy levels as to push towards another rep. This example involves the lifter exerting a lot of energy in a short period of time. That’s exactly what makes creatine perfect for improving key lifts.
As you can see, the benefits to taking creatine could really help improve your lifts. By improving your lifts, it also indirectly helps improve your physique and your progress. What I mean by this, is if you are able to push yourself harder in the gym, you will see even better results.
However, not every body responds the same to creatine. Your best friend might respond very well and notice incredible results, whereas your body may not react the same to creatine. In this scenario, you may not experience a lot of difference.
Is It Safe?
**Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert, you should consult your physician before determining of creatine is safe for you.**
A concern that many folks have when considering taking creatine is whether or not it is safe.
For years, people have claimed that creatine is very unsafe for you body and can have profound negative effects. However, there have been a tremendous amount of studies done on the product. Some say it is the most researched supplement on the market.
According to another study done here, creatine does not have any largely concerning side effects. When taken as directed, along with (in most cases) drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, creatine has been deemed safe and beneficial to take.
Multiple studies and cases back up the claim that in healthy individuals, creatine does not have negative side effects.
Like, previously mentioned, this of course depends on if you take it as directed and if you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Each product will have directions on how to use the supplement safely. Make sure you follow the directions.
Is it Necessary to Put on Muscle?
Am I stating that in order to gain muscle and improve your physique you MUST take creatine supplements?
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
There are so many individuals out there that do not take creatine or do not even know what it is.
In fact, I did not take creatine until recently and I still saw great results. They key to putting on muscle is to eat correctly, have a good lifting plan set in place, and to stay consistent!
There is no magic pill, no special powder, and no type of witchcraft that will automatically give you the results you seek.
The only way to get results, is to work for it.
Creatine is simply a supplement used to improve performance.
Is Creatine Right For You?
After analyzing the data and making an educated decision on if creatine is right for you, let’s recap a little.
Pros:
-Improves energy levels
-Improves gym performance
-Proven safe
Cons:
-You must drink a lot of water
-You must take as directed
-There is a lot of bad hype around it
Consider the pros and cons, ask your doctor, and make an educated decision on if you believe creatine supplements are something that you can benefit from. Are creatine supplements safe? You decide!
Please comment below and share your experiences with creatine supplements!
**Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert, you should consult your physician before determining of creatine is safe for you.**
Russell
Founder of myshakercup.com
My husband would absolutely love your site. He lives by creatine. You two would have some great conversations. In loves GNC and searches Amazon for the best creatine. Do you have a brand suggestion?
Hi!
Thanks for reaching out. Your husband sounds like a great man!
The brand that I currently am using is called “kinogains”. It tastes great and works wonders!
Russell