Michael Sands
While the scientific evidence for creatine can get very technical, there is one simple reason I use creatine every day. It works. I know it works for me because 15 years ago I was in a situation where I was in the best shape of my life at that time. I worked out intelligently, strategically, and informedly. I read magazines and fitness books. I even owned The Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Even though all the information I was taking in, all the hours putting in the workouts were in the books I had reached a plateau. I tried all the secret routines touted in magazine articles and received advice from many places, but I could not seem to get over my slump. The issue as it turns out was not with my technique and what I was putting out but was in what I was taking in. More specifically what I was not taking in. My choices for diet at that time were limited. I was not able to go to the store and supplement my diet with protein or creatine. I had reached my bodies peak at that time with what I was putting in and my situation did not change for quite some time.
So, when I finally had the opportunity to begin putting a quality whey protein and creatine supplement in my diet the results were incredible. It is my feeling that by taking my body to its limit without any supplementation when I finally put in those missing pieces into my diet my body was more than prepared and ready to put those new additions to nutrition to work.
Within 3 weeks of starting protein and creatine I had put on 10lbs and had broken through the plateaus that I had been trying to overcome for months. At that time, I was struggling to reach 225lbs on bench press-before I stopped doing that exercise all together. 4 weeks after starting protein and creatine supplementation regularly I was able to press 225lbs on bench press for 10 reps. While the results will vary between users and their experience the fact remains that there is an undeniable gain in my size and strength directly correlated to my beginning to intake adequate amounts of protein and increasing my creatine levels in my body.
I am not saying that either supplement is a miracle or lightning in a bottle. But what I am saying is that if you are serious about continuing down your fitness journey or are just wanting to get ahead of your inevitable forthcoming plateaus protein and creatine supplementation are precisely where anyone should begin to start thinking about adding scoops to their life.
For me and my experience taking creatine is exactly what science tells you. Yes, there is a loading phase while your body reaches peak saturation levels. Yes, during that time you will gain water weight, but no it doesn’t make you look anything but more muscular. Yes, I did experience muscle cramps during the loading phase, particularly in my calves. I have taken creatine every day for years at the recommended dosage and recently received an excellent bill of health from my doctor including kidney function. I also have a family history of health issues in that area, so I was particularly pleased to know that science is correct about long term usage of creatine supplements being safe. There is also a ton of research which is beginning to show that even non-active individuals may benefit from creatine supplementation and is an area of interest to those who have a loved one who is aging and may find themselves in a nursing home.
I am not a doctor, a certified trainer, or anyone that you can pay for advice in fitness. You should consult your doctor before putting anything into your body found here or from any other source. You should consult your doctor to decide if you are healthy enough for exercise. That the research is clear and plainly shows that Protein and Creatine supplementation are effective, safe and beneficial.