Creatine: Is this the 'New' Miracle Supplement?
I wanted to begin an entry talking about supplements by focussing on one of the most common in the fitness world. Creatine. Creatine is one of the most researched and widely used supplements in the fitness world—yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Whether you’re trying to build muscle, improve performance, or simply understand what you’re putting into your body, here’s a clear, evidence-based look at creatine, what it is, what it is not, and how it can be used. First, it is important to start with what creatine is. Creatine is a naturally occuring compound produced in small amounts by the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Most of your creatine is stored in your muscles, where it plays a key role in producing energy during short, high-intensity activities like sprinting or lifting weights. At the cellular level, creatine helps regenerate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), your body’s primary energy currency. More available creatine means faster ATP replenishment—especially during explosi...