THE PULSE

The internet is saturated with people claiming to know the ‘perfect regiment’ or the ‘key to health.’ It can be daunting to try to determine what is real, and what is just a fad. One supplement that is increasingly popular in the fitness world is creatine, specifically creatine monohydrate. While creatine has been around and used by weightlifters for years it has become part of the mainstream conversation on wellness and fitness in recent years. So, what exactly is it? And should you be taking it?

It can increase your strength and performance

First, let's talk about what creatine is and how it works. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is found in our muscles. Taking creatine as a supplement can help to increase the amount of creatine stored in the muscles, allowing them to produce more energy and increase performance. This can lead to increased strength and power during high-intensity activities like weightlifting.

Speeds up recovery

Creatine can also help to speed up recovery after exercise. This is because it helps to replenish the muscles' energy stores, allowing them to recover more quickly and be ready for the next workout. That means more efficient workouts and a lesser risk of injury!

It’s one of the most studied supplements

Creatine is a great supplement to test out because of the vast studies that have been conducted over the past couple decades. In fact, creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied supplements and has been found to be safe for use in both the long and short term.

There are a ton of benefits to supplementing with creatine, but it's not a necessity if you're doing just fine without it. Definitely speak to your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet to make sure it's right for you!