It is a common misconception that creatine supplements are only used for bulking. But that’s not true and you shouldn’t believe in such myths. Creatine monohydrate is one of the most popular pre-workout supplements that’ll improve your strength and stamina and enhance your exercise performance.
Creatine is a substance that’s naturally found in the human body and is usually stored in your muscles. You can get creatine through natural foods like – red meat and fish. But when you do intense workouts, the creatine levels in the body start depleting, so you should include creatine monohydrate supplements in your routine.
Role of Creatine
Creatine’s main role is to enhance energy production in cells. The most basic form of energy in cells is a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It runs out quickly when you do intense training and heavy exercises.
About 95% of the body’s creatine is stored in your muscles in the form of a molecule called creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate can help you replenish ATP, giving your muscle cells the capacity to produce more energy.
Creatine is one of the best supplements for power and strength based exercises. This is because ATP is crucial for these exercises and since these exercises are often short duration, they need to be performed with high intensity.
There are many pre-workout supplements available in the market that you might get confused in choosing the best one. It would be best to consult your trainer and doctor to know whether you need creatine supplements or any other kind of pre-workout supplements.
Creatine Benefits
A lot of fitness enthusiasts, especially beginner level athletes, don’t understand the importance of pre-workout supplements. They help boost your performance, especially the ones enriched with creatine. Some of the main benefits of creatine and creatine supplements are:
- Helps Muscle Cells Produce More Energy
Creatine increases your muscles’ phosphocreatine store. Phosphocreatine aids the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the key molecule your cells use for energy formation and various other functions.
- Improves High Intensity Workout Performance
Creatine’s role in ATP production means it can drastically improve your exercise performance. It also improves various factors like – sprint ability, post-workout recovery, brain performance, strength, and stamina.
- Speeds Up Muscle Growth
If you want to add muscle mass, then it would be great to include creatine as your pre-workout supplement. Take it in conjunction with a healthy diet and proper workout routine and you’ll notice a significant increase in lean muscle mass.
- May Improve Brain Function
Creatine plays an important role in maintaining brain health. You can get in touch with your doctor to know which creatine supplements will work best for you. Creatine aids in increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
- May Lower Blood Glucose Levels
Various research says that creatine supplements are effective in lowering blood glucose levels by increasing the function of glucose transport type 4 (GLUT 4) – a molecule that brings blood sugar into your muscles.
- Reduces Tiredness and Fatigue
Tiredness and fatigue can become major obstacles that can pull you back from achieving your fitness goals. Including premium quality pre-workout supplements enriched with the goodness of creatine will be helpful in reducing tiredness, muscle soreness, and fatigue especially after intense workouts.
Best Creatine Supplements in India in 2024
One of the top selling creatine supplements in India is GNC Pro Performance Creatine Monohydrate. If you are looking for a pre-workout supplement that’ll boost your performance and help you push through your workouts, then check out this premium quality creatine supplement.
GNC Pro Performance Creatine Monohydrate is used not just for bulking, it is also ideal for muscular energy which supports power, performance, and stamina. It is converted into creatine phosphate in the body which fuels skeletal muscles.
It is an advanced formula which facilitates instant energy release to keep you going through high intensity workouts as well. It is pure and potent with 90% creatine, gets easily absorbed in the body, and is super easy to mix.
GNC Pro Performance Creatine Monohydrate is ideal for – intermediate and expert level athletes, fitness professionals and trainers, extreme sports competitors, and bodybuilders. It has zero gluten, sugar, starch, artificial colors, synthetic flavors, preservatives, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, and dairy, to keep up with your health preferences and lifestyle choices.
It is available as an unflavored powder, so you can easily mix it with any juice, smoothie, or any other beverage of your choice to get all the goodness. Each serving provides 3 g of creatine monohydrate. Just add 3 g of GNC creatine to 200 ml water or any other beverage of your choice and make a smooth shake.
Depending on your workout goals, GNC Pro Performance Creatine Monohydrate can be consumed pre or post workout. For intense and long workout sessions, you can also consume it in-between your workout. Ask your trainer to know when would be the best time for you to consume creatine supplement.
Remember when you start taking creatine supplements, you should drink plenty of water.
Creatine Side Effects
Even the best pre-workout supplements can have side effects, so you should make sure to read the dosage instructions carefully and not consume excess amounts. Some of the most common side effects of creatine are – nausea, vomiting, headache, digestive issues – bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, dehydration, muscle cramps, unwanted weight gain etc.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor at the earliest. You should also read the ingredient list of pre workout supplements or any creatine supplement. In case you are allergic to a particular ingredient, ask your doctor for an alternative.
If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or take medication for a chronic illness, then stay away from creatine or pre-workout supplements, unless especially recommended by your doctor. Discontinue use 2 weeks prior to any surgery.
Conclusion
Make sure you are consistent with taking any kind of supplements to see a visible change. Have it at least for 3 months regularly along with a proper workout routine and you’ll see better stamina, improved performance, and muscle mass gain.
