How Does Creatine Work?

The use of creatine monohydrate (CM) to enhance sports performance has become more mainstream over several years. Athletes in a variety of sports have been using this supplement to help improve their muscular energy. The use of creatine has been commonly used in the sport of bodybuilding for many years. If you have asked yourself how does creatine work and are considering using this supplement to augment your bodybuilding routines this article will help clarify exactly how CM works and what it can do for you.

In short duration explosive sports, such as weightlifting, the body uses an energy system called ATP. This is the initial fuel the body uses to contract muscles. Creatine aides in increasing the energy of muscles by increasing the amount of ATP needed. From a physiology standpoint when your body needs to call upon the ATP system, ATP will release a phosphate molecule which in turn becomes ADP.

This process creates energy but it only lasts a few seconds. Once this energy is consumed by the muscles more ATP must be produced. This is where CM becomes effective. The CM will give a phosphate molecule to the ADP molecule creating ATP. This is how more ATP is produced in the body. The process will repeat itself converting ATP into ADP and then back again thus creating a continual supply of energy for the muscles. The technical term for this process is ATP regeneration.

Your bodies ability to produce ATP depends on the available supply of creatine in your system. If your body cannot produce enough ATP then the result is lactic acid buildup. Lactic acid will develop during your workout if ATP regeneration is limited. The more lactic acid that builds up in your system the harder it becomes for you to continue to workout. This is also what produces much of the soreness a day or two after an aggressive workout. So it makes sense that if you can increase your supply of CM you will increase your bodies ability to produce ATP and thus reduce lactic acid buildup. This will result in improved endurance for working out. Creatine also helps in the production of protein which we all know is needed for muscular growth and development.

Knowing how does creatine work should give you a better understanding of what the supplement can offer you in regards to your bodybuilding lifestyle. It is a great supplement that can provide instantaneous energy in a very short amount of time. This is what makes it so attractive for bodybuilders and other athletes.