Does creatine improve athletic performance?

Creatine is said to improve athletic performance, especially in short, intense efforts such as weightlifting, sprinting and explosive strength training.

Creatine increases the amount of phosphocreatine in your muscles, which helps to quickly regenerate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy for short, intense bursts of exercise. This allows you to train harder and longer during explosive activities.

Research shows that creatine can lead to increases in muscle strength and mass, especially during strength training. It helps you do more repetitions and lift heavier weights, leading to more muscle growth in the long term.

Creatine can help you recover faster between workouts by replenishing energy stores more quickly. This can be especially helpful for athletes who train or compete frequently. For sports that involve a combination of short bursts and rest, such as soccer, hockey, and tennis, creatine can improve performance by maintaining energy levels and reducing fatigue.

Creatine is effective at improving short, explosive movements such as sprinting and jumping, making it useful for athletes in sports such as track and field, basketball, and weightlifting.

Creatine is generally safe for most people when taken in recommended dosages. It is important to drink plenty of water, as creatine retains water in the muscles.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7871530/pdf/12970_2021_Article_412.pdf

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-09 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024