Creatine... The "Cocaine" for Athletes

Well I'm glad that the title of this blog got your attention, but what does that say about you! Lol Just kidding.

Creatine- An athletes best friend. Anyone who wants to lose weight and build muscle (muscles burns fat by the way) should take this supplement. But what is Creatine and what does it do?

I first learned about Creatine when I first did P90X. Tony Horton kept on mentioning the recovery drink. Also, my ex-bf mentioned I should get it because if not, I would be in a lot of pain. Ok, so far all I know is that I have to get this P90X powder if I don't want to ache the next day. But what made the P90X Recovery Drink so important in my transformation? Its main ingredient! Creatine usually comes in powder form and increases the body's ability to produce energy rapidly. That's an excellent thing! Imagine trying to exercise, and having to do an hour long workout and you can't even last 10 mins. For high intensity workouts, Creatine gives you that extra boost.

Now, yesterday I was at Planet Fitness -The Judgement Free Zone- with my bestie/first client, Shanise. We worked every single muscle we have. We even have a new slogan, "If you're not cursing my name out tomorrow, you didn't work hard enough today!" It WAS that intense. Now, this entire week we have been working out... HARD! Along with daily balanced meals, I've been taking Shakeology for my in-between meals snacks and Twin Labs Creatine-Strength right before and after my workouts, though I would have preferred the P90X Recovery Drink- just ran out =^( . I noticed I have not been in a lot of pain; and I know it has to do with the Creatine because prior to introducing it into my diet, working out was murderous!

So I called Creatine the "Cocaine" for Athletes... why? Well, just for kicks, it is a white tasteless powder unless flavored for marketing purposes. You know people need to have the "Berry Blast," "Orange Tang," "Strawberry Swirls" in their lives. Usually, that's done because the product tastes nasty. But, the creatine I have tried tend to not have any flavor. Also, cocaine is a drug that makes you feel high. While cocaine can KILL YOU, creatine will enhance you and your workout. The harder your work out, the more endorphins you release, giving you a natural high. But like any "drug," people can become addicted. I can greatly see how people could frequently take Creatine to relieve pain. It does kind of kill the motto "No Pain, No Gain" by enhancing the amount of energy you produce. It allows more water to enter your muscle cells, increasing protein synthesis (muscles are made of proteins), causing you to increase the amount of effort you put into your workouts and all the while, repairing the ripping and tearing you are causing your muscles, decreasing the pain you feel, while increasing the results you wish to see. But the idiot that takes Creatine and does not work out, is in for an adverse surprise.

Creatine makes you gain weight! WHAT!?!?!?! I just scared the hell out of everyone who was thinking about getting some. Let me explain!

Creatine helps the muscles heal when they have been ripped apart from the strenuous exercises you do. It patches up all the torn muscles fibers, making them grow bigger. This is only a good thing if you take advantage of the burst of energy you get from creatine and actually do an intense workout.  Like I said before, muscle burns fat. But if you don't exercise while taking Creatine, all you are doing is retaining water that is not being released as sweat. Water weight is not cool! =^P Lol. So you start gaining weight and its not event due to muscles. All you have done is frustrated yourself because you attempted to do one thing and accomplished another. Don't misuse this supplement! Don't fool yourself with the idea that creatine gives you a burst of energy and that is what you need. If you need energy, go eat some healthy, balanced, nutrient filled foods. Shakeology would actually be a great start. Use it as a meal replacement.

Another possible side effect with Creatine is that it has been known to cause dehydration. Hence, another reason why the average joe shouldn't just take it for kicks. You must be aware that your water intake must increase and will be released when you sweat it out during a workout routine. Athletes should already be consuming more water then the average person and will need to increase it once more when taking Creatine. You don't really need to worry about this. Just increase your water intake with an extra 2-3 glasses of water and you'll be fine. Some people experience dehydration more than others. If you feel dehydrated when taking Creatine, immediately drink water. During my workouts, I usually carry a hydration pack with me. These can be a little expensive but the cheapest I've seen them for a good quality one has been $25. Invest in one! TODAY! =^D It is worth it, especially when the summer heat waves appear.

Use Creatine before, during or after a workout. Give your all to your workout and push past your breaking point, creating a new level to conquer next time. Have fun! Always do your best! And keep coming back. Remember, you are loving yourself and doing something for yourself when you work on developing your body, your mind and your spirit.


Have a wonderful day and keep SMILING!!!

If you have any questions, contact me at:

sheenaeverubet@facebook.com

For more information about Shakeology or the P90X Recovery Formula, visit:
www.beachbodycoach.com/sheenaeverubet

Or email me at:
sheenaeverubet@beachbodycoach.com
www.myshakeology.com/sheenaeverubet