What actually is creatine?

You've probably heard about creatine at the gym. It's one of the most popular supplements around. But what is it, and how does it actually work? Let's break it down simply.

Creatine is a completely natural compound. Your body already makes it in your liver and kidneys. You also get it from eating foods like meat and fish. About 95% of this creatine is stored in your muscles. It just sits there, waiting to be used when you need it.

So what does creatine actually do? You can think of creatine like a power bank, but for your muscles. Your muscles run on an energy molecule called ATP. You only have enough ATP for a few seconds of intense effort, which is why you can't lift a heavy weight forever. This is where creatine steps in. As a 'power bank', it rapidly recharges your used-up energy molecules. This turns them back into powerful ATP, giving you the fuel for another rep or two. It helps you push harder during those short, explosive movements.

This extra energy is why creatine is so effective for gym workouts. It directly boosts your strength and power. By letting you train harder, it helps you build more muscle over time. It's not a preworkout or steroid. It's simply a safe, well-researched way to top up your muscle's natural energy supply.