It’s common knowledge among bodybuilders and many top athletes that creatine supplements can help improve athletic performance. These supplements can help you build muscle mass and they give you the energy you need to train harder while also reducing recovery time between workouts. The question that a lot of people have is how to use creatine properly so that they can get optimal results for the time and effort they spend.

People that have been using creatine supplements for a period of time may notice that they will eventually hit a plateau where the muscle gains and other benefits seem to taper off. Some people fear that if they stop taking the supplements that they will lose the muscle or strength that they have gained but studies show that this is not the case. Anyone looking for information on how to use creatine properly would be interested to know that many bodybuilders and trainers believe that creatine cycling is the best way to see ongoing progress with this supplement. The theory is that you can prevent your body from getting used to the supplement so that you can continue to get consistent results.

There are a couple of different theories on creatine cycling. One method would be to take a higher than average dose for a period of approximately 5 weeks and then to be completely off of the supplement for three weeks. Another method consists of a loading phase and a maintenance phase. During the loading phase you would be taking a higher than average dose for 4 to 7 days and then a smaller dosage for approximately 3 weeks. The average person that does not get much exercise metabolizes approximately 2 g of creatine per day. For people that are training heavily the amount would be quite a bit higher and a regular dosage of the supplement is approximately 5 grams. Whichever method of creatine cycling you choose you would want to take a higher dosage in the beginning.

In addition to cycling, it is also recommended to mix creatine with a sports drink or fruit juice. Juice and sports drinks have carbohydrates that cause your body to release insulin. The insulin in your bloodstream helps deliver the creatine to your muscles more efficiently.

Creatine is an all-natural substance that is produced by our bodies and can also be found in protein rich foods. It plays a vital role in supplying energy to the muscles to allow them to perform physical work. For people that work out hard, creatine gives them the ability to complete more repetitions, build more muscle mass, and reduce recovery time. Learning how to use creatine properly will help you achieve the best results possible.