Everyone who has spent anytime involved in fitness and weight training has heard of Creatine. Creatine is without a doubt the most effective supplement on the market. With the success of Creatine came the ability for supplement companies to make money, and lots of it.
So how do companies separate their Creatine product from their competitor’s? They give it a fancy new name and market the shit out of it. So where does it leave us the consumer? Confused? You bet.
So what is the best creatine to use?
- Creatine Monohydrate?
- Creatine Ethyl Ester?
- Creatine Gluconate?
- Magnesium Creatine Chelate?
- Tricreatine Orotate?
- Dicreatine malate?
- Creatine orotate?
- Tricreatine malate?
- Creatine citrate?
- Kre-Alkalyn?
If you want to know which Creatine is the best to use follow these 3 tips…
Tip 1
99% of the research which proves that Creatine works has been conducted using Creatine monohydrate. I’m not suggesting that the new forms of Creatine don’t work, but what I am saying is most of them haven’t been researched. Creatine monohydrate has been researched and has been proved to work.
Tip 2
Creatine Monohydrate is the cheapest form of Creatine to buy. Does that mean it is not as effective as the other types of Creatine? No way, remember Tip 1, 99% of the research into Creatine has been conducted with Creatine Monohydrate. To illustrate how much cheaper Creatine Monohydrate is on its own, have a look at this comparison:
2kg $84.95. Cost per serve: $4.25
1kg $76.95. Cost per serve: $0.38
Tip 3
All supplement companies have a Creatine product in their range. Avoid the hype and slick advertising and stick with a product that is 100% Creatine Monohydrate. This is for 2 reasons:
- Firstly, you are only paying for the product you need, Creatine Monohydrate. This means when you take 5 grams of the product, you are in fact taking 5 grams of Creatine Monohydrate.
- Secondly, you are not paying for extras you don’t need like sugar, or other random ingredients that they list in a propriety blend.
To emphasise this point have a look at the ingredients for Cell-tech hardcore.
Confusing isn’t it! Aside from the fact that you are paying $4.25 to consume 75 grams of sugars in each serve, how do you know how much creatine you are actually consuming?
In summing up, the best Creatine to use is Creatine Monohydrate. It is a safe, effective and inexpensive supplement that has been heavily researched and stood the test of time. I regularly use creatine as part of my quest to stay fit, lean and strong. Click the links below for more free tips on how to achieve your fitness goals.
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Niko is a 34 year-old happily married, shift working, father of two young boys. Niko’s site www.noeXcuseFitness.com.au shares his fitness knowledge and helps regular, time-poor people stay in shape and achieve their goals.
Good luck with your efforts and remember: ‘There is no such thing as a good eXcuse’
Joe Pankow
8 years ago
Interesting article, I remember when creatine was a hot topic about 6-8 years ago and some coaches were against it. It seems like it’s pretty acceptable these days. Are there any known negative effects?
Niko
8 years ago
Joe,
The reason creatine has been so successful over the years has been the fact that the research proves that it does work and it does not have any side effects. I think initially coaches were against it, due to a fear of the unknown. Everyone waited for years to see what effect long term use would have on your health, and it turns out it has no adverse effect of your health. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who is against it these days. Creatine is a mainstay in my supplementation.
ryan
7 years ago
I use creatine a lot has it is vital in my workout/training , I also notice the difference in my training when taking it.
Mike
7 years ago
Hi Niko, I’ve heard it doesn’t matter when you take your creatine, either before or after your workout. What are your thoughts?
Niko - No Excuse Fitness
7 years ago
Mike,
It actually doesn’t matter. As longas you are taking it consistently the creatine stores in your body will be to a level that it will assist your performance.
Hope that helps.
-Niko
Robert M
7 years ago
Hi Niko,
I’ve heard time and time before that creatine can potentially make your bones weak after long term use. Have you heard anything similar to that statement?
Also I was considering Gaspari superpump max as a creatine supplement. Are there any different ones you would reccomend for an 18 year old?
-Rob
Niko - No Excuse Fitness
7 years ago
Robert,
Creatine will not make your bones weak. It is a supplement that has been used and tested for over 20 years now with no reported side effects, it is extremely safe. I would avoid any supplement that contains a proprietary blend, such as superpump max. I would stick to basic creatine monohydrate product, it is better value for money and that way you know exactly how much creatine you are supplementing with. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions let me know.
-Niko
Andy B.
7 years ago
Hello Niko,
I’ve taken CM before and noticed some gains, but then I had a decent amount of people recommend Kre-Alkalyn and noticed some gains but not too many. Do you think I am wasting my time with Kre-Alkalyn and switch back to Monohydrate?
-Andy
Niko - No Excuse Fitness
7 years ago
Andy,
I would stick with CM it is a heap cheaper and 99% of the research which proves that Creatine works has been conducted using CM. I’m not suggesting that the new forms of Creatine don’t work, but what I am saying is most of them haven’t been researched. Creatine monohydrate has been researched and has been proved to work. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions let me know.
-Niko
Martin
6 years ago
Yes you are right. Creatine is only harmful if used in excessive amount controlled amount of creatine combined with good balanced is the ultimate verge of healthy and muscular body. thanks for this great info.