Should You Start Taking Creatine?

One of the most common questions we've been hearing lately is:
“Should I start taking creatine?”

Here’s the truth—creatine isn’t magic, but it is one of the most researched and effective supplements you can take.

Here’s what it can do for you:

  • Increase strength and power so you can push harder in workouts

  • Help you recover faster between sets

  • Support muscle growth and keep muscles looking fuller

  • Boost brain health, memory, and focus

  • Even support healthy aging and bone health

So…should you take it? Let’s break it down.

Yes, it makes sense if…

  • You want to get stronger and see more progress in your workouts

  • You’re looking for a safe performance boost with decades of research behind it

  • You want to support long-term health (not just fitness)

Maybe not right now if…

  • You have existing kidney issues (check with your doctor first)

  • You’re expecting it to do all the work for you (nutrition, training, and recovery still come first!)

The Bottom Line:
For most healthy people, creatine is a simple, safe, and effective way to take your training and recovery up a notch.

The standard dose is just 3–5g a day—easy to mix into water, coffee, or a shake.

I love to get the ones that are flavored to help improve my water intake. 

And it's one of the cheapest supplements because it's literally just one ingredient...creatine monohydrate. 


Common Q&A on Creatine:

Q: What is creatine?
A: Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in your muscles. It helps your body produce quick energy during high-intensity exercise.

Q: Do I really need creatine?
A: You don’t need it, but it’s one of the most researched and effective supplements out there if your goal is strength, performance, or building muscle.

Q: Will creatine make me bulk up or look puffy?
A: Nope. Creatine helps your muscles hold a little extra water inside the muscle (not under the skin), which can actually make them look fuller—not bloated.

Q: Is creatine safe?
A: Yes, for healthy adults, creatine is safe and well-studied. Just stick with the recommended dose (3–5 grams daily).

Q: Do I need to load creatine?
A: You can, but you don’t have to. Loading (20g/day for a week) just saturates your muscles faster. If you just take 3–5g daily, you’ll get the same results over time.

Q: When should I take creatine?
A: The most important thing is consistency. Take it every day—morning, night, pre- or post-workout. Just pick a time you won’t forget.

Q: Can women take creatine?
A: 100% yes. Women get the same benefits—better strength, recovery, and energy in workouts—without “bulking up.”

Q: Does creatine cause kidney damage?
A: In healthy people, no. Research shows no harm to kidneys when taken as recommended. If you already have kidney issues, check with your doctor first.

Q: How fast will I notice results?
A: Some people feel stronger or less fatigued within a week or two, but the biggest results come after your muscles are fully saturated (around 3–4 weeks).

Q: Can I just get creatine from food?
A: You’d have to eat a lot of red meat and fish to hit effective levels. Supplementing makes it way easier.

To more health & muscles,
Josh

Josh Jensen

Josh Jensen is the owner of FiT PRiNT Personal Training in Orlando, where he’s been helping people get stronger, move better, and feel more confident for over 12 years. With a Bachelor’s in Health Science (Pre-Clinical Physical Therapy), certifications as a Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) Specialist, and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, Josh blends science with a fun, approachable style of coaching.

At FiT PRiNT Personal Training Orlando, his mission is simple: make fitness fit you—so it feels less like a chore and more like a lifestyle you actually enjoy.

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