Creatine: Should You Be Taking It?
At Manchester Outdoor Fitness, we push, pull, run, sprint, lift, and sweat together in all weathers. Whether it’s powering through burpees on a frosty morning, smashing hill sprints, or building strength with kettlebells, our sessions demand energy, strength, and recovery.
One supplement that often comes up in conversations is creatine. You’ve probably heard people in the gym talk about it, but what is it, and could it help you with our style of training?
What is Creatine?
Creatine is a natural compound found in your muscles and produced by your body. It’s also in small amounts of foods like red meat and fish.
Its main job is to help your muscles recycle energy — especially during short bursts of high-intensity effort (think sprints, kettlebell swings, or a tough set of press-ups).
Why Do People Take It?
Creatine is one of the most researched and proven supplements out there. Benefits include:
✅ More Power in Short Bursts – Great for sprints, hill runs, and explosive movements.
✅ Better Strength Gains – Supports progress in strength-based exercises like squats, deadlifts, and push-ups.
✅ Improved Recovery – Helps muscles bounce back quicker between sessions.
✅ Brain Boost – Some studies suggest creatine may also support mental focus and reduce fatigue.
Will It Help with Manchester Outdoor Fitness Sessions?
Yes — especially if you regularly push yourself in high-intensity efforts. For example:
Sprinting up that hill for the 4th time 💨
Grinding out the final reps of kettlebell goblet squats 💪
Chasing down your best time at Parkrun 🏃
Creatine won’t make you fitter overnight, but it can give you the extra edge in power and recovery that adds up over weeks of consistent training.
How Do You Take It?
Dosage: Most people take 3–5g per day (about a teaspoon).
Timing: Anytime works — consistency matters more than timing.
Form: Stick to creatine monohydrate — it’s effective, safe, and affordable.
💡 Tip: Mix it with water, juice, or even your post-workout shake.
Is Creatine Safe?
For healthy adults, creatine is considered safe and well-researched. Some people notice slight water retention in the first week (your muscles holding more water), but this is normal and often means it’s working.
As with any supplement, if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication, check with your GP first.
Bottom Line
Creatine isn’t magic — you still have to put the work in (and you all do! 🙌). But it can support your strength, endurance, and recovery, making those tough Manchester Outdoor Fitness sessions just that little bit more powerful.
👉 Keep showing up, stay consistent, and if creatine fits your goals, it might be a simple, effective tool to help you level up.
Try our Supplement Calculator here - https://manchesteroutdoorfitness.co.uk/supplements
