*Exactly what is creatine anyway? Creatine is a compound that occurs naturally in the human body or taken as a dietary supplement. The scientific term for Creatine is methyl guanidine-acetic acid. Creatine is composed of three amino acids - Glycine, Methionine, and Arginine. The human liver has the ability to combine these three amino acids and produce creatine. The other way we get creatine is from our diet/supplements.

*How does creatine help with exercise? Human muscles use ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) for anaerobic exercise (short burst exercises such as weight training). During anaerobic exercise ATP is broken down into two simpler chemicals inorganic phosphate and ADP (adenosine di-phosphate). This process of ATP breaking down into ADP releases the energy which gives your muscles the ability to contract. ATP stores only remain adequate for 10-15 seconds of maximum exertion however. After the ATP stores are exhausted the muscle will no longer be able to perform at maximum exertion.

Taking creatine supplements can create more fuel for the body through the following process. Most of the creatine stored in the skeletal muscle bonds with phosphorus (also stored in the muscles) which becomes creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate then bonds to excess ADP stores (which would be otherwise useless) which creates ATP energy stores. Hence taking creatine will create more fuel for your muscles!

*Is creatine a prohormone/steroid? No. Creatine will not alter with your testosterone/estrogen levels the way prohormones can.

*What Creatine Ethyl Ester HCI? Creatine Ethyl Ester HCl is an exceptionally soluble creatine resulting in advanced absorption, increased bioavailability, and stability. Creatine ethyl ester directly penetrates the muscle cell resulting in 30 to 40 times more functional creatine.

*Chad's Testimony I am a mixed martial arts competitor (ultimate fighter) getting ready for my debut fight in November. To aid with my training regimen I have been supplementing Creatine Ethyl Ester. My goal was to pack on some lean muscle mass to increase my metabolism and at the same time become stronger and more powerful.

In late July I weighed in at 175 lbs and my bodyfat was

After six weeks of intense weight training I decided to take another bodyfat test. I physically felt much bigger and was a little hesitant to hear what my bodyfat % was. However I was pleasantly surprised! I weighed in at 178 lbs. My body fat had actually dropped to 6.3%. The trainer explained that I lost 5lbs of body fat and gained an incredible 8lbs of muscle. He later commented to me "I don't need to write you a program....because whatever your doing....its definitely working."

As it turns out my metabolism increased dramatically through weight training. My muscle gains were due to a combination of a solid weight resistance program, plenty of rest, proper dieting and the use of the right bodybuilding supplements. Creatine Ethyl Ester gave me an extra push to help me realize my optimal lean muscle gains.

For anybody looking to lose fat and gain muscle I would recommend focusing on a weight program (cardio is also important but often over emphasized). There is no substitute for hard work in the gym, proper dieting and plenty of rest (this last one is a common problem among hard gainers). If you are training vigorously I would recommend taking supplements for optimal performance. Make sure you research the supplements you are taking and try to find the best price possible. So far the best bodybuilding/weight loss supplement store I've seen is www.discountanabolics.com. I found them to be much less expensive than GNC and their customer service is excellent. They also had quick product delivery; it only took a couple days for my order to show up on my doorstep. Their specific webpage for creatine ethyl ester is www.discountanabolics.com/page/DA/PROD/AX01">http://www.discountanabolics.com/page/DA/PROD/AX01
About the Author

Chad Klingensmith is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Mixed Martial Arts Competitor. He has helped several clients meet their goals in personal training, including weight loss and body building.