How is creatine used as an energy source in the body? First, Let's talk a little about ATP (the life force of all living matter), the first energy source burned as fuel in the body. The other five energy sources for the body: creatine, glycogen, glucose, fatty acids and amino acids all must be converted to ATP (in that order) to be burned as fuel in the body.

Knowing when creatine is converted to APT is key in knowing how to get the best results in muscle building. Like ATP, creatine can be stored in the muscle, which means it does not need oxygen to burn. It is a short explosive energy burn. The ATP stored in the muscle is the most effective explosive fuel source, which burns for about four or five seconds at 100 percent muscle contraction in an all out effort, such as weight lifting or sprinting. Creatine then is converted to APT and burns for about six or seven seconds at nearly 100 percent muscle contraction. Knowing this tells us how we must train to get the best results with creatine. A weight training set needs to be completed with in ten to twelve seconds, which means heavy weight and low reps.

Another interesting fact about creatine is its ability to recycle itself to be used again as fuel. With one minute rest creatine will recycle itself about 50 percent. Resting four minutes between sets increases recycling ability to 90 percent. Creatine will be available for about ninety minutes.

Now, let's look at how other fuels burn so you won't be tempted to go beyond twelve seconds if you want maximum results. Glycogen and glucose burn respectively after creatine for up to two minutes at no more than 70 percent muscle contraction. The higher the percentage of muscle contraction the stronger the muscle. After twelve seconds, muscle contraction/muscle strength quickly falls off due to the type of fuel being burned as energy. Workouts fueled with creatine instead of glycogen and glucose just makes good sense if maximum results are desired.

Let's sum it up. Long-lasting training sessions of over ninety minutes are not good because creatine has been depleted and the fuel used for energy will be amino acids, which is muscle. Also, creatine will not cause water weight or stomach upset if it is taken with a high glycemic carbohydrate drink with enough liquid to completely dissolve the powder.

Fred Fishburne and his wife Ann are owners of ProHealth Nutrition, Inc., a very successful health store in McDonough, Ga. Visit at: http://prohealthnut.com

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