How does creatine work?

[stuckat180]

If taking creatine makes your muscles store more water, then when you stop taking it does it all go away. Do you gain permanent muscle by taking it?

[Eloquent]

Face palm.

The purpose of creatine doesn't revolve around water retention.

[frank8880]

If taking creatine makes your muscles store more water, then when you stop taking it does it all go away. Do you gain permanent muscle by taking it?

yes, you gain permanent muscle because you get more strength and ATP (what fuels your muscles) so you'll be lifting heavier and get big... but, when you stop taking creatine you will decrease like half an inch on each arm due to water retention you had.. (you wont practically lose anything because it was extra water being hold, if you take creatine again you'll get the same size you had lost)

[2020Wellness]

Creatine is a substance used by your body during intense work. Your body will use a creatine requiring source of energy when you're lifting hard and heavy. This system can only be used for short periods of time(seconds).

So, in essence, creatine provides you with more power to lift a bit more weight or complete a few more reps. Being able to do those things can provide you with more muscle over time.

The gains you make are solid and will not just disappear if you stop using creatine, as it is not hormone based.

[stuckat180]

Now I get it. Thank you guys