Creatine for athletic purposes...not just weight training

[magman1]

I play high level rugby, which requires strength, but even more importantly is endurance and stamina. My coach told me that creatine in season would be more detrimental because it dehydrates you while playing, which causes fatigue. It makes sense, but i also thought creatine helped fitness stamina. Please pass along advice if you know for sure, please no hunches or straight opinions....thanks in advance for the help bros.

 

[MikeMartial]

My coach told me that creatine in season would be more detrimental because it dehydrates you while playing, which causes fatigue.

Your coach, while having good intentions, needs to be a bit more informed.

Personally, I use creatine, and I also participate in tae kwon do and muay thai---both activities requiring high levels of endurance. I have only seen positive benefits, like faster recovery.

To date, I don't think there's been a whole lot of studies done on endurance athletes and creatine use; I'm sure, with some digging, one could find something.

I have heard that creatine causes increased lactic acid buffering, possibly through skeletal muscle hyper-hydration; maybe some others can confirm this.

 

[Lee]

creatine will dehydrate you if you let it. but im sure if yer playing rugby yer drinking a shitton of water.