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benefits of taking creatine

What If I Take Creatine And Don't Workout?

If you are enthusiastic about health & fitness and if you wish to boost your performance, you can consider taking certain  supplements. 

As far as taking supplements is concerned, there is no shortage. Electrolytes, pre-workouts, BCAAs, protein powders, and the list goes on. However, if you wish to maximise muscle strength and growth, one supplement constantly attracts attention - creatine! 

Creatine is a top-rated supplement for muscle growth, especially for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. While it offers many benefits for boosting performance and recovery, what about when you are not training? Can we take creatine without a workout? Let us find out!

Understanding Creatine and Its Effect on the Body

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in smaller amounts in foods like fish and red meat. The pancreas, liver, and kidneys also produce creatine. It is made up of three essential amino acids—glycine, arginine, and methionine—all of which play important roles in energy production. 

What If I Take Creatine and Don_t Work Out

It is crucial for the regeneration of the body’s primary source of energy—ATP or Adenosine triphosphate—which is used to power all biological processes within the body. 

The body is capable of usually maintaining higher stores of creatine, with around 95 per cent of creatine found stored in the skeletal muscles. Creatine that is stored in the muscles is an integral component of the regeneration of ATP.

Our body tends to depend on the constant supply of ATP to support all major activities, including muscle contraction. When the body is not able to generate ATP at the desired pace, any activity can come to a halt, implying a sudden change to your training session. 

In simple words, the primary role of creatine during a workout is to provide energy to fuel a series of biological functions. 

What Happens When You Take Creatine Without Working Out?

Can we take creatine without a workout? It is a common question nowadays. One of the primary reasons an individual considers taking creatine is to improve workout performance. As it plays a vital role in ensuring energy availability, resulting in improved workout capacity and increased muscle gains, there will not be much of a point in creatine supplementation when you are not working out.

According to some studies, creatine without working out can deliver some benefits:

  • Recovery post-workout 

  • Neuroprotection of the spinal cord 

  • Thermoregulation

  • Rehabilitation

  • Injury prevention

Different studies put forth that taking creatine without a workout can deliver multiple cognitive and neurological benefits. 

It is believed that the presence of creatine in the brain can improve neuropsychological functions. It also supports several cognitive activities that are affected by ageing or sleep-related issues.

A major advantage of creatine is that it helps older adults as well. Creatine supplementation can help improve fatigue resistance and strengthen muscle mass.

Using Creatine on Non-Workout Days: Is It Worth It?

what if i take creatine and don't workout.

As we know, Creatine is a popular supplement among fitness enthusiasts and athletes because it boosts muscle strength and power. Creatine is linked to workout-related benefits. However, there are some proven benefits of taking creatine on non-workout days as well. 

When you are not exercising, some things to consider are:

  • Creatine Cycling: Some individuals prefer creatine cycling, taking the supplement for a few weeks and then taking a break. This helps prevent tolerance while maintaining the overall effectiveness of the supplement.

  • Individual Needs: The right creatine dosage, especially on non-workout days, might vary depending on several factors like goals, weight, and the overall health. You should consult a dietician or a healthcare professional to decide the right amount of creatine dosage. 

  • Proper Hydration: Creatine supplementation can increase water retention in the muscles. Therefore, it is crucial to be properly hydrated, particularly while consuming creatine supplements, to boost optimal performance and minimise potential side effects.

Benefits of Taking Creatine Even If You Don’t Workout

  • Muscle Repair & Recovery: Creatine helps boost muscle mass and supports post-workout recovery. Even on non-workout days, your muscles are in the stage of repairing and growing. Creatine is able to support this process.

  • Improving Brain Functions: Studies put forth that creatine provides cognitive advantages, like improving focus and memory. This can be useful for individuals indulging in mentally challenging activities.

  • Production of Energy: Creatine replenishes ATP, the core energy currency of the body’s cells. This leads to better energy levels, even when not working out actively.

Any Side Effects of Taking Creatine Without Exercising

Taking creatine on non-workout days can cause mild or rare side effects. For instance, if creatine is taken in high doses, some individuals can experience stomach ache, bloating, or diarrhoea. Therefore, following the exact dosing information is always recommended while consulting with a healthcare professional before starting creatine supplementation. 

Conclusion

can i take creatine without working out

That said, creatine is one of the leading supplements that delivers maximum benefits when training hard. Its ability to regenerate ATP rapidly implies that you will not only obtain the desired benefits but also retain strength for a stronger recovery after your session.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What happens if you don't work out but take creatine?

Taking creatine without working out may still provide some benefits, but it won't be as effective as when combined with regular exercise. Creatine can help increase muscle mass and improve energy production, even without intense workouts.

  1. Can I consume creatine without gyming?

Yes, you can consume creatine without going to the gym. While creatine is often associated with muscle building and athletic performance, it can also provide benefits for individuals who are not actively working out.

  1. Is creatine good for someone who doesn’t work out?

While creatine is primarily known for its benefits in athletes and fitness enthusiasts, it can also be beneficial for non-workout individuals. Creatine can support muscle mass, energy production, and potentially cognitive function. 

  1. Can you gain weight with creatine without working out?

Yes, it's possible to gain weight while taking creatine when you are not working out. Creatine can increase water retention in your muscles, which can lead to a slight increase in weight.

  1. When to take creatine when not working out?

Ideally, you can take creatine on non-workout days in the morning or early afternoon. This allows your body to absorb and distribute the creatine throughout the day, supporting muscle growth and recovery even when you're not actively exercising.

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