Find Your Fit - Stronger, Sharper, Leaner?
Health & Fitness Expert Clare Stobart
Stronger, Sharper, Leaner? My Honest Experience with Creatine and Electrolytes
Two supplements that are currently dominating the fitness conversation right now are creatine and electrolytes. Often promoted as essential for performance, recovery and even
brain health, are they smart tools or unnecessary hype?
Creatine: More Than a Muscle Supplement
Creatine is one of the most researched supplements available. It supports the production of ATP, the body’s quick energy system, particularly effective for strength training and high-intensity exercise.
The benefits of creatine include:
Improved strength and power output
Enhanced recovery
Support lean muscle development
Cognitive benefits
Support for women maintaining muscle through hormonal changes
I currently take creatine daily alongside electrolytes during my 6am training, which is a mix of 2–3 strength sessions, 1 EMS session, 1 HYROX-style high-intensity metcon workout and a varied 30-minute run or sprint session.
Personally, I have noticed a clear difference. I feel stronger in my lifts, more energised during high-intensity workouts and mentally sharper. My body composition measurements have confirmed a measurable increase in muscle mass, which I can both see and feel, particularly in my glutes, with my strength and definition noticeably improving.
However, it’s important to be honest about the adjustment phase. During the first couple of weeks, I did feel slightly bloated and “smooth”, as though I was holding extra water. This is common with creatine, as it increases water content within the muscle cells. For some, this temporary retention can feel uncomfortable. To combat this, I have regular lymphatic drainage massages which have made a significant difference. After treatment, I felt less puffy and muscle definition became much clearer. As I continued with the regime, the initial bloating settled as my body adapted.
Electrolytes: Strategic Hydration
Electrolytes — sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium regulate fluid balance, muscle contraction and nerve function. When training intensity, sweat loss and frequency are high, electrolytes become invaluable.
Including electrolytes in my early sessions has given me sustained energy and reduced that “flat” feeling that can come with fasted or early workouts.
That being said, they are not necessary for everyone. For moderate 45-minute sessions in cool conditions, water and a balanced diet are often sufficient. Many commercial electrolyte drinks also contain excess sugar, which isn’t always needed.
The Balanced Perspective
Creatine and electrolytes are not magic solutions, but they are well-researched and effective tools when used appropriately. They enhance training rather than replace it and as with any supplements, results can vary from person to person. Personally, they’ve supported measurable improvements in performance, energy and muscle development during my strength training and high-intensity conditioning.
Supplements should always sit on top of solid foundations: progressive training, adequate protein intake, recovery and sleep. The question isn’t whether these supplements are “good” or “bad”, it’s whether they support your training goals, lifestyle and long-term health. They can be powerful allies in building strength that lasts.
I’m currently using MNDAY Performance, which combines creatine, electrolytes and glutamine in one formula. I take 5 grams with water during my 6am sessions. For many people, convenience matters and having all three components in one clean product makes it easy to stay consistent. It’s a delicious peach and raspberry flavour and importantly contains no hidden fillers, artificial sweeteners or unnecessary additives. When choosing supplements, quality and transparency are just as important as the ingredient list itself.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with options in the supplement industry, so my advice would always be to build on a solid foundation of nutrition, hydration and exercise and pair this with a supplement that will give you a boost to reaching your fitness goal.
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