CREATINE: What's the deal with that stuff? And do the benefits outweigh the risks?

In this article, the question is brought up about whether creatine (a performance enhancing supplement) is worth the risks and side effects or not. Overall, the article states that creatine is probably not as important for an athlete as his regular eating schedule and training routine are, and that the risks probably outweigh the benefits. It is important that this issue is being argued, especially with all of the hype lately about professional sports, such as baseball, and creatine. Americans generally views people who use this supplement as "cheaters", who haven't put in as much effort as the athletes who don't, and who also have an unfair edge over the competition. The issue of creatine is very important not only to professional athletes, but also to high school athletes. Many people interviewed in this article stated that they would not take creatine, because it wasn't the "right" way to train, and they felt morally it wasn't the best option for them.

I am currently taking a creatine supplement, which is why this topic is so interesting to me. I have been taking it off and on for about a year now, and I have seen nothing but improvements in my workout routine, strength, and building of muscle. I disagree strongly with any argument that creatine is for "cheaters", or is a fast and easy way to build muscle. Yes, it is true it does increase performance, but that does not mean I do not have to work hard for my gains. Anybody who has ever worked out will know that it takes more than a supplement to make improvements. Hard work, the right diet, and supplements are all important, I believe, for an athlete who is looking to improve his overall performance.