If you’ve spent any time in the gym, you’ve probably heard about Creatine HCl and HMB. Maybe your gym bro swears by one while the guy on TikTok says the other is the holy grail of gains. But here’s the thing—I take both. And no, my muscles haven’t exploded (yet).
So, if you’re wondering what these two supplements actually do, if they’re worth your hard-earned cash, and if you really need both, let’s break it down in simple, no-BS terms.
Creatine HCl: The Strength Booster
What It Does:
Creatine HCl (Hydrochloride) is a highly absorbable form of creatine that helps muscles produce more energy during heavy lifts and explosive movements. It’s basically the reason why you can squeeze out that extra rep when your arms feel like jelly.
Why I Take It:
- More power, less water bloat – Unlike creatine monohydrate, it doesn’t turn you into a water balloon.
- No loading phase – I don’t have the patience for a week of shoveling creatine into my mouth like it’s pre-workout.
- Better absorption – Less wasted product, which means more bang for my buck.
HMB: The Muscle Saver
What It Does:
HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate—say that three times fast) is a metabolite of leucine, the king of muscle-building amino acids. Instead of giving you a quick boost of strength, HMB focuses on preventing muscle breakdown, making it perfect for recovery and endurance training.
Why I Take It:
- Keeps my hard-earned muscle intact – Because I’m not about to let my gains disappear overnight.
- Faster recovery – Less soreness means I can actually sit down on the toilet without wincing the day after leg day.
- Great for cutting phases – If you’re in a calorie deficit, HMB helps reduce muscle loss while burning fat.
👉 Read more on HMB benefits here
Do You Need Both?
Short answer: Yes, if you want the best of both worlds.
Long answer:
- If you want to lift heavier, recover faster, and actually keep the muscle you’re building, stacking Creatine HCl + HMB is a game-changer.
- If you only care about strength, Creatine HCl is your go-to.
- If you’re trying to maintain muscle while cutting or training for endurance, HMB is your best friend.
How I Take Them
- Creatine HCl: 2g daily, mixed into my pre-workout or water.
- HMB: 3g daily, either before a workout or split between morning and night.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about training and want to perform better, recover faster, and actually keep your muscle, Creatine HCl and HMB together are a solid stack. Plus, neither is crazy expensive, which means more money left over for protein powder, chicken breasts, and regrettable Amazon purchases at 2 AM.
Got questions? Drop a comment—or just go buy them and thank me later.
