Creatine before or after workout?

[DrInsane]

Hey folks,

Should I take creatine before or after a workout? If it's after a workout, then is it okay to take it with a protein shake?

[Darkhorse]

Originally Posted by DrInsane

Hey folks,

Should I take creatine before or after a workout? If it's after a workout, then is it okay to take it with a protein shake?

I take 5 grams creatine with my preworkout shake and 10 grams after. I'm 250 lbs so 15 grams is best for me. If you're hovering around 180 or 200 then 10 grams is more than enough. When you take creatine it is best to use it in conjunction with carbs or dextrose or both. My preworkout shake has 50% maltodextrin and 50% dextrose. If your postworkout shake is just protein w/out any carbs, I'd then suggest mixing it with some grape or apple juice. After that take your protein.

[Smokey Bear 393]

I take it before, and after workout. I usually take 5 grams with sunny d (I've got two kids, so it's usually in supply ) prior to lifting weights, and another 5 grams after with my protein shake. During my workout, I try to consume a large amount of water.

[GuardDog]

I thought that once you have creatine loaded in your system, then it didn't matter as far as timing, just as long as you continued to take it. I however do mix it in with my shakes for convenience.

[Darkhorse]

Originally Posted by GuardDog

I thought that once you have creatine loaded in your system, then it didn't matter as far as timing, just as long as you continued to take it. I however do mix it in with my shakes for convenience.

Not really. I agree that your muscles are saturated with creatine after the loading phase. But, taking creatine immediately after you workout will benefit you tremendously. That's like saying you'll take protein throughout the day as long as you hit 200 grams. Your body is like a sponge after a hard workout. Because of it's depleted state, it'll be at it's most efficient state of absorbtion postworkout. The creatine will directly get uploaded into your worked muscles super-saturating them with it further enhancing recovery and growth. Plus, a thousand scientists can't be wrong...

[GuardDog]

Originally Posted by 0311

Not really. I agree that your muscles are saturated with creatine after the loading phase. But, taking creatine immediately after you workout will benefit you tremendously. That's like saying you'll take protein throughout the day as long as you hit 200 grams. Your body is like a sponge after a hard workout. Because of it's depleted state, it'll be at it's most efficient state of absorbtion postworkout. The creatine will directly get uploaded into your worked muscles super-saturating them with it further enhancing recovery and growth. Plus, a thousand scientists can't be wrong...

I knew about protein and timing. I just thought there was a reason for the normal CM 1 week loading phase to supersaturate the cells and then followed up by the daily intake of 10+g to keep them saturated. I guess it is a good thing that I mixed it in my protein shake then.

[Dr X]

I add it in my pre and post shakes.

[hrdgain81]

I take it before, durring and after. With respect to timing once i've hit the gym hard your muscles will soak the creatine up just like it does glycogen.

0311, why do you take in so much man. thats an insane amount of creatine even for someone your size. I'm not telling you not to, but have you tried to do less? I've been told by several doctors that once your muscles are saturated, anything over 3gr ed is just getting pissed out.

[Darkhorse]

Originally Posted by hrdgain81

I take it before, durring and after. With respect to timing once i've hit the gym hard your muscles will soak the creatine up just like it does glycogen.

0311, why do you take in so much man. thats an insane amount of creatine even for someone your size. I'm not telling you not to, but have you tried to do less? I've been told by several doctors that once your muscles are saturated, anything over 3gr ed is just getting pissed out.

Nope, the optimal amount of regular creatine is 10-15 grams per day. 3 grams is cee.

[hrdgain81]

Nope, the optimal amount of regular creatine is 10-15 grams per day. 3 grams is cee.

where did you get this info from?