When Should I Take Creatine?

[Jaysworld26]

I'm fully cut and I'm start doing routines to get big, when should I start taking it? After I get my muscle's as big as possible normally while taking optimum Whey or during? Trying to get my muscles big as possible and a six pack. Sorry I'm knew to this, and should I take the optimum whey and creatine after my work out's or before?And does it say how much I should take on the bottles? I weigh 150 and I'm 5'11 1/2 FT Tall if that helps at all..... Thanks, - Jason

[icanrace]

IMO the MOST IMPORTANT TIME is post workout. I take (2) scoops of whey w/ 5g of creatine in about 15oz of water.
I also suck down (2) scoops of whey in the morning first thing.
It will say on the bottle how much etc, but ignore the instructions on the creatine because they recommend loading :)

[Jaysworld26]

Sorry but what you mean by post work out? I'm new to this stuff....

[mercury]

He means, right after your workout.

[bradley]

Originally posted by Jaysworld26
I'm fully cut and I'm start doing routines to get big, when should I start taking it? After I get my muscle's as big as possible normally while taking optimum Whey or during? Trying to get my muscles big as possible and a six pack. Sorry I'm knew to this, and should I take the optimum whey and creatine after my work out's or before?And does it say how much I should take on the bottles? I weigh 150 and I'm 5'11 1/2 FT Tall if that helps at all..... Thanks, - Jason

Instead of being concerned with supplements, I would recommend getting your diet and training in order first. Diet and training will offer far more results than any supplement.;)

[bradley]

Originally posted by icanrace
IMO the MOST IMPORTANT TIME is post workout. I take (2) scoops of whey w/ 5g of creatine in about 15oz of water.
I also suck down (2) scoops of whey in the morning first thing.
It will say on the bottle how much etc, but ignore the instructions on the creatine because they recommend loading :)

Might want to add in some carbs to that post workout shake.:)

[Maccer101]

I take mine only on workout days about 1-2 hours b4 I train, I really don't think you have to take it every day, I used it for strength enhancement for my workouts. I used to take it everyday & after workouts, but it made me feel bloated so was unable to eat properly after working out. Also taking it everyday is just going to make you body create less creatine naturally (down-regulation) so after a while it has no effect. By taking it only 3 times a week my body should maintain its own natural creatine production thereby maintaining the effectiveness of creatine supplementation. I must stress that this is just my own theory, but it has been effective so far.

[bradley]

Originally posted by Maccer101
Also taking it everyday is just going to make you body create less creatine naturally (down-regulation) so after a while it has no effect. By taking it only 3 times a week my body should maintain its own natural creatine production thereby maintaining the effectiveness of creatine supplementation. I must stress that this is just my own theory, but it has been effective so far.

Yes your body will downregulate its production of creatine, but this is due to the fact that it already has plenty of creatine available due to supplementation. Once you cease supplementation your body will begin producing more creatine, but you are not going to permanently suppress creatine production.

[Maccer101]

I understand that Bradley, but I really meant that you shouldn't need to cycle supplementation so much if at all if you don't take it everyday.

[DontRevMe]

is there any PROOF that takin it after lifting is beneficial? i know if i take it pre lift i can workout harder...

[bradley]

Originally posted by Maccer101
I understand that Bradley, but I really meant that you shouldn't need to cycle supplementation so much if at all if you don't take it everyday.

I am saying that there is no need to cycle creatine, regardless of whether or not you take it everyday. Any excess creatine will be excreted, but do not mis-interpret this as me saying that it is necessary to take creatine everyday.

[bradley]

Originally posted by DontRevMe
is there any PROOF that takin it after lifting is beneficial? i know if i take it pre lift i can workout harder...

The timing of creatine is not going to be that important, but most people take it post workout, due to the post workout shake containing high GI carbs.

I would recommend taking it with carbs, so this could be morning, afternoon, pre or post workout. I really do not think it is going to make any significant difference.