Almost all of the creatine products i have researched have specified to take the product immediatley after working out. However, i found some article online that apporached it from a medical / biological standpoint (it was not a proven theory and no scientific experiments were done on it) and it basically said that the best time to take a creatine product was before working out, because the creatine is absorbed within 30 minutes and that is what gives the extra endurance / energy while working out. It seems to make sense, but does anyone know when it truly the best time to take creatine supplements???
2006-08-24 15:29:50 · 10 answers · asked by jquigg09 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
The reason for taking it afterwards is because of the carbs in most creatine mixes. When you are worn out from the workout spiking your blood with a dose of carbs and creatine means that the muscles quickly absorb both. This spikes your insulin level which also acts as a growth hormone.
As you noted there is also benefit to taking it before your workout as well. Many take it both before and after. This is called the bracketing method. But due to the expense most only take one serving a day. If you have to choose between the two, I would say after your workout is the best time.
2006-08-24 18:20:45 · answer #1 · answered by Daniel 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Creatine monohydrate is safe people. The problem is absorbtion. The reason people get bloated is because the creatine never makes it into the cells and causes water retention outside of the cells. I saw a few people reccommend carbs with your creatine post workout. I agree this is an effective method utilizing the insulin spike the High GI carbs give you. Plus also an effective way of replenishing your glycogen stores post workout. I would also suggest a new form of creatine. Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL, which completely absorbs into body cells with no water retention type side effects. Strength gains are also impressive. I would suggest this if water retention is a problem or concern.
2006-09-01 17:44:12 · answer #2 · answered by Casey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take 2-3 grams of pure monohydrate ( prolab ) w/ about 10-20 grams of protein and 20-40 grams of fast carbs like gatorade or white bread 30-45 mins b4 u lift and 2-3 grams of creatine w/ double the protein and carbs right after u lift. the creatine u take b4 will make sure ur muscles are full and when u take it after it will replace all the stuff u used while lifting. make sure u do drink plenty of water ( 1-2 gals ) every day or the creatine wont be very effective. and use a quality brand not gnc or muslce tech crap. prolab is the best then optimum nutrition, eas, now foods.
2006-08-25 11:35:47 · answer #3 · answered by matt7282a 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took creatine for six years and there is no right or wrong time to take it. I believe I took one scoop two to three times a week.
This is one supplement, out of all the other crap out there, that definitely works.
The side effects are increased urination and muscle cramps. When using the supplement be sure to drink lots of water.
When using the supplement be sure to drink lots of water.
When using the supplement be sure to drink lots of water.
I wrote that three times because its soooo important. You have to stay hydrated while taking creatine or else you'll suffer from major cramps.
I've read reports which also state that creatine is hard on your kidneys so you'll need to cycle it. Two weeks on ... one week off.
It will make you "huge" if you take it and "lift" hard!
Also, you need to take creatine with fruit juice or some sort of carb drink to increase the uptake of the supplement into your system.
One last thing. Muscle only builds during sleep so remember to stay rested.
2006-08-24 22:37:40 · answer #4 · answered by Yo yo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
After your workout your muscles are in a state of glyocogen depletion so they will uptake the creatine more readily. Make sure if monohydrate its mixed with sugar.
2006-08-29 09:39:16 · answer #5 · answered by fitness guru 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never, that stuff is really bad! im a regular at the gym with a few of my friends we all started taking it as instructed ended up really bloated and unable to train. Once we stopped taking it felt tired and depressed, took us about 3 weeks to get back into the gym. Stick to pro peptide protein shakes and bcaa's their the best. Just make sure to eat plenty of carbs 1hr'ish before you train.
2006-09-01 08:09:03 · answer #6 · answered by Mick W 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i'm pretty sure its after because that is when your muscles are all worn out, its after that they rebuild bigger, they get bigger because of natural creatine in your body that brings in water, creatine that you take increases the amount of water that your body brings in to rebuild your muscles
2006-08-24 22:41:16 · answer #7 · answered by mtugodfath3r 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
after you work out then protein goes right to your muscles
2006-09-01 11:43:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never, that stuff will screw up your emotional state, just like it did with everyone I ever knew taking it!
Just have a big bowl of pasta and save yourself some serious problems.
2006-08-24 22:31:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
I have never heard that.
2006-09-01 11:12:45 · answer #10 · answered by ErC 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋