Creatine - Pre or Post workout?

loque187 · 25-Jan-05, 02:40 PM

I have not a a spefic topic on this, but I have noticed that some people prefer to take creatine pre-workout and some like to take it post-workout. I was wondering which time would be optimal time to take the creatine, or if it even matters if I use it before or after.

Any help would be appreciated.

Lucky13MN · 25-Jan-05, 02:45 PM

I usually take it during my lunch hour... which is about 6 hours prior to my workout. I don't really think it matters much to be honest.

Cort · 25-Jan-05, 03:02 PM

http://www.discussfitness.com/showth...9&page=1&pp=10

Brock6 · 25-Jan-05, 04:21 PM

i sometimes take it before and after but just after works fine

Lift2Live · 25-Jan-05, 06:08 PM

In short, both... But if you only took it once, always take it before.

Cort · 25-Jan-05, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lift2Live

In short, both... But if you only took it once, always take it before.

lol see, this is where people argue. A lot will tell you its better to take it after because it has no instant effects and will be taken in better after a good workout along with some simple sugars.

Lift2Live · 25-Jan-05, 08:08 PM

Well then, we shall not argue and say this; using it will be better than not at all. lol

loque187 · 26-Jan-05, 11:20 AM

thanks everyone for the replys

:

armorforsleep · 26-Jan-05, 02:24 PM

the reason to take it post workout is to take advantage of the post workout insulin spike that is caused by taking high GI carbs. you dont really want to spike your insulin levels any time during the day except post workout

so the 'pre-workout' creatine can be taken at any time, but i'm not sure how long it takes for creatine to actually reach the muscles (if someone knows the answer id like to know). i'd recommend taking it in the morning with breakfast to give it time to enter your muscles, and then PWO to replenish the creatine lost during workout.

Lift2Live · 26-Jan-05, 05:37 PM

I've just been going by the recommended 45 minutes just before working out on the container. I wouldn't think they'd have any reason to suggest that if it didn't have some type of immediate effect? Perhaps I'm wrong and that's ok too, now i'm just curious.

sooner_ed · 26-Jan-05, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lift2Live

I've just been going by the recommended 45 minutes just before working out on the container. I wouldn't think they'd have any reason to suggest that if it didn't have some type of immediate effect? Perhaps I'm wrong and that's ok too, now i'm just curious.

From all the reading I have done about it, it does have an effect after about 30 minutes, but only for lifting, not cardio. That's why I take 5g pre- and 5g post. Figure I can't go wrong there.

armorforsleep · 27-Jan-05, 01:07 AM

yes, the metabolic pathway creatine is used in is primarily short duration, intense exercise, such as weightlifting and sprinting. creatine is hardly used during low intensity, long exercise such as marathon running, long distance swimming, aerobics etc.

since it is not used during most normal functions, i suppose it is fine to take it any time before your workout provided it has enough time to get where its needed (again im not sure about the number, lets go 30 minutes as sooner_ed suggested). so 30 minutes pre or 4 hrs, makes no significant difference.

Vas85 · 29-Jan-05, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cort

lol see, this is where people argue. A lot will tell you its better to take it after because it has no instant effects and will be taken in better after a good workout along with some simple sugars.

I Don't know who told you it has no instant effects, obviously not if you take it 5mins prior to working out, i take it in the morning, and what creatine does is replenish your lost ATP (Adenosene Tri-Phosphate) cells when you exercise the muscles, you have a storage of 3, and when you deplete them Creatine allows for the recharge which allows greater intensity during training and allows for your muscle fibres to fire alot more. Taking it post workout would just seem abit unco, unless you want to just gain alot of water retention. It is made to enhance your sessions, becuase if you take it afterwards, you aren't providing it when you really needed it, during the training session.

I'd stick with the morning, afteryou eat breakfast, take your Creatine supplement, and you're off.

armorforsleep · 29-Jan-05, 11:53 AM

well you should be taking enough creatine to fully saturate your muscles with it (hence the loading phase). higher intake would not lead to increased water retention since the extra creatine is simply being excreted. otherwise i totally agree with you vas, breakfast is a great time to take it.

Cort · 29-Jan-05, 04:31 PM

Because the effect isn't instant, its something that doesn't rely on WHEN you take it as long as you have taken it. After you've allowed yourself to become "saturated" with it (takes days of use) you begin to see the benefits such as more efficient restoration of ATP. If you buy creatine one day and just pop it in a few hours before you lift it wont do anything noticeable.

Of course I could just be completely wrong or misinformed, its happened before.