Creatine Timing: Does It Matter If You Take It Before Or After Your Workout?

Strength and lean body mass are increased by resistance training and creatine supplementation. The magnitude inferences suggest that in terms of body composition and strength, taking creatine just after working out is preferable to taking it before. However, many benefits are noticed by taking creatine before a workout.In this article, we will discuss what creatine is, why you should take it, explore what the optimal timing is, and go over the factors that may influence your decision. 

If you have any questions about creatine or other supplements, check out if your health is suitable for creatine, or want to buy the best supplements, visit Create.

Why Should You Take Creatine?

Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that helps supply energy to cells in the body, primarily muscle cells. It is produced naturally in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas and can also be ingested through dietary sources such as red meat or fish. Supplementing with creatine has been found to help athletes increase lean mass, strength, and power output. Additionally, creatine may also reduce fatigue and improve cognitive performance. 

Creatine can also provide the following benefits:

Increases Muscle Mass And Strength

The amino acids in creatine help muscles generate energy, allowing athletes and bodybuilders to exercise with increased intensity. Supplementation with creatine has been found to be effective in increasing lean mass, strength, and power output. Studies have shown that post-workout creatine supplementation can significantly improve muscle mass and helps reduce weight gain.

Buffers Lactic Acid

When participating in physical activity, your muscles produce lactic acid, a by-product they are producing due to exercise. This lactic acid can cause a burning sensation in the muscles, leading to fatigue and soreness. Furthermore, this acid can lead to tissue breakdown, meaning that the muscles aren't able to recover between workouts fully. 

Research shows that creatine helps buffer lactic acid, thus helping the muscles recover more effectively and allowing you to have longer and better workouts.

Enhances Cognitive Performance

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found mainly in the skeletal muscle and brain, and it can be beneficial for cognitive performance. It has been studied for its potential to improve cognitive function, particularly in cases of mild impairment and decline. 

Research by Psychology Today suggests that creatine supplementation can help enhance aspects of mental energy, such as motivation and concentration. In addition, it can help improve brain efficiency, increasing the speed and accuracy of mental processes.

When Is The Best Time To Take Creatine For Optimal Results?

The optimal time to take creatine, either before or after a workout, is a topic of debate, with some research suggesting that taking it before a workout may be more effective. 

Research conducted in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, suggests a more effective time for creatine supplementation is after the workout. The Journal of Exercise and Nutrition also backs the research.

However, the effects of pre-workout and post-workout consumption may depend on the type of exercise being undertaken, creatine loading or other phases, and how long an individual has been supplementing with creatine.

Taking Creatine Before A Workout

Taking creatine before a workout is the perfect way to dominate your next session. According to research by MDPI, it aids in replenishing creatine levels that are depleted during exercise. The key is timing: taking it 30-60 minutes beforehand ensures that you'll be functioning at peak levels when the real action begins. Combined with a hardworking attitude and an effective diet, pre-workout creatine helps you push your performance to the max.

Taking creatine supplements requires careful consideration to ensure you do not experience adverse effects or worsen any health conditions. When taking creatine, keep the following in mind:

Do Not Take More Than 5g

For maximum efficiency in the gym, take no more than 5g of creatine prior to your workout - any higher dose will be too slow for your body to process, absorb and provide you with that extra performance boost.

Caffeine Combination Effect

Creatine is usually taken with some by-product like caffeine, but if you are taking this combination before a workout, be careful. You may experience adverse reactions like cramping, bloating, or even diarrhea if the combination is too much for your system. So it's better to test their effects first by sipping on some coffee or another caffeinated beverage while also supplementing with creatine.

Resistance Training Workouts

According to the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, pre-workout supplementation, especially creatine, can specifically be more effective in resistance training than cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling.

Post-Workout Creatine: A Dietary Supplement Worth Considering

Taking creatine supplements after a workout often provides better results in terms of increasing strength and lean body mass compared to taking them before. The muscles are already primed for absorption following intense physical activity, meaning that any creatine taken will be more easily absorbed and utilized.

The increased blood circulation experienced during exercise uses glycogen and all present nutrients inside the body. This aids in nutrient absorption, allowing your cells to replace the nutrients more quickly.

Beneficial For Recovery

After your next intense workout, don't just settle for regular recovery. Maximize it with creatine supplements! By pairing this powerful supplement with a high-carb meal or high-protein after exercise, according to the National Library of Medicine, you can enjoy its enhanced restoration benefits and get back in the gym sooner.

What Factors Affect The Optimal Timing For Taking Creatine Supplements?

Factors that influence the optimal timing for taking creatine include the type and intensity of the workout, individual goals and characteristics, and the form of creatine being used.

Dosage

The amount of creatine you take can also have an effect on the timing of supplementation. Taking a higher dosage of creatine requires more time for the body to absorb and utilize the supplement effectively. This is because, with a larger dosage, more creatine needs to be processed by the body in order for it to become effective. Furthermore, a higher dosage may require multiple doses to be taken throughout the day in order to maximize effectiveness.

Individual Goals & Characteristics

Some people may absorb and utilize creatine more efficiently than others, which can affect the timing of supplementation. Factors that influence an individual's ability to process and benefit from creatine include genetics, body composition, training program, and even diet. For example, those who consume a balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein may be able to maximize their use of creatine.

Type Of Creatine Being Used

The various forms of creatine available on the market (such as a monohydrate, hydrochloride, and ester) differ in terms of their solubility, stability, and other physical properties, but these differences do not affect the timing of supplementation. However, the type of creatine does influence how quickly it is absorbed by the body, which can affect when you take it.

It is generally recommended to take creatine daily at the same time, regardless of whether you are working out or not. This helps to ensure consistent levels of creatine in the body.

Discover Your Perfect Creatine Supplement With Create!

If you are hoping to maximize creatine stores and your exercise potential very quickly but deciding when the best time to take it is, try splitting your dosage in half and taking it before and after your workout. The important thing is that you are consistent with your intake and follow the directions on the product you are using. 

Creatine is a safe and effective supplement that can help you with muscle protein synthesis, increasing strength and power, and improving exercise performance. So, try Create's Creatine Monohydrate Gummies to get your daily dose of strength today!

With 150 gummies per bottle, this product will help ensure that you’re getting the recommended amount of creatine every day without having to hassle with powder or pills.