Most athletes use creatine either less than one hour before or immediately after working out. Using it after exercise can be beneficial because exercising stimulates blood circulation and cells can then be supplied with creatine more quickly. Nevertheless, creatine can be taken at any time.

How should I take creatine for best results?

To maximize creatine muscle stores quickly, a loading phase of 20 grams daily for 5–7 days is recommended, followed by a maintenance dose of 2–10 grams per day. Another approach is 3 grams daily for 28 days.

What happens if you take creatine before a workout?

Cribb and Hayes discovered that consuming a protein-carbohydrate-creatine supplement immediately pre and post workout resulted in greater gains in lean body mass, muscle fiber size and muscular strength in comparison to morning and evening consumption [25].