Right now, I just take 5g creatine about six hours before, preworkout immediately before, and drink a protein mix after my workouts, but I read an article about optimal creatine use ane now I’m wondering what everyone elsr is doing
There’s too much misinformation on this subject. I’m not an expert, but this is all based on what I’ve read from the most reliable scientific sources I can find.
Creatine timing doesn’t matter at all since your body has to load it over the course of days or weeks anyway. Take it whenever. Just take 5g at some point every day.
Pre-workout obviously before working out. Ostensibly 30 minutes before, to give your body time to take it in. But be aware that caffeine is the only legal OTC pre workout chemical that’s proven to be effective. A recent study even showed carbs didn’t increase performance measurably.
Recent studies show protein timing doesn’t really matter at all either. Your body will use the protein you give it. Now, you probably do want to get enough around the time you’re triggering muscle protein synthesis… Like, within a few hours of exercise. Ie, don’t fast all day, work out, then get your protein 8 hours later.
Other than that? The best pre workout is sleep. Get enough of that shit every night for your best gains in basically every area of your physical and mental health.
I find it hard to believe carbs don’t increase or decrease performance. As someone who does a lot of carb cycling when cutting this is crazy to hear. Of course everyone is different but I can feel a noticable difference on those high days vs low days. Similar to overall eating diet in general.
Edit: mind sharing the research as article I like to learn about this stuff.
If you feel a difference, then keep doing it. Scientific studies tell you how the sample population responds on average. If some people experience a positive effect and others get a negative effect, that can average out to look like there’s no effect. In the end, what matters is how it affects you.
I can say with certainty that carbs before and during a workout helps prevent me from passing out. The effect is very obvious.
