Creatine Loading Phase

[danbo]

I shall be starting to use creatine monohydrate soon, can anyone explain the loading phase to me?

Thanks.

 

[blut wump]

I take creatine in four 5g shots spread through the day for 5 days for loading.
I then run it for around 4 weeks at 5g per day spread into two or three shots.

 

[danbo]

When is the best time to take creatine? Before a workout? After a workout? When you wake up? Before you go to bed?

 

[blut wump]

I usually save one of my doses for post-workout. Otherwise, I just take them with meals.

You should always strive to take your creatine with some carbs. Not for any health reasons, just because it helps with the uptake.

To clarify: all my comments and experience are/have been with Creatine Monohydrate powder which I mix with water.

 

[danbo]

You mix it with water. I cant imagine how bad that tastes. Can i mix it in with protein shakes?

 

[blut wump]

No taste at all and yes. Some mix it with coffee. I've even heard of one guy who just tips it onto his tongue and licks the spoon.

 

[anotherbutters]

No taste at all and yes. Some mix it with coffee. I've even heard of one guy who just tips it onto his tongue and licks the spoon.

Ugh, I tried that with glucosamine once. I must have chased it with a litre of water trying to get the taste out of my mouth.

 

[blut wump]

Vinegar and chilli will disable most taste buds.

 

[musketeer]

When is the best time to take creatine? Before a workout? After a workout? When you wake up? Before you go to bed?

YES

those four time are best! When you take it before a workout, do it one hour before and right away after - with a fast carb like grape juice. I take it with coffee in the morning and decafinated green tea in the evening before bed - when loading.

After I've loaded up I have 10g after every workout from Cell Tech - and 3-5g on non-workout days.