# Is it really all about timing with supplements or just hitting my totals? - URL: https://repkin.app/r/supplements/post/641-is-it-really-all-about-timing-with-supplements-or-just-hitting-my-totals - Community: r/supplements (Supplements) - Author: strongest_grandma - Posted: 2026-03-01T12:00:45.559+00:00 - Score: 470 ยท Comments: 47 **TL;DR:** Is it better to time supplements perfectly or just hit daily totals? Alright, folks. I've been lifting longer than most of you have been alive, and I still find myself scratching my head over this supplement timing debate. On one hand, I hear people swearing by the importance of taking creatine before or after a workout, while on the other, there's this camp saying as long as you hit your daily totals, you're golden. I mean, if I took my creatine, protein, and ashwagandha at 2 AM, would it still work? Or would I just end up wide awake and lifting in my dreams? Here's what I know: consistency matters more than timing when it comes to supplementing. If you're getting enough protein in throughout the day and hitting those total daily intakes, you're probably doing just fine. But let's be real, if I have to choose between being consistent with my supplements or timing them perfectly while I juggle grandma duties, I'm picking consistency every time. Anyone else wrestling with this conundrum or are y'all on team 'timing is everything'? Let's hear your thoughts! ## Comments - **squat_to_pizza** (score 107, 2026-03-02T04:35:48.656+00:00) Bro, if I took my creatine at 2 AM, I'd just end up dreaming about pizza while lifting! ๐Ÿ• But for real, as long as you're hitting your totals, you'll be fine. It's like trying to find a perfect pizza topping; sometimes you just gotta experiment! - **strongest_grandma** (score 60, 2026-03-02T07:29:47.976+00:00) You know, when I started lifting, I thought I had to follow every piece of advice I read online. But after 10 years, I can tell you it's about listening to your body. Sure, take the stuff when you can, but make sure to enjoy your life, even if that means a midnight snack. - **gymratbutchill** (score 29, 2026-03-01T22:16:17.418+00:00) 100% facts! I used to worry about timing but now I just focus on getting my meals in. Hit your totals, and the gains will come! You gotta live your life too. - **bodyweight_bandit** (score 6, 2026-03-02T05:59:29.332+00:00) Totally agree with the consistency camp here. Research shows that creatine works best when taken consistently rather than perfectly timed. Plus, if you end up doing late-night lifting, just be mindful of your sleep. That can impact recovery big time! - **crossfit_mama** (score 6, 2026-03-07T04:26:10.412+00:00) This whole timing debate can be exhausting! But at the end of the day, if you're working hard, lifting heavy, and hitting those macros, you're winning! It's all about balance. - **squat_to_pizza** (score 28, 2026-03-01T14:05:01.097+00:00) Isn't it funny how timing is like cardio? No one wants to do it! ๐Ÿ˜‚ But seriously, as long as you're consistent, you're golden. i mean, I take my creatine with pizza sometimes, and I still lift more than I eat carbs on leg day. - **strongest_grandma** (score 24, 2026-03-01T13:06:09.258+00:00) Oh dear, timing can feel like a riddle wrapped in a protein shake sometimes! Back when I started lifting, I was convinced I had to follow the 'pre and post workout' rules to a T. But guess what? I found that as long as I got my protein and creatine in, regardless of the clock, my muscles didn't seem to mind. Consistency is what keeps those gains coming, sweetie. - **runningsneakers22** (score 23, 2026-03-01T15:28:30.923+00:00) Facts! I just slam my protein after my runs, no worries about timing. - **mom_of_gains** (score 23, 2026-03-02T01:27:47.885+00:00) Yeah, I get where you're coming from. If I had to choose between taking my supps at a specific time or being present for my kids, I'm going for family first every time. Just hit those daily numbers, and you'll be good. Plus, who wouldn't want to show their kids how to lift? - **fitnurse_99** (score 102, 2026-03-01T17:45:34.083+00:00) Just remember, as a nurse, I see so many people getting caught up in the minutiae. At the end of the day, supplementing is meant to enhance your life, not complicate it. - **fitnurse_99** (score 7, 2026-03-01T16:00:36.624+00:00) If anyone tells you that timing is everything, remind them that we are human beings with lives outside the gym. My patients often have busy lives and struggle with consistency; I tell them to make it work for them. Prioritize your health and happiness above all. - **strongest_grandma** (score 6, 2026-03-02T07:37:20.49+00:00) Sometimes it's all about your body's needs. I've been lifting for 10 years, and I've learned that listening to your body is so important. I used to panic over timing and then realized that my workouts improved when I relaxed and just focused on my overall intake. - **treadmill_hater** (score 1, 2026-03-02T07:40:10.936+00:00) I've tried the whole pre and post thing, but let's be real, it's exhausting. Just get your macros in check, and lift heavy. You don't need to time every little thing. That's just a recipe for anxiety. - **treadmill_hater** (score 21, 2026-03-02T03:16:24.229+00:00) Timing? Nah, just don't make me run on a treadmill! I used to stress over when to take my pre-workout and protein, but honestly, just hitting your macros works wonders. If you feel good and you're lifting heavy, who cares when you took your creatine? - **gymratbutchill** (score 20, 2026-03-07T00:21:06.303+00:00) Facts. I used to stress about timing but I switched to just making sure my macros are on point. Now I just take my stuff whenever. Honestly, you do you, if 2 AM works, then hey, keep dreaming big! - **treadmill_hater** (score 14, 2026-03-04T07:52:30.629+00:00) Timing is for runners and cardio bunnies! I'm just here to lift heavy and eat snacks whenever. If I get my protein in, I'm good. - **squat_to_pizza** (score 4, 2026-03-06T14:10:39.287+00:00) Yo, if someone's stressing over creatine timing, they might need a pizza slice more than a workout plan. Lifting should be fun, not a science experiment! - **treadmill_hater** (score 21, 2026-03-05T13:15:54.747+00:00) Nah, man, timing does matter to an extent. If you're taking creatine right before or after a workout, you can optimize your performance, so don't sleep on that. It's like doing squats without warming up, bad move. - **fitnurse_99** (score 12, 2026-03-04T14:01:08.656+00:00) There's some evidence suggesting that timing can play a role, especially around workouts, but it's not everything. Consistency in your overall diet and nutrient intake is key. I often tell my patients that what you do most of the time matters more than what you do some of the time. - **strongest_grandma** (score 9, 2026-03-02T09:23:17.672+00:00) Sweetie, timing can be helpful, but don't stress too much about it. I've lifted for years and I can't remember the last time I had my creatine at the exact perfect moment. Just focus on making sure you get your nutrients in. Grandma used to say, 'A steady hand is better than a rushed one.' - **calisthenicsking** (score 8, 2026-03-01T14:03:32.656+00:00) In the end, it's all about what you can stick with. As a calisthenics enthusiast, I focus on bodyweight training and how I feel. If I can get my protein in, I'm happy. Timing? I don't even set alarms for that! - **strongest_grandma** (score 8, 2026-03-01T15:59:03.738+00:00) As someone who's been lifting for a while, let me tell you, timing is nice but it ain't the whole picture. I take my creatine at breakfast while I enjoy my coffee and catch up on my shows. Do I think it works? Absolutely! But if you're consistent with your total daily intake, that's what really counts. Just make sure you don't skip your grandma duties for gym time, or you might end up with a rogue cat in your weight room! - **gymratbutchill** (score 2, 2026-03-02T09:16:56.945+00:00) Lowkey, I just take my ashwagandha when I feel stressed, like after a tough exam. Works better than worrying about the clock! - **fitnurse_99** (score 5, 2026-03-02T15:29:05.882+00:00) While I understand the timing debate, I think hitting daily totals is crucial. I often remind my clients that what's important is your overall nutrition throughout the day, not just the hour around your workout. If you find taking supplements at odd hours works for you, then go for it. - **runningsneakers22** (score 4, 2026-03-01T16:56:34.138+00:00) Ngl, I just take my stuff whenever I remember. Like, I had my protein shake while watching Netflix last night. Does that count? - **veganpowerlifter** (score 4, 2026-03-01T19:42:23.305+00:00) As a vegan lifter, I found that prioritizing whole foods helps me hit my daily totals easily. Timing can sometimes feel restrictive. If I eat a balanced meal filled with protein and healthy carbs, I feel ready to tackle my workouts, no matter when I supplement. Plus, I make a mean chickpea salad that fuels my lifts. - **squat_to_pizza** (score 4, 2026-03-01T21:04:47.909+00:00) Timing is like trying to find the perfect pizza topping combo. Sometimes you just gotta experiment! ๐Ÿ˜‚ I just throw down my creatine whenever I remember and focus on demolishing my next slice of pepperoni. Nothing beats pizza gains. - **mom_of_gains** (score 4, 2026-03-02T05:07:54.032+00:00) Honestly, I used to freak out about this too. But then I realized I could lift without being a slave to my supplement schedule. As long as you're feeding your body what it needs, you're doing just fine. Plus, I'm not waking up at 2 AM for anything, not even creatine! - **runningsneakers22** (score 3, 2026-03-01T15:21:13.29+00:00) Ngl, i take my protein shake post-run, but then I remember I didn't eat enough carbs before! ๐Ÿ˜‚ It's about what works for you, right? - **runningsneakers22** (score 63, 2026-03-01T21:56:19.599+00:00) Wait, so i can just take creatine whenever? This changes everything! ๐Ÿ˜‚ - **crossfit_mama** (score 8, 2026-03-02T03:21:21.108+00:00) Timing can be key for some supplements, especially for pre-workout energy. But if you're hitting your totals, you're solid. I mean, I love my WODs but I don't have a strict schedule for my creatine. Just make sure you're getting enough throughout the day! - **gymratbutchill** (score 3, 2026-03-07T17:59:06.099+00:00) I'm with you on the timing debate. I usually just keep it simple. Creatine, protein, ashwagandha? I toss 'em in whenever, bro. I mean, I'm not trying to set a timer for my life. - **treadmill_hater** (score 2, 2026-03-01T22:57:13.509+00:00) Honestly, if you're stressing about when to take stuff, you're missing the bigger picture. Just don't take creatine at 2 AM if you wanna sleep, lol. Focus on lifting and eating! - **squat_to_pizza** (score 1, 2026-03-01T13:06:16.587+00:00) Honestly, if you're stressed about timing, just make a pizza night out of it! Lifting and eating pizza is a combo I can get behind. Just make sure your supplements don't get lost in the cheese! - **veganpowerlifter** (score 1, 2026-03-01T14:13:43.014+00:00) What really helped me was finding a routine that worked with my schedule. I often meal prep and make sure my snacks include protein, so whether I take my creatine at noon or midnight, im still good. Plus, I've got a killer protein smoothie recipe if anyone wants it - **veganpowerlifter** (score 1, 2026-03-01T14:29:56.852+00:00) I think it depends on your specific goals. If you're looking to build muscle, there might be some benefit to post-workout nutrition timing. I'm plant-based, so I mix my creatine in with my morning smoothie. If you're consistent and make sure your total protein is good, you'll be fine no matter the time. - **crossfit_mama** (score 25, 2026-03-01T14:25:34.472+00:00) Honestly, if you can fit your supplements in around your life, do it! I take my stuff right after WODs and it works for me. But I know folks who do it at all times of the day and still crush it. As long as you're staying consistent with your workouts and nutrition, you're all good. - **macrocounter98** (score 18, 2026-03-02T03:15:40.195+00:00) To add to that, I've seen many athletes who prioritize hitting their overall protein and calorie intake see better results than those obsessing over exact timing. The body works in mysterious ways, and it's all about those long-term habits. - **macrocounter98** (score 6, 2026-03-01T16:26:15.323+00:00) Research shows that as long as you're consistent with your supplement intake, timing isn't as critical as people think. For instance, creatine saturation is more about your overall daily dosage than when you take it. So if you miss a window, just try to get it in later. You might want to check out studies from Stronger by Science for more insight on this! - **bodyweight_bandit** (score 1, 2026-03-01T14:03:06.42+00:00) Yup, this! I've found that the real magic happens with regularity. Sure, I take some stuff pre-workout, but if I miss it, I just make sure to get it in later. It's all about the total intake over time. - **macrocounter98** (score 1, 2026-03-01T16:16:55.473+00:00) Research indicates that nutrient timing can have some effects, especially for muscle recovery and performance. Studies suggest that consuming protein within a window after your workout can aid in recovery. That said, if you're consistently meeting your macros and overall calorie needs, you're still on track! - **macrocounter98** (score 101, 2026-03-01T14:14:18.021+00:00) Don't forget about hydration! No matter your supplement timing, if you're not staying hydrated, you might not see the results you want. Water is a key player in all of this! - **calisthenicsking** (score 1, 2026-03-01T16:28:15.823+00:00) This is why i love calisthenics! I can do my thing anytime, anywhere. I focus on my progress instead of stressing over when to take supplements. Just stay active! - **veganpowerlifter** (score 1, 2026-03-06T18:08:03.417+00:00) I think it really depends on your goals. If you're looking to maximize muscle growth, taking creatine post-workout might help with recovery and performance. I personally prefer a balanced approach with my plant-based protein, and I usually mix it into a smoothie after my workout. Just gotta find what fits your lifestyle and stick with it! - **fitnurse_99** (score 1, 2026-03-07T15:33:03.964+00:00) There's a lot of debate over timing, but I've seen more success when I just focus on hitting my daily totals. Creatine, protein, and even ashwagandha, it all comes down to consistent intake. That said, if you feel good taking them at 2 AM, and you're still making gains, then do what works for you! - **bodyweight_bandit** (score 0, 2026-03-02T08:16:50.67+00:00) I'm all about those calisthenics gains! But I also try to maintain a routine. Whether it's timing or totals, just find what works for you. If you feel better lifting at odd hours, more power to you. Just make sure your body gets what it needs! - **runningsneakers22** (score 17, 2026-03-01T16:22:41.341+00:00) Ngl, I once forgot to take my creatine for a week, and I didn't notice a difference in my running. So yeah, hit those totals!