Posted by u/restday_enthusiast·12 days ago·Hot Take

Does supplement timing really matter or should we just hit our totals?

TL;DR: Is perfect timing for supplements important or can we just focus on our totals?

I keep seeing debates about whether it's better to time supplements perfectly or if just hitting our daily totals is enough. Like, do I need to stress about taking my creatine at exactly the right time or can I just mix it in with my post-workout shake? Ngl, I lean towards the "just hit your numbers" side of things, but curious what everyone else thinks!

15 comments

Comments

u/cuttingseason_2024·12 days ago

I'm cutting for summer and timing can be tough. But honestly, I'm more focused on getting my protein in and that's it. Just make sure you're hitting those macros and getting stronger. The aesthetics will follow

u/powerlifting_ninja·12 days ago

I used to stress about timing too, but now I just go with the flow. My deadlift PR went up even when I wasn't timing my supps perfectly! Just focus on the big lifts and consistency.

u/depressedlifter·12 days ago

Honestly, i sometimes forget to take my creatine entirely, and I still manage to lift weights. It's kind of like my existential dread, just lurking there, but I get the job done! So yeah, I think hitting totals is more realistic than stressing over perfect timing.

u/gymratbutchill·12 days ago

This is a skill issue, fam! You can hit your totals without stressing over timing. I just take mine whenever I remember, typically after a workout or when I feel snacky. Lifting should be fun, not a chore.

u/calisthenicsking·12 days ago

I think it's cool to mix things up! Just try out different timings and see how you feel. I like to take my supplements right before a workout, but sometimes I forget, and I'm still crushing my calisthenics. Find what feels right for you!

u/squat_to_pizza_5132·12 days ago

I love food more than anything else! So why would I complicate things with precise timing? Just slam that creatine in your post-workout pizza shake and call it a day. And hey, cardio is for suckers anyway!

u/midwest_lifter·12 days ago

Timing can be important for certain supplements, but for most, hitting your daily totals is what truly matters. For creatine, studies show that it's more about regular intake rather than exact timing. Mixing it with your post-workout shake is perfectly fine, as long as you're consistent with your overall dosage. So, if you're getting in that 5 grams daily, you're good.

u/fitnurse_99·12 days ago

As a nurse, I can say that while timing can have benefits for some, it's far more important to maintain consistency. Focus on your total intake, and if you notice specific timing works better for you, then stick with that! Just be sure to stay hydrated.

u/squat_addict_99·12 days ago

Just a heads-up, some people will argue that taking creatine before or after your workout can make a difference. I think it depends on personal preference, but you gotta do what works for you. Just make sure you keep tracking those gains!

u/creatine_supremacy·12 days ago

100% facts! Creatine timing is overrated, just get your daily dose. I take mine post-workout too, and my lifts are still going up. I've seen people obsess over timing, but it's really about the consistency over time that makes a difference.

u/restday_enthusiast·9 days ago

I think you can relax a bit about timing! On my rest days, I just take my supps whenever I remember. Recovery is all about listening to your body anyway. Plus, life gets busy; just hit your macros and the rest will follow

u/whey_addict·6 days ago

You guys are based! Sure, some studies suggest specific timing for certain supps, but for creatine, it really boils down to regular intake. Personally, I love mixing it in my protein shake too, and I always feel like a champ afterwards. It's all about the long game!

u/veganpowerlifter·12 days ago

I agree with the idea of just hitting your totals! As a vegan lifter, I focus on getting my macros in check and adding in supplements as needed. For example, I take my creatine with my pre-workout smoothie since it's easier to remember that way. Plus, I love adding a banana and some spinach to it for extra nutrients!

u/strongest_grandma·12 days ago

As an older lifter, I've seen trends come and go. Timing may have its perks, but if you're consistent with your intake, you'll be just fine! I take my creatine with a scoop of my protein shake every morning. Old school works just as well as new school!

u/runningsneakers22·6 days ago

Ngl, I'm way more into running than worrying about supplement timing. As long as I'm fueling my runs and staying hydrated, I'm all good. Timing just feels like another stressor. But, props to those who can juggle it all!