Creatine question: Not using it per the instructions - is this ok?

[ilovethe80s]

I respond really well to creatine and have cycled it a few times with awesome results. I would take it pre-workout and it really gives me that something extra that pushes my workout, and the difference in how my muscles look is just insane. Lately, I have been unmotivated during my workouts, watching the clock, going through the motions and feeling lazy, tired and lethargic and my workouts have pretty much sucked. Winter blahs, not enough sleep (I have young kids) - who knows but I go through phases like this as I'm sure others do.

I had not used creatine in months, just because I keep forgetting to take it.

I attempted to start up the creatine again, just a heaping teaspoon mixed into a little cup of OJ right before my workout. It gives me exactly what I need - gives me energy, gets me really into my workout and enjoy the muscle fatigue rather than slacking off. I have been taking the creatine ONLY on the days I work out, right before I get started (so maybe 4 times per week).

Creatine instructions say to do the loading phase, then take daily for maintenance regardless if you work out that day or not, etc.

Obviously I do know I would get the maximum- muscle pumping benefits from taking it as directed, but I am really happy with the way it is working out right now.

So, with me only using this as a pre-workout fuel, just 4 times a week, am I doing anything detrimental to my muscles by not using it per its instructions? And do I still need to cycle off of it occasionally if I am using it this way?

[SheWulf]

Loading phase isn't necessary. I would cycle off regardless. And you can choose to just use it on workout days, although others will supplement with it on off days too.

Keep up with what you're doing if it's working for you, but take a break after a while.

[ilovethe80s]

thanks!

[Emoore]

You're welcome to take it however you want, but what you're seeing is a placebo effect. Creatine monohydrate isn't fast-acting like NO-- you can't take it before a workout and expect to see results in that workout. If you want to take it like that it won't hurt you, but I could mix some powdered sugar or flour into your OJ and tell you it was creatine and have the exact same effect.