Does the timing of taking supplements matter? Or does it just matter that you hit your Macros?
BCAA's say to take them an hour before/after a workout
Creatine says to take it an hour before/after a workout
Protein says to take it an hour before/after a workout
ETC...and so on, supplements usually say "best when taken X"
Does it matter, really?
Based on my life schedule, I can only workout from 7:30pm-9:00pm, so thats when I take my protein, an hour before bed (10:00pm). So is it hurting me that I "ingest" food so early before bed, because the old Bro-Science says to not eat anything before bed?
What's more important...
Timing, or, hitting your macros?
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08-26-2021, 07:33 PM #1
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Timing of Supplements, does it really matter?
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08-26-2021, 08:07 PM #2
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08-26-2021, 08:14 PM #3
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08-26-2021, 08:39 PM #4
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08-27-2021, 01:23 AM #5
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Obviously a pre workout stimulant should be taken before the workout...
Protein timing is a small consideration. It is worth spreading out protein feedings into 4 or 5 widely spaced points through the day. I don't think protein timing relative to the exercise bout is necessary though.
Creatine timing is irrelevant AFAIK - and I don't really recommend much else (beyond maybe some vitamins and Omega 3s) so can't offer advise on other supplements.
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08-27-2021, 05:34 AM #6
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08-27-2021, 01:58 PM #7
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08-27-2021, 05:12 PM #8
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I see the merit in that, but at the moment, I am only taking BCAA's, Creatine, Protein, Pre-workout. Nothing else yet. I think I'll just stick to the basics this time, its been 5 years since I've touched anything. I took a few aspirins or whatever I had on my first real days of DOMs, I couldn't fully extend my arms after arm day, but I also didn't workout for 3 days after due to the "injury" from being gone too long.
I was just curious if the basic supplements had any reason to follow a strict timeline, to see if I was just wasting product.
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08-27-2021, 05:14 PM #9
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Yeah, I get the pre-workout, hence the name. But all this other "stuff" says to take it all as its best right before or after a workout. So I'm just ingesting a ton of powders together right before the workout? Creatine, Pre-workout, BCAAs an hour before, and BCAAs and Creatine right when I get back, with a protein shake?
Is that how you all do it?
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08-27-2021, 06:02 PM #10
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08-28-2021, 12:38 AM #11
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No, given what I posted above, why would I do that? I've said that in most cases timing doesn't matter.
I take creatine and vitamins in the morning because that's convenient while I'm eating breakfast. I also have a protein shake at this time because breakfast is a bit low on protein. My workout isn't until 11 but I eat lunch straight after so that's good enough for me. I have a double espresso about an hour before training.
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09-05-2021, 09:12 AM #12
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09-05-2021, 09:16 AM #13
Whey protein =instantly after workout
Preworkout = before workout
Creatine= I take it during
Bcaa = anytime but if you have the drink with hydration during workout
Painkillers= before or after
Anabolics = morning and preworkout
Casein = night time
Zma=night time
Eggs morning chicken lunch and beef dinner
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09-05-2021, 10:33 AM #14
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09-05-2021, 07:17 PM #15
Why no anti inflammatories? I’m in the habit of taking ibuprofen before workouts to dampen chronic pain.
I’ve always been skeptical about the use of NSAIDs for injury (which I seem to constantly be experiencing in one form or another) because of the prevention of inflammation as a natural healing response but all of my physical therapists have recommended them.Last edited by Xpiro; 09-05-2021 at 07:28 PM.
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09-06-2021, 12:11 AM #16
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It have heard speculation from knowledgable people that blocking the natural inflammation response to exercise could blunt muscle growth but I am not aware of actual evidence. It would make sense to me, I don't take them unless (for example) pain is going to stop me sleeping properly.
Last edited by SuffolkPunch; 09-06-2021 at 01:42 AM.
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09-07-2021, 06:18 AM #17
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Timing is important when it comes to certain supplements. Creatine should always be taken prior to training, BCAA's before and or during training, protein powder post training
If you're not using your supplements correctly why use themLast edited by TheFugitive; 09-07-2021 at 03:58 PM.
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09-07-2021, 06:24 AM #18
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Creatine has a fairly short elimination half life, averaging just less than 3 hours, so to maintain an elevated plasma level it would be necessary to take small oral doses every 3–6 hours throughout the day
Another factor to consider, how much creatine are you actually absorbingalienshave.com - Shave Smarter
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09-07-2021, 04:49 PM #19
Hmm but if it’s between NSAID blunted growth and injury blunted growth... hard to weigh the options for the lesser of 2 evils without any definitive evidence, but obviously the latter is less safe. Which is why I’d like to know if the use of them prevents injuries from essentially managing themselves thus creating that between a rock and hard place situation.
What about pain relievers like acetaminophen?
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09-07-2021, 05:03 PM #20
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09-08-2021, 01:57 AM #21
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09-16-2021, 04:19 AM #22
Whey protein = instantly after workout and after waking up in the morning
Preworkout = 20 mins. before workout
Creatine= take it whenever suits you everyday 5g
Bcaa = anytime but the best is to have it with bottle of water during workout
Casein = night time before sleep
Boiled Eggs - morning for breakfast
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09-16-2021, 05:22 PM #23
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09-16-2021, 05:30 PM #24
Well, I’m pretty much always injured in one way or another. Chronically, patellar tendinitis is why I take ibuprofen on leg day. I don’t doubt that it doesn’t actually aid in healing, but I wonder if it either blunts complete healing altogether or slows the process to such a crawl that it effectively doesn’t get to heal to any discernible degree. Like, if I stopped taking 200mg ibuprofen twice a week, would I be able to walk down stairs without any pain (minor, but present) and eventually squat pain free as well?
I’ve been treated and rehabbed all of my conditions but I’ve been told by my PTs that pretty much they’re always going to require management.
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09-21-2021, 01:23 AM #25
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