How long does it take for creatine to work?

[bbuk2018]

Hi all,

For the longest time I've been doing cardio in the gym. However for the past I'd say 3 months I've been doing dumbbell curls along side my cardio. I've been doing 3x8 dumbbell curls. I started at 10kg and moved up to 18kg (All without doing the diet). However, for the past 2 weeks I've scrapped the dumbbell curls and started the mark rippertoes starting strength routine and done the diet getting around 1g of protein for each pound I weigh everyday. In addition, I started taking creatine (4,200 mgs) per day. My question is how long will it take for me to see results in terms of muscle size and strength?

[Hypernation]

10g first three days.
5g thereafter.

No need to cycle, but some do (3:1 month)

Takes about 3 weeks if you’re working hard.

[bbuk2018]

10g first three days.
5g thereafter.

No need to cycle, but some do (3:1 month)

Takes about 3 weeks if you’re working hard.

Hi I've already started taking creatine for 2 weeks. I've been taking 4,200mg everyday. I never knew i had to take 10gs for 3 days what should i do?

[bLinkMoore]

The 10 grams for 3 days thing isn't necessary, it's basically just used to saturate your phosphocreatine stores more rapidly. If you've been taking 3-5g / day for two weeks, you're fine.

Strength gains should come pretty quickly as a novice lifter, but I really wouldn't worry about exactly how long it'll take you to get whatever gains. Everyone's different, just stick with the program and you'll make progress

[Brankov88]

Some friends do a loading phase for a week 20 grams everyday but i haven't tried it. My method is 5 grams for 2 months and then 1 months rest, I notice the creatine strength increase after 2-3 weeks.

[stad0203]

The only thing 20 grams a day did for them was waste $. If you are 2 weeks in on 4.2 grams you are good just keep that going. Skip the month off too just stay on it.

Some friends do a loading phase for a week 20 grams everyday but i haven't tried it. My method is 5 grams for 2 months and then 1 months rest, I notice the creatine strength increase after 2-3 weeks.

[Brankov88]

The only thing 20 grams a day did for them was waste $. If you are 2 weeks in on 4.2 grams you are good just keep that going. Skip the month off too just stay on it.

You mean we should not cycle it after 2-3 months ? Is not it too much ? About the loading phase I think my stomach wont be able to handle the 20 grams a day dosage.

[bLinkMoore]

You mean we should not cycle it after 2-3 months ? Is not it too much ? About the loading phase I think my stomach wont be able to handle the 20 grams a day dosage.

As far as I know, there's no real merit to cycling creatine. I would just take your 3-5g daily for as long as you want.

[rets85]

Seconding the 3-5g daily. That's what I do.

[Joe D]

5 grams for 5 days a week for me.