Skip to main content

How long do you have to take creatine to boost muscle power? Here’s the research

Does it take months of supplementing to feel stronger?

man muscular holding barbell
Anush / Pexels

Research shows us how targeted resistance training helps build muscle size and power. Just like protein and weightlifting, creatine is also widely talked about in powerlifter circles and among gym enthusiasts. 

Studies highlight how creatine supplementation can increase muscle mass, but how long do you have to take it to see results? Does it take months of supplementing to feel stronger? Of course, the exact time varies depending on the individual, but an interesting study shows it could be less time than you think. 

Recommended Videos

How long does it take to work?

man in gym sitting down drinking protein shake creatine
Lyfe Fuel / Unsplash

Researchers concluded that supplementing creatine monohydrate while progressive resistance training increases muscle strength in as little as two weeks. The study spanned eight weeks of progressive resistance training and revealed that supplementing creatine also promoted a more significant reduction in body fat percentage compared to just resistance training alone.

Drinking a creatine shake could help reduce the wear-and-tear effects of training while boosting muscle power in as little as two weeks. If you want to lose body fat, this research shows creatine definitely helps. Other people share that they see results within about three or four weeks of supplementing 5 grams of creatine daily. 

You might notice the mental health and cognitive benefits before you notice augmented muscle power.

Concluding creatine thoughts

muscle man posing in the mirror
Paul Gray / Pexels

Overall, creatine is considered a safe, effective, and widely studied supplement in the fitness community. Most athletes take 3-5 grams daily when supplementing, but this also depends on the individual. 

Taking creatine doesn’t just enhance muscle strength; it can also make them swell, especially if you’re supporting your body with proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep.

Topics
Steph Green
Steph Green is a content writer specializing in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition. With over ten years of experience, she…
Researchers unveil how high reps and low reps impact muscle growth
It turns out, building specific parts of larger muscles is a little more complex.
Man sitting on bench in gym holding weights dumbbells

If you’re pumping iron in the gym with the goal of building muscle, you might be wondering how you can amplify muscle growth. Here at The Manual, we keep an eye on the latest research on getting ripped and maximizing our muscle-building potential. There are ways we can fine-tune our training to achieve better results. Recently, researchers focused on how adjusting training impacts regional hypertrophy (building muscle at different points). Let's look at the research.

The study

Read more
Can you run faster than the average human running speed? Here’s the data
Regardless of your pace, you should be proud that you’re improving and prioritizing your fitness.
Man running outside

Some people can zoom past the rest like a gust of wind across the finish line, while others aren’t as fast on their feet. What feels fast for one person might not feel so fast for someone else. I’m curious about the average human running speed, and how I measure up. Thinking about this made me dart around my neighborhood at full power.

Marathoners often try to beat their previous times and set a faster and more efficient pace. Several factors influence running speed and performance, including fitness level, training history, and running experience. Your pace is only a part of the picture. Let's look at the average running speed for various distances.

Read more
Does lack of sleep hold you back on the running track? Here’s the research
Is insufficient sleep stopping you from achieving your true fitness potential? Sleep longer, run faster.
Tired man stopping for break on beach

We all need our sleep. Personally, I feel a lot better after getting a full night’s rest, and I’m not yawning my way through the day. Researchers have found that a lack of sleep increases your risk of a range of conditions, including depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. All the more reason to prioritize your sleep.

I know I’m not functioning at my best if I haven’t got enough shut eye, so I certainly wouldn’t be trying to run a marathon or anything on those days. Research shows that runners who sleep less hours actually do take longer to cross that finish line, highlighting a connection between running performance and sleep.

Read more