How long does it take for creatine to work? A timeline men can actually use
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Dec 20, 2025 · 11 min read
Creatine typically starts improving high-intensity performance once muscle creatine stores reach “saturation,” which takes about 5–7 days with a 20 g/day loading phase (then maintenance) or about 3–4 weeks with 3–5 g/day without loading. Here’s what you should notice first, why the scale can change before your lifts do, and how to dose it like ...