It doesn't work that way. Creatine supplementation does two things:

1. it increases the level of creatine phosphate in your muscles
2. it replenishes used creatine phosphate in your muscles

so called "Loading phases" take care of #1 by quickly ramping up your levels so you hit saturation in a week.

then the daily 5g dose takes care of #2.

however daily doses over 3 weeks will also accomplish saturation, so a 'loading phase' isn't really necessary...but it does make you burn through creatine at 5x the normal rate. I bet the supplement companies LOVE loading phases cuz they make the $$ faster that way.

so, loading isn't necessary, but if you don't believe me, do it anyways. no real harm done, but I would do 3 or 4 doses a day for no more than 5 days.

as for 'when'...it matters more that you take the creatine regularly, than specific timing.
but my opinion, is that post workout is best for 2 reasons:
1. you already have an insulin spike from heavy weight training, and insulin is what lets nutrients into the cells.

2. post workout you should have some simple carbs, which further increases insulin, making the creatine get where it needs to go even more effectively.

in other words, post workout you should get best absorbtion, and since you used up creatine during your workout, your body should also be ready to be refilled to saturation.
Pre workout, you're still saturated from the day before, and by post workout, it'll have passed through half your gut already, lowering the time you'll have left to absorb it.

ok so should i notice any different using creatine? when i work out like lift weights and bench press i dont work out for like 1 1/2hr i just like lift the 97lbs 10 times.. stop... rest for 15 seconds.. lift the 97lbs for another 10 times rest for 1 min.. then go a left the 20lb dumbless about 10x each arm.. then curl a small amount like 5 times.. does that sound good?

creatine help you gain weight at all or just give you more energy to work out more to gain more muscle mass?

hey man i've been taking it and the directions simply say to load the first week. You take it in the morning when you wake up, and than after your workout. After the first week than u just take it after every workout that you do. These people know a lot more than I do but i'm just sayin what the directions said on my jar/bottle. REMEMBER just load the 1st week thats all

i kinda loaded the 1st week.. if i stop for 1 week then start next week with the loading phase again would that work?

nah there is no need to load again just make sure u dont keep skipping weeks...you just want to load the first week, and it says the days that you dont workout just use it when you wake up....also after you use it drink a glass of water right away because it helps absorb it better. You will pee a lot but it's worth it....

And there's no need to load in the first place either.

alright man thats your opinion

nope, its scientifically proven. a daily dose will get your muscles saturated in three weeks.

wats the difference between senior member and registered user?

Senior Member - knows there stuff, very educated on matters, been there, tried that, done that, doing this, and should never be doubted.

Registered User - still learning, can give decent-good advice, and should take in info and not reject it as opinions.

Malkore has it down to the peak. Keep reading labels and you'll find yourself blowing away money.

alright cool how do u become a senior user or do u have to wait a certain amount of time

it just takes time. total number of posts matters, as does length of time as a member.

here's a couple articles on creatine for you Danny. I don't want you thinking I just spout off without anything to backup what I am saying.
http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=768093
http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=459369

alright thank you very much and i apologize about the wise ass remarks i made previously

real fast simple yes or no cycle or dont cycle creatine