Walk into any gym and bring up creatine, and you'll get a dozen different answers about when you should take it. "You have to take it post-workout," one guy says, mid-shaker shake. "Nah, bro, it only works if you take it before," another chimes in. Somewhere in the corner, a seasoned vet just shrugs …

Let's get one thing straight-creatine isn't hype. It's hard science. Whether you're stacking plates or just starting your strength journey, a smart creatine cycle plan can be the edge that levels up performance, power, and gains. But if you're still just dumping powder into a shaker without understa …