How crucial is it to take it right before or after a workout? Can I take it earlier in the day (6-8 hours before a workout) and still get its benefits?

While you'll see incremental benefits taking Muscle Health PLUS during or after working out, you'll still see great results if you drink the product in the morning. The key is replenishing the creatine and other muscle health ingredients every 24 hours so they're consistently in your system (on workout and non-workout days).