Best Pre-Workout
7
Pre-Workout Supplements Reviewed
96
Hours of Research
88
Reviews Examined
3
Experts Interviewed
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
Table of Contents
Knowing the best pre-workout is key to maximizing your workouts. No matter how motivated you are, there will be days when you don’t feel 100% for a workout.
Sometimes you’re just tired or feeling lethargic to step into the gym. If that’s the case, you might need a little help from a supplement in the form of a pre-workout.
But what is it, and how does it work? This article will discuss everything you need to know about pre-workouts, including what ingredients to look for and our top picks. It will help you make an informed decision the next time you’re in the supplement aisle at your local store.
What is Pre-workout?
A pre-workout is a bodybuilding supplement meant to alleviate training lull. It supplies your body with energy-boosting stimulants, such as sugar and other nutrients that help you feel more awake and alert. It comes as a pill, powder, or even liquid.
But how does it work, you may ask? Well, as the name suggests, you take it before working out. The idea is that the nutrients will help stimulate the nervous system giving the much-needed energy boost and motivation to push through your workout.
Apart from stimulation, they increase blood flow, making it easy to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. The two working together is what gives you the so-called “pump.” Nutrients increase metabolism and build muscle, while oxygen provides stamina.
Most pre-workout ingredients composition are science-backed. For example, caffeine is a common ingredient in pre-workouts. It’s a stimulant that can help improve your focus and energy levels.
Apart from caffeine, they also have other natural ingredients that boost energy. In fact, many of these ingredients are found in foods. But the difference is that they’re more concentrated in pre-workout supplements.
Best Pre-workout Supplements
Now that you know pre-workouts, it’s time to choose the best ones for you. Here are some of the best pre-workout supplements on the market.
- Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train Formula
- Pre-Kaged
- Bulk Advanced Pre-Workout supplement
- Wrecked Pre-Workout supplement
- Plus Natural Pre-workout supplement
- Gold Standard Pre-Workout
- Gorilla Mode by Gorilla Mind
Crazy Nutrition
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
Pre-Kaged
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
Bulk
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
1. Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train Formula
Brand Overview:
Crazy Nutrition is a UK-based sports nutrition brand that creates safe and effective supplements. Its parent company is Wolfson Brands, located in Glasgow, Scotland. Founded in 2021, the company has hit the supplements market by storm.
While the brand is still new in the market, it has built a name for itself. Crazy Nutrition focuses on four quality formulas. One of them is their Intensive pre-workout supplement, designed to boost energy for your workout.
Highlighted Features:
- It contains 80 mg of Vitamin C
- 8 mg of Niacin
- 0.7 mg of Vitamin B6
- 1.25 mcg of Vitamin B12
- 7 g of Citrulline Malate 2:1
- 1.8 g of Betaine Anhydrous
- 2.5 g of Beta-Alanine
- 1 g of L-Arginine AKG 2:1
- 1 g of Glycerol Monostearate
- 1 g of Taurine
- 1 g of L-Tyrosine
- 400 mg of Glucuronolactone
- 200 mg of Caffeine
- 400 mg of L-Phenylalanine
- 300 mg of Ashwaghandha
Pros
- Boost energy levels without a crash
- Support muscle strength
- Enhances focus
- Promote drive
- Improves your overall workout performance
- Has fast absorption
Con
- Comes with only 20 servings per container
Features:
Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train is one of the best pre-workout powders on the market. It’s not only vegan friendly but also contains adequately dosed ingredients. The formula comes with a blend of 19 ingredients.
Perhaps the reason it has gained popularity is the fact that it doesn’t compromise on quality. For instance, when you take 6g of citrulline over seven days, you will likely experience increased intensity during your workout.
Crazy Nutrition’s Intensive Pre-Train supplement has three delicious flavors: green apple (caffeine-free), blue raspberry, and fruit punch. You only need to take one scoop of the powder and mix it with 16 oz of water per day.
Price:
A container of Crazy Nutrition’s Intensive Pre-Train formula costs $39.99. You can also subscribe to a five-week refill program that will cost you $31.99 per bottle. Additionally, orders above $50 will give you free shipping.
Customer Experience:
So, what do customers have to say about Crazy Nutrition’s Intensive Pre-Train supplement? Well, we set out to find out. On the brand’s website, the product has an impressive 4.5/5 stars rating. However, this is only from 11 reviewers.
One customer said, “This is an awesome product. It gives me the kick energy-wise that I need to power through my workout.” He added that he liked the raspberry flavor and would recommend it to others.
Another reviewer said, “My new favorite pre-workout. Love the taste, it mixes well and gives me a great energy boost.”
2. Pre-Kaged – Best Pre-workout supplement by Kaged Muscle
Brand Overview:
Kaged Muscle is a sports nutrition company founded in 2014 that produces high-quality, clean, and effective supplements. The brand is one of the leading formulators and manufacturers of ultra-premium sports nutrition supplement products. Its goal is to bridge the gap between health and better sports performance.
While this California-based company is relatively young in the industry, it has made a name for itself by providing some of the most innovative and effective sports nutrition products. The Pre-Kaged is one of their most popular products, and for a good reason.
It is a complete pre-workout supplement containing everything you need to take your workout to the next level. It combines some of the best natural ingredients, such as vegetable extract.
Highlighted Features:
- Contains 6.5 g L- citrulline per serving, which helps with muscle gain
- Includes 1.6 g beta-alanine per serving which aids in muscular endurance
- Comes with 6.5 g fermented plant-based BCAAs per serving
- 1.5 – gram creatine HC1 perfect for muscle growth
- 100 mg spectra antioxidants from a blend of 29 fruits and veggies
- Has 850 mg of L-Tyrosine, which helps in motivation
- Has 2g of taurine, which supports cellular hydration, muscle contraction, and electrolyte balance
- Comes packed with 274 mg of organic caffeine for the energy boost
Pros
- Boost Energy
- Enhances endurance
- Increases muscle growth
- Heightens mental focus
- Vegan friendly
- Banned substance free
- Approved by an independent third party
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No artificial colors and flavors
Con
- It contains 1 gram of sugar
Features:
Pre-Kaged is one of the best pre-workout supplements since it utilizes the power of fruits and vegetables. It contains ingredients that not only boost energy levels but also taste great. It makes it easier to consume without getting bored.
It comes in seven delicious flavors: fruit punch, grape, pink lemonade, berry blast, orange krush, cherry bomb, and krisp apple. You can always get another if you don’t like a particular taste. Furthermore, this pre-workout formula is also vegan-friendly.
Pre-Kaged is also banned substance-free and certified by an independent third party. So, you can rest assured that what’s on the label is precisely what you’ll get in the supplement. It is also gluten-free and non-GMO.
The brand also offers other pre-workout options that include caffeine-free. If stimulations are not what you’re after, you can opt for the following:
- Pre-Kaged stimulant-free
- Muscle pre-Kaged sports
- Essential Amino acids synergy
Price:
Price is one of the first things to consider when buying a product, especially when it’s your first time using it. You don’t want to spend too much on something that’s not worth it. Luckily, Pre-Kaged is very reasonably priced.
A bottle of Pre-Kaged pre-workout supplement containing 20 servings costs $44.99 for a one-time purchase. However, you can save 10% when you opt for the subscription model.
Customer experience:
Before trying any product, check customer reviews and see what other users say about it. That’s especially useful if it’s your first time using the item. Pre-workout supplements are no different.
To understand what people think about this pre-workout supplement, we scoured the internet and read through various customer reviews. On the brand’s website, the formula has an average 5/5 star rating from over 1100 comments. 95% of them recommended the product.
The general sentiment is that people are happy with the pre-workout formula. One customer said, ” I like the pump it gives me for my morning workout. Not too intense, but it’s there. Love the fact that it’s natural.”
Another user commented, “I am always looking for a good pre-workout supplement that will give me energy and help me push through my workouts. Pre-Kaged has helped me do that.”
While most comments were positive, we also saw a few negative ones concerning the price. But for such a high-quality product, the price is very reasonable.
3. Bulk – Advanced Pre-Workout Supplement
Brand Overview:
Another top pre-workout supplement is Bulk’s Advanced Pre-Workout supplement. The formula is a product of Transparent Labs, which is a highly reputable company in the supplement industry. Founded by Trevor Hiltbrand, the brand has existed since 2015.
The Utah-based brand provides high-quality and practical products made from simple everyday natural ingredients. Moreover, all their products are free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. One of their popular products is the bulk pre-workout supplement.
Highlighted Features:
- It contains 6g of citrulline malate per serving
- It has 4g of beta-alanine per serving
- It comes with 4g of fermented BCAA
- It has 2.5g of Beta Pure betaine anhydrous
- 1.3g of taurine
- 1g of L-tyrosine
- 130mg of L-theanine
- 180g of caffeine anhydrous
- 50mg of theobromine
- 30mg of infinergy (De-caffeine malate)
- 25mg of astragal
Pros
- Enhances mental and physical performance
- Improves stamina
- Boost energy
- Muscle pumps
- Uses all-natural ingredients
- Free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives
Con
- It might be expensive for some users
Features:
One of the reasons this formula made it to this list of best pre-workouts is because of the use of L-citrulline malate instead of L-arginine. It provides higher plasma arginine levels and better absorption.
Citrulline malate is at least twice as effective in raising nitric oxide than L-arginine. It may also enhance the usage of branch chain amino acids such as leucine when exercising and reduce exercise-induced fatigue.
Another reason it’s a top pre-workout supplement is because it has no hidden ingredients. Transparent Labs have a reputation for being open and honest about its products. Such ethics build trust with potential and current customers.
The pre-workout formula comes packed with other powerful ingredients such as 4g of beta-alanine, 1.3g of taurine, and 50mg of theobromine which all help to improve physical performance.
That’s not all. It tastes great and mixes easily with water or any other beverage of your choice. Some delicious flavors include blue raspberry, watermelon, green apple, orange, tropical punch, lemon-lime black cherry, and peach-mango.
Price:
A tub of Bulk’s Advanced pre-workout supplement containing 30 servings costs $49.99. Unlike Kaged muscle, this brand does not offer a subscription model, but you can buy in bundles to save.
Customer Experience:
We read through various reviews to find out what customers think about the product and company. On their website, the pre-workout formula has an average of 4.7/5 star ratings from over 3800 customers.
Perhaps the most reviewed pre-workout formula in this list, users had a lot to say about their experience with the product. The general sentiment was that it works well and tastes great.
One customer said, “I’ve tried a lot of pre-workouts, and this one is by far the best. I have more energy, focus, and endurance. I’m also not crashing after my workout like other pre-workouts.”
Others loved its natural formula, free from artificial sweeteners and other harmful ingredients. A few reviewers didn’t like that it is a bit pricey.
4. Wrecked Pre-Workout supplement
Brand Overview:
Another best pre-workout supplement on the market is Wrecked from Huge Supplements. The Miami-based company was founded in early 2019 with the mission to provide athletes and fitness enthusiasts with high-quality supplements without risking their health.
While it has been in the supplement market for a few years, it has gained popularity for its unique approach to fitness and health. Huge Supplements focuses on using natural ingredients backed by science. Wrecked is one of their best selling products.
Highlighted Features:
- Contains 8g of L-citrulline per serving
- 3.5g of beta-alanine
- 3g of betaine anhydrous per serving
- 1.5g of L-tyrosine per serving
- 250mg of caffeine anhydrous
- 100mg of Di-caffeine malate per serving
- It has 75mg of extracts such as Green Tea, Coffee Bean, and Turmeric Extract
- Has fruit and veggies extracts such as broccoli, kale, blueberry, and tart cherry
Pros
- Strongest pre-workout
- Vegan-friendly
- Gives you laser focus
- Provides intense energy
- Good for muscle gain
- No fillers or artificial flavors
Con
- It may contain traces of tree nuts, fish, milk eggs, soy, wheat, and peanuts since it is produced in a facility that also processes the above ingredients.
Features:
Wrecked is a powerful pre-workout supplement that will give you the energy and focus you need. Most formulas are often under-dosed, but Wrecked contains the clinically effective doses of each ingredient. For example, it has 8g of L-citrulline per serving which is more than what you get from other supplements.
But like other pre-workout formulas, wrecked has two flavors: bomb popsicle and raspberry mojito. The product is also vegan-friendly and contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Price:
A tub of Wrecked containing 20 servings costs $49.95 for a one-time purchase. However, the brand doesn’t offer a subscription model.
Customer Experience:
With over 3,000 customer reviews, the brand has an average rating of 4.8/5 stars on its website. The general sentiment across all platforms is that Wrecked is a powerful pre-workout supplement that delivers on its promises.
One customer said, “The pump was an excellent one. I felt focused, and my energy levels were on point throughout my workout. I will recommend it and purchase it again.”
Another reviewer said, “I researched on the highest rated pre-workout supplement, and Wrecked was the top. I’m not disappointed. It gives me the extra edge I need during my workout.”
A few reviewers didn’t like that it is a bit pricey. But for one of the best pre-workout supplements, it is definitely worth the price.
5. Legion Pulse Natural Pre-Workout
Brand Overview:
Legion pulse natural is another top pre-workout supplement that is taking the fitness industry by storm. It is a product of Legion Athletic, founded in 2014. The company has been at the forefront of the fitness industry by constantly innovating and creating new products.
Legion pulse is one of their best selling products. It is a natural pre-workout supplement that gives you the energy and sharp focus you need without the jitters. It does not pack high doses of caffeine per serving, making it ideal for those sensitive to stimulants.
You may also opt for its other caffeine-free pre-workout option that’s effective and safe for those with stimulant sensitivities.
Highlighted Features:
- Offers 8g of citrulline malate
- The pre-workout contains 3.6g of beta-alanine per serving
- 350mg of caffeine
- 350mg of L-theanine
- 2.5g of betaine
- No artificial food dyes
- 100% natural ingredients
- 300mg of Alpha-GPC
Pros
- Lab-tested for effectiveness
- Offers smooth energy with no crash
- More stamina, focus, and strength
- A- LabDoor ranking
- No return necessary, money-back guarantee
- Naturally flavored
- USA made
- Relatively affordable
Con
- Has no daily value estimates
Features:
Legion Pulse is a pre-workout supplement that has undergone rigorous lab testing to ensure its efficacy and safety. It has a unique formula designed to give you smooth and sustained energy without the crash. If you’ve ever felt jittery after taking a pre-workout, you’ll be happy to know that this one doesn’t cause that.
Unlike other pre-workout products, Legion pulse is 100% natural. It is also non-GMO, gluten-free, and does not contain artificial food dyes. That means it’s risk-free, and you can take it without worrying about adverse side effects.
The brand guarantees results and offers a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the product. You don’t even have to return the empty bottle. It’s available in 15 flavors, including blue raspberry, fruit punch, mojito, an arctic blast, orange, cherry limeade, and green apple.
Price:
One tub of caffeinated Legion pulse (21 servings) costs $31.99 for a one-time purchase. You can also subscribe and save 20% on your investment. The caffeine-free pre-workout version also comes at the same price.
Customer Experience:
There are over 3,000 customer reviews for Legion pulse on its website, with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. Customers love that it is a natural pre-workout supplement and doesn’t cause any jitters.
One customer said, “This product is amazing. As a professional athlete, I need to be able to trust the products I put in my body, and this one meets my standards. It gives me the focus and energy to perform at my best.”
Another reviewer said, “I’m so glad I found this product. I was looking for something to help me get through my workouts without feeling jittery, and this does the trick. I’m going to be a loyal customer.”
6. Gold Standard Pre-Workout
Brand Overview:
Among the best pre-workout formulas is Gold Standard Pre-Workout by Optimum Nutrition. The company has been a leading sports nutrition brand for over 30 years. The UK-based brand is not strange to the fitness industry and has a vast range of products, including protein powders, weight gainers, amino acids, and pre-workouts.
One of its bestselling products is the Gold Standard Pre-Workout supplement. It is a comprehensive pre-workout that contains everything you need for an effective workout.
Highlighted Features:
- 3g of Creatine Monohydrate
- 175mg Caffeine per Serving
- 1.5 Grams of Beta-Alanine
- 3g of carbohydrate
- 25mg of Astragal blend
- 750mg of L-citrulline
- 250mg of L-tyrosine
- 2gm of vitamin B6
Pros
- Clinically effective doses
- Offers a maximum of 30 servings
- Delicious
Con
- Contains several artificial flavors
Features:
Gold Pre-Workout is a comprehensive pre-workout supplement with everything you need for an effective workout. It contains clinically effective doses of ingredients. The formula is also free of banned substances.
One of the standout features of this pre-workout powder is the Creatine Monohydrate. It is a clinically-proven ingredient that increases muscle size and strength. The formula also contains Beta-Alanine, an amino acid that improves exercise performance.
Gold pre-workout ingredients are primarily natural. It has several artificial flavors. However, they are not enough to offset the positive effects of the other elements. Some delicious flavors include fruit punch, green apple, watermelon, and blueberry lemonade.
Price:
A tub of Gold Standard Pre-Workout (30 servings) costs $29.99. You can also save 15% off your first purchase after subscribing to the brand’s newsletter.
Customer Experience:
Unlike other pre-workout powder supplements that have hundreds or even thousands of reviews, Gold Pre-Workout has few. The brand’s website has only 319 comments with an average rating of 4.3/5 stars.
One customer said, “I like that this pre-workout powder is not too high in caffeine. It gives me energy.”
Another reviewer said, “this is one of the best pre-workout supplements. I would recommend it.”
7. Gorilla Mode by Gorilla Mind
Brand Overview:
Another excellent pre-workout powder is Gorilla Mode by Gorilla Mind. Founded by Derek in 2017, Gorilla Mind is a leading provider of nootropics and cognitive-enhancing dietary supplements.
The company focuses on creating safe products backed by science and third-party testing. One of the brand’s best selling products is Gorilla Mode. It is a pre-workout powder designed to help you achieve optimal performance.
Highlighted Features:
- 4.5g of L-carnitine per scoop
- 2.5g creatine monohydrate
- 750mg of L-tyrosine
- 175mg of caffeine anhydrous
- 1250mg of betaine anhydrous
- 5mg of Bioperine (fruit extract and black pepper)
- 200mg of Huperzine A
Pros
- Safe and Effective
- Gives you intense focus and drive
- Offers massive nitric oxide pump
- It Increased muscular endurance and power
- Backed by Science
- Contains clinically effective doses
Con
- Contains artificial flavors
Features:
Our selection of best pre-workout supplements wouldn’t be complete without Gorilla Mode. It is a safe and effective product that boosts energy levels, increases focus and gives you an intense nitric oxide pump.
Gorilla Mode contains clinically effective doses of ingredients that improve performance without causing health complications such as blood pressure. The formula is also free of banned substances.
One of the critical ingredients in Gorilla Mode is L-Carnitine. With this ingredient, you are sure to experience increased endurance and power.
Price:
A tub of Gorilla Mode (40 servings) costs $49.00. The brand doesn’t have a subscription program.
Customer Experience:
Gorilla Mode has excellent customer reviews on its website. It has a 4.6/5-star rating from over 1,400 customers. Most comments praised it with terms such as “amazing,” “best pre-workout ever,” “phenomenon,” and “game-changer.”
One customer pointed out that Gorilla Mode gives him the “cleanest energy with no crash.” Another reviewer said that it is the ” best pre-workout for men.”
Benefits of using pre-workout
Anaerobic exercises such as weightlifting or endurance exercises like running or cardio can tax your body. They require a lot of energy, which can sometimes be hard to muster up, especially if you’re tired. That’s where pre-workouts come in.
While there are many pre-workout supplements on the market with different ingredients, they all aim to boost your energy levels. They help you push through your workout and get the most out of it. Other benefits include:
Improve focus and concentration: Apart from boosting your energy levels, pre-workouts can also help improve your focus and concentration. That’s especially helpful if you find yourself getting distracted easily or have trouble staying on task. The ingredients in pre-workouts can help you stay focused on your workout and achieve better results.
Increase Stamina and Endurance: If you find yourself getting tired or running out of breath quickly during your workouts, pre-workouts can help. The nutrients in these supplements can help increase your stamina and endurance, so you can push yourself harder for longer.
Build Muscle and Strength: Pre-workouts can help you gain strength and muscle growth. The nutrients in these supplements help increase blood flow to your muscles, leading to increased muscle growth. Additionally, the increase in energy can help you lift heavier weights and achieve better results.
Improved Recovery: Often, the recovery process after an intense workout can be just as challenging as the workout itself. It leaves your muscles feeling sore and tired. Pre-workouts can help improve your recovery by providing the nutrients your body needs to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
Fights fatigue: Fatigue can kick in even before you start your workout. If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, then pre-workouts can help. The ingredients in these supplements help fight fatigue and give you the energy you need to power through your workout.
Improves Performance: All of these benefits can lead to improved performance. For instance, you can push yourself harder when you have more energy. When you focus better, you execute more effectively. And when you recover better, you can come back stronger and perform at your best.
Best Time To Take a Pre-workout
When the time is right, a pre-workout can help power you through your most strenuous workouts. But when the time is wrong, you might not get the results you’re hoping for. So when’s the best time to take a pre-workout?
Ideally, you want to take your pre-workouts about 30-60 minutes before your workout. They will give the ingredients time to digest and be absorbed into your system. (1)
You don’t want to take it too soon before your workout because they will metabolize without you getting the full benefits. You don’t want to take it too late because the effects might wear off when you start working out. Remember that most pre-workout supplements contain significant caffeine levels, and you need to hit the gym as soon as it starts working.
Pre-workout Ingredients to look for / ingredients to avoid
As mentioned, there is no shortage of brands and flavors regarding pre-workout supplements in the market. With all the different options, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. When choosing a pre-workout, there are certain ingredients you should look for and others you should avoid.
Ingredients to look for:
Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can help improve your muscle power and endurance without increasing the perceived exertion rate. When you consume it, you can work out more without feeling tired. It’s one of the most common ingredients among pre-workouts. Caffeine also improves your cognitive power, making it easier to focus on your workout.
Creatine: It’s an amino acid that helps improve strength, power, and muscle growth. It replenishes your ATP levels, the energy your muscles use during exercise. You often depict your energy stores when working out, and taking creatine can help improve your performance.
Creatine also helps you gain a leaner body composition by helping you retain water in your muscles. That makes them appear fuller and more prominent.
Beta-alanine and L-citrulline: Beta-alanine is an amino acid that helps improve muscle endurance. It does this by reducing the levels of lactic acid in your muscles, which can build up during exercise and lead to fatigue. (2)
L-citrulline is another amino acid that can help improve blood flow. It does this by increasing nitric oxide levels in your body. Nitric oxide helps relax your blood vessels and improve blood flow. That can lead to better nutrient delivery and waste removal. (3)
It can also help improve muscle pumps. While these two ingredients are not always available in all pre-workout supplements, they can help boost your performance.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA): BCAA’s are a type of amino acid that helps improve protein synthesis and muscle growth. They’re also crucial for preventing muscle breakdown during exercise. (4)
These amino acids can also help reduce fatigue and improve endurance. BCAA’s are often taken post-workout to help with recovery. But they can also be helpful when taken before a workout.
Vitamins: Vitamins, such as B12, B6, and niacin, are essential for energy production. They help convert the food you eat into ATP, the energy your muscles use during exercise.
Vitamin B6 is mainly involved in the production of red blood cells. That helps improve oxygen delivery to your muscles.
Ingredients to avoid
Artificial sweeteners: Many pre-workouts use artificial sweeteners to make them taste better. But these sweeteners can have some unwanted side effects.
One common artificial sweetener is aspartame. It can cause headaches, anxiety, and other neurological problems. It’s best to avoid pre-workouts with too many artificial sweeteners.
Fillers and binders: Some pre-workouts use fillers and binders to add bulk. But these ingredients don’t offer any benefits and can be harmful.
Fillers like maltodextrin can cause gastrointestinal issues. And binders like carrageenan can lead to inflammation. It’s best to avoid pre-workouts that contain these ingredients.
High Caffeine doses: Caffeine can be beneficial in small to moderate amounts. But high doses of caffeine can be dangerous.
Consuming too much caffeine can lead to side effects like jitters, anxiety, and insomnia. So it’s essential to avoid pre-workouts with high caffeine doses.
Proprietary blends: Proprietary blends are mixed ingredients that are not disclosed on the label. They’re often used to hide the actual doses of each element.
They can be dangerous because you don’t know how much of each ingredient you take. And you may be taking too much of one component or not enough of another. It’s best to avoid pre-workouts that contain proprietary blends.
What is a stim-free pre-workout?
A stim-free pre-workout is a supplement that doesn’t contain stimulants such as caffeine, yohimbine, or guarana. Although they do not have stimulatory effects, they can still help boost your performance. They work by increasing the nitric oxide levels in your body, improving blood flow and muscle visibility.
While they don’t have caffeine, these stimulant-free pre-workout supplements contain other natural ingredients such as taurine, beta-alanine, nitrosamine, tacrine, and creatine. That makes them just as efficient as the caffeinated options.
The stimulant-free pre-workout products are an excellent option for those sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants. Some of the most popular options available include:
- Kaged muscle Pre Kaged pre-workout
- Watermelon & Juicy Grape Stim-free pre-workout
- PMP stimulant-free pre-workout
Dry Scooping (on barbend):
Most pre-workout supplements come in powder form that you mix with water or another beverage to make a drink. However, there has been a trend on social media like Instagram and Tiktok where users scoop the powder and ingest it without water.
The users then drink water after eating the powder. While this seems harmless, it can be risky. Most pre-workout contain hundreds of milligrams of caffeine that can cause problems if you ingest it without water.
Without water, your body may absorb too much caffeine too quickly, leading to stomach upsets, jitters, and high blood pressure. You may also choke on the powder. Mixing the powder with water or another beverage as directed on the label is always best.
10 FAQs About Pre-Workout Supplements
1. What is a pre-workout supplement?
A pre-workout supplement is a dietary supplement that you take before working out. It is designed to improve performance by providing you with energy, focus, and endurance.
2. What are the benefits of taking pre-workout supplements?
Taking pre-workout supplements improves performance and increases energy levels and focus. It can also help you to achieve your desired results quicker.
3. Do pre-workout supplements work?
Yes. Research published by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed that combining HIIT workouts with pre-workouts raises VO2 max levels. It also increases lean body mass and your training volume while speeding up the rate of weight loss. (5)
4. Are pre-workout supplements safe?
Yes, pre-workout supplements are safe when taken as directed. However, if you take too much, they can cause side effects such as jitters and high blood pressure. It is always best to start with the lowest dose and increase it gradually as needed.
5. What are the side effects of pre-workout supplements?
The side effects of pre-workout supplements include jitters, anxiety, high blood pressure, and stomach upsets.
6. What are the best pre-workout supplements?
The best pre-workout supplements contain clinically effective doses of ingredients meant to improve performance. They should also be free of banned substances and safe for healthy adults to take.
7. How do I take pre-workout supplements?
Most pre-workout supplements come in powder form that you mix with water or another beverage to make a drink. You should take it 30-60 minutes before working out.
8. Are pre-workout supplements worth taking?
Yes. If you want to improve your performance, pre-workout supplements are worth taking. They can help you to achieve your desired results more quickly.
9. How long do pre-workout supplements last?
The effect of most pre-workout supplements lasts for about 30min to 2 hours.
10. Do I need to cycle off pre-workout supplements?
Regular use of pre-workout supplements can lead to body tolerance to their effect. That means you should take a break from using them for 6-8 weeks to allow your body to reset. You can then start retaking them.
Conclusion:
Pre-workout supplements can be beneficial in giving you the energy and focus you need to have a great workout. However, it is crucial to be aware of the possible side effects and to take them as directed. Keep in mind the opinions here are not meant as medical advice.
Click to return to the homepage.
David Williams
A diet and fitness enthusiast, David is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
References
- Krissy.Kendall.5. (2021, July 22). When to take pre-workout and the right ingredients. Bodybuilding.com.
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/3-mistakes-youre-making-with-your-pre-workout-supplement.html - MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Beta-alanine: Function, benefits, and sources. Medical News Today.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-beta-alanine-do - Christiansen, S. (2021, March 20). What is citrulline? Verywell Health.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/citrulline-4774848 - Holeček, M. (2018, May 3). Branched-chain amino acids in health and disease: Metabolism, alterations in blood plasma, and as supplements – nutrition & metabolism. BioMed Central. https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-018-0271-1
Smith, A. E., Fukuda, D. H., Kendall, K. L., & Stout, J. R. (2010, February 15). The effects of a pre-workout supplement containing caffeine, creatine, and amino acids during three weeks of high-intensity exercise on aerobic and anaerobic performance – journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. BioMed Central. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-7-10