How Long Does Pre-Workout Last?
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
Table of Contents
Pre-workout supplements generally stay in your circulation system for 3-4 hours. But that varies depending on the ingredient composition, the particular effect you’re looking for, and other factors. Some ingredients and their impact can remain in your body longer, while others are short-lived.
In this article, we’ll break down everything about pre-workout supplements, from their duration to their benefits. We’ll also highlight a few primary ingredients and how long they stay in your system.
But first…
How Long Does Pre-Workout Last?
Generally, the effects of a pre-workout supplement will last in your circulation system for about 3-4 hours. However, this duration depends on two primary factors – the ingredients and their ratios. Usually, the active ingredients in various pre-workouts have different half-life levels, i.e., the time it takes for their effects to wear off.
For example, caffeine is a stimulant and the most common ingredient in many pre-workouts. Most regular supplements have around 100-300 mg of caffeine with a half-life of 5-6 hours, depending on the individual. That means it will take up to 6 hours for it to reduce by half.
While the duration of the effect of each ingredient varies, most pre-workouts will provide a peak effect during the first 3 hours. From there, they start to taper off in the ensuing hours. So it wouldn’t make sense to take a pre-workout at 8:00a in the morning if you’re planning to hit the gym in the afternoon.
What is a Pre-Workout Supplement?
Pre-workouts are dietary supplements designed to enhance your physical performance. They provide increased energy and mental focus. Most of them come in the form of powder which you mix with water or juice. However, some exist as capsules, canned or bottled drinks.
Pre-workouts have ingredients that dilate your blood vessels and increase blood flow to and from the muscles. Such effects bring more oxygen, glucose, nitric oxide, and other elements to your muscle cells. It enables greater strength and endurance. Additionally, some may contain caffeine and other stimulants that increase your energy levels.
Generally, pre-workout supplements are ergogenic aids aimed at increasing your physical and mental performance during training. While that’s true for most, they aren’t the same. Different brands have different ingredients and ratios. That means they work the same but have varying effects.
How Long Different Ingredients In Pre-Workout Supplements Last In Your Body
As we’ve mentioned, ingredients vary from one pre-workout supplement to another. The followings are a few primary ingredients and their half-lives:
- Caffeine. Caffeine is among the most common ingredients in pre-workout supplements. Surprisingly, this stimulant can stay in your body for up to 10 hours. However, its effects, like increased blood flow and stimulation, do not last long. Usually, they start fading after 60-90 minutes, meaning you might still have a few milligrams, but it won’t increase your performance.
- Creatine. Creatine is another preferred ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It increases muscle mass & strength and enhances performance. This compound has a half-life of around 3 hours, meaning it can stay in your system for 6 hours. However, its peak effect is usually between 30-90 minutes. And some people wonder, “Is pre-workout creatine?” Click to learn the answer about creatine and pre-workout.
- Beta-Alanine. Beta-alanine is an amino acid that increases muscular endurance and work capacity. When supplemented, it helps your body produce more carnosine, which supports extended intensive. This naturally occurring compound has a half-life of around 3 hours, and its peak effects are often felt 30-60 minutes after ingestion.
- L-Carnitine. L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that helps your heart and blood vessels function effectively. It increases nitric oxide levels, enabling more oxygen flow through your muscles. L-citrulline can last in your system for about 60 minutes. Generally, its peak effect occurs within 30 minutes after ingestion.
- L-Theanine. L-theanine helps with stress relief and relaxation. It also supports focus, alertness, and concentration. This compound has a half-life of around 54–78 min, and its peak effect occurs within the first 20 minutes.
- Arginine. Arginine helps widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles. This non-essential amino acid can stay in your system for 30–120 minutes, and its peak effects usually start after 45 minutes.
How Long Does It Take For Pre-Workout To Kick In?
Usually, most pre-workouts will have a peak effect after 30 to 60 minutes. But, like the duration, this too varies depending on several factors.
It could be:
- Active ingredients
- Your metabolism
- Your body’s tolerance to caffeine.
However, you can keep it simple by taking your pre-workout supplement 30 minutes before your warm-up routine.
For most people, that means taking their supplements at home and driving or walking to the gym afterward. That gives you enough time to prepare, change your fitness gear, and get ready for your workout.
How Do You Know The Pre-Workout Has Started Working?
There are a few ways you can tell when a pre-workout supplement starts working after ingesting. Most experienced users can tell when it kicks in, but it can confuse first-time users.
Here are a few common signs that show the pre-workout is working:
- Sudden Energy Boost. You might experience an odd buzz in your system. A sudden surge of energy flows through your skin, resulting from high concentration of nitric oxide. If you were tired or sluggish before, you would notice a sudden shift in your behavior. (1)
- Tingling Sensation. If the pre-workout has beta-alanine, you will feel itchy or tingly in your muscles and skin. It’s not something you should worry about. It’s normal and a clear sign that the supplement is working. (2)
- Sudden Increased Focus and Mental Alertness. Working out and training can sometimes be mentally challenging. And most people often feel demotivated at some point. But if you suddenly notice extra focus and mental alertness, it’s a sign that the pre-workout is working.
Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements
Away from the anecdotes, pre-workout supplements have many potential benefits. Here are some of them:
- Increased Endurance and Stamina: These supplements give you more strength, power, and muscular endurance, enough to push past your plateaus. That helps you train harder and longer without feeling the fatigue so early on.
- Improved Mood. It can be challenging to get in the zone. But pre-workouts can give you the motivation and energy to stay focused on your goals.
- Builds Lean Muscles: Pre-workout supplements can help maximize your muscle-building potential. It provides your body with the necessary nutrients to promote muscle growth.
Conclusion
Pre-workouts supplements are an excellent way to get the most out of your training. Even a slight boost can provide tremendous benefits to your fitness journey. However, it’s essential to remember that these supplements aren’t magic pills. You’ll only get results if you work hard and stay consistent.
While they are generally safe, consult a doctor before taking any supplement. That way, you can avoid any potential side effects and stay healthy.
Click to see our comparison of the best pre-workout supplements.
Intensive Pre-Train from Crazy Nutrition
- Improves workout performance
- Supercharges energy levels
- Promotes drive & motivation
- Fast absorption
- Boosts energy without a crash
- Supports muscle strength
- Enhances workout focus
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
- Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2023, March 10). Nitric oxide. Encyclopædia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/nitric-oxide WebMD. (n.d.). Beta-alanine: Uses and risks. WebMD.https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/beta-alanine-uses-and-risks#:~:text=Beta%2Dalanine%20is%20a%20non,endurance%20in%20high%2Dintensity%20exercise.
