When starting or enhancing your fitness routine, fatigue and long recovery periods may set in, which can leave you discouraged. There are several ways to avoid these setbacks, one of which is to add pre workout supplements to your fitness routine.
Pre-workout supplements are made from various ingredients that can help increase alertness, energy, and focus. Thus, you may not struggle to meet your fitness goals anymore, as the supplements can keep you supercharged throughout your workouts.
Whether you are hearing about pre workouts for the first time or are familiar with them, this article will provide valuable information on the best pre workout supplements for energy and endurance.
What is pre-workout?
Pre workout supplements are taken before exercise to give you energy. These supplements often come in the form of powders, gummies, drinks, or pills, and their main ingredient is caffeine.
Many fitness enthusiasts use pre workouts to enhance their fitness routine, as they can help them reduce fatigue and boost muscle recovery, potentially resulting in them achieving more than they would have with their natural strength.
What are the benefits of taking pre-workout?
Improves energy levels
Energy is key to an effective workout, and pre-workouts are well known to help give you a boost. Hence, this supplement can result in reduced fatigue and allow you to put more effort into your training and get greater results.
Helps with post-workout recovery
When you take pre-workout consistently, you may enjoy shorter muscle recovery time and be fully prepared for your next routine with less discomfort.
Preps your body for a workout
Pre-workouts go a long way when it comes to preparing you for exercise. They help increase blood flow to your muscles and reduce your chances of training injuries. Some people find that they can also help prevent burnout.
Are there any downsides to pre-workout?
Although pre-workouts are beneficial, try to take them in moderation. Otherwise, you may have side effects such as increased blood pressure, heartburn, insomnia, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and changes in blood sugar. It is best to start with a low dosage and slowly increase it as you feel comfortable to prevent experiencing any of these downsides.
Key ingredients for the best pre-workout supplement
- Caffeine: Pre-workouts contain caffeine to keep you energized and focused and improve your performance.
- Creatine: During exercise, creatine gives you strength and replenishes your ATP scores. It can also help to increase your levels of lean body mass.
- Beta-alanine: This ingredient helps to buffer your muscles for high-intensity exercise. Studies have shown that it can reduce fatigue and enhance recovery.
- Amino acids: BCAAs in pre workouts help to increase lean body mass, promote muscle growth, and reduce muscle damage during intense workouts.
Top 9 pre-workout supplements to try
Bulk Black
Bulk Black by Transparent Labs contains 350 mg of caffeine and ingredients, including citrulline malate, SenActiv, beta-alanine, taurine, etc. It has 30 servings per container and is third-party tested, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
Pros:
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
- Third-party tested and informed choice certified
- Pleasant taste
- Variety of flavors
Cons:
- High caffeine content may be too intense for some people
Warrior Rage
Warrior Rage has a variety of flavors, including a savage strawberry flavor with a nice taste. It contains 45 servings per pack, and some of its ingredients include taurine, caffeine, citrulline malate, and arginine.
Pros:
- Good number of servings per pack
- Sugar-free
- Gluten-free, GMO-free, and dairy-free
Cons:
- Limit of six flavors per order
Optimum Nutrition Platinum Pump Pre Workout
This supplement is Optimum Nutrition’s highest and most advanced pre-workout. It contains 200 mg of natural caffeine and other ingredients such as L-citrulline, amino acids, L-leucine, and beta-alanine.
Pros:
- Keeps you alert for longer
- A moderate amount of natural caffeine
- Pleasant taste
Cons:
- Needs to be mixed with a lot of liquid
Muscleblaze Pre Workout
Muscleblaze pre-workout contains beta-alanine, theanine, creatine monohydrate, L-citrulline, and 200 mg of caffeine. It is available in powdered form and as a combo pack with 15 servings of berry-bolt flavor and 32 servings of unflavored powder.
Pros:
- Moderate caffeine content
- Contains creatine monohydrate, which absorbs better than regular creatine
- High number of servings per pack
Cons:
- Limited variety of flavors
Onnit Alpha Brain
This pre-workout contains 200 mg of caffeine, African oil palm extract, beta-alanine, L-citrulline, caffeine anhydrous, etc. It is gluten-free and has 20 servings per pack. It also comes in two different flavors.
Pros:
- No artificial colors or sweeteners
- Receive a 25% discount when you subscribe
- Free from sugar
Cons:
- It is more expensive
Legion Pulse Pre-Workout
Legion Pulse pre-workout servings contain 350 mg of caffeine, L-theanine, betaine anhydrous, L-citrulline, alpha-GPC, and beta-alanine. There are 20 servings per container and different flavors, such as apple, grape, cherry limeade, and sour candy.
Pros:
- Comes in up to 20 varieties of flavors
- Third-party tested by Labdoor
- Subscribe and save 10%
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
Cons:
- High caffeine content may be too intense for some people
Nitro Surge
Nitro Surge by Jacked Factory has 180 mg of caffeine and a wide variety of flavors. It is vegan-certified, and there are 30 servings per container.
Pros:
- 14 tasty flavor options
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Pleasant taste
Cons:
- No third-party testing
- Uses artificial sweeteners
Nutricost Pre-X
Nutricost has a fairly moderate caffeine content of 300 mg. It contains vitamins and has 30 servings per pack. It is third-party tested and comes in different flavors as well.
Pros:
- Third-party tested
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Vegetarian friendly
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
Cons:
- Artificial sweetener
Ora Renewable Energy
Ora Renewable Energy contains 90 mg of caffeine and natural ingredients such as matcha green tea, coconut water, Rhodiola root, and maca root. It comes in three different flavors and 20 servings per pack.
Pros:
- Contains electrolytes for hydration
- Third-party tested, USDA organic, and vegan
- No GMO, gluten-free, and no artificial coloring
Cons:
- Caffeine content may be too low for some people
Frequently asked questions
Does pre-workout affect men and women differently?
Pre-workouts are designed to amplify athletic performance equally for men and women. However, women may be more sensitive to caffeine than men. Also, the average man has more body mass. Hence, they may require pre-workouts with more caffeine.
Does pre-workout affect men’s reproductivity?
There are some claims that pre-workout supplements affect men’s reproductivity, especially testosterone levels and sperm count, due to their high caffeine content. However, this effect may vary depending on the person. So, it is advisable to choose pre workouts with lower caffeine content and to consume them moderately.
What is best to drink before a workout?
Electrolyte drinks, protein smoothies, protein shakes, pre-workouts, maple water, coffee, and chocolate milk are decent options for pre-workout drinks.
