Best Pre-Workout Brands for Flavor, Focus, and Endurance!
Finding the perfect pre-workout isn’t just about choosing something with great energy or focus. Flavor matters too! A pre-workout that tastes good can make your training session more enjoyable and motivate you to stay consistent. In this guide, we’ll break down the best pre-workout brands for flavor and discuss their key ingredients—what they do, why they work, and how they enhance your training.
Pre-Workout Table of Contents
What is Pre Workout?
Pre-workout supplements are specially formulated products that aim to enhance physical performance during exercise. Typically consumed about 20-30 minutes before a workout, they are designed to provide a boost in energy, improve endurance, and increase focus, helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts maximize their training sessions.
My Top Pre-workouts For 2024
Best Pre-workout Overall: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite
Best Pre-workout For A Budget: Total War by Redcon1
Best Pre-workout For Taste: Ghost Legend, and Alpha Lion
Best Pre-workout For Stimulant: Insane Labz I Am God
Best Pre-workout For Pump: Alpha Lion Superhuman Pump
Best Pre-workout For Weight Loss: C4 Ultimate Shred
Best Pre-workout For Muscle Growth: Alpha Lion Superhuman Post
Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout
Ingredients
Includes 8g of Citrulline Malate, 4g of Beta-Alanine, 3g of Creatine Monohydrate, and more. Full list of natural ingredients aimed to boost your workout performance.
Price
$54.99 per tub (30 servings).
Flavors
Available in:
- Sour Grape
- Orange
- Tropical Punch
- Blue Raspberry
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Green Apple
- Watermelon
- Peach Mango
- Black Cherry
About Transparent Labs Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout is specially formulated to enhance muscle growth, endurance, and energy with clean, naturally sourced ingredients. It's trusted by athletes looking for an effective, stimulant-free performance boost.
Pre-workout is not always cheap. It doesn’t always taste good, or settle well with your stomach. MAKE SURE YOU SHOP AROUND FOR THE PERFECT ONE FOR YOU!
Details
Select a brand to see the best flavors and key ingredients.
Alpha Lion Superhuman Pre-Workout
Alpha Lion pre-workout is a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance during intense workouts. It’s known for delivering high energy, focus, and muscle pumps, making it ideal for those looking to push their limits.
With a blend of ingredients like L-Citrulline for better blood flow, Beta-Alanine for endurance, and caffeine for a powerful energy boost, Alpha Lion pre-workout is designed to fuel your body while reducing fatigue. Plus, its unique and flavorful options like “Tropical Thunder” and “Unicorn Juice” set it apart.
Superhuman Pre-Workout (Core Formula)
Superhuman Pre-Workout is Alpha Lion’s flagship product, delivering an all-around performance boost. It offers a potent mix of caffeine (350mg), L-citrulline (7g), and beta-alanine (3.5g), ideal for users seeking enhanced endurance, focus, and pumps. This product is well-rounded, providing a balance of energy, performance, and recovery support.
Key Ingredients
- L-Citrulline Malate: 7g (boosts nitric oxide and pumps)
- Beta-Alanine: 3.5g (improves endurance by buffering lactic acid)
- Betaine Anhydrous: 2g (promotes cellular hydration and power)
- Taurine: 1g (enhances hydration and focus)
- Alpha-GPC: 300mg (enhances focus and cognitive function)
- Caffeine Anhydrous: 350mg (high stim for energy)
- S7™: 100mg (increases nitric oxide for pumps)
- L-Theanine: 150mg (smoothes caffeine stimulation, preventing jitters)
- AstraGin®: 50mg (enhances absorption of ingredients)
- Bioperine®: 10mg (increases bioavailability)
Superhuman Burn
Superhuman Burn is designed for both energy and fat loss. It combines powerful thermogenics like CapsiMax® and Grains of Paradise with moderate stimulants (caffeine at 300mg). This product also includes ingredients like L-carnitine for fat metabolism, making it great for users aiming to shred fat while still maintaining workout intensity.
Key Ingredients
- L-Citrulline: 6g (for pumps)
- Beta-Alanine: 3.2g (improves endurance by buffering lactic acid)
- L-Carnitine: 1.5g (helps convert fat into energy)
- Garcinia Cambogia: 300mg (appetite suppressant)
- Grains of Paradise: 40mg (thermogenic fat burner)
- Caffeine: 300mg
- Ginger Root Extract: 50mg (aids digestion and metabolism)
- AstraGin®: 50mg (enhances absorption of ingredients)
Superhuman Pump (Stim-Free)
For those looking for a stimulant-free option, Superhuman Pump is ideal. It focuses on improving blood flow and muscle pumps through a high dose of citrulline (7g), S7® for nitric oxide production, and taurine. The formula is perfect for users sensitive to caffeine or those who want to stack it with other pre-workouts.
Key Ingredients
- L-Citrulline Malate: 8g (boosts nitric oxide and pumps)
- GlycerPump™: 3g (hydration and muscle fullness)
- S7™: 100mg (increases nitric oxide for pumps)
- Betaine Anhydrous: 2.5g (promotes cellular hydration and power)
- Nitrosigine®: 1.5g (potent nitric oxide booster)
- Taurine: 2g (enhances hydration and focus)
- Huperzine A: 200mcg (enhances focus)
- AstraGin®: 50mg (enhances absorption of ingredients)
Superhuman Intra
Superhuman Intra is a performance booster designed for consumption during workouts. It contains BCAAs and EAAs for endurance, alongside hydration ingredients like coconut water powder and taurine. The product helps you maintain peak performance throughout your training session.
Key Ingredients
- Cluster Dextrin®: 25g (quick-digesting carbs for energy)
- Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): 10g (supports muscle recovery)
- L-Taurine: 1g
- Coconut Water Powder: 1g (hydration)
- AstraGin®: 50mg (enhances absorption of ingredients)
Superhuman Post
Alpha Lion’s Superhuman Post is formulated for recovery. It’s packed with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and essential amino acids (EAAs) to support muscle repair. It also includes glutamine and electrolytes to rehydrate and reduce muscle soreness post-workout.
Key Ingredients
- Whey Protein Isolate: 25g (muscle repair and recovery)
- Creatine Monohydrate: 3g (replenishes ATP for muscle recovery)
- Glutamine: 5g (enhances muscle recovery and immune function)
- Carbs (Cluster Dextrin): 20g (quick-digesting carbs for energy)
- AstraGin®: 50mg (enhances absorption of ingredients)
Ghost Legend Pre-Workout
Ghost is a popular supplement brand known for its unique approach to transparency, creativity, and collaboration.
Ghost is renowned for collaborating with well-known brands like Warheads and Swedish Fish, resulting in unique and delicious flavors that stand out from the typical pre-workout options.
Key benefits include increased energy, enhanced focus, improved muscle endurance, and blood flow for bigger pumps.
Key Ingredients
- Citrulline Malate (4g): Enhances blood flow and increases nitric oxide levels, leading to better muscle pumps and performance. It also supports endurance.
- Beta-Alanine (3.2g): Reduces muscle fatigue by buffering lactic acid. It is known to cause a slight tingling sensation, a harmless side effect for most users.
- Caffeine Anhydrous (250mg): A powerful stimulant that boosts energy, focus, and alertness. The caffeine dose is moderate but effective.
- Nitrosigine (1.5g): Improves nitric oxide production, enhancing blood flow for fuller pumps and greater endurance during exercise.
- Taurine (1g): Helps with hydration and endurance by regulating electrolyte balance. It also supports heart function.
- Alpha-GPC (300mg): A cognitive enhancer that improves focus, mental clarity, and memory. It’s ideal for those looking to maintain mental sharpness during intense workouts.
- Theobromine (100mg): Provides a smoother, longer-lasting energy effect compared to caffeine, without jitters or crashes.
Ghost Legend All Out Pre-Workout
Ghost Legend All Out is a more intense version of the original Legend. It cranks up the caffeine to 400mg and beta-alanine to 3.2g, making it ideal for users seeking a high-stim pre-workout. This formula includes higher doses of performance ingredients and adds nootropics like NeuroFactor™ to boost mental clarity. It’s meant for users who are used to pre-workouts and need something extra for high-intensity training days.
Key Ingredients
- Citrulline: 6g for enhanced blood flow.
- Beta-Alanine: 3.2g.
- Caffeine: 400mg for higher energy.
- Vasodrive-AP™: Enhances blood flow.
Ghost Pump (Stimulant-Free)
Ghost Pump is a stimulant-free pre-workout focusing solely on muscle pumps and vascularity. It contains 4g of L-citrulline, 2.5g of arginine nitrate, and 1g of agmatine sulfate. These ingredients work together to boost nitric oxide levels and enhance blood flow to the muscles, resulting in better pumps and endurance during your workouts. Ghost Pump is perfect for stacking with other pre-workouts or for users who want to avoid stimulants but still want the performance benefits.
Key Ingredients
- L-Citrulline: 6g for extreme pumps.
- Nitrosigine®: Potent nitric oxide booster.
- GlycerPump™: 3g for hydration and pump.
Ghost Intra
Ghost Intra is designed to keep you going throughout your workout. It includes 5g of BCAAs and essential amino acids (EAAs) to aid in muscle recovery and reduce muscle breakdown during intense sessions. Additionally, it features coconut water powder and taurine for hydration, helping to maintain performance even during long or strenuous workouts.
$39.99
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$39.99
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$39.99
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Key Ingredients
- EAAs: 10g for muscle recovery.
- Coconut Water Powder: Hydration.
- Electrolytes: Supports endurance.
Ghost Burn is a thermogenic pre-workout designed for fat loss. It combines fat-burning ingredients like L-carnitine and grains of paradise with caffeine (300mg) to help increase energy expenditure. The product also includes cognitive enhancers like NeuroFactor™ and a thermogenic blend that increases calorie burn. It’s popular for users focused on fat loss without compromising workout performance.
- L-Carnitine: 1.5g for fat metabolism.
- Caffeine: 300mg for energy.
- Grains of Paradise: Thermogenic fat burner.
- NeuroFactor™: Focus support.
$44.99
Guava Berry is for people who prefer a guava over a kiwi.
$44.99
RedCon1 Total War Pre-Workout
Total War by Redcon1 is popular for its potent energy boost and intense focus. It’s designed for those looking to push through tough workouts with explosive energy, mental clarity, and lasting endurance. Its blend of stimulants and pump-enhancing ingredients helps you hit peak performance, while the variety of flavors makes it enjoyable to drink. Total War is often praised for its ability to power athletes through both strength and endurance training sessions without crashing afterward.
Key Ingredients
- Citrulline Malate: Boosts nitric oxide production, increasing blood flow and enhancing muscle pumps.
- Beta-Alanine: Delays muscle fatigue and enhances endurance.
- Caffeine Anhydrous: Provides rapid energy and mental alertness.
- Theobromine: Offers a sustained energy boost without jitters or crashes.
- Taurine: Improves hydration and supports cardiovascular function during intense exercise.
- AMPiberry® (Juniper Berry Extract): Smooths the stimulant effects for a more controlled energy experience.
$54.41
400 mg Caffeine
$54.89
400 mg Caffeine
$39.99
400 mg Caffeine
Key Ingredients in Total War Black Ops
- Beta-Alanine – Delays muscle fatigue and enhances endurance.
- Citrulline Malate – Boosts nitric oxide production for better pumps and blood flow.
- Caffeine Anhydrous (400 mg) – Provides intense energy and alertness.
- Juniper Berry Extract – Enhances mental clarity and focus.
- Alpha Yohimbine – Supports fat loss and further increases energy and focus.
- N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine – Improves mental performance under stress.
C4 Pre-Workout
C4 by Cellucor is a standout pre-workout supplement that combines a powerful blend of ingredients designed to elevate your training experience. Known for its ability to enhance energy, endurance, and focus, C4 is ideal for both novice and seasoned athletes.
With ingredients like Creatine Nitrate for strength and muscle pumps, and Beta-Alanine to combat fatigue, C4 empowers you to push through your toughest workouts. Its smooth energy delivery ensures you stay motivated and focused without the jitters, making it a trusted choice for anyone looking to maximize their performance in the gym.
Key Ingredients
- Creatine Nitrate: Boosts strength and muscle endurance while enhancing muscle pumps.
- Beta-Alanine: Reduces muscle fatigue and supports longer, more intense workouts.
- Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG): Improves nitric oxide production for better blood flow and pumps.
- N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine: Improves mental focus and alertness.
- Caffeine Anhydrous: Provides quick and sustained energy.
- Vitamin C: Supports immune function and overall wellness.
C4 Ripped Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- L-Carnitine: Helps convert fat into energy.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: Supports fat metabolism.
- Capsimax Cayenne: Boosts thermogenesis for fat burning.
- Beta-Alanine and Caffeine: For energy and endurance.
C4 Sport Pre-Workout
$21.92
Banned Substance Free
$21.92
Banned Substance Free
Key Ingredients
- CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine: For delayed muscle fatigue.
- Creatine Monohydrate: Aids in muscle recovery and performance.
- Caffeine Anhydrous: Energy enhancement.
- Electrolytes: Hydration support.
$25.49
Banned Substance Free
$21.67
Banned Substance Free
C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- Citrulline Malate: Promotes nitric oxide production for muscle pumps.
- AlphaSize Alpha GPC: Enhances cognitive function.
- TeaCrine: Provides long-lasting energy without a crash.
- Zembrin: Improves mood and focus.
- Caffeine Anhydrous: Energy and focus boost.
C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- L-Carnitine: Helps convert fat into energy.
- Capsimax Cayenne: Boosts thermogenesis for enhanced fat burning.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: Supports metabolism and fat loss.
- Beta-Alanine: Delays muscle fatigue and enhances endurance.
- Citrulline Malate: Increases nitric oxide levels for better pumps.
- Caffeine Anhydrous: Provides energy and focus.
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine: Helps improve mental clarity and focus.
Kaged Original Pre-Workout
Kaged Pre-Kaged is designed to optimize workout performance by providing a balanced blend of energy, strength, endurance, and hydration. Its ingredients include high doses of L-Citrulline for muscle pumps, Beta-Alanine for endurance, and Creatine HCl to enhance strength and power output
Key Ingredients
- L-Citrulline (6.5g): Improves blood flow for enhanced muscle pumps.
- Beta-Alanine (1.6g): Reduces muscle fatigue during intense workouts.
- Creatine HCl (1.5g): Boosts muscle strength and power.
- Caffeine (274mg): Provides quick, sustained energy.
- Fermented BCAAs (3.5g): Supports muscle recovery and reduces soreness.
- Taurine (2g): Enhances endurance and hydration.
- Coconut Water Powder (500mg): Helps with hydration.
Key Ingredients
- L-Citrulline (10g): Boosts nitric oxide, improving blood flow and pumps.
- Beta-Alanine (3.2g): Delays muscle fatigue by buffering lactic acid.
- Creatine HCl (3g): Enhances strength, power, and muscle performance.
- Caffeine (388mg): Provides energy and focus.
- L-Tyrosine (2g): Supports mental clarity and focus under stress.
- BetaPower (2.5g): Enhances endurance and hydration.
- Coconut Water Powder (500mg): Improves hydration and electrolyte balance.
- Alpha-GPC (300mg): Enhances cognitive function and muscle contraction.
Kaged Sport Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine (188mg): Quick energy boost and mental focus.
- Beta-Alanine (1.6g): Improves muscle endurance.
- L-Taurine (500mg): Enhances endurance and hydration.
- BCAAs (3g): Helps with muscle recovery and reduces muscle breakdown.
- Coconut Water Powder (500mg): Provides hydration during intense exercise.
Kaged Mindset Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- Acetyl L-Carnitine (1g): Improves focus and mental clarity.
- Alpha-GPC (600mg): Enhances cognitive function and memory.
- Lion’s Mane Extract (500mg): Supports brain health and mental clarity.
- Caffeine (150mg): Provides energy without jitters.
- L-Theanine (100mg): Promotes calm, sustained focus by balancing caffeine.
- Huperzine A (10mcg): Boosts memory and learning abilities.
InsaneLabz Psychotic Pre-Workout
Insane Labz pre-workout is known for providing extreme energy and focus, making it popular among hardcore athletes. Its Psychotic formula is packed with powerful stimulants like Beta-Alanine for endurance, Creatine Monohydrate for strength, and the proprietary AMPiberry™ to enhance stimulant effects. The high-caffeine content gives users a rapid energy boost, while L-Tyrosine helps with mental clarity and focus. Insane Labz has built a reputation for delivering intense, fast-acting pre-workouts for those looking to push their limits in the gym
Key Ingredients
- Beta-Alanine (2g)
- Creatine Monohydrate (1g)
- Caffeine Anhydrous (400mg)
- AMPiberry (150mg)
InsaneLabz Saw Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- Beta-Alanine (1.6g)
- Creatine Monohydrate (2g)
- Caffeine Anhydrous (300mg)
- L-Arginine (1g)
InsaneLabz Insane Veinz Pre-Workout
$39.99
$35.99
$39.99
Key Ingredients
- L-Citrulline (4g)
- Agmatine Sulfate (1g)
- Beta-Alanine (1.6g)
InsaneLabz I Am God Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- Beta-Alanine (3.2g)
- L-Citrulline Malate (4g)
- Caffeine Anhydrous (400mg)
- DMAE (150mg)
InsaneLabz Psychotic Gold Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients
- Beta-Alanine (3.2g)
- Creatine Monohydrate (2g)
- Caffeine Anhydrous (325mg)
- DMAE (750mg)
- Lion’s Mane (600mg)
InsaneLabz Psychotic Black Pre-Workout
$19.98
$19.98
$19.98
Key Ingredients
- Beta-Alanine (1.5g)
- Creatine Monohydrate (1.5g)
- L-Citrulline (4g)
- Caffeine Anhydrous (400mg)
Pre-Workout: Side Effects Considerations and Dosages
Pre-workout supplements are designed to boost energy, endurance, focus, and overall performance during exercise. They typically contain ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine, and citrulline, all of which play specific roles in enhancing physical performance. While pre-workouts can be beneficial for achieving fitness goals, it’s crucial to understand their potential side effects, individual considerations, and how to properly dose them to ensure safe and effective use. This section will provide a comprehensive guide to these factors, helping you make informed decisions.
Common Side Effects
Jitters and Anxiety: One of the most well-known side effects of pre-workout supplements is the jittery feeling often caused by high doses of caffeine. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can increase alertness and energy. However, in doses over 200-300 mg, especially for those who are caffeine-sensitive, it can cause nervousness, restlessness, and even anxiety. This effect can be magnified if you already consume caffeine from other sources like coffee or energy drinks throughout the day.
Digestive Issues: Ingredients like creatine and beta-alanine, often found in pre-workouts, can cause digestive discomfort. Some users report bloating, nausea, or stomach cramps. This could be due to the osmotic effect of creatine, pulling water into the muscles, which may lead to temporary bloating. Beta-alanine, while beneficial for improving muscular endurance, can sometimes irritate the stomach in large amounts.
Tingling Sensation (Paresthesia): Beta-alanine, when taken in dosages higher than 2 grams, can cause a harmless but sometimes uncomfortable tingling sensation in the skin, known as paresthesia. This typically affects the face, neck, and hands and subsides after 30-60 minutes. Though not dangerous, this feeling can be unsettling for those not expecting it.
Headaches: Some pre-workout supplements contain ingredients that can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), such as citrulline malate or arginine. This can cause headaches in certain individuals, especially when combined with dehydration or caffeine. Staying properly hydrated can help mitigate this effect.
Severe Side Effects
Increased Blood Pressure: Caffeine and other stimulants in pre-workouts can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, especially if taken in excess. This can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) or heart disease. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have cardiovascular concerns before using stimulant-based pre-workouts.
Artificial Ingredients: Some pre-workout formulas contain artificial sweeteners, colors, or fillers, which can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms may include hives, itching, or swelling. Be cautious with pre-workouts that have long ingredient lists with unrecognizable compounds, especially if you have known allergies or sensitivities.
Heart Palpitations: Overconsumption of caffeine or stacking pre-workouts with other stimulants (such as energy drinks or fat burners) can lead to irregular heartbeats or palpitations. These can be alarming and, in rare cases, dangerous. Stick to recommended doses, especially if you’re sensitive to stimulants.
Sleep Disturbances: Caffeine has a half-life of 4-6 hours, meaning it can stay in your system for a significant portion of the day. Taking a pre-workout supplement too late in the day (usually within 6 hours of bedtime) can interfere with sleep. Poor sleep not only impacts overall health but can also negate the benefits of your workout by hindering muscle recovery and cognitive function.
Considerations For Pre Workout
Caffeine Sensitivity:
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might experience the stimulant effects more strongly than others. This can lead to excessive jitteriness, anxiety, or restlessness. In such cases, you may want to either reduce the dose (by taking half a scoop) or opt for a stimulant-free pre-workout, which relies on ingredients like citrulline and beta-alanine for performance boosts without the jittery effects.
Hydration:
Many pre-workouts contain ingredients that increase the body’s demand for water. For example, creatine requires water for effective muscle absorption, and caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it promotes water loss. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, headaches, and decreased performance. Always ensure you’re drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise, especially when using pre-workout supplements.
Mixing with Other Supplements:
Be careful when combining pre-workouts with other stimulant-heavy products, such as fat burners or energy drinks. This can lead to an overdose of caffeine or other stimulants, increasing the risk of adverse side effects like rapid heart rate or anxiety. It’s also worth considering how pre-workout interacts with any medications you may be taking—particularly those affecting blood pressure or heart rate.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions:
If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or anxiety disorders, stimulant-heavy pre-workouts may not be suitable for you. These conditions can be exacerbated by the increase in heart rate and blood pressure caused by ingredients like caffeine or synephrine. In these cases, consult a healthcare provider before use and consider stimulant-free alternatives.
Nutrient Imbalance:
Pre-workout supplements are often nutrient-dense, but relying too heavily on them without maintaining a balanced diet can lead to an imbalance in other essential nutrients. It’s important to pair supplementation with a varied, whole-foods-based diet to ensure you’re getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Time of Day:
To avoid disrupting your sleep, avoid taking pre-workouts too late in the day. Ideally, you should consume them 20-30 minutes before exercise, but if your workout is scheduled in the evening, look for stimulant-free formulas that won’t interfere with sleep.
Age and Fitness Level:
Younger athletes or those new to fitness may not require the high doses of stimulants found in some pre-workout supplements. Starting with smaller amounts or using non-stimulant options may be better suited to their needs. Similarly, those with more experience may benefit from larger doses, but should always listen to their body’s response.
General Dosage Guidelines
Caffeine
Most pre-workouts contain between 150-300 mg of caffeine per serving. For reference, a standard cup of coffee contains about 95 mg. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or are taking other sources of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks), it’s best to start with the lower end of this range (around 100-150 mg). The recommended maximum daily caffeine intake is 400 mg, so avoid exceeding this from all sources combined.
Beta-Alanine
Effective doses of beta-alanine range from 2-5 grams per day. In pre-workouts, you’ll often see dosages around 1.5-3 grams, which is sufficient for enhancing muscle endurance. Keep in mind that higher doses may increase the likelihood of paresthesia (the tingling sensation).
Creatine Monohydrate
Pre-workout supplements typically contain 2-5 grams of creatine monohydrate. If you’re supplementing with creatine separately, aim for 3-5 grams per day for maintenance. Creatine doesn’t provide immediate energy, but consistent use can improve strength and power output over time.
Citrulline Malate
To enhance blood flow and reduce fatigue, 6-8 grams of citrulline malate is recommended. This ingredient helps increase nitric oxide levels, leading to better endurance and pump during workouts.
Non-stimulant pre-workouts often include ingredients like citrulline malate, creatine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in higher doses, focusing on endurance, recovery, and muscle preservation without the jittery effects of caffeine. If you prefer to avoid stimulants, opt for these formulas, especially for evening workouts or if you're caffeine-sensitive.
Pre-workout supplements should be taken 20-30 minutes before exercise to allow the ingredients to be fully absorbed and effective during your workout. Some individuals may feel effects as early as 15 minutes, but timing can vary depending on personal metabolism and the supplement’s composition.
Over time, your body can build a tolerance to stimulants like caffeine. To avoid this, many experts recommend "cycling" pre-workouts, meaning you take them consistently for 6-8 weeks, followed by a 1-2 week break. This helps reset your tolerance and maintain effectiveness.
For most adults, the recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 mg. This includes all sources of caffeine, not just pre-workout. Beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and creatine have no significant safety concerns at typical doses, but excessive use can lead to diminishing returns or mild side effects like digestive discomfort.
The most effective pre-workouts typically contain key ingredients like caffeine for energy, beta-alanine for reducing muscle fatigue, creatine for strength, citrulline malate for enhanced blood flow, and taurine for hydration. Look for transparent labels that show the exact dosages of these ingredients.
Taking pre-workout on an empty stomach can make the effects hit faster and more intensely since there's no food to slow down absorption. However, this can also increase the risk of stomach upset or jitteriness.
Pre-workouts may increase water loss through sweat. Drink at least 8-16 oz of water with your pre-workout and ensure proper hydration throughout your workout, especially during longer or more intense sessions.
You can stack pre-workouts with other supplements for better results. Pairing pre-workout with BCAAs can aid in muscle recovery, while adding creatine can increase strength and endurance.
Pre-workouts are generally safe for women as long as dosages are followed. Some women-specific formulas include L-carnitine to aid fat burning without overstimulation.
The effects of pre-workout can last between 2-4 hours. Caffeine typically peaks at 30-60 minutes and can linger for several hours. Use non-stimulant versions to avoid interrupting sleep for evening workouts.
It's generally safe to take pre-workout daily if you’re not exceeding recommended doses. Consider cycling off after 6-8 weeks to prevent tolerance build-up and side effects.
Can I mix pre-workout with coffee?
Mixing pre-workout with coffee isn’t recommended due to high caffeine content, which can lead to overstimulation.
Can pre-workout cause tingling?
Yes, beta-alanine can cause a harmless tingling sensation called "paresthesia."
Is pre-workout safe for beginners?
Yes, but beginners should start with a half-dose to assess tolerance.