Pre-workout supplements, also known as “pre-workouts”, are very popular due to their effectiveness. These are multi-ingredient dietary formulas designed to boost your stamina, energy and athletic performance. The ingredients vary from product to product but the main ingredients remain constant and those are Amino Acids, Caffeine, B Vitamins, Creatine and some nootropics. The blend of ingredients is made accordingly for different people with different needs.
Why Use Pre-Workout Supplements?
Experts suggest that the best pre-workout supplements help in improving fitness and create resilience to power through challenging workouts. Medical research & trials have shown that these supplements increase blood flow, increase heart rate, increase focus and increase blood flow to the skin which prepares you to withstand rigorous workout routines.
A good pre- workout supplement can help maximize your potential. These supplements come in a variety of forms to suit your specific needs, here are the ones we recommend and why:
Our Top Pre-Workout Supplements For You And Your Family Are:
[wptb id=958]Pre-workouts are generally made by mixing three types of ingredients. The ingredients are stimulants, nootropics, and pump enhancers. Stimulant blocks the receptors in our brain for the chemicals that make us feel tired. Nootropics help us by stimulating the brain. Typically, they do this by boosting cognitive performance, but their functions in terms of workout are somewhat different. Specifically for pre-workout, nootropics stimulate neurons and increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain which increases motivation during a workout. Pump enhancers help by increasing nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the muscles. This gives us better power output and performance, and can also decrease muscle soreness after a workout. But we should keep in mind that pre-workout supplement complements a healthy diet but does not replace it.
We’ve compiled our list keeping these benefits in mind. In addition, we’ve given some serious thoughts about the side effects of supplements. Let’s get to know more about the entries in our list in the following section.
Endeva Nutrition Pre-Workout 2.0
Endeva Nutrition Pre-Workout 2.0 is a blend of highest quality ingredients which helps in maximizing training performance by increasing energy and power, and by delaying fatigue. It is a mixture of caffeine (300mg) Beta Alanine (3000mg) Citrulline Malate (7000mg) L-Tyrosine (1000mg) L- Theanine (100mg).The ingredients used in this supplement are scientifically proven to be 100% safe and also WADA certified legal.
Highlights:
- Effectively dosed and transparent formulas
- No fillers, fluffs or proprietary blends
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Delicious sour apple flavor
- WADA legal
Who Makes It?
Endeva Nutrition is a UK based supplement company with 20 years of experience in the fitness industry who take pride in its ‘quality formulas’. The word Endeva originates from ‘endeavor’ which means to do or to achieve. By using Endeva Nutrition you can achieve your physique and performance goals. It offers you simple products that just work you and leaves the rest out. As a company, they go above and beyond the requirements, investing in advanced equipment and implementing quality control to ensure the safety of every product and thus come heavily recommended.
Pros:
- Effective dosage per serving
- Amazing taste
- Transparent & scientifically safe ingredients
- Only necessary ingredients. No fillers.
- Independently quality tested
Cons:
- Contains strong dosage of caffeine which can be harmful for some consumers.
INFINIT MUD Pre Workout Meal Supplement
INFINIT MUD Pre Workout Meal Supplement is a pre workout drink that has all the necessary carbs and protein to fuel you. It has a blend of premium coffee and chocolate, omega- 3’s, natural mix of protein, ground flax and three different sources of carbohydrates. This supplement is designed to give you quick energy and fast absorbing protein for muscle building or repair.
Highlights:
- 25 mg caffeine per serving
- Gluten free
- No saturated fat
- Good for any time of the day
- Can be used as a post-workout drink
- Amazing taste
Who Makes It?
INFINIT is a company that focuses on all in one nutrition solutions. It is the only company that provides custom hydration and nutrition supplements. INFINIT believes that each person is unique with specific needs and that is why custom nutrition through the usage of supplements is necessary. INFINIT also fuels many of the world’s finest athletes in global events like the Olympics, Tour de France and Indy 500.
.INFINIT works with the aim to produce nutrition solutions which will help in maximizing the performance for serious endurance all over the world and it has been doing that successfully for over a decade. That is why this company comes high on our list of recommendations.
Pros:
- Balanced dosage of caffeine (25 mg per serving )
- Protein concentrated
- No harmful fat
- Gluten free
- Great customer satisfaction
- Independently quality tested
Cons:
- Consumers who are looking for high dosage of caffeine and creatine will not be pleased with the blend.
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Gunpowder Pre Workout
Gunpowder Pre Workout is premium pre-workout supplement made by ROS Nutrition. It is a mixture of Citruline Malate, L-Arginine AKG, Beta Alanine, Taurine, Actamide Black Pepper, Caffeine and some therapeutic nootropics such as Bacopa Leaf Extract, Ginseng Root Extract. This product is designed to give you increased power and insane pump. It comes in two tasty flavors: Pineapple and Sour Apple.
Highlights:
- High dosage of caffeine (200 mg per serving)
- Natural nootropics
- Premium quality
- Stress reducing and focus improving effects
- Amazing flavors
- Trusted by professionals
Who Makes It?
ROS Nutrition is a company that focuses on responsible and result-oriented nutritional products that are developed using only the finest quality ingredients. Honesty, transparency, and consistency are its priority. ROS Nutrition aims to provide a supreme service that supports consumers in pursuit of their individual goals and ambitions. This achieved through outstanding nutritional products. This is why we highly recommend its products.
Pros:
- Gives you increased energy and pump
- Reduces stress and improves focus
- High dosage of caffeine
- Presence of natural nootropics
- Made with premium quality products
- Independently quality tested
- Good taste
Cons:
- High dosage of caffeine might disrupt sleep for some consumers.
C4 Original Pre Workout Powder
C4 Original Pre Workout Powder is a pre-workout energy drink supplement. It mainly consists of high dosage of Caffeine, Beta Alanine and Creatine Monohydrate. It is manufactured at a GMP facility in EU which ensures its quality and effectiveness. The formula of this supplement is designed for advanced energy, endurance and focus which will help you to reach the next level of your fitness journey. It is available in different flavors such as Cherry Limeade, Fruit Punch, Icy Blue Razz etc.
Highlights:
- Manufactured at GMP facility (EU)
- High dosage of caffeine (150 mg per serving)
- 1.6 g CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine per serving
- 1.5g Creatine Monohydrate
- 1g Arginine AKG
- Amazing range of flavors
Who Makes It?
C4 is a pioneer in building and perfecting pre workout supplements in sports nutrition. It has focused on research, improvement and results which has enabled it to come up with cutting-edge original formulas made with clinically studied ingredients. Millions of people- ranging from amateurs to professionals have trusted C4 which has helped this company its solid reputation. That is why this company comes highly praised and recommended.
Pros:
- Quality product manufactured at GMP facilities.
- Good taste
- Independently quality tested
- Great customer satisfaction
- Clinically tested
Cons:
- Excessive usage might have side effects
- High Dosage of caffeine might disrupt sleep schedule
Demon Labz Pre Workout Beast
Demon Labz Pre Workout Beast is a hardcore pre-workout supplement manufactured in UK which is officially certified as one of the leading facilities. This supplement is a mixture of Amino Acids, Caffeine and B vitamins. It comes ready-to-mix with water. It also provides 1 mcg of B12 per serving which is proven to be helpful in reducing tiredness and fatigue
Highlights:
- 40 servings per tub lasting upto 2-3 months
- Amazing flavors
- Protein concentrated
- Gluten free
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
- GMO, BRC, ISO certified
Who Makes It?
Demon Labz is a company that focuses on creating hardcore workout supplements at an affordable price. Its main is to offer value for money. This is why its products are clinically tested and well reasearched but they come at a cheap price. That is why we highly recommend its products for people who want high value for their bucks.
Pros:
- Quality product manufactured at GMP facilities.
- Good taste
- Independently quality tested
- Great customer satisfaction
- Clinically tested
Cons:
- Not enough energy boost for heavy users.
TDN Nutrition Extreme Pre Workout Powder
TDN Nutrition Extreme Pre Workout Powder is made by a triple matrix formula including including Beta Alanine, D-Aspartic Acid, Amino Acids, Taurine and Caffeine. This is designed to give you increased pump, energy and power. This product is of premium quality made in certified UK based facility.
Highlights:
- 40 servings per tub
- Vegan friendly
- Premium quality
- No harmful chemical additives
- GMP certified
Who Makes It?
TDN Nutrition manufactures products in the UK to the highest standards using quality controlled ingredients. It focuses on creating innovative natural supplements that are driven science and research. It also provides advice and health solution. Founded in 2013 it has already received thousands of amazing stories and reviews of its products that are making a difference in customers lives in so many amazing ways. This is why we highly recommend its products.
Pros:
- Premium Quality
- Vegan friendly
- GMP certified
- Generous servings per tub
- Independently quality tested
Cons:
- Not for children under the age of 18 and individuals with any medical conditions.
Bang Master Blaster Pre Workout Supplement
Bang Master Blaster Pre Workout Supplement from VPX Sports Nutrition is a complete pre-workout supplement and energy drink powder that will help you by boosting your energy, power and muscle gain. It is suitable for anybody from an amateur to a professional. It is loaded with instanized BCAAs like L-Leucine, L-Valine and L-Isoleucine to enhance your performance. It is an all-in-one muscle builder, mass booster and recovery agent.
Highlights:
- BCAA concentrated
- All in one supplement for fitness enthusiasts
- Great taste
- Trusted by professionals
Who Makes It?
Bang is an American energy drink brand under VPX, a corporation located in Florida. It focuses on fitness enthusiasts and college students. Its mission is to make high-quality nutritional supplements backed by scientific research. It has earned a solid reputation within a short time with their high quality products which offer great customer satisfaction. Top quality products backed by scientific research and a reputable brand name are the reasons why we recommend its products.
Pros:
- Loaded BCAAs help to enhance performance
- Amazing range of tasty flavors
- Gives extra energy, power and stamina
- Great for muscle gain and recovery
- Independently quality tested
Cons:
- Only 20 servings per tub
- Lacks high dosage of caffeine
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Benefits Of Pre-Workout Supplements:
Pre-workout supplements are used to provide muscles with enough energy supplies and support needed for your workout. Since energy declines rapidly during exercise, these supplements help support your workout plan and goals with proper nutrition. Pre-workout supplements contain creatine which contribute to saturating your muscle. To gain and maintain your muscle tissue, protein synthesis in your body must be equal or more than the rate of protein breakdown during exercise. Amino acids present in these supplements ensures that because BCAAs (Branches Chained Amino Acids) are the building blocks of protein. Other nootropics and B vitamins keep your health in optimum condition for working out and help you focus during workout.
How To Take Pre-Workout Supplement:
As the name suggests, the best time to take pre-workout supplements is 30 minutes before exercise. But if you plan on exercising at night then you have to plan on consuming this supplement few hours before you sleep. Because taking these supplements before sleep can disrupt your sleep schedule. Since this energizes your body, you are less likely to feel tired or sleepy. So it is safe not to consume these supplements within 4 hours of bedtime.
To use powder pre-workout supplements, you simply have to add the suggested amount of water then shake or stir to mix it well. That’s it, you are good to go. But if you want to use capsule format pre-workout supplement then you can consume these with a sip of water.
Who To Keep In Mind While Using Pre-Workout Supplements?
While using pre-workout supplements, you must observe if the supplement is suitable for you or not. At times the supplement you are using might not be suitable for you, if this happens then you need to try other ones and find out what works for you. If certain conditions surface while using your supplement then you need to change yours. The conditions are given below:
1. It is causing stomach troubles
2. It is messing with your sleep
3. It makes you feel mentally down and devastated.
4. You are not seeing or feeling any effectiveness
Just because you are facing this conditions does not mean that pre-workout supplements are not for you. You just have to find out the supplement that suits you. Once you do, you will feel so energized that you would want to conquer the world.
How To Pick A Good Pre-Workout Supplement?
While it seems like most pre-workout supplements offer the same health or synergy benefits, it is important to remember that most of these pre-workout supplements have distinct benefits. From high dose to low dose, here are a few tips that will help you the best ones from our list:
Ingredients: As mentioned above, the blend of ingredients in pre-workout supplements is tailored according to different needs of different people. Some supplements contain extra amount of caffeine, some contain extra amount of amino acids. You should keep in mind which ingredients suit you the best and what are you aiming for. If you are aiming for an adrenaline rush then choose the one with more caffeine. On the other hand, if you are aiming for muscle gain then opt for the supplement that focuses mainly on amino acids. Always research other ingredients present in a supplement before settling for a specific brand or type because some consumers might be allergic to specific ingredients
Brand Reputation: It’s always a good idea to go for name brands that invest heavily into consumer transparency and research. These brands usually have a great reputation which gives it credibility. But often smaller brands with good reviews and FDA and GMP certifications provide a better bang for your buck, which should also be a consideration if you don’t plan on breaking your bank.
Value for money: Higher dosages of key ingredients are often provided by cheaper brands simply because they skip all the willy-nilly extra ingredients that up the price a bit. If you’re simply looking for a good supplement that will fulfill your needs, look out for these supplements. Remember, more expensive supplement doesn’t always mean it is the better one.
FAQs:
Q. Are pre-workout supplements safe?
A. While there are plenty of safe pre-workout supplements on the market, there are also misconceptions about the dangers of these supplements. However, the fact is, it all depends on what brand you’re using and how you take it.
For example, palpitations are quite common among people who take pre-workout supplements. There are cases where gym-goers complain of palpitation symptoms after taking these supplements. However, pre-workout supplements do not directly cause this. What causes palpitations is the excessive consumption of caffeine mixed with artificial energy-boosters.
This means you don’t need to stop taking pre-workout supplements just to get rid of the palpitations. Rather, you should take natural pre-workout supplements that do not contain any chemical energy boosters.
Q. How long does pre-workout supplements last?
A. For those less sensitive to stimulants, the average individual can expect to feel the full effects within 45 minutes and last for 3-6 hours. For those more sensitive to stimulants, the effects will likely be felt faster and last closer to 6 hours.
However, the overall effects of pre-workout will depend on your sensitivity to caffeine, creatine and the other ingredients discussed above.
Q. Is it bad to take pre-workout supplements with an empty stomach?
A. If you ever drink coffee on an empty stomach, you know the feeling: light-headed, jittery, and sometimes even nauseous. If you drink 200-300 milligrams of caffeine concentrated pre-workout supplement without eating anything, you can feel exactly the same way.
Having a light snack 30 minutes before you consume your pre-workout can help minimize side effects like these. Also, those extra nutrients will help you push through your workout.
Taking pre-workout on a full stomach will not reduce its potency. But don’t eat a meal with a lot of fiber in it. Avoid whole grains, raw fruit, nuts and seeds, and raw vegetables.
Lavender Extracts- Final Thoughts
All of us want the energy to go through a rigorous workout session. This not only makes us feel better about ourselves but also keeps our body & mind healthy. Pre-workout supplement helps us in doing just that. It enhances our potential and prepares the best version of ourselves for a workout. It helps us to focus and stay pumped. It also increases our blood flow which gives us a sense of activeness. The ingredients present in these supplements are essential for human body to function, so these supplements also make sure that our bodies do not lack these components. These claims are backed by experts.That is why it is recommended that consumers use pre-workout supplements to get an energy boost. This should be strictly used as a complementary supplement for our daily diets. Please do feel free to contact your physician or gym instructor for further advice and remember to only take what you need. If you want a solution to your lack of energy and motivation to lead an active lifestyle with workout sessions, then consuming pre-workout supplement might just be your answer.
