10 Best Pre-Workout Supplements
Best Pre-Workout Supplements According To Experts
You can't expect to feel 100% at every workout. If you go to the gym feeling tired, lethargic, and unmotivated, finding the best pre-workout supplement may be all that's required to get you back on track.
Do you doubt the effectiveness of pre-workout supplements? A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that combining pre-workouts with HIIT workouts increased VO2 max, training volume, and lean body mass. It also sped up the rate at which moderately trained recreational athletes lost body fat.
Still, if you decide to join in on the pre-workout fun, you'll want to know how to do so safely and wisely. That's why we've put together a one-stop guide to the best pre-workout supplements, complete with everything from a professional sports nutritionist's opinion to the benefits and drawbacks of supplementing your nutrition with lifters' favorite pick-me-up.
You'll also find a list of natural pre-workout supplements and the best pre-workout supplements money can buy.
What are Pre-Workout Supplements?
Pre-workouts are dietary supplements used to boost overall performance during exercise. They are designed to support increased energy, focus, and endurance in the gym. Pre-Workout supplements can make the transition into your gym workout easier, your recovery time shorter, and help keep you hydrated as you go at it hard. No wonder everyone is using them! These supplements give you a big blast of energy and sustained strength (everything you need to help you have a productive workout). They accomplish this with the kinds of vitamins, nutrients, herbal extracts, and energy-boosting caffeine proven to nourish your cells, boost nitric oxide levels, help you burn fat, create lean muscle, and more.
Below are our picks for the 10 Best Pre-Workout Supplements available on the market today!
10 Best Pre-Workout Supplements
BlackWolf
Pre-Workout
BlackWolf pre-workout is an advanced 100% transparent formula designed to enhance male and female athletes’ performance and recovery after exhausting workouts.
Its natural, research-backed ingredients are included in perfectly balanced amounts to fulfill a human body's needs for the essential amino acids and other key nutrients it can’t naturally produce.
Unlike many other similar products, BlackWolf can deliver clean, sustained energy without the crash or jitters.
It provides increased focus and endurance, enabling you to thrive both physically and mentally through your demanding workout sessions.
This power and motivation boost further helps you achieve superior muscle pumps, fat loss, lean muscle growth, and other sports results.
Transparent Labs
BULK BLACK Pre-Workout
PreSeries BULK BLACK is the pinnacle of a powerful, clinically dosed pre-workout. This pre-workout powder goes above and beyond to meet the demands of dedicated athletes, gym-goers, and bodybuilders, with 100% formula transparency, proven nitric oxide boosters, hard-hitting nootropics, natural testosterone-supporting ingredients, and muscle fortifiers. Each scoop of BULK BLACK contains over 17 grams of active ingredients that have been dosed based on clinical research and scientific evidence, allowing you to bring the noise every time you enter the trenches. Experience intense muscle pumps, increased strength, long-lasting endurance, and a psychotropic rush that elevates your mood, focus, and drive for hours without jitters or the dreaded post-workout crash. BULK BLACK, like all of our pre-workout formulas, contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, food dyes, or added sugars. This is as "clean" as a pre-workout can get.
NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
NO ARTIFICIAL COLORING
NO ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES
HUGE SUPPLEMENTS
WRECKED PRE-WORKOUT
Wrecked Pre-Workout has all of the characteristics of a great pre-workout. This is one of the most powerful pre-workouts on the market, with over 17 clinically dosed ingredients. With 250mg of caffeine anhydrous and 100mg of di-caffeine malate, the caffeine content is quite high, totaling 350mg. The beta-alanine dose of 3,500mg is also adequate.
Wrecked has ingredients that help pumping, like betaine anhydrous and l-citrulline, in addition to the stimulants. It is available in four flavors: Raspberry Mojito, Bomb Popsicle, Rainbow Burst, and Peach Rings, and is reasonably priced when compared to other pre-workouts on the market.
Who Should Purchase Wrecked Pre-Workout?
Athletes looking for a strong pre-workout will appreciate the high doses (for example, 350mg of caffeine and 8,000mg of l-citrulline per serving).
Those looking for a well-rounded pre-workout that can help with all aspects of their workout, from pump to focus to energy.
People who enjoy a variety of flavor options. Wrecked is available in four different flavors: Raspberry Mojito, Bomb Popsicle, Peach Rings, and Rainbow Burst.
Xwerks
Ignite
Ignite deviates from the conventional pre-workout compounds that have inundated the market. Most of them are full of dangerous drugs and stimulants that give you a short burst of energy before you crash.
Ignite was designed with genuine athletes in mind—those who want to see real, demonstrable improvements in their performance.
Our natural energy and focus blend, which is based on nootropics, gives you smooth, long-lasting energy that doesn't crash. Our sophisticated endurance combination will increase your work capability. Your lactic threshold will rise, reps will increase, and training times will shorten. When combined with a delectable Orange, Green Apple, or Blue Razz flavor, Ignite is absolutely revolutionary in sports nutrition.
4 Gauge
Pre-Workout
It's time to shatter your prior exercises and forever alter your training routine.
Based on decades of research, publications, and clinical studies, 4 Gauge is thought to be the most powerful natural supplement for both physical and mental performance. This means that you can work harder than ever before.
4 Gauge is an "explosive" pre-workout that aims to be one of the strongest on the market. 4 gauge makes your muscles pump harder, helps you stay focused and motivated, improves blood flow, and gives you more stamina, so you can work out longer and harder. I can see from the ingredient list that 4 Gauge uses research-backed compounds to give a balance of strength, focus, energy, and muscle pumps.
4 Gauge contains 150 milligrams of caffeine per dose, which isn't the most we've seen in a pre-workout, but it's enough to give you a small energy boost. Perhaps more impressive is the product's combination of caffeine and L-Theanine. When combined, this powerful pair can assist support enhanced energy levels, improve cognitive function, and reduce levels of daily stress.
Transparent Labs
PUMP Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Pump is a tasty stimulant-free pre-workout formula that contains clinical doses of vasodilating and cell-volumizing nutrients such as L-citrulline, NO3-T® arginine nitrate, BetaPureTM betaine, Setria® reduced L-glutathione, BioFolate®, AstraGinTM, and vitamin C. Fuel your workouts with ergogenic ingredients that boost nitric oxide production, hydrate muscle cells, and improve blood flow for hours. There are no fillers, no nonsense, just premium, evidence-based, clean ingredients that deliver every time you step into the gym.
NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
NO ARTIFICIAL COLORING
NO ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES
Legion
Pulse Pre-Workout
PRE-WORKOUT POWDER THAT IS COMPLETELY NATURAL: Pulse is a naturally sweetened and flavored pre-workout supplement that contains high amounts of the best science-backed ingredients, including those found in many nitric oxide supplements: L citrulline malate, betaine, beta alanine, alpha gpc, caffeine, and L theanine.
IMPROVES ENERGY AND FOCUS: Mix a serving of this pre-workout for men and women with water, swig it down, and get fired up, zeroed in, and crushing your workout... without the jitters, upset stomach, or post-workout crash.
IMPROVES STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE. This all-natural pre-workout powder boosts nitric oxide, allowing you to push more weight and reps, get bigger and better pumps, and gain more muscle and strength.
RESULTS ARE GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK: If you are not completely satisfied with this pre-workout for men and women, simply notify us and we will issue you a prompt and courteous refund right away. There are no complicated forms to fill out, and no returns are required.
Jacked Factory
Nitrosurge Pre-Workout
Energy, Strength, and Pumps Pre-Workout Powder: Nitrosurge is a pre-workout supplement for men and women that has been scientifically designed using the most recent cutting-edge research on strength and performance ingredients. This maximum strength pre-workout supplement, free of creatine, provides everything you need for explosive workouts and eye-catching results. Explosive energy, instant strength gains, laser-sharp focus, endless endurance, and powerful pumps are all possible.
Pre-Workout Drink for Muscle Growth: Over time, this potent preworkout energy powder promotes improved body composition. The formula includes the most cutting-edge, potent ingredients on the market: It contains L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Beta Alanine, Caffeine, L Theanine, and no creatine.
Pre-Workout Supplement to Increase Nitric Oxide: Increase nitric oxide (NO) levels and blood flow to the muscle to improve pumps, endurance, strength, and muscle growth. This potent preworkout powder is unlike any other preworkout supplement on the market, as it contains no artificial fillers or food dyes.
Produced in the United States in a cGMP-certified facility.
Redcon1
Total War Pre-Workout
HITS AS HARD AS THE FIRST TIME, Whether it's your first time playing Total War or the last scoop in your tub, Total War will hit you as hard as the first time you tried it.
RESULTS ARE GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK, If you are not completely, we will work with you to resolve your issue or provide a full refund.
FREE OF BANNED SUBSTANCES, Total War pre-workout powder has been third-party tested and found to be free of banned substances. With full ingredient transparency on the label, you can see exactly what's in each product.
Total War is an all-in-one pre-workout supplement due to its potent combination of stimulants, focus factors, and N.O. compounds. Feel the most energy, focus, and skin-splitting pumps you've ever experienced during a workout.
INCREASE ENDURANCE, ENERGY, AND FOCUS with Redcon1's award-winning pre-workout, which contains perfectly formulated, high-quality ingredients.
Transparent Labs
Stim-Booster
PreSeries Stim-Booster can be added to any beverage you choose for an added kick.
We all have those days where we don’t have the motivation to work out. Transparent Labs Stim-Booster is designed for those who need that extra “kick” before they hit the gym and for athletes who want a quick shot of energy before taking the playing field. Simply combine 1-2 scoops with any existing Transparent Labs Pre-Workout Powder, your favorite flavored beverage, or drink alone with 12-16 oz of water, stir or shake, and drink.
Featuring precision doses of pure L-Citrulline, Infinergy™ Di-caffeine Malate, Caffeine, Theobromine, and essential B vitamins, this bread-and-butter pre-workout formula works synergistically to augment nitric oxide (NO) production, enhance blood flow to skeletal muscle tissue, increase focus and alertness, elevate energy, and boost motivation so you can perform your best in the trenches. With 60 servings per bottle, this is one of the best values on the market for pre-workout energy.
What are the Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements?
To achieve your fitness goals, you need consistent and productive workout sessions. Pre-Workout Supplements will help you achieve your fitness goals by including the three most common ingredients found in most pre-workouts: caffeine, creatine, and amino acids.
1. Improve Concentration and Endurance (Caffeine)
Caffeine is the main ingredient in every pre-workout supplement. Caffeine enhances cognition. This allows you to exercise with complete concentration and focus on the targeted muscles. When you're focused, you stay motivated and work harder to achieve your fitness goals, making the most of each workout session.
Caffeine also improves endurance and reduces fatigue, in addition to improving cognition. It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) to make the brain work better and make workouts more effective. You get more done without getting tired.
2. Increase your Strength and Agility (Creatine)
Creatine is an essential component for increasing strength and agility. This is found in the majority of pre-workout supplements on the market. Creatine has cellular effects. It boosts energy by enhancing the body's biochemical mechanisms.
3. Great for Muscle Gain (Amino Acids)
Pre-workout supplements, which are high in essential amino acids, can help you gain muscle. These supplements have high levels of BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids). These are required for the synthesis of muscle protein. They easily avoid digestion and are immediately available for muscle building.
Citrulline, a type of amino acid that promotes blood flow to the muscles, is also found in pre-workout supplements. When the amount of blood in the body goes up, it's easier to get extra nutrients to the muscles that are being worked hard during training. The net result is that you will have a more productive workout while still gaining muscle.
The Pros and Cons of Using Pre-Workout Supplements
Pros
Enhanced performance: Pre-workout supplements, according to research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, "have promise as an ergogenic aid for active individuals," or, in other words, they improve the performance of people who are already exhausted at the gym.
Increased concentration and focus: Pre-workout contains caffeine, which has been shown to improve cognition. Caffeine works on people's arousal, mood, and concentration, according to research published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, so if you want to focus on a workout, pre-workout is the supplement for you.
Citrulline added to pre-workout can add up to 53% more bench press reps in a workout, according to the University of Córdoba.
A pre-workout containing citrulline was found to give cyclists a 12% longer ride before exhaustion in another study.
Cons
Negative side effects of overstimulation: if the jitters and interrupted sleep mentioned earlier don't sound appealing, skip the pre-workout.
Overuse can lead to tolerance: if taken in excess, your body can become immune to the effects of pre-workout. To avoid this, it's probably best to save pre-workout for sessions where it's 'go hard or go home,' or to cycle the supplement every now and then.
Ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, magnesium, creatine, and caffeine can all cause digestive issues. To avoid this, experiment with various pre-workout supplements until you find one that works for you.
Previously, scientists linked the original class of energy drinks to diabetes, mental health issues, and kidney damage.
What to Look for in a Pre-Workout Supplement
When you're ready to buy a pre-workout, keep the following considerations in mind:
Look for Important Ingredients
Caffeine, citrulline, beta-alanine, and creatine can increase energy and power while decreasing weariness.
Avoid Using Proprietary Blends
These mixtures will make determining exact dosages challenging. A thorough ingredient list that clearly shows the dose of each component ensures that you know exactly what you're eating.
Select Products That Have Been Third-Party Tested
This means that the dietary supplement is checked by a separate company to make sure that what is written on the label is what is in the product.
Check it twice If You're an Athlete
If you're an athlete, it's critical that your pre-workout supplement contains no banned substances. To guarantee that a product has been batch-tested, look for the Informed Sport, NSF, or Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG) labels on the packaging.
Are Pre-Workouts Dangerous?
Pre-workout supplements are typically regarded as safe to use for healthy individuals when taken as advised. However, certain populations, such as pregnant women and teenagers, should avoid them entirely. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new supplement regimen.
If you're trying out a new pre-workout, start with half the amount to observe how your body reacts, then gradually increase from there. Never exceed the suggested amount, especially if the product contains stimulants such as caffeine.