Among gym-goers and athletes, pre-workout is a popular product. The supplement typically comes in powder form and contains a mix of ingredients meant to boost athletic performance and build strength. But there are a handful of pre-workouts available, and selecting the right one for you can feel daunting. To help you in your search, a panel of three accredited experts was consulted and shared their recommendations and rationale as to why they stand out.
What Is Pre-Workout?
Pre-workout supplements are multi-ingredient dietary formulas designed to enhance your energy and athletic performance. They are typically taken before a workout to promote increased stamina, strength, and focus. These are generally designed for athletes, gym-goers, or individuals who undertake regular or rigorous physical activity. These people would use pre-workout supplements to assist them in pushing their exercise capacity further. Available in different flavors, these powdered formulas are typically mixed with water, but some people may mix them with electrolyte beverages, tea, or even coffee.
Here are the TOP picks:
Flavors available: cherry limeade, strawberry watermelon ice, grape, watermelon, frozen bombsicle, icy blue razz, fruit punch, mango foxtrot
Caffeine content: 150 milligrams per serving
With a dose of caffeine similar to one to two cups of coffee, this pre-workout supplement is a favorite among fitness enthusiasts.
Pros & Cons
Contains caffeine, which may help improve workout performance
Contains theacrine, which may help support a better mood
One of the most affordable in our ranking
Could make those sensitive to caffeine jittery
Not NSF certified for athletes
Flavors available: orange krush, berry blast, grape, fruit punch, pink lemonade, krisp apple, cherry bomb
Caffeine content: 274 milligrams per serving
Kaged’s Pre-Kaged pre-workout has an efficacious amount of creatine, branch-chain amino acids, betaine, and L-citrulline. These doses reflect what seems to have an effect in small clinical studies. It also contains an antioxidant blend and coconut water powder for an added boost of potassium.
Pros & Cons
Third-party tested and certified by Informed Sport
Vegan and keto-friendly
Comes in several flavors
Has the most caffeine of any in the rankings, which may be too much for some users
Expensive compared to other brands
Flavors available: blueberry lemonade, fruit punch, green apple, watermelon candy
Caffeine content: 175 milligrams per serving
This product has an effective amount of creatine, which may help maintain energy levels during workouts, and citrulline, which may boost endurance. The inclusion of ingredients like acetyl-L-carnitine, which may support muscle growth. This product is also a little lower in caffeine.
Pros & Cons
Informed Choice-certified
Budget-friendly price compared to others in our ranking
Available in a wide variety of flavors
Contains artificial sweeteners, flavors and dyes
Benefits of Pre-Workout
You should always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement, although it is agreed that pre-workout can come with benefits. These include:
Boosting athletic performance, particularly for athletes and very physically active people
Increasing energy before and during exercise
Improving concentration
Potentially helping an individual build stronger muscles
It’s important to remember, however, that everyone is different, and not everyone will experience benefits.
Common Pre-Workout Ingredients
Most pre-workout supplements include:
Caffeine
Beta-alanine
Electrolytes
Amino acids
Creatine
Formulations vary by brand. Caffeine has been well-researched in boosting athletic performance and improving muscular endurance and strength. Creatine has also been well-researched in improving muscle performance in short-duration, high-intensity resistance exercises. Beta-alanine can delay muscle fatigue during intense exercise, amino acids stimulate muscle protein synthesis and electrolytes can help support recovery after a workout.
How Much Pre-Workout Should a Woman Take?
The amount of pre-workout women should take is dependent on the specific product, as the concentration of ingredients varies. It’s recommended to follow the instructions on the particular product’s packaging. You may also want to pay attention to how your body responds because not everyone will react to pre-workout in the same way. For example, if you notice that the recommended dose makes you jittery, it’s probably a good idea to take less or try a different brand.
Is Pre-Workout Safe?
Pre-workout is typically safe, but as with any nutrition supplement, it is recommended to opt for one that is third-party tested. Many nutrition supplements that are not third-party tested have been shown to have heavy metals and contaminants. It is always important to discuss any pre-workout supplement with your medical care provider prior to starting. Pre-workout may be dangerous for people with certain health conditions, especially for those who may be sensitive to caffeine.
What to Look for in a Pre-Workout
When looking for a pre-workout product, you can look for a flavor you enjoy and an ingredient list you think will work best for you. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, for example, you may want to look for a pre-workout with lower caffeine content, or even none at all. You should also check to make sure your product is third-party tested for safety and quality.
Adapted from: Forbes
Comments