You’re likely aware that a quality pre-workout supplement can elevate your workout experience.
Here’s the scoop…(pun intended)
There are pre-workout supplements on the market that don’t just boost your energy; they can aid in muscle building too.
However, it’s important to note that not every pre-workout is designed for muscle growth. Many are formulated specifically for fat burning and weight loss.
Beware of some pre-workouts that promise muscle gains but fail to deliver, leaving you with nothing but disappointment.
In this article, we’re diving into the top pre-workout supplements that truly enhance muscle gains.
Why Should You Trust Us?
Looking for reliable pre-workout supplement reviews? Look no further than the Athletic Build Team. Our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 coaches, and weightlifting coaches have tested over 30 different supplements and have tried countless others in their personal lives.
With their vast experience and expertise, we deliver in-depth insights to help you enhance your performance and recovery. As for me, my focus is on maximizing the benefits of exercise through dietary supplement interventions and the effects of creatine monohydrate, so you can trust my knowledge and insights on all things supplement-related.
The Best Pre-Workout Supplements For Muscle Gain
These are the top pre-workout supplements for building muscle on the market today.
When it comes to muscle gain, there’s one pre-workout supplement that stands tall above the rest – BULK BLACK. No other supplement can quite hold a candle to the potent formula of PreSeries Bulk. Just imagine – you take this before a workout and suddenly, you’re a dynamo. Your strength skyrockets, your endurance seems bottomless, and your recovery times shrink, getting you back in the gym faster than you’d ever believe.
What makes BULK BLACK this impressive? It’s all in the blend. A cocktail of the right ingredients, each in just the right quantity. With a jaw-dropping 19 active ingredients and a solid 21 grams per serving, this supplement doesn’t play around.
The muscle-building magic comes from an 8000mg wallop of citrulline malate, coupled with bountiful doses of betaine anhydrous, beta-alanine, and N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine. The result? You’re building muscle faster, recovering quicker, and keeping up that workout intensity longer.
But the benefits of BULK BLACK don’t stop at muscle growth. It also sharpens your senses, kicks your focus into high gear, and gets you amped to smash through your reps and top your personal bests. There’s no mystery why this pre-workout supplement is hailed as the best for bulking. Try it yourself and feel the difference.
As for the Blue Raspberry flavor, it’s a winner. Mixes smoothly, tastes great, and packs a punch. Even at half the suggested serving, I felt that tingling sensation, a sure sign of the robust beta-alanine dose at work. This is not your average supplement.
From where we’re standing, Preseries BULK BLACK is in a league of its own as the top pre-workout supplement for building muscle today.
Pros
Coupon code TL10 saves you 10% at checkout
All-natural ingredients
Proven ingredients in ample doses
19 active ingredients
Blue Raspberry and Sour Gummy flavors are top-notch
Like Presieries Bulk, but better
Third-party tested
A subscription can get you 10% off and free shipping
Cons
Tastes good, but there’s a sour note due to Citrulline and BCAAs
Why it’s the Best Overall
BULK BLACK delivers in every department. It’s loaded with 19 effective muscle-building ingredients in generous doses. It’s made by a very reputable manufacturer, and the price is above average, but it isn’t ridiculously high especially considering how solid it is. They also offer savings when buying get a subscription and they have a coupon code (TL10) that saves you 10% on top of that, so the price isn’t really all that bad. Overall, there just isn’t much not to like.
Much like our top selection, this pre-workout is absolutely loaded with muscle ingredients in generous doses.
Topping things off, they use 3 grams of creatine monohydrate and 2 grams of creatine nitrate. Creatine is the best muscle-building supplement out there, and adding it to a pre-workout only makes sense if you want to build muscle mass.
On top of that, they use a massive 10-gram dose of L-Citrulline, which has been shown in studies to increase blood flow and deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your muscles which means serious muscle pumps.
They also use generous doses of beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and caffeine.
Overall this bad boy has 20 ingredients, 9 of which are patented.
When I tested Pre-Kaged Elite I tried the Orange Mango flavor and definitely noticed the orange smell as soon as I opened the tub. This one also provided a noticeable energy boost and a slight tingle—definitely a solid product.
While this pre-workout is loaded, it does have some negatives. First off, it is expensive at $60 per tub, and each tub only has 20 servings. Also, the caffeine dosing may be too high for some people at 388 mg per dose. Lastly, I would say this pre-workout is not for beginners; if you are a beginner, I would try something a little less hardcore.
If you want a solid pre-workout that goes easy on your wallet, then Altius is the top pick.
It’s one of the best pre-workout supplements that has all the right ingredients and dosage. The formulation is kept simple and filler-free, with top compounds L-Citrulline Malate, Creatine, and Beta-Alanine topping the list.
You also get the benefits of caffeine and natural B12 for infusing your muscles with nigh-infinite energy.
The high-potency supplement will make you want to work out as hard as you can, bringing quality pumps and lean muscles while burning unneeded fat. Best of all, the post-recovery phase is shortened, so you can head back to the gym and build more muscles!
We tested out the Mixed Berry flavor of Altius and it tasted great and mixed really well, although it was slightly gritty, but that didn’t bother me. The tingly feeling was moderate, and I noticed a decent boost in energy. I did not notice any difference in muscle pumps when I was using Altuis.
Pros
Less Expensive
Peak performance dosage without the side effects
One of the most powerful pre-workouts on the market
If you want a pre-workout that builds muscle and you don’t have to pinch your nose when you drink it, Blackwolf is a solid option.
This pre-workout might taste great, but that doesn’t mean it uses weak dosing or ineffective ingredients.
This bad boy uses L-citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and my personal favorite, creatine monohydrate. Plus, shoutout to the coconut water powder in there – refreshing and unexpected! And if caffeine isn’t your scene, no stress. My friend Nicole tried the caffeine-free version and still felt all the good workout vibes.
Muscle-wise, BlackWolf is the real deal. That creatine is there to boost your gains, and the beta-alanine? Get ready for that muscle pump we all chase. Oh, and if you’re someone who likes to stay sharp during a workout, the added brain-boosters, DMAE and Huperzine, have got you covered.
Lastly, let’s chat flavors. I tried them all: Fruit Punch is a winner in my books, Blue Raspberry is a close second, and Green Apple’s not too shabby either. And yep, they all give that cool tingly feeling, which I kind of love. So, if you’re in the market for a tasty pre-workout that also does the job, give BlackWolf a shot. Cheers to tasty gains.
Pros
No proprietary blends
3g of muscle building Creatine Monohydrate per serving
Are you looking for a good natural pre-workout without stimulants? I can’t blame you. Some manufacturers really get carried away on the stimulant end of things when it comes to pre-workouts.
Luckily Transparent Labs is on the list with the stim-free version of their pre-workout supplement.
While it may be lacking stimulants, it isn’t lacking solid ingredients. This bad boy is loaded with effective muscle ingredients like Citrulline Malate, branched-chain amino acids, beta-alanine, and taurine. This pre-workout delivers on everything you want except for the stimulants.
When I tested out Stim Free, I tried the Sour Grape. It was above average in taste and mixability. I did experience quite a tingly feeling, which isn’t surprising considering the large dose of beta-alanine. As expected, I did not experience any boost in energy since it is stimulant-free,
Pros
Contains 100% natural ingredients
No energy crashes or jitters
Buying multiple tubs lowers the price per tub
Coupon code TL10 Saves you 10% at checkout
Uses solid muscle-building ingredients in generous doses
There are “matrix ingredients” that combine together to improve a certain aspect of a workout, i.e., the Pro Pump leads to more nitric oxide in the blood, which equals greater pump and performance, the Strength & Power infuses your cells with energy for greater physical exertions and the Neuro-Focus gives you the focus and mental cognition to fight off stress.
On top of all that, they didn’t use any artificial flavors, which is somewhat rare these days.
I tested out the Krisp Apple flavor, I immediately detected the scent of apples upon opening my shaker. While the flavor was enjoyable and not overly sweet, It did seem to have a bit of a bad aftertaste though. Additionally, I found that the powder did not mix particularly well.
Pros
Well-rounded, quality ingredients without any banned compounds
C4 is one of the more popular pre-workout supplements available, created by Texas-based manufacturer Cellucor. When you want to have extra energy for running along with explosive power in your gym sessions, then C4 can prove to be quite reliable. Most of the ingredients in this supplement are protected under the “proprietary blend” formula, but the promise stays the same- users get increased energy levels during workouts, enhanced stamina as they build muscle, and faster recovery so they can do it all over again.
C4 comes in many variants, and each one has a different flavor. All you need is two scoops of C4 in about 4 to 6 ounces of water. You can take it with you en route to the gym or drink the solution as you warm up. When you want a no-nonsense pre-workout supplement that can deliver, then C4 is for you.
Around seven years ago, I tried C4 as my first pre-workout supplement. Since then, I’ve always enjoyed the Icy Blue Razz flavor. In fact, every flavor of C4 that I’ve tried has been satisfying. The energy boost it provides is impressive, although the tingling sensation may not be for everyone. Overall, C4 is a reliable pre-workout option.
Pros
Easy to take in
Contains the appropriate dosage of Beta-Alanine, Creatine, and Caffeine
Scientifically proven to increase energy levels and stamina for runs
Has vitamin C
Fruit punch flavor is delish
Third-party tested
Cons
The proprietary blend is not fully disclosed
Contains artificial sweeteners
Has only a few of the best pre-workout ingredients
Another good muscle-building pre-workout to consider would be Beast Mode Black by Beast Sports Nutrition.
This pre-workout was developed to deliver massive muscle pumps along with a serious energy boost.
Beast Mode Black contains key ingredients in doses up to 380% greater than the regular Beast Mode formula. That’s pretty serious stuff.
Beast Mode Black uses ingredients like Agmatine and Beta-Alanine in generous doses to deliver massive, skin-splitting muscle pumps.
This bad boy also has a mighty 400-gram dose of caffeine to give you a serious energy boost so you can smash your workouts.
On the negative side, the caffeine dose may be a bit too much for some people. They also use artificial flavors, which some people might not like.
When I tested the Beast Punch flavor, I really liked it, and it mixed really well. If you don’t mind artificial flavoring, you will love the taste of this one, It also provided a small energy boost, and I noticed I was more focused, which is something i almost never notice with a pre-workout.
Another excellent choice is Pre Jym Extreme from Jim Stipponi.
Jym Supplements make 3 different pre-workout supplements, and this is their most hardcore version if you couldn’t tell that from the name.
This pre-workout delivers on ingredients to help you gain muscle and strength with 4 grams of Creatine HCL, 6 grams of BCAAs, and 4 grams of Beta-Alanine.
On top of that, this supplement delivers serious muscle pumps with a hefty 8-gram dose of Citrulline Malate along with Citrulline Nitrate and Betain Nitrate.
That all translates to nice muscle gains along with serious muscle pumps.
With 19 active ingredients and over 30 grams per scoop Pre Jym Extreme means business, and it is not for beginners.
On the negative side, many reviews do not like the taste of this product. It is also the most expensive pre-workout on the list, and there are no savings when you buy in bulk. On top of that, there are only 20 servings in a tub. Ouch!
Overall a solid pre-workout for those who want to gain muscle and get serious muscle pumps but it does have its flaws.
I tried out the Shockwave flavor and thought it was pretty average, not bad though. I did notice some better muscle pumps when using Pre and it also gave me a pretty good tingle.
Naked Energy Pre-Workout? Now that’s a supplement that likes to keep things clean and simple!
As the name suggests, Naked Energy is all about giving you that workout boost while keeping the ingredients list as ‘naked’ as possible. And by ‘naked’, I mean free from artificial sweeteners, colors, or unnecessary fillers. It’s like the ‘au naturel’ of the pre-workout world!
This straightforward supplement serves up a potent mix of essentials like creatine, caffeine, and amino acids to get you all fired up for your workout. So, whether you’re hitting the weights or smashing a cardio session, this little helper is designed to take your performance up a notch.
But remember, everyone’s body is a bit different. So, it’s always a smart move to start with a small dose to see how your body reacts. And as always, if you have any health concerns, it’s best to check in with your doctor before giving new supplements a whirl.
All in all, if you’re looking for a no-nonsense pre-workout that cuts to the chase, Naked Energy might be just the thing you need. Time to get that energy flowing and those muscles growing!
Legion Pulse is a great choice if you need that little extra boost of energy before your workout. It’s got 350mg caffeine per serving, which will give the nervous system enough to get going and be ready for anything.
It’s a nice supplement with 350mg of l-theanine to mediate the potentially negative effects caffeine might have on you. It also contains stress and relaxation factors so it will help reduce stress for you as well.
Alpha-GPC, an ingredient found in Pulse that was included to increase power output and grow hormone levels, has had mixed results. Some studies have shown it can help with cognitive decline.
This study from 2015 done with 13 college-age males found that “A-GPC is effective at increasing lower body force production after six days of supplementation”. For this study, they used a 600 mg dose of Alpha-GPC; Legion Pulse uses half that much at 300 mg; needless to say, we wish they used more.
This pre-workout powder also uses a nice dose of Betain and a massive 8-gram dose of citrulline malate, along with a 3.6-gram dose of beta-alanine to bolster its muscle-building abilities even further.
On the negative side, this pre-workout does not use creatine, and the dose of caffeine may be a bit too high for some people.
When I tried Blue Raspberry, I was struck by how blue it was. Although it mixed well, I found that it had a bitter taste and left an unpleasant aftertaste. I believe that Pulse may be an acquired taste, but I have to admit that I consumed it prior to a strength training session and experienced all of its positive effects. It provided a great energy boost without any jitters.
How We Decided The Best Pre Workouts for Muscle Gains
So, you’re curious about how we picked out our favorite pre-workouts? Well, let’s spill the beans. We put our muscles through a whole lot of workouts (and celebrated quite a few personal records) before we finally settled on this list. Here are the key factors we considered. And remember, not meeting every single one of these isn’t a total deal-breaker – for instance, a heftier price tag can be justified by a top-notch ingredient list.
Value
First up: Value. The typical price tag for pre-workouts usually swings between $1.00 and $2.00 per serving. Sure, there are some pricier options out there, and often the quality justifies the cost. But anything above two dollars per serving enters the “let’s make sure it’s really worth it” zone. We’ve made sure all the products on our list offer bang for your buck considering the ingredients and potency.
Transparency
Transparency is our next big consideration. A surprising number of pre-workouts out there have proprietary blends. That means they’ll reveal the ingredients, but not the exact quantities. And that leaves you guessing about what’s working and what’s not. They’re legally bound to list the components by weight, so you can kind of estimate the dose. But we’re not big fans of the guessing game, so any product that lacks transparency loses a few brownie points. But don’t worry, we’ve also included some options known for their crystal-clear dosing.
Dosing
Speaking of dosing, it’s our third key factor. A ton of pre-workouts include ingredients backed by research but aren’t as diligent about the doses. For example, you need about 3-5 grams of creatine to see an effect. We’ve got our heads deep in the research, so we can spot an effective dose when we see one. As far as possible, our list includes products that hit the right dosage for their ingredients.
Ingredients
We also focus on the ingredients when evaluating pre-workouts. This includes making sure they contain effective, research-supported substances like caffeine, creatine, and amino acids, while avoiding unnecessary fillers and artificial additives. Quality and responsible sourcing of ingredients are also crucial. In a nutshell, we’re all about what’s inside the tub, the benefits it brings, and where it comes from!
Pre-workout supplements, by definition, are nutritional ingredients you can take in before you hit the gym and pump iron.
Everyone wants to maximize their time spent in the gym building the perfect physique. Whether you’re aiming for a target weight, bigger and leaner muscles, more explosive power or more physical gains, you’ll definitely want faster results.
A pre-workout supplement is designed to increase physical performance, thereby bringing you closer to your goals. More than that, pre-workouts tend to have ingredients that help you build muscles or burn fat while minimizing the cellular damage you sustain after a particularly strenuous session.
You can get the following benefits when you add a pre-workout formula to your exercise routine:
Increased energy levels
Faster recovery
Greater strength
More muscle endurance and stamina
These supplements are meant to be taken half an hour before you begin your exercise or training session. What’s amazing is that the ingredients will be absorbed even on an empty stomach. Pre-workouts usually provide you with the calories and the energy you’ll need to put on an explosive performance!
When To Take A Pre-Workout?
Looking to figure out the perfect time to take your pre-workout? You’ve come to the right place! Pre-workouts, as you might’ve guessed from their name, are designed to be consumed before you start breaking a sweat. Here’s a simple rule of thumb: mix your pre-workout powder into about a glass of water and enjoy it roughly 30 to 60 minutes before you kickstart your workout. This gives all the powerhouse ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and taurine enough time to get soaked up into your system and prepare you for some intense training.
Now, if your pre-workout is super stacked with these ingredients, you might want to sip on it a bit earlier to give your body some extra time to absorb all that goodness. But if you’re someone who likes to ease into your workout with a long warm-up, then taking your pre-workout just as you hit the gym might time the energy surge perfectly for when you’re ready to go full throttle.
But heads up if you’re a night-time exerciser – you might want to avoid pre-workouts brimming with caffeine. Some of these bad boys can hold up to 150mg, with a few going all the way up to 300mg. Remember, caffeine sticks around for quite a while – anywhere from three to nine hours, depending on your body. So if you down a 300mg caffeine-packed pre-workout at 5 p.m., you might still be wired by 8 p.m. or later. That can totally throw off your sleep, and we all know a good night’s rest is essential for those muscle gains!
The Best Pre-Workout Ingredients
Take a look at a few pre-workout supplements, and you’ll quickly discover that they’re not all the same. Some of these supplements are actually more effective than others!
The main difference is in the ingredients. These are the ones you should be looking for when you’re getting the best pre-workout on the market:
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline Malate is an important amino acid that’s beneficial in any pre-workout routine. The compound boosts your training via two mechanisms- by increasing nitric oxide and by giving your body more malic acid to work with.
Increased nitric oxide means more blood flow to the muscles, which equals more oxygen and nutrients. The more oxygen you have, the longer you can keep up with your training. This gives you more pump and as a result, you get bigger muscles. Malate, or otherwise known as malic acid, is a type of salt that recycles lactic acid efficiently. You get easily burnable energy to last longer. Moreover, less fatigue means you can recover faster and hit the gym sooner.
Other benefits of Citrulline Malate include increased exercise capacity, improved heart function, increased production of HGH and less muscle soreness and physical fatigue. It’s a must-have in any pre-workout to help you get through intense workouts.
Beta-Alanine
Are you familiar with beta-alanine? This fantastic supplement is known to boost endurance, making it your best ally for those cardio bursts or high-rep strength training sessions that last between 60 to 120 seconds. Oh, and you know that curious tingly sensation you might feel in your hands and feet after taking certain supplements? Yep, that’s beta-alanine saying ‘hello’!
But the tingles aren’t just for kicks. Beta-alanine helps you push through your workout, potentially aiding in muscle growth or hypertrophy. You’ll typically want to take about 1.6 to 3.2 grams for the best results.
Not a fan of the tingles? No worries, you can dodge them by splitting your dose into smaller chunks of 0.8 to 1.6 grams every three to four hours. It’s all about making your workout supplements work for you, after all.
Creatine
Looking for the low-down on creatine, the superstar supplement that’s got everyone talking? You’re in the right place! Right after caffeine, creatine is the most well-studied performance booster. It works wonders by increasing your power output, improving your anaerobic capacity, and reducing fatigue. Plus, it even makes your muscles look bigger by pulling more water into them.
But here’s the kicker – you don’t have to tie down its consumption to your pre-workout routine. In fact, creatine is an anytime supplement, as the goal is to gradually boost the creatine levels in your muscles rather than cramming it all in at once.
A daily dose of three to five grams of creatine does the trick for most people. It’s also worth mentioning that creatine monohydrate is the most popular and wallet-friendly type of creatine out there, although you’ll find plenty of other varieties on the market if you’re in the mood to experiment.
Betaine Anhydrous in a pre-workout supplement means blood homocysteine levels are regulated, plus there’s a noticeable boost in athletic performance. This amino acid is present in nutrient-rich foods like quinoa, spinach, beets, and others. When you start dosing with Betaine Anhydrous you can look forward to torching fat, accelerating muscle growth, an increase in muscle power and heightened endurance during gym training sessions to improve exercise performance.
Better yet, this remarkable compound provides other health and wellness benefits to make it an all-rounder ingredient. Aside from giving you more physical power, Betaine Anhydrous is good for the liver, for the digestion process and lowers your risk of having heart disease. Moreover, it has been approved by the FDA in the U.S. so you know that you won’t get any side effects when taking the compound.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, or otherwise known as NALT, is a remarkable compound that gives users a variety of workout benefits, including improved mood, protection against stress and more.
NALT is the modified cousin of the naturally occurring amino acid L-Tyrosine, which has an extra active compound called acetic acid. This combination has proved time and again to be better than the original amino acid because the compound exhibits a higher rate of bioavailability and is more easily absorbed by the body. What this means is that you get the nutrients much faster as it goes straight to your bloodstream.
The potent amino acid then works its way into your system, whether it be your cognitive function, in lowering stress levels or helping your thyroid gland. The mood is lifted via increased dopamine hormone production, and because NALT is considered as a nootropic, brain function, including attention, concentration and focus are greatly improved.
Red Beet
Last but certainly not least, we have the red beet. Red beets are packed with life-giving nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals. The remarkable thing about this superfood is that it only contains a few calories while infusing your body with iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, fiber, and protein.
Supplements with red beet as a dietary ingredient enhance athletic and workout performance. The abundance of nitrates works in improving the mitochondria’s efficiency, which in turn equals more explosive energy that you can use. Oxygen in the body increases by about 20% and prolongs muscle exhaustion. More than that, red beet eliminates stubborn fat and reveals the lean muscle underneath.
Tyrosine
Ever heard of tyrosine? It’s a nifty little supplement often hailed for promoting “focus.” Some evidence suggests it can help take the edge off intense stressors like a tough workout by aiding in the production of adrenaline and dopamine. While most research has involved doses of at least 5 grams, the minimum effective dose isn’t yet set in stone, but 500 milligrams seems like a good starting point.
To get more specific, an effective dose might be somewhere between 100 to 150mg per kilogram of body weight, ideally taken about an hour before your workout. But fair warning: hefty doses can sometimes stir up some stomach trouble, so you might need to divvy it up to avoid any unnecessary discomfort. After all, nothing should get in the way of a good workout, right?
What to Look For in a Pre-Workout Supplement
When deciding on a good muscle-building pre-workout, there are a few things to consider. These are:
Ingredients – The most crucial factor when choosing any supplement is the ingredients. In a supplement like this, you’ll want to see a combination of amino acids, creatine, caffeine, and other stimulants.
Caffeine Content: You’ll also want to be aware of the caffeine content in your pre-workout. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might want to look for a supplement with less than 200mg per serving or even go with a stimulant-free pre-workout.
Flavors: Pre-workout supplements come in various flavors, so choose the one you’ll actually enjoy drinking. That said, they don’t all taste good, and a lot of them are loaded with artificial sweeteners and dyes. You will definitely need to do your homework if you are picky about the flavor.
Price: Of course, you’ll also want to consider the price when choosing a pre-workout supplement. However, don’t let price be the only deciding factor. There are plenty of high-quality pre-workouts that are affordable, and there are also some that are overpriced.
Do your research, read the reviews, and find the best pre-workout supplement for you.
Are Pre-Workout Supplements Safe?
While the FDA does not regulate pre-workouts, they are generally considered safe. There is potential for rare reactions to ingredients in these supplements, such as beta-alanine, which may cause a tingling sensation in your arms and legs.
While the caffeine in pre-workout supplements is well below safe levels, some people may experience headaches or other side effects. These aren’t life-threatening but can be bothersome enough for you to stop using them if it happens often enough! Make sure that your doctor knows about any conditions before taking this type of product so they don’t worsen due an unexpected reaction from one ingredient
Caffeine sensitivity has been known to happen – just ask anyone who drinks lots of coffee every day…
Are Pre-Workout Supplements Bad For You?
Wondering about the safety of pre-workout supplements? Let’s clear the air. For the most part, pre-workouts aren’t harmful to healthy folks who handle the ingredients just fine. But, if you’re a pre-workout rookie or you’re about to switch things up with a new product, it’s smart to ease into it. Start with a half scoop or less to see how your body responds to the ingredients. After all, we’re all unique, and some of us might not jive well with certain components.
One big piece of advice though: have a chat with your doctor before diving headfirst into any supplement regimen, pre-workouts included. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it’s absolutely vital to get your physician’s go-ahead before shaking up your diet or supplement routine. So, keep it safe, folks, and happy training.
Is Dry Scooping A Pre-Workout OK?
Heard about the latest social media craze of ‘dry-scooping’? It’s a trend popping up on platforms like TikTok and Instagram where fitness enthusiasts dump a scoop of pre-workout powder directly into their mouths. Here’s the thing though – it’s not exactly the smartest move, in fact, it can be downright risky.
A lot of pre-workout formulas pack a hefty caffeine punch, often running into the hundreds of milligrams. Mixing it with water gives your body some breathing space to absorb and process all that caffeine. Skip the dilution, and you might find yourself with a mega-dose of caffeine hitting your system all at once. The result? A potential wave of jitters, an upset stomach, and a heart that’s racing a little too fast.
Yes, the speed of consumption plays a role, but the main concern here is the sheer amount of caffeine you’re taking in. If you’re dry-scooping one or two scoops, you’re probably getting around 150 to 300mg of caffeine, which isn’t considered toxic. To reach toxic levels, you’d need about 20 to 40mg per kilogram of body weight. That’s a whopping 1,800 to 2,000mg for someone who weighs 200 pounds!
And let’s not forget the other potential hazards. Choking on the dry powder, anyone? Trust me, there’s a reason pre-workout tubs come with instructions to mix the powder with water. Let’s play it safe, folks, and stick to the shaker bottle!
FAQ
Does the body develop a tolerance to pre-workout supplements over time?
Yes, your body can get used to certain things in pre-workouts, especially stimulants like caffeine. It’s like how your morning coffee might not perk you up as much if you’re having it daily. Your brain gets used to the buzz and needs more to feel the same kick. But with stuff like beta-alanine or creatine, that’s not really an issue. If your pre-workout isn’t giving you the same boost, you might be building up a tolerance. Taking a little break can help reset things. If you’re not sure how to go about it, just have a chat with a healthcare pro or a gym guru. They can steer you right.
How do pre-workout supplements impact sleep quality, if taken in the evening?
Your pre-workout could play hide and seek with your sleep if taken too late. The main player? Caffeine – it’s in loads of pre-workouts and it’s great at keeping you alert. Perfect for workouts, not so perfect for bedtime. It hangs around in your system for hours, which can keep you awake if you’re sensitive to it. Everyone’s different, though. Some can sleep after an espresso, others might be awake after an afternoon coffee. If your pre-workout’s meddling with your Z’s, it’s worth checking its caffeine levels or considering a caffeine-free option.
Are there any potential benefits of pre-workout supplements on mental health or cognitive function?
Absolutely! Pre-workout supplements can give your brain a boost alongside your body. They often contain caffeine, which can improve focus and alertness. Ingredients like L-Theanine and Tyrosine are linked to enhanced mental performance under stress. Then there’s the simple mood-boosting effect of a great workout. Just remember, pre-workouts are no replacement for a balanced lifestyle and professional help when needed. It’s always a good idea to chat with a healthcare pro before starting new supplements, especially if you have concerns about mental health.
Are there any benefits to taking pre-workout supplements on non-workout days?
Actually, there are. Some pre-workout ingredients, like creatine and beta-alanine, work cumulatively over time, rather than providing an immediate, acute effect. Taking these consistently, even on non-workout days, can help to maintain adequate levels in your body. However, stimulants like caffeine might not be needed on rest days. And, of course, it’s essential to chat with a healthcare pro or a nutrition expert before changing up your supplement routine. It’s all about finding the balance that works best for you.
Conclusion
If you want to get straight to the best pre-workout supplements available today. Bulk Black from Transparent Labs is the best muscle-building pre-workout on the market, but there are some other great choices out there. These workout supplements are very popular with athletes and bodybuilders because they work very well and are excellent value for your money. Not to mention how they take your training to the next level.
But if you’re pressed for time and need to build muscle ASAP, get Bulk Black. The results you get from this pre-workout supplement will be 100% worth it!
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
All you need to do is find a pre-workout with creatine in it if you want to build muscle. None of the other ingredients in pre-workouts will really do all that much for muscle building, although they may claim otherwise. Personally I would just skip the pre-workout and get some creatine.
Kyle
October 4, 2023 6:51 pm
Hands down, Bucked Up is the best! I’ve tried numerous supplements over the years, but nothing compares to this. I use it consistently, and the results speak for themselves
All you need to do is find a pre-workout with creatine in it if you want to build muscle. None of the other ingredients in pre-workouts will really do all that much for muscle building, although they may claim otherwise. Personally I would just skip the pre-workout and get some creatine.
Hands down, Bucked Up is the best! I’ve tried numerous supplements over the years, but nothing compares to this. I use it consistently, and the results speak for themselves