Most pre-workouts love to talk big. Energy. Focus. Muscle gains. But the second you hit the barbell, they vanish faster than your motivation on leg day.
If you’re actually serious about building muscle, caffeine alone won’t cut it. You need ingredients in real doses that pull their weight. Pumps that make your sleeves tighter. Strength to squeeze out one more rep. Endurance to finish strong. Recovery that lets you do it all again tomorrow.
We’ve tested the heavy hitters, ditched the pretenders, and kept the ones that actually deliver. No hype, no fake “proprietary blends.” Just what works.
Here are the pre-workouts worth your cash, your time, and every drop of sweat you’re about to put in.
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.
Some pre-workouts talk tough. BULK BLACK backs it up. Take a scoop before you train and you feel it kick in fast. Strength climbs. Endurance doesn’t seem to run out. Recovery? Quicker than you thought possible.
The secret isn’t hype. It’s the formula. Nineteen active ingredients. Twenty-one grams per serving. Each one dosed like it’s meant to be there, not just sprinkled in for the label.
Citrulline malate at 8,000mg for blood flow and pumps. Betaine, beta-alanine, and N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine to push power, delay fatigue, and keep your head locked in. It’s a muscle-building cocktail that actually moves the needle.
It’s not just about bigger lifts, either. Focus sharpens. Motivation spikes. That “let’s go” feeling sticks around set after set. Blue Raspberry flavor? Smooth mix, good taste, no weird afterbite. Even at half a scoop, the beta-alanine tingles let you know it’s on.
BULK BLACK isn’t in the same league as the average pre-workout. It’s in its own. If you want the best for bulking, this is it.
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 doesn’t just show up,it covers every base you care about. Nineteen legit muscle-building ingredients, all dosed like they’re supposed to be. No filler, no “proprietary blend” nonsense.
It comes from a manufacturer with a solid reputation, so you’re not gambling on some sketchy powder from who-knows-where. Yeah, the price is above average, but not by much. And when you factor in the subscription discount plus the TL10 coupon for another 10% off, it’s really not bad at all.
For what you’re getting, power, pumps, endurance, recovery, it’s hard to find a reason not to like it. If you want a pre-workout that actually earns its keep, this one’s on the shortlist.
If you want a pre-workout with creatine that actually moves the needle, Pre-Kaged Elite isn’t playing around. This thing comes packed, and I mean packed, with muscle-building firepower. The doses aren’t shy either.
You’re getting 3 grams of creatine monohydrate and another 2 grams of creatine nitrate. If you care about building muscle, you already know creatine is the king. Putting it into a pre-workout is just common sense if you’re chasing real size and strength.
Then there’s the 10 grams of L-Citrulline. That’s not a typo. Ten. It pushes blood, nutrients, and oxygen right where you need it, so pumps go from good to borderline ridiculous. You’re also looking at solid hits of beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and enough caffeine to have you locking in on your workout like it’s the only thing that matters.
We’re talking 20 total ingredients, 9 of them patented. This isn’t your bargain-bin, mystery-scoop powder. When I cracked open the Orange Mango flavor, the smell alone made me want to train. Once it kicked in, energy climbed, the tingles set in, and I just went to work.
Now, it’s not perfect. Sixty bucks a tub and only 20 servings means it’s not cheap. The 388 milligrams of caffeine will be too much for some people. And if you’re brand new to pre-workouts, this one might be overkill. But if you’re ready for a heavy hitter, Pre-Kaged Elite delivers exactly what it promises.
If you want a pre-workout that actually helps you build muscle and doesn’t taste like powdered regret, BlackWolf is worth a look. It goes down easy, but don’t think for a second that means it’s soft.
You’re getting real ingredients in real doses. L-citrulline malate to flood the muscles, beta-alanine for that fire in your sets, and my personal favorite, creatine monohydrate, because gains don’t make themselves. They even slipped in coconut water powder, which sounds like a beach drink but somehow works perfectly here.
And if caffeine isn’t your thing, no problem. My friend Nicole ran the caffeine-free version and still walked out of the gym buzzing with good energy. That says a lot.
For muscle, BlackWolf delivers. Creatine’s there to drive growth. Beta-alanine turns every pump into the kind that makes you stop and flex in the mirror, even if no one’s watching. They’ve even got brain-boosters like DMAE and Huperzine, so your head stays locked in while your body works.
As for flavors, I went through them all. Fruit Punch is my number one, Blue Raspberry is close behind, and Green Apple isn’t bad either. Every one of them comes with that cool, tingly kick I secretly love. If you want a pre-workout that tastes great, hits hard, and makes you want to train, BlackWolf gets it done.
Pros
No proprietary blends
3g of muscle building Creatine Monohydrate per serving
If you want a natural pre-workout without the stimulants, I get it. Some companies dump so much caffeine in their formulas you feel like you should be wearing a warning label.
Transparent Labs took a different route with their stim-free version, and it’s a smart move. No stimulants, but all the muscle-building firepower you actually care about.
You’re looking at Citrulline Malate for pumps, branched-chain amino acids to help you recover faster, beta-alanine to keep you pushing, and taurine for that extra endurance edge. It’s everything you want in a pre-workout, minus the jitters and the crash.
When I ran Stim-Free, I grabbed the Sour Grape flavor. Mixed well, tasted better than most, and the beta-alanine had me feeling that familiar tingle halfway through my warm-up. Energy-wise, there was no kick, exactly what you’d expect from a stim-free product, but the muscle performance boost was there from the first set.
If you want your workouts fueled without feeling like you just pounded three energy drinks, this one gets the job done.
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
Pre-Kaged comes in swinging with the promise of firing up both your body and your brain before you even touch a weight. It’s built to keep you moving with purpose, set after set, so you walk out of the gym knowing you actually made progress.
The formula is split into what they call “matrix ingredients,” each one geared toward a specific piece of the workout puzzle. Pro Pump pushes nitric oxide levels so your muscles get that full, skin-tight pump. Strength and Power feeds your cells with the fuel they need to push harder. Neuro-Focus keeps your head in the game, locking out distractions so you stay locked on the task in front of you.
Bonus points, they skip artificial flavors, which is getting rare these days. That alone will win over some people.
When I ran the Krisp Apple flavor, the smell hit me right away, clean and fresh. Taste was solid, not candy-sweet, though there was a little aftertaste that hung around longer than I’d like. The mixability could be better too, so give it a little extra shake. Still, once it’s down, you feel it start to work, and that’s what matters.
Pros
Well-rounded, quality ingredients without any banned compounds
C4 has been a heavyweight in the pre-workout world for years, and for good reason. Built by Texas-based Cellucor, it’s designed to light you up with energy, crank up your stamina, and give you that extra pop of power when it’s time to move some serious weight. Recovery gets a boost too, so you’re ready to go again without dragging.
Most of the formula sits behind a “proprietary blend,” so you don’t get the full play-by-play on every dose. Still, the effects speak for themselves. You mix up two scoops in a small glass of water, 4 to 6 ounces, and you’re good to roll. It’s the kind of pre-workout you can toss in your bag, sip on your way to the gym, and feel kicking in before your first warm-up set.
C4 comes in a bunch of flavors, and I’ve tried my share. My first ever pre-workout was C4, about seven years back, and I still have a soft spot for the Icy Blue Razz. Every flavor I’ve had since has been solid. The energy spike is legit, and the trademark tingling from the beta-alanine hits quick. Not everyone loves that feeling, but to me, it’s just part of the experience. Reliable, easy, and effective, that’s C4.
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
Beast Mode Black from Beast Sports Nutrition isn’t here to play nice. This one’s built for big pumps, big energy, and the kind of sessions where you walk out feeling like you left everything on the floor.
Compared to the regular Beast Mode formula, this version cranks ingredient doses up to 380 percent. That’s not marketing fluff, that’s a real jump. You’re getting heavy hits of Agmatine and Beta-Alanine to drive blood into the muscles until your sleeves start feeling tight.
Then there’s the caffeine, 400 milligrams of it. That’s a lot of kick, and for some people, it’ll be too much. But if you can handle it, you’ll have the kind of energy that keeps you charging through every set. Just know they do use artificial flavors, so if that’s a dealbreaker, this might not be your pick.
When I tried the Beast Punch flavor, I was impressed. Mixed smooth, tasted great, and gave me more focus than I usually get from a pre-workout. The energy was steady, not jittery, and the pumps were exactly what I hoped for. If you’re after a pre-workout that’s bold, strong, and unapologetic, Beast Mode Black delivers.
Pre Jym Extreme from Jim Stoppani is exactly what it sounds like, the no-compromise, all-gas version of their pre-workout line. Jym makes three different pre-workouts, and this one sits at the top of the food chain.
It’s loaded with ingredients that actually move the needle for strength and muscle growth. You’re getting 4 grams of Creatine HCL, 6 grams of BCAAs, and 4 grams of Beta-Alanine to keep you pushing hard. For pumps, they went heavy, 8 grams of Citrulline Malate backed up by Citrulline Nitrate and Betaine Nitrate. That combo drives blood into the muscles until you’re filling out your shirt in ways you’ll notice.
Nineteen active ingredients. Over 30 grams per scoop. Pre Jym Extreme isn’t here for beginners, and it doesn’t apologize for it.
Now, it’s not perfect. A lot of reviews knock the taste, and I can see why. It’s also the priciest option here, with no bulk discounts, and only 20 servings per tub. That stings a little.
I tested the Shockwave flavor myself and found it to be… fine. Not amazing, not bad. But the pumps were definitely stronger, and the beta-alanine hit came on quick. If you want a pre-workout that’s unapologetically built for muscle and pumps, this one earns its spot, even with its flaws.
Naked Energy is for the lifters who don’t want a circus in their shaker. No artificial sweeteners. No colors. No mystery fillers. Just the good stuff your body can actually use.
It’s built around the essentials, creatine for strength, caffeine for that spark, and amino acids to keep your muscles firing. Nothing more than what’s needed to push harder in the gym, whether you’re chasing a new PR or grinding through a cardio session you’d rather skip.
I like that it keeps things this simple. It’s the kind of pre-workout where you know exactly what you’re putting in your body. But fair warning, if you’re new to pre-workouts, start light. See how your system handles it before going full scoop.
If you’re after a clean, no-nonsense pre that still brings the energy, Naked Energy is a solid call. It’s all business, no gimmicks, and it does exactly what it says on the label.
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!
A good pre-workout is like flipping the switch before you even touch a weight. It’s a mix of nutrients and performance boosters you take before training to make sure you’re not just going through the motions—you’re showing up ready to move some iron.
Most people walk into the gym wanting more. More strength, more muscle, more power, more definition. And nobody wants to wait forever to see it happen. That’s where a solid pre-workout comes in. It’s built to push performance higher, help you recover faster, and even protect your muscles when you’re grinding through those brutal sets.
The right formula can light up your energy, keep your stamina running deep into your workout, and give you the strength to push for that extra rep. It’s not just about feeling good during training—it’s about stacking results day after day.
Take it about thirty minutes before you start, and you’re giving your body what it needs to go full throttle. Even on an empty stomach, the ingredients get to work fast. Then it’s on you to use that fuel and make it count.
When To Take A Pre-Workout?
If you want to get the most out of your pre-workout, timing matters just as much as what’s in it. The name gives it away—you take it before you train—but the sweet spot is usually about 30 to 60 minutes before you start moving weight. That gives the big hitters like caffeine, beta-alanine, and taurine time to kick in so you’re ready to go hard from the first set.
If your formula is loaded to the max, you might want to drink it a little earlier to let everything settle in. On the flip side, if you like to spend a good chunk of time warming up, you can start sipping it as you walk into the gym so the energy wave hits right when you’re ready to push.
Night lifters, this part’s for you—watch the caffeine. Some pre-workouts pack 150 milligrams, others go all the way to 300. Caffeine can hang around in your system for three to nine hours, so if you slam a heavy dose too late in the day, you might find yourself staring at the ceiling when you should be sleeping. And if you’re serious about muscle gains, you already know sleep is non-negotiable.
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 with over 25 years in the industry. He’s run half marathons, tackled mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, and coached everything from wrestling to girls’ soccer.
Along the way, he’s tested hundreds of supplements and built a deep well of supplement knowledge. His work has appeared in Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review, and more. Today, he’s the editor-in-chief of this site, still training hard and helping others reach their goals. Connect with him on LinkedIn 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