Bulk vs Lean Comparison: Which Pre-Workout Is Right for You? [Tested & Reviewed]

by Nader Qudimat
Updated July 20, 2023
OVERVIEW
Type
Pre Workouts
Price
$49.99 to $54.99
Serving Size
20g / 17.1g
Availability 
Easy to find
Positives
Bulk improves hypertrophy
Lean can improve insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism
Both are very safe to take and doesn't use exotic stims
Negatives 
Premium pricing

Bottom Line

At first glance, you might be scratching your head, wondering which pre-workout supplement to go for.

You've got PreSeries Lean on one side, specifically formulated to kickstart weight loss and rev up glucose metabolism.

Then there's Bulk, your go-to companion for bolstering strength and muscle.

Both are champs when it comes to boosting mental energy and focus.

But here's the kicker: Bulk takes the crown for muscle hypertrophy goals, while Lean is your best bet for torching fat.

And while it might seem like Lean is just playing copycat with its ingredients, it's actually packing high-quality mineral sources and ingredients specifically designed to supercharge fat metabolism.

And here's a little cherry on top: use the discount code FITFREK for a sweet deal.

We'll explain the main differences, advantages, and disadvantages to help you decide which pre-workout to go with. 

Bulk is your go-to for cranking up testosterone production, while Lean is all about firing up thermogenesis to aid weight loss.

These power-packed options come from the house of Transparent Labs, a name synonymous with top-notch supplements that have been winning hearts and minds for years.

If you prefer the video version, watch it below:

In this head-to-head, we're putting Transparent Labs Bulk and Lean under the microscope.

And here's a sweet little nugget: both of these pre-workouts are naturally sweetened.

We'll be breaking down the key differences, pros, and cons, giving you the full lowdown to help you choose your pre-workout champion.

Main Differences between Bulk and Lean

Muscle Building Support
Weight Loss Thermogenic
Primary Rating:
4.8
Primary Rating:
4.4
Minerals & Vitamins:
10mg Zinc Chelate, 100mcg Vitamin B12, 5mg Vitamin B6, 180mg Sodium, 125mg Potassium
Minerals & Vitamins:
225mcg Iodine Chelate, 30mg Zinc Chelate, 50mcg Selenium, 1mg Copper AAC, 200mcg Chromium Picolinate
Ingredients:
8g Citrulline Malate, 4g Beta Alanine, 2.5g BetaPure, 1.3g Taurine, 1g Tyrosine, 300mg Alpha GPC, 200mg L-Theanine, 50mg Senactiv, 5mg Bioperine, 3000mcg Boron Citrate
Ingredients:
6g Citrulline Malate, 2g Beta Alanine, 1.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1g Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, 500mg Choline Bitartrate, 180mg Theanine, 5mg BioPerine, 100mcg Huperzine
Stimulants:
200mg PurCaffeine, 50mg Theobromine
Stimulants:
180mg Organic Caffeine, 50mg Theobromine
Muscle Building Support
Primary Rating:
4.8
Minerals & Vitamins:
10mg Zinc Chelate, 100mcg Vitamin B12, 5mg Vitamin B6, 180mg Sodium, 125mg Potassium
Ingredients:
8g Citrulline Malate, 4g Beta Alanine, 2.5g BetaPure, 1.3g Taurine, 1g Tyrosine, 300mg Alpha GPC, 200mg L-Theanine, 50mg Senactiv, 5mg Bioperine, 3000mcg Boron Citrate
Stimulants:
200mg PurCaffeine, 50mg Theobromine
Weight Loss Thermogenic
Primary Rating:
4.4
Minerals & Vitamins:
225mcg Iodine Chelate, 30mg Zinc Chelate, 50mcg Selenium, 1mg Copper AAC, 200mcg Chromium Picolinate
Ingredients:
6g Citrulline Malate, 2g Beta Alanine, 1.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1g Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, 500mg Choline Bitartrate, 180mg Theanine, 5mg BioPerine, 100mcg Huperzine
Stimulants:
180mg Organic Caffeine, 50mg Theobromine

Both of these have one thing in common, they contain ergogenic aids and they don't use artificial colors or sweeteners.

Transparent Labs designed Bulk with more muscle-building ingredients that will help maximize performance mentally and physically, while Lean is made more with mental enhancers and components that help metabolize fat from various angles.  

Bulk has vitamins for testosterone and muscle-building support, including vitamins D3, B6, zinc, and boron. 

While Lean also has zinc, it also uses important ingredients for fat loss like iodine, selenium, copper, and chromium.

If you're deficient in these ingredients, you'll likely struggle to lose weight and control your cravings. 

(Related: Bulk vs Bulk Black)

Which Pre Workout Is Better?

If you're looking for a solid pre-workout, both, Lean and Bulk, are great options. 

Bulk is better designed if you're looking for a complete pre-workout to help improve your workouts. 

It has everything needed for reducing fatigue, increasing strength, and boosting cognition functions. 

Lean is good but it's more designed as a thermogenic as it contains ingredients that'll support better insulin function and more fat metabolism, and is just better for weight loss.

Which Pre-Workout is Better For Pumps?

Bulk is better for pumps as it has the full dose of betaine at 2.5g but otherwise, both are great for pumps. 

Which Pre-Workout Is Better for Energy?

Both pre-workouts have the same amount of caffeine but Bulk has a slight edge due to the combination of tyrosine and Alpha GPC, as Lean only uses choline for focus support.

If you want something even stronger than Bulk, then consider Bulk Black.

Which Pre-Workout Should I Get?

If you're just looking for a solid pre-workout, you can't go wrong with either although Bulk has a slight edge as something that will help maximize endurance and energy. 

If you're trying to lose stubborn fat, or just trying to lose weight in general, you'll enjoy Lean more. 

As a beginner or any level, both pre-workouts are great options. 

Bulk Pre-Workout Overview

NATURALLY FLAVORED
PreSeries Bulk Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Containing over 20g per serving, Bulk contains complete doses of ergogenic aids and a range of nootropics and stimulants to help enhance energy.

Pros:
  • Smooth energy and focus
  • No crash
  • Reliable and time-tested
Ingredients: 8g Citrulline Malate, 4g Beta-Alanine, 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1.3g Taurine, 1g L-Tyrosine, 300mg AlphaSize, 180mg Sodium, 125mg Potassium, 50mg Senactiv, 10mg Zinc, 5mg Bioperine, 5mg Vitamin B6, 3mg Boron, 100mcg Vitamin B12
Stimulants: 200mg PurCaf, 200mg L-Theanine, 50mg Theobromine
CHECK IT OUT
FitFrek earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Bulk is made to be the best pre-workout for anyone looking to increase their workout performance.  

Using ingredients that'll increase power, strength, and endurance, resulting in a performance boost.

With over 20g per serving and 30 total servings, Bulk is a solid choice as a pre-workout.

Citrulline is dosed at 6g, which will help with pumps, and beta-alanine will reduce the lactic acid build-up that occurs from high-volume sets.

There's also a 2.5g dose of betaine anhydrous to help maximize size and strength as it works similarly to creatine. 

With a mix of stimulants coming from caffeine and theobromine, there's a nice long-lasting source of energy. 

It also has nootropics to help maximize focus and mind-to-muscle connection with 1g tyrosine and 300mg AlphaSize Alpha GPC.

Overall, Bulk is a solid pick for someone looking to maximize their performance in the gym. 

The only reason why you wouldn't pick Bulk would be because of its premium pricing, but you can knock off 10% with discount code FITFREK. 

Lean Pre-Workout Overview

Fat Burning Pre Workout
PreSeries LEAN Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs

Lean is designed to support weight loss from multiple angles, including improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Ingredients: 6g Citrulline Malate, 2g Beta Alanine, 1.5g Betaine Anhydrous, 1g Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, 500mg Choline Bitartrate, 180mg Theanine, 5mg BioPerine, 100mcg Huperzine
Stimulants: 180mg Organic Caffeine, 50mg Theobromine, 40mg Infinergy Caffeine
Pros:
  • Increases thermogenesis
  • Improves glucose metabolism
  • Increases fat metabolism for energy
Discount code: FITFREK
CHECK IT OUT
FitFrek earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Lean is a thermogenic pre-workout hybrid that combines ingredients that will not only increase performance but also fat burning. 

When it comes to ergogenic aids, there's a lot in common with Bulk as it still has citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, and caffeine. 

But instead of using 4g of beta-alanine, it uses 2g, and it has 1.5g betaine instead of 2g. 

And Lean also uses 1g acetyl-l-carnitine which helps convert fat into energy, increasing fat metabolism. 

Like all Transparent Labs supplements, this is clinically dosed and there are no artificial ingredients. 

The minerals in Lean will help optimize thyroid function, improve insulin sensitivity and increase fat metabolism. 

In fact, these minerals are highly underrated and are a must even if you are using a fat burner with very strong stimulants. 

Just check out the science and research behind Lean's ingredients here. 

Lean is a pre-workout that is formulated to help keep fat off and performance, both physically and mentally, elevated in the gym.

The only downside is the premium pricing but you can use our discount code FITFREK. 

My Personal Experience with Bulk

As someone who mostly uses very strong pre-workouts, Bulk helped me push through without putting a huge demand on my cardiovascular system. 

Hard pre-workouts usually give me very intense energy, which can interfere with sleep even if it's taken long before the evening. 

So using Bulk allowed me to sleep better at night and still have great workouts during the day. 

The energy is just enough. 

So I can appreciate the caffeine staying under 300mg, and it comes from 3 different sources so it isn't just plain caffeine. 

My performance also feels solid. 

That's what I like about Bulk; it's reliable, and I can use it often without the consequences of withdrawals or side effects like jitters. 

Check out our other comparison: Athletic Greens vs Prebiotic Greens

My Personal Experience with Lean

Using Lean has made me realize something... 

The minerals in Lean are highly important for fat loss. 

I've used all sorts of fat burners and thermogenic but without these minerals, I just don't feel right. 

The reason for this is that the minerals in Lean are extremely important for weight loss management. 

It helped me keep cravings in check and it seems to help me have more energy as it helps converts fat into energy. 

You can check out my review here. 

Key Highlights of Both Pre Workouts

By now you should have some idea of which one you'd go with. 

Lean has less beta-alanine and will cause fewer tingles while Bulk has ingredients that'll help improve performance by increasing strength and muscle size. 

Lean also has more minerals for fat loss support while Bulk has minerals for testosterone support. 

You should use Bulk if you already get enough minerals for weight loss, or if you just want a solid pre-workout for your workouts. 

And use Lean if you're looking to lose weight and still want ingredients to support endurance and strength in the gym. 

Should I Get Lean or Bulk?

When it comes to effectiveness, both Bulk and Lean have their unique strengths, tailored to different fitness goals.

Let's dive deeper into what makes each of these pre-workout supplements stand out.

Bulk: The Muscle Builder

Bulk is your ally in the quest for muscle gain. It's packed with ingredients that support muscle growth and strength.

One of the key components is BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), which are crucial for muscle protein synthesis.

This means they help your body build and repair muscle tissue, promoting muscle growth over time.

Bulk also contains Beta-Alanine, an amino acid that helps fight muscle fatigue.

This means you can push harder and longer during your workouts, leading to greater muscle gains. 

Plus, the inclusion of Taurine aids in muscle recovery, helping you bounce back faster after intense workouts.

Lean: The Fat Burner

On the other hand, Lean is designed for those looking to shed fat and get lean.

It includes ingredients like Synephrine and Hordenine, which are known to boost metabolism and promote fat burning.

This means that while you're working out, your body is more efficient at using fat stores for energy, helping you lose weight.

Lean also contains ingredients that support glucose metabolism, which is crucial for weight loss.

Efficient glucose metabolism means your body is better at using the food you eat for energy, rather than storing it as fat.

The Bottom Line

Both Bulk and Lean are effective in their own ways.

If your goal is to gain muscle mass and strength, Bulk is the way to go.

If you're aiming to lose weight and get lean, Lean is your best bet.

Remember, the effectiveness of these supplements also depends on your diet and workout regimen.

They are designed to enhance your performance and results, but they can't replace a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Who's It Not For

Bulk and Lean pre-workout supplements from Transparent Labs are designed for those who are serious about their fitness goals.

However, they may not be suitable for everyone.

If you're sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants, you might want to avoid these products as they contain significant amounts of these ingredients. Also, if you're new to pre-workout supplements, the potent formulas of Bulk and Lean might be too intense.

Lastly, if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Who's It For

Bulk and Lean pre-workouts are ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want to maximize their workout performance.

Whether you're looking to build muscle mass (Bulk) or achieve a lean, toned physique (Lean), these pre-workouts can provide the energy, focus, and endurance you need to push through your workouts.

They're also great for those who appreciate clean, transparently labeled supplements.

Both Bulk and Lean are free from artificial sweeteners and unnecessary fillers, and all the ingredients are clearly listed with their dosages on the label.

How Do They Work

Bulk and Lean pre-workouts work by combining a range of ingredients that are designed to enhance various aspects of workout performance.

These include ingredients for energy (like caffeine), focus (like L-Theanine), and pump (like Citrulline Malate). When taken before a workout, these ingredients help you train harder and longer, leading to better results over time.

Why Do They Work

The effectiveness of Bulk and Lean pre-workouts can be attributed to their well-formulated ingredient profiles.

Both products contain scientifically-backed ingredients at clinically effective dosages.

This means that you're not just getting a random mix of ingredients, but a carefully designed formula that's meant to deliver results.

Furthermore, the absence of proprietary blends ensures that you know exactly what you're getting in each serving.

Which One Should I Get

The choice between Bulk and Lean ultimately depends on your specific fitness goals.

If you're looking to build muscle mass and strength, Bulk would be the more suitable option as it contains ingredients like BCAAs and Beta-Alanine which are known to support muscle growth and recovery.

On the other hand, if your goal is to achieve a lean, toned physique, Lean might be the better choice as it contains ingredients like minerals and Chromium which can support fat loss and metabolism.

Regardless of which you choose, Bulk and Lean are top-quality pre-workouts that can help you get the most out of your workouts.

Should I Get Lean or Bulk?

When it comes to choosing which pre-workout to go with from Transparent Labs, you should consider your goals.

Use Bulk if:

  • You want to build muscle 
  • You want a pre-workout for workouts 

Use Lean if:

  • You have stubborn fat
  • You have cravings that make you overeat
  • You want to lose fat

FAQs

Here are the FAQs about Bulk vs Lean...

What are the main differences between Transparent Labs Bulk and Lean?

Bulk is designed for muscle gain and strength improvement, while Lean is formulated for fat loss and achieving a lean physique.

Can I use both Bulk and Lean together?

It's not recommended to use both supplements together as they are designed for different fitness goals.

It's best to choose the one that aligns with your specific goal.

Are there any side effects of using these supplements?

Both supplements are generally well-tolerated.

However, potential side effects may include jitters or stomach upset if the recommended dosage is not followed.

Where can I buy Transparent Labs Bulk and Lean?

Both supplements can be purchased directly from the Transparent Labs website or other online retailers.

Are these supplements suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, both Bulk and Lean are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Do I need to cycle off these supplements?

It's always a good idea to take a break from any supplement after a few months of continuous use.

This allows your body to reset and prevents you from becoming tolerant of the ingredients.

Can women use these supplements?

Yes, both Bulk and Lean are suitable for both men and women.

How should I take these supplements?

It's recommended to take these supplements 20-30 minutes before your workout for optimal results.

Are there any side effects of using Bulk or Lean?

As with any supplement, potential side effects depend on individual tolerance to the ingredients.

Some people may experience jitters or restlessness due to the caffeine content.

Always start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance.

How long before a workout should I take Bulk or Lean?

It's generally recommended to take a pre-workout supplement like Bulk or Lean 20-30 minutes before your workout.

This gives the ingredients time to kick in.

Can I use Bulk or Lean if I'm a beginner?

Yes, both Bulk and Lean can be used by beginners. However, it's always a good idea to start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance.

Are there any artificial sweeteners in Bulk or Lean?

No, Transparent Labs prides itself on using no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives in its products.

They use natural sweeteners like Stevia.

Can I take these supplements if I have a medical condition?

If you have a medical condition, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Are these supplements safe?

Yes, both Bulk and Lean are made with scientifically-backed ingredients and are generally considered safe.

However, always follow the recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects.

Final Words

You can't go wrong with either pre-workouts, Lean, or Bulk. 

If you're a beginner looking to improve your energy in the gym, then Bulk is a great choice. 

But if you want to lose fat and still want to maximize your workouts, then Lean is a solid pick. 

by Nader Qudimat

Forged by iron and cold steel, I'm Nader, a mid-30s natural bodybuilder. Once a 100lb skinny guy, I've transformed into a 200lb muscular athlete with over 15 years of lifting experience. Today, I leverage my transformation and extensive experience to guide countless individuals on their fitness journeys.

Click here to check out my 12 year transformation: Natural 12 Year Transformation

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