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Is Celcius A Pre-Workout?

by Nader Qudimat
Updated September 7, 2023

You're about to hit the gym, and you're eyeing that can of Celsius in your fridge.

You've heard it can give you a boost, but is it a pre-workout?

Let's dive deep into the world of Celsius and see if it's the energy kick you need for your workouts.

Quick Rundown

Celsius is a low-calorie thermogenic energy drink that claims to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows; there are potential side effects like jitteriness and heart palpitations.

What Is Celsius?

Celsius is marketed as a fitness drink containing a blend of stimulants and vitamins to increase energy and accelerate metabolism.

It comes in various flavors and is often seen as an alternative to traditional pre-workout supplements.

The Ingredients In Celsius

Celsius contains a proprietary blend of stimulants like caffeine, taurine, and guarana.

It also includes vitamins and minerals, but the amounts are not substantial enough to have any significant health impact.

One study shows that combining these stimulants can pose risks to adolescent brains.

What Exactly Is Celsius: Energy Drink, Pre-Workout, or Something Else?

The identity of Celsius can be a bit confusing.

Is it an energy drink?

Is it a pre-workout? Or is it something else entirely?

Let's break it down.

The Energy Drink Angle

At its core, Celsius markets itself as a "Fitness Drink," which puts it in the same category as energy drinks.

It contains caffeine, taurine, and guarana, commonly found in energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster.

These components provide a quick energy boost, making it a popular choice for people who need to stay awake or a quick pick-me-up.

Research shows that caffeine, one of the primary ingredients, is effective in increasing alertness and improving mood.

The Pre-Workout Perspective

Celsius is also often compared to pre-workout supplements due to its high caffeine content and the inclusion of other stimulants aimed at boosting physical performance.

Some athletes and gym-goers use it as a pre-workout drink to benefit from the quick energy boost it provides.

However, unlike specialized pre-workout supplements, Celsius lacks certain ingredients like beta-alanine, creatine, and BCAAs designed to improve workout performance.

One study indicates that these ingredients enhance muscle endurance and strength.

Check out what the best pre-workout is here.

Or Is It Something Else?

Celsius tries to set itself apart by including vitamins and claiming to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat.

These claims make it sound more than an energy drink or a pre-workout supplement.

However, the amounts of these vitamins and minerals are not substantial enough to provide significant health benefits, as indicated by experts in the field.

So, what is Celsius?

It's a hybrid—a fitness drink with the quick energy-boosting properties of an energy drink and some characteristics of a pre-workout.

However, it doesn't fully fit into either category.

Celsius can do the trick if you want a quick energy boost.

But if you're after the comprehensive benefits of a pre-workout supplement, you might want to look elsewhere.

Breaking Down The Ingredients In Celsius

When it comes to fitness drinks, the devil is in the details—or in this case, the ingredients.

Let's dissect what's inside a can of Celsius to understand its effects and limitations better.

The Stimulant Blend

Celsius boasts a proprietary blend of natural stimulants that are designed to give you that much-needed energy boost.

The primary stimulant is caffeine, sourced from green tea extract.

A can typically contains around 200 mg of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee.

Research shows that caffeine can enhance both mental alertness and physical performance.

In addition to caffeine, Celsius contains guarana seed extract and taurine.

Guarana is another natural source of caffeine and is often used for its stimulant and weight loss properties.

On the other hand, Taurine is an amino acid that has been shown to improve athletic performance, although the evidence is not as strong as it is for caffeine.

The Vitamin Mix

Celsius also includes a mix of essential vitamins like Vitamin C, several B-Vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12), and biotin.

While these vitamins are essential for overall health, the amounts included in Celsius are not substantial enough to replace a balanced diet or multivitamin supplement.

One study indicates that while B-Vitamins can help convert food into energy, they don't necessarily provide energy themselves.

The "Metaplus" Blend

Celsius features the "Metaplus" blend, which includes ginger root, green tea extract, and glucuronolactone.

This blend is marketed to accelerate metabolism and increase fat burn.

However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

Research shows that while green tea extract can slightly increase metabolism, the effects are not significant enough to result in noticeable weight loss.

The Absence Of Sugars And Preservatives

One of the selling points of Celsius is what it doesn't contain.

The drink is free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and high-fructose corn syrup.

This makes it a cleaner option compared to many traditional energy drinks, but it's essential to remember that "cleaner" doesn't necessarily mean "better for you."

Stimulants And More

Celsius offers a blend of stimulants, vitamins, and a unique "Metaplus" blend to boost energy and metabolism.

While some of these ingredients have proven benefits, the drink lacks the comprehensive formulation of specialized pre-workout supplements.

Is Celsius Effective As A Pre-Workout?

Celsius does contain ingredients commonly found in pre-workouts, like caffeine and guarana.

However, the effectiveness of these ingredients in the specific blend that Celsius offers is still up for debate.

Research shows that while caffeine can enhance physical performance, the other ingredients in Celsius have not been proven to impact workout performance significantly.

How Does It Compare To Traditional Pre-Workouts?

Traditional pre-workouts often contain a more comprehensive blend of ingredients designed specifically to enhance workout performance.

They may include ingredients like beta-alanine, creatine, and BCAAs, which are absent in Celsius.

This study found that traditional pre-workouts enhance physical performance more effectively.

Where To Buy Celsius

You can find Celsius at various online retailers that ship worldwide, although they are based in the States.

While Walmart, Amazon, and eBay also offer pre-workouts, they are often not the best-priced options and may contain minimal ingredients.

Our Recommendations

For a more effective pre-workout experience, we recommend using specialized supplements with a broader range of performance-enhancing ingredients.

These are often available at specialized online retailers offering better prices and a wider selection than Walmart, Amazon, or eBay.

Check out our list of recommended online retailers.

Side Effects And Interactions

Celsius contains many stimulants, which can lead to side effects like jitteriness, heart palpitations, and insomnia.

It's essential to be cautious when combining it with other supplements, especially those containing stimulants.

If you're taking other supplements or medications, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

This study shows that combining multiple stimulants can lead to adverse effects.

Who's It For And Who Should Avoid It

Celsius can be suitable for those looking for a quick energy boost but is not recommended for adolescents, pregnant women, or individuals with certain medical conditions.

FAQs

How much caffeine does Celsius contain?

Celsius contains 200 mg of caffeine, equivalent to about two cups of coffee.

Can I mix Celsius with other supplements?

Mixing Celsius with other stimulant-containing supplements is not recommended due to potential interactions.

Is Celsius a good substitute for coffee?

Celsius contains about 200 mg of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee. However, it also includes other stimulants and vitamins that you won't find in your regular cup of joe. Research shows that caffeine from natural sources like green tea may have additional health benefits compared to regular coffee.

Can I drink Celsius every day?

While Celsius is marketed as a healthier option compared to traditional energy drinks, daily consumption can lead to potential side effects like jitteriness and heart palpitations. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Is Celsius vegan-friendly?

Yes, Celsius is vegan-friendly. It doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet.

How long does the energy boost from Celsius last?

The duration of the energy boost can vary from person to person, but generally, the effects of caffeine peak within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and can last up to 6 hours. One study shows that the half-life of caffeine can range from 3 to 5 hours.

Is Celsius safe for pregnant women?

Celsius contains a high amount of caffeine and other stimulants, which are generally not recommended for pregnant women. Always consult with a healthcare provider before consuming any energy drinks or supplements during pregnancy.

Can I mix Celsius with alcohol?

Mixing stimulants like those found in Celsius with alcohol is generally not recommended. The stimulant effects can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to increased consumption and a higher risk of alcohol poisoning.

Is Celsius gluten-free?

Yes, Celsius is gluten-free. It doesn't contain any wheat, barley, or rye derivatives, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Bottom Line

Celsius may offer a quick energy boost but falls short as a comprehensive pre-workout supplement.

Specialized pre-workout supplements are a better option for those serious about their fitness.

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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