When it comes to supplements, there's one known fact: you can't trust any company blindly.
You need to be skeptical and ask the right questions.
From ingredient labels to flashy marketing, never let your guard down.
Pre-workouts are often in the spotlight due to numerous controversies.
With over 10 years of diving deep into supplements like a mad scientist, I'm here to guide you.
You'll discover which pre-workouts are safe, which ingredients are scientifically proven, and which ones to avoid.
Ready to make informed choices?
Let's dive in.
Pump Serum v2 is the latest formula from Huge Nutrition, packing lots of citrulline, nitric oxide boosters and more. This is 30% off at the moment, use discount code FITFREK to get an extra 10% off.
Containing over 20g per serving, Bulk contains complete doses of ergogenic aids and a range of nootropics and stimulants to help enhance energy.
Why worry about pre-workouts?
They are just supplements after all... right?
Supplements, especially pre-workouts, have risks behind them.
The reason why pre-workouts are more picked on is that it contains stimulants.
Stimulants can easily be abused or misused.
Caffeine, which is in coffee, can be lethal when overdosed (usually this happens beyond 1 gram or more).
This is why teens should also look out and choose pre-workouts like these to be safe.
And make sure you're not taking a pre-workout that has gone bad.
Containing over 20g per serving, Bulk contains complete doses of ergogenic aids and a range of nootropics and stimulants to help enhance energy.
Why It's Safe:
Bulk stands out with its 210mg caffeine and 50mg theobromine, providing multiple sources of stimulants.
Additionally, there's 30mg of caffeine malate, a slow-digesting caffeine source that prolongs energy.
Bulk also contains Alpha GPC, a strong choline source for focus and mental energy.
Notably, it includes 360mg theanine, nearly double the caffeine dosage, ensuring a smooth energy boost and reduced jitters.
Other key ingredients are BCAAs, tyrosine, and beta-alanine.
You might feel tingles from the 4g dose of beta-alanine, which is normal and will subside over time. Like creatine, beta-alanine requires time to saturate in your body.
The formula also includes essential vitamins and is a vegan pre-workout.
Use discount code FITFREK for a special offer.
Pre Lab Pro has a simple but usable formula as it has less than 100mg caffeine along with other ingredients to help improve performance.
Pre Lab Pro is a vegan-friendly pre-workout from Opti-Nutra, a UK-based company known for clean formulations.
It's designed to provide smooth energy and intense focus with natural caffeine and L-Theanine.
While it's packed with vital nutrients, some ingredients like L-Citrulline may be in lower doses than typically required for maximum benefit. It includes Red Beet Powder for muscle efficiency and endurance.
Safety:
Low caffeine content and natural ingredients make it a safe choice for most individuals. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Kaged is a simple but effective formula with much-needed ingredients to improve performance and recovery for workouts.
Pre Kaged is an attractive option for those on a vegan diet, as the ingredients are vegan-friendly.
The scoops are huge, with each serving containing 28g, making it one of the biggest we've seen so far.
With BCAAs, caffeine, taurine, tyrosine, carbs, and vitamins, you'll have every advantage to perform at your best.
Pre Kaged started with only a few flavors but now offers many, with Cherry Bomb or Apple Krisp recommended.
Crazy Nutrition is a fairly new company but they seem to be off to a decent start with their Pre-Workout and other products.
Crazy Nutrition is a relatively new company, but they have made a strong start with their Pre-Workout and other products.
The Intensive Pre-Train is a safe and effective option for beginners, offering a balanced blend of ingredients without the risk of jitters or anxiety.
This pre-workout includes 7g of Citrulline Malate for improved blood flow and muscle pumps, 2.5g of Beta Alanine for endurance, and a variety of other ingredients that support performance, hydration, and focus.
With 200mg of caffeine and other stimulants, this pre-workout provides a moderate boost in energy, making it ideal for those new to pre-workouts or who prefer a milder option.
Despite being a new brand, Crazy Nutrition's Intensive Pre-Train has received positive reviews from many users.
Read more about Intensive Pre-Train here.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout
Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Pre-Workout is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts. Known for its clean formula, it includes ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, and caffeine. The company is transparent about dosages, ensuring they fall within safe and effective ranges.
Legion Pulse Pre Workout
Legion Pulse Pre Workout is another highly regarded supplement. It boasts a transparent label and a formula free from harmful substances. With a higher caffeine content, it's recommended that those sensitive to stimulants start with a half serving to assess tolerance.
Cellucor C4 Pre Workout
Cellucor's C4 Pre Workout is one of the most recognized pre-workouts. It contains a blend of ingredients designed to boost energy, focus, and performance. While it includes a proprietary blend, the key ingredients and their dosages are disclosed.
Gorilla Mode Nitric
Gorilla Mode Nitric is a stimulant-free pre-workout that focuses on enhancing pump and performance.
It features well-studied ingredients like citrulline and glycerol, with transparent dosages.
As a stimulant-free product, it's a great option for those sensitive to caffeine or who prefer to avoid stimulants.
Beyond Raw Lit Pre Workout
Beyond Raw Lit Pre Workout prides itself on clinical dosages and transparent labeling.
It contains a blend designed to enhance energy, focus, and pump.
As always, follow the recommended usage instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Bucked Up Pre Workout
Bucked Up Pre Workout includes a blend designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance.
The company is transparent about dosages, ensuring they fall within safe and effective ranges.
Dark Labs Pre Workouts
Dark Labs is known for its potent pre-workouts.
While they provide a significant energy boost, they also contain powerful stimulants that may not be suitable for everyone.
GAT Nitraflex Pre Workout
GAT Nitraflex is a pre-workout supplement that includes ingredients for energy, focus, and testosterone boosting.
While it has a proprietary blend, the key ingredients and their dosages are disclosed.
The Curse Pre Workout
The Curse Pre Workout contains a blend of ingredients designed to enhance energy, focus, and pump.
The company is transparent about dosages, ensuring they fall within safe and effective ranges.
Mr. Hyde Pre Workout
Mr. Hyde Pre Workout is known for its high stimulant content, providing a significant energy boost.
NO Explode Pre Workout
NO Explode Pre Workout contains a blend of ingredients designed to enhance energy, focus, and pump.
The company is transparent about dosages, ensuring they fall within safe and effective ranges.
NitroSurge Pre Workout
NitroSurge Pre Workout prides itself on a clean, science-backed formula.
It contains well-studied ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine, with transparent dosages.
Ghost Pre Workout
Ghost Pre Workout is a popular supplement known for its unique branding and effective formula.
It contains a blend of ingredients designed to enhance energy, focus, and pump.
The company is transparent about dosages, but it does contain a relatively high dose of caffeine. Those sensitive to stimulants should start with a half serving to assess tolerance.
When considering a pre-workout, there are two key factors to examine: the company and the ingredients.
Most pre-workouts aim to enhance energy and focus, but not all are created equal.
Recommended reading: Comprehensive Guide on Pre-Workouts
Certain stimulants can be risky.
For example, ephedrine was once popular for its appetite suppression and focus-enhancing effects but was banned by the FDA due to severe side effects, including anxiety and trouble sleeping.
The ECA stack (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin) was particularly notorious.
Risky Stimulant #4: DMBA
DMBA, also known as 1,3-dimethylbutylamine, is often marketed as a replacement for DMAA.
Despite its availability, it's not WADA compliant and isn't meant for human consumption.
You'll still find it in some pre-workouts, but it's best to avoid it, especially for competitive sports.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is another stimulant that can cause anxiety and jitters, particularly when combined with high caffeine levels.
While it's used for fat burning, it often causes more side effects than benefits for most people.
For a comprehensive list of ingredients to be cautious of, refer to the Operation Supplement Safety List by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Now that we've covered some risky ingredients, let's look at the safest ones.
Even these can be harmful in excessive doses, so stick to recommended amounts.
Here are some safe ingredients with their dosages:
The following pre-workouts are among the safest choices, featuring transparent labels and well-dosed ingredients:
These pre-workouts are designed to be safe and effective.
Always follow the instructions, avoid exceeding recommended doses, and do not consume other sources of caffeine on the same day.
Are Pre-Workouts Safe?
Yes, generally, pre-workouts are safe for healthy adults when used as directed.
However, always check the label to ensure there are no ingredients you might negatively react to. Avoid pre-workouts with high amounts of stimulants if you’re looking for something safe.
How to Ensure A Pre Workout Is Safe
The supplement industry is largely self-regulated, so you need to do your own research.
Look up reviews from reliable sources on social media, forums, and trusted websites. Typically, you can determine a pre-workout's safety by examining the label and dosages, but sometimes manufacturing errors or unsafe ingredients can occur.
It's wise to look for common themes in reviews and feedback.
What are the Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements?
Pre-workout supplements can enhance energy, focus, endurance, and muscle pump, helping you get the most out of your workouts.
Can I Take a Pre-Workout Supplement Every Day?
Taking a pre-workout supplement every day is generally safe, but it’s a good idea to cycle off every few weeks to prevent tolerance build-up, especially with caffeine.
What are the Side Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements?
Side effects can include jitters, insomnia, increased heart rate, and stomach upset, often due to high levels of caffeine and other stimulants.
What Time Should I Take My Pre-Workout Supplement?
It’s best to take your pre-workout supplement 20-30 minutes before your workout to allow the ingredients to take effect.
Can I Take a Pre-Workout Supplement on an Empty Stomach?
Yes, but this can increase the chance of side effects like stomach upset. If you have a sensitive stomach, take your pre-workout with a small snack.
What Should I Look for in a Pre-Workout Supplement?
Look for a supplement with a transparent label (no proprietary blends), effective doses of key ingredients, and positive customer reviews. Avoid products with ingredients you’re sensitive to.
Can I Take a Pre-Workout Supplement if I’m Sensitive to Caffeine?
Yes, there are stimulant-free pre-workout supplements available.
These products can still enhance your workout without the jitters or crash associated with caffeine.
Do Pre-Workout Supplements Expire?
Yes, like all supplements, pre-workouts have an expiration date.
Using them before this date ensures maximum potency and safety. For more on this topic, read about if pre-workouts can go bad.
Can Pre-Workout Supplements Cause a Failed Drug Test?
Most pre-workout supplements won’t cause a failed drug test.
However, some may contain ingredients banned by certain sports organizations. Always check the label if you’re a competitive athlete.
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About FitFrekFitFrek operates as an independent platform, offering comprehensive workouts, programs, routines, guides, and unbiased reviews to accelerate your progress. We pride ourselves on our honesty, delivering straightforward and candid insights. FitFrek does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment services.
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