INSANE STIM-JUNKIE PWO
From the most intense energy to the strongest focus, here are the hardest-hitting pre-workouts you can buy now.
Most of these pre-workouts contain more than 300mg of caffeine and exotic stimulants, making them the most qualified to be considered the stim-junkie, stim-addict type of energy.
The formulas here are strong and they are made for experienced users.
The energy and experience are way beyond what an average pre-workout feels like.
Starting off with the 3 strongest choices, followed by the rest of the list below.
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Strongest
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Urgency
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DMAA & Pumps
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Stimulants:
300mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 200mg Caffeine Citrate, 300mg Eria Jarensis, 200mg DMHA, 100mg DMAA, 50mg Hordenine, 1mg Alpha Yohimbine.
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Stimulants:
Caffeine, DMHA, Eria Jarensis, Hordenine, Alpha Yohimbine, l-Phenylalanine, Theobromine
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Stimulants:
400mg Caffeine, 120mg DMAA
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Discount code:
FITFREK
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Discount code:
FITFREK
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Discount code:
FITFREK
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Looking for the latest and hardest-hitting pre-workouts?
Then here’s a list of the newest potent options to date...
The above list shows you the best pre-workouts this month, while the list below will show you the complete list.
Herolean from Dark Labs is considered to be the strongest thermogenic pre-workout with not only DMAA but also DMHA and eria jarensis.
If you can get past the yohimbine, this is one of the best to use.
There's also this store that has this and a nice combo deal can be found here.
With DMHA, GABA, and more, this is a good replacement for Dark Energy.
If you really wanted to make it like Dark Energy, you could add in your own DMAA from BulkStimulants and it would be exactly the same. Check out our review here.
Nutricartel has two exclusive flavors, Godly Peach & Red Gummy, which you can find here.
SuppsCentral also carries Zeus.
If you want a daily driver pre workout with 300mg caffeine, featuring a fully transparent and legit label, then consider this limited edition pre workout from Transparent Labs, Bulk Black.
Helios delivers superb focus, mood elevation, and intense energy without side effects.
Coming out of the Polish company, Dark Labs, Crack Reloaded is the first pre workout without DMAA and DMHA.
It's loaded with 500mg eria jarensis, and a load of stimulants to help provide aggressive focus along with decent pumps.
Also available from this store and here, as well as MySupplementPlug, and SuppsCentral.
Crack is one of the popular pre-workouts and is one of the few good DMAA pre-workouts. Crack packs 120mg DMAA along with nitrates and nitric oxide boosters.
Smack is a productive pre workout with steady mood elevation and a great combination of ingredients to provide strong long lasting energy and pumps.
El Jefe LTD is the 3rd limited edition pre workout coming from ASC Supplements.
Hooligan is the caffeine powered pre workout from Apollon Nutrition and it doesn't use any exotic stimulants.
Assassin v7 is the next best pre workout coming from Apollon Nutrition
Flame v3 is much more for euphoria and focus while Flame v2 is much more physical and aggressive in energy.
Memorial Day sale: 20% off, no code needed but save an extra 15% with coupon code FITFREK
Wrecked is one of the few pre-workouts with 8g of pure citrulline and it packs over 30g of ingredients per serving.
Gulag is a surprising pre-workout that can give some crazy mood uplift that is rarely experienced with pre-workouts, and although it has a prop blend, caffeine is dosed around 300mg per scoop.
Memorial Day sale: 20% off, no code needed but save an extra 15% with coupon code FITFREK
Wrecked Enraged is the stim junkies version of the original Wrecked, with 400mg of caffeine and a bunch of stims that'll get you in an aggressive motivated mood.
Made our top list for DMAA supplements. This is the next best thing to Dark Energy, the feeling is similar in mood elevation. Wild Fire notes DMAA on the label, but it's questionable as it can barely be felt. It also has 350mg caffeine and a good nice dose of citrulline for pumps.
Back in stock but in very limited quantity and a little pricey. Check out this list for alternatives. Crack Gold is a mix of potential performance enhancers along with both DMHA and DMAA. Discount codes won't work here.
While this is a high energy pre workout, the DMAA content is questionable as it's barely felt.
We thought Apollon Nutrition has done it all by now. TimeCop is packed with one of the biggest formulas with nootropics and nitric oxide boosters in one blend.
Chaotic Rage is made to break PR's although the label doesn't look overwhelming, it is a strong pre-workout that gives good euphoria and focus along with super good energy.
MuscleForce has created one of the most balanced stim-junkie experiences here with Defiant Unleashed, making it easily one of the best pre-workouts and it has great euphoric vibes.
I personally tested hundreds of pre-workouts and have researched for months on the lookout for the best.
If you prefer a video version, check this out.
If you want pre-workouts without creatine, then read this.
If you want something for beginners, then check this.
You can stack any of these pre-workouts with a non-stim nitric oxide booster.
Other good products to the stack are any of these anabolic supplements or these muscle-building stacks.
These are the best, strongest, most stim-junkie-friendly pre-workouts:
The pre-workouts listed in this post go to show that a stim-junkie formula isn't just about the caffeine or the energy, it's about the overall experience.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Chaos and Pain is bringing back the glory days of AMPeD by bringing it back to life, with more stimulants than ever. It features 400mg DMHA, 450mg caffeine, and 500mg eria jarensis, along with a bunch of pump ingredients, this is one of the craziest stim-junkie pre-workouts we've seen so far.
Chaos and Pain have always been a hardcore company.
Just when you think they can't take things any further, they've done the unthinkable.
Cannibal Ferox Amped is the most potent DMHA pre-workout we've seen to date.
Our review can be found here.
This is a strong DMHA pre-workout that has fantastic mood elevation, high energy, and great pumps but without making you feel like you're on the edge of a heart attack.
The list of stimulants in here is hardcore and they are fully dosed for a stim-junkie to enjoy. You can find the ingredient breakdown of AMPeD Ferox here.
Ferox Amped also has non-stimulant energy enhancers that are interesting like Zynamite, which is an ingredient that is made to increase physical and mental energy without being a stimulant.
Along with fat-burning ingredients, there's just a strong list of ingredients in here and it has the most DMHA at 400mg along with 500mg eria jarensis so motivation and mood will be peaked here.
While this is a high energy pre workout, the DMAA content is questionable as it's barely felt.
Similar to the best DMAA pre-workouts, this contains a high dose of DMAA at 115mg.
Not only that, but it also has 300mg caffeine, super synephrine, juniper berry, ephedra, and hordenine.
Hordenine will prolong the effects of the stimulants that it's taken with, so you'll be less likely to experience a crash.
Final Call is most likely just too strong for most people as it'll make you sweat buckets and feel over-energized.
It also has a solid mix of nootropics and ergogenic aids, so pumps and nitric oxide are going to be good with this.
Flame v3 is much more for euphoria and focus while Flame v2 is much more physical and aggressive in energy.
If you like Eria Jarensis, then you'll like Flame.
You've never seen this much eria jarensis combined with BPEA, leading to some potent euphoria and mood enhancements.
Dark Labs makes insanely strong pre-workouts and they've been successfully bringing the heat by creating potent formulas.
Herolean is one of them and you'll see why in our review here.
Flame is one of the pre-workouts offered by Dark Labs and it's a strong formula powered by dosages that we haven't seen before.
It's packed with 300mg eria jarensis, a mood-enhancing pea variant that can work well especially when it's combined with other stimulants.
In Flame, it combines a few hard-hitting stimulants like 400mg caffeine, 300mg DMHA, 300mg Theobroma cacao extract, and much more.
Although it isn't marketed as a fat burner it would compete well because it fat burning ingredients like 25mg naringin, and 1.5mg alpha yohimbine.
Pumps and endurance are not forgotten thanks to the big 1g dose of creational-o-phosphate (COP) and 1g agmatine.
Agmatine is great for pumps and it can also boost mood so it'll help you stay motivated.
This is easily one of the best pre-workouts for mood and energy support, you can read the Flame review here.
The Power is easily one of the most urgent pre workouts we've come across.
Urgency, aggressiveness and focus are the highlights of this pre workout.
Although it's DMHA based, it definitely feels like something more.
Another store that has this is SuppsCentral.
When it comes to aggressive pre-workouts, there are barely any that come to mind.
Urgency and focus are what The "Russian" Power delivers.
Although it's made with a big proprietary blend it's a strong pre-workout.
The mix of stimulants provides various levels of energy and focus, from hard hitters to slow ones.
So the energy is going to drive you from all levels and angles.
And although this is a stim-focused pre-workout, the pumps are still there and they are good.
The mood enhancement and cognitive function will help you move forward and grind with full force.
Shortly after drinking this, you'll feel a sense of urgency kicking in that comes with a bit of aggression, but in a good way.
The "Russian" Power pre-workout is one of the best for its urgency-like energy and strong focus.
There are no side effects, and it lasts for hours.
In fact, after about 5-6 hours, you'll still feel fully energized and focused.
It's seriously that good and we tend to underestimate it when we take a break from it and use it again.
El Jefe LTD is the 3rd limited edition pre workout coming from ASC Supplements.
El Jefe is a sweet name for a pre-workout, but that's not why it's here.
This pre-workout contains all kinds of ergogenic aids, nitric oxide boosters, and stimulants to help power you through not only your workouts but also your days.
El Jefe is strong.
The citrulline malate combination with 4g beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine, and 1.5g Nitrosigine will lead to some nasty pumps.
And on top of that, there's 150mg ElevATP, to help with ATP production.
Also, there are 8 stimulants in here, including DMHA and Eria Jarensis.
While these are in a prop blend, we have tried this pre-workout and it's definitely properly dosed.
It's on par with other high DMHA and eria jarensis pre-workouts.
It would be a nasty stack if you used ASC nitric oxide booster, which can be found here.
Or if you wanted to add some strong non-stimulant thermogenic ingredients, you can add their Caliente.
Check out our El Jefe review here.
El Jefe on its own is a very strong pre-workout with some nice nitric oxide boosters, but combined with Sicario, especially the limited-time edition would be the ultimate pre-workout stack.
Hooligan is the caffeine powered pre workout from Apollon Nutrition and it doesn't use any exotic stimulants.
Hooligan is another pre-workout from Apollon Nutrition on this list.
It's the little cousin of Assassin but it doesn't have exotic stimulants and contains the most effective ergogenic aids.
This means you'll be getting intense pumps while providing energy that will last almost all day.
Expect yourself to outlast everyone else in the gym with this, because endurance is crazy good too.
It also has a decent mix of nootropics and stimulants.
Hooligan is literally packed with the most effective ingredients to have in a pre-workout without overdoing it with anything.
There are also a few types of caffeine to help reduce crashes and help enhance energy through different levels.
Hooligan does hit hard, and you'll find our review here.
Crack is one of the longest-selling DMAA pre-workouts and it comes from a reputable company.
There's absolutely no pre-workout like Crack.
It hits hard and it hits fast.
Crack has 120mg DMAA along with nitrates, nitric oxide boosters, and 400mg caffeine.
There are also other pre-workouts from Dark Labs like Crack Reloaded.
Crack Reloaded is the first of its kind from Dark Labs.
It doesn't have DMHA or DMAA, but yet it rocks 500mg eria jarensis, a load of stims, and lots of energy to spare.
The focus is absolutely incredible, and the formula is well-built together.
Check out my review here.
And my video review can be found here.
It's full of stimulants, but it also hasn't forgotten about pumps as it has 6g citrulline malate and a full gram of agmatine sulfate.
While Crack Reloaded sounds like another reloaded and rehashed pre-workout, it's not.
When has Dark Labs disappointed anyone?
Crack Reloaded:
And Dark Labs has other pre-workouts.
Like Flame, a DMHA pre-workout with 500mg Eria Jarensis is more focused on smooth euphoric energy.
Crack Gold has 2 strong nitric oxide boosters, along with exotic stimulants, so you're looking at one of the strongest pre-workouts on the market.
But something to be aware of is that DMAA has a bit of a risk for elevating blood pressure when going over 80mg.
However, that becomes less of an issue as nitric oxide boosters expand blood vessels, allowing for more blood flow and oxygen to be delivered to working muscles.
There are some nitric oxide ingredients so you'll feel some nice pumps.
It includes citrulline malate, and agmatine.
Click here to read our review of the original Crack.
The original Crack is made for pumps, and it has really smooth energy.
Or if you want something for fat burning, consider Herolean.
Crack Gold is made for stim-junkies as you'll see why in our review here.
Assassin v7 is the next best pre workout coming from Apollon Nutrition
Assassin v7 is the latest pre-workout from Apollon Nutrition.
From the things you wouldn't expect, like 2 forms of caffeine, to a huge 4g dose of citrulline, 3.5g beta-alanine, 2.5g betaine, and more, Assassin is a monster of a formula.
The stimulant blend contains quite a few stims similar to Double Impact...
Including 650mg caffeine and 300mg eria jarensis, but it goes beyond caffeine with 300mg DMHA and 500mg Phenylethylamine.
These 2 ingredients, along with the nootropics and ergogenic aids have very strong mental supporting benefits.
The big 200mg dose of di-caffeine malate will help prolong these effects, along with the benefit of making the stimulants last longer.
For pumps, it has 4g citrulline, 2.5g betaine anhydrous, and 1g agmatine.
In comparison, Hooligan is great if you're looking for solid energy without exotic stimulants, and if you want to go all out, then go with Assassin v7.
And Apollon just keeps coming out with new flavors for this version.
Recently, a new NutriCartel version just came out, the Cherry Cola version.
Deciding between Assassin and Hooligan might be a tough choice.
But what if you could have both?
Assassin is meant to be taken for the hardest workouts, whether you're trying to break your PR for compound lifts or lift high volume, like bodybuilding style, this is the perfect pre-workout to use.
Assassin is easily one of the best pre-workouts for all-around energy, pumps, and mood support.
The difference between Assassin and Hooligan is that Assassin is more of a stim junkie type of pre-workout if you're looking for the strongest energy and focus.
Assassin is meant to be taken for the hardest workouts, whether you're trying to break your PR for compound lifts or lift high volume, like bodybuilding style, this is the perfect pre-workout to use.
Check out the ingredient breakdown here.
Use discount code FITFREK.
DMAA won't be available for long as this will be discontinued soon. So stock up!
Turn any caffeinated pre-workout into an exotic one with bulk DMAA from BulkStimulants.
The only downside is that you need a milligram scale or you won't be able to accurately measure it but you'll have months worth of DMAA.
This is the same site that supplies the mood enhancing Eria Jarensis, and the aggressive stimulant Amp Citrate.
So you want to turn any pre-workout into a DMAA one?
Then this is the choice for you.
With pure bulk DMAA, or with DMHA, you can turn any pre-workout into a potent one.
Or you can make your own by buying bulk powders, including caffeine.
It's the one and only as no other vendor sells exotic stimulants like this.
Use a milligram scale like this one because the 5mg scoop it comes with is basically useless, the powder can clump up, and with something as strong as DMAA, you need to be as precise as possible.
Now with DMAA, you can take anywhere from 20mg to 75mg (safely, without elevating blood pressure) and you'll feel the effects elevate around 60 minutes after consuming.
It'll last for 4 hours, and you'll feel an increase of energy, stronger than caffeine of course, and along with that, you'll feel more motivated, clear-minded, and stimulated.
This is a good chance to buy DMAA in bulk so you can have it in storage for a long time, and you can turn any boring pre-workout into an exotic one with this.
For example, any of these beginner-friendly pre-workouts would be great with about 50-70mg DMAA or 200mg DMHA.
Just remember to be safe and use a milligram scale.
Similarly, you can get DMHA and eria jarensis from the same store.
Of course, this is only meant for people who know what they are doing and have a measuring scale.
You can't eye out the servings, you need a scale.
As I've shared in my review, you'll want to use it in pre-workouts that don't already have DMAA.
Excelsior has been one of the harder pre workouts to find due to it's supply shortage.
This has been the strongest pre workouts over the past few years but recently it's been hard to recommend because of it's shortage.
Update November 2021 - feb 2023: It's been nearly a year since Excelsior hasn't been available in the U.S. It's time to consider the alternatives. Check out Gulag, a mood enhancing pre workout.
Or check out the list of where to buy banned pre-workouts.
But meanwhile, we have found something comparable, and maybe even better because it's half the price of Excelsior: check out Phenta Plex.
With Phenta Plex, you'll get crazy strong energy and focus for more than 10 hours at a time.
You can get Plex from here.
Or check out Power by Badass Labz, which feels much stronger than an actual pre-workout with DMHA and caffeine.
Excelsior can also be found in the UK but it's nearly $100...
Back to Excelsior...
This along with Craze (from Driven Sports) will go down as some of the most controversial pre-workouts to exist.
Excelsior has the same focus and energy that the original Craze had.
No, we're not referring to the reformulated versions like Craze V2, or CRZ OG.
We're talking about the original Craze from 2010. The OG.
Excelsior has a similar euphoric feel as the original Craze once had.
The same build-up of energy, the same happy “feels” and you won't want to leave the gym.
The energy lasts for hours.
People report they can't sleep if they take it after 3 pm (again similar to what Craze users reported).
I personally can't sleep until 3 am if I take it after 12 pm.
While it has DMHA and a few other ingredients, it is nothing like any other product that has similar ingredients.
And the appetite suppression is incredibly strong.
Pizza will no longer be appealing, and forget the craving for junk food.
You'll probably forget to eat.
There's definitely something more than the ingredient label shows.
The feeling is sort of like an amphetamine type feel, with a ton of focus and a speedy feeling to it.
There's a bit of a mood uplift, but there's also a crash after a few hours.
I wouldn't take this more than once a month because honestly it's strong in effects and I don't think it's worth risking my well-being
Expect to pay around 50 (or about 60-70 if you're outside the US)
That's around $1.5 per serving.
It's worth it for some feel-good energy and motivation.
But if you're prone to depression, you may want to look for another pre-workout because once you've used a lot of Excelsior, you'll be going through some nasty withdrawals.
This is why you should limit usage or not use it at all if you know you can't help it.
It's available worldwide, throughout the UK and the US.
Try Excelsior and look no further, before you find this Craze replacement gone.
(If you're from the UK or live near it, check it out in this UK store)
Or alternatively, you can get it from MusclePlayers.
If you're prone to depression, I recommend trying something else as this may have a strong crash after a few hours.
This is only for experienced users who know what they are doing.
If you're ordering this in April 2021 and beyond, you're getting a fresh batch.
It may be the same exact feeling or it may be altered in a way.
To recap, here are the strongest pre-workouts...
This is what we think is the best of the best:
These are all pre-workouts that have above-average amounts of energy, and most of them are monstrous when it comes to dosages.
There are also quite a few pre-workouts that didn't make the cut. But if you're looking for pre-workouts for sustainable, daily use, then check out this list.
A strong pre-workout isn't always ideal.
Bodybuilders will often go for a stim-free pre-workout so they can work out for hours without the dreaded crash or blood constriction of stimulants.
The roller coaster of energy is not worth the withdrawals…
If you're looking for pre-workouts for teens, then check out this list.
So this here is a serious matter.
Most people will happily go day to day and survive their hectic and stressful lives with stress-inducing stimulants.
Those stress-inducing stimulants will have your heart pumping harder than ever, your stress levels will be higher and you'd certainly be sleep deprived.
Now for us bodybuilders, our lives are already full of stress already and though training has us feeling happy, we're not allowing our bodies to get full REM sleep cycles.
So when it comes to cycling supplements, you should most certainly be cycling pre-workouts (with stimulants).
If you're not already taking your basic supplements like ZMA and creatine, then you might not be making the most out of these pre-workouts.
Magnesium can potentiate the effects of caffeine (and other drugs) it's an NMDA antagonist.
These are the most important ingredients in strong pre-workouts that support mood, motivation, and energy.
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most proven and researched stimulants in pre-workouts.
It's a common ingredient and it's the driving force behind any pre-workout that isn't stim-free.
Caffeine is an energy booster and it can also enhance focus, alertness, and even fat loss. [1, 2]
Research has also found caffeine to increase metabolism and suppress appetite. [3]
Any dose from 40 to 300mg can improve mental function, while doses higher than 200mg will enhance physical function. [4]
Typically research recommends anywhere from 5mg to 6mg per kg of body weight can increase performance.
That's about 380mg of caffeine for someone who weighs 165 lbs. [5]
The normal form of caffeine is quick to digest but there are also other forms that vary in speed.
Caffeine citrate is supposed to be faster acting than regular caffeine, while caffeine malate is the slowest digesting.
Typically pre-workouts will have multiple forms of caffeine to ensure a steady flow of fast and slow-digesting energy.
DMAA
We have an entire guide on DMAA here.
This is a stimulant that's supposed to be banned but it's still widely available on the market.
As of 2021, Dark Energy and Static Labz are completely discontinued as it's rumored that they've been raided by the FDA.
DMAA is known as 1,3-Dimethylamylamine, and it's an extract of geranium.
It's a stimulant that's commonly used in strong pre-workouts.
It's been promoted and marketed as a fat-burning ingredient but the energy effects are where this stimulant shines.
How it works exactly is unknown but it's understood that it imitates adrenaline and can increase dopamine production. [6]
DMHA
DMHA is known as 2-aminoisoheptane and it belongs to a class of aliphatic amines.
Sometimes it's labeled as plain DMHA, but there are really 2 forms of this stimulant and that's 2-amino-5-methylheptane and 2-amino-6-methylheptane.
The euphoric form leans more on the side of 2-amino-5 while 2-amino-6-methylheptane is provides aggressive energy.
This is still a fairly new stimulant but the accepted dose is anywhere from 100-150mg, while some pre-workouts go as high as 200-300mg.
Eria Jarensis
Eria jarensis is a PEA-based ingredient that's standardized to the constituent n-phenethyl dimethylamine (n-methyl-pea)
It functions as a potent neuromodulator and it provides some nice smooth but strong euphoria.
Doses can vary from 150 to 200mg but some pre-workouts have gone as high as 500mg.
Again there isn't enough research to state a safe dosage.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a precursor to the most important neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) [7]
It can alleviate stress and help you handle stressful situations better. [8, 9]
This ingredient is important to have for maximum energy which is why it's often used alongside caffeine since caffeine can release these neurotransmitters and tyrosine can help produce them. [10]
We've found a pre-workout that just may replace Craze.
You can see it here.
After years of searching and going through many pre-workouts…
None of them ever came close, not even Driven Sport's latest Frenzy (and forget about Craze V2)
Craze was the only pre-workout that could produce that awesome tunnel focus along with strong euphoria, although there were more than likely to be banned substances in it.
So you'd like to have some of that tunnel focus again, which is possible, though the euphoria aka “feel good energy” may not be there.
Check out the list for the best alternative for Craze.
It definitely has something that's not listed on the profile.
Pre-Workouts We Don't Recommend:
Our least favorite (the worst you can get), is 4 Gauge (laughable dosages) and Yeah Buddy (sorry Ronnie, but this is just caffeine with everything else being under-dosed).
Ronnie's Yeah Buddy is better than 4 Gauge, but it still could use a few major tweaks, and it would probably be better the better choice compared to a cup of coffee.
You're better off making your own pre workout than buying those.
Most certainly yes.
Remember the first time you took your first pre-workout?
Maybe it barely had stimulants, but it certainly had you jumping from one set to the next with barely any rest.
And after months and months of sipping on pwo's, you've got yourself asking…
“Why isn't it working as well as it did the first time? Should I be switching pre-workouts?”
And there begins the hardcore stim user who is soon asking what's stronger than Mr. Hyde and why C4 is the worst pre out there.
Most people don't read into the labels of pre-workouts but they clearly state “do not use more than 4-6 weeks”.
They don't mean don't use “Mr. Hyde” for more than 4-6 weeks, they mean lay off the stims!
What happens when you need more than 300mg of caffeine?
It's just not sustainable…
A simple 1 to 2 week off stimulants will have you feeling amped when you have your pre-workout again.
It takes 24 to 48 hours for the withdrawals to start, and it hits its peak at around 4 days.
So really if you only take your pre-workout 2-3 times a week, and assuming it's got moderate stimulants (less than 300mg of caffeine and less than 50mg of other stimulants generally), you should be okay for up to 8 weeks.
But if you're taking stim-heavy pre-workouts 3-4 times a week with coffee / other stimulants and haven't taken a break for more than 4 weeks, then it's truly time to take a 1-2 week break.
This really needs an article on its own as this is general advice.
The bottom line is if you want your pre-workouts to hit hard for those demanding workouts, then you need to use those pre-workouts only for those sessions.
Try using a stim-free pre-workout as that will still have strong performance-enhancing ingredients.
You can still use a bit of caffeine (50mg to 150mg) if you're truly sluggish without it.
These types of pre-workouts will always have their place in the industry.
But I can see a shift from caffeine to other stimulants.
Caffeine is overrated.
And Craze (though possibly contained a type of amphetamine) and many other pre-workouts have proved that it's possible to have a potent pre-workout without reliance on caffeine.
Check out the best pre-workouts for muscle gains if you're sick of stimmed-up pre-workouts.
Leave a comment below, and let me know what you think of these pre-workouts or if I missed any…
Remember to take basic supplements like ZMA and creatine to make the most out of these.
You can stack any pre-workout with any stimulant-free (no caffeine) nitric oxide supplement (See our nitric oxide buying guide).
Yes and no.
The strongest pre-workout isn't always optimal.
Studies have shown 300mg of caffeine is the best dose for performance, but there's little research on exotic stimulants that are mixed together like these.
How much you can handle should be assessed by taking half or less of the recommended servings.
More is not always better.
Advanced bodybuilders may avoid these heavy stimulant pre-workouts.
They'd opt for non-stimulant pre workouts as they won't constrict blood flow as much as these hard-hitting pre-workouts.
Imagine trying to do 350lb squats with your heart already pounding from taking a heavy cocktail of stimulants?
So…
Unless you want to lay in bed for many days in a row feeling drained as a peach that is out of its season, don't abuse these pre-workouts.
You don't want to be a slave for stimulants.
My advice: don't use them more than 3 times (4 max) a week or don't take them for longer than 6-8 weeks without taking 2-3 weeks off them.
Get another pre-workout with none to moderate stimulants like Transparent Labs Bulk or any pre-workout with less than 300mg caffeine.
Because once you go off these hard hitters, you'll feel so drained and tired that you'll feel completely useless on the days that you don't take these.
You won't even be able to do basic functions, let alone workouts.
Limit your caffeine sources.
You don't want to have your usual cup of coffee when you take a pre-workout.
If you're wondering where our “best pre-workouts for women” are, well you're already looking at the right list.
There's no such thing as a pre-workout for women.
If you can handle 300mg caffeine along with DMAA and/or other stimulants (check out our DMAA top 10 lists here) and then you're fine with any of these pre-workouts.
You should always assess your tolerance with less than half a scoop before you take a full serving of any pre-workout.
You may even benefit from just taking half servings throughout the entire bottle.
So ladies, forget the color of the bottle, don't fall for the pink labels and flashy marketing.
Just get anything that you can handle, and test it out with half a serving or even less.
Pre-workout supplements are designed to help you maximize your time in the gym and attack those weight racks! Some of the benefits you might experience are improved endurance, increased energy, better focus, and decreased muscle breakdown during your workout.
For optimal results, it's generally recommended to take your pre-workout supplement 15-30 minutes before your workout. This allows the ingredients enough time to kick in.
Yes, pre-workout supplements are generally safe for most people. However, these pre-workouts listed here are super potent because not only do they have caffeine but they also have other stimulants as well.
While it's not dangerous to take pre-workout on an empty stomach, it can cause nausea in some people. If you have a sensitive stomach, try eating a small snack before taking your supplement.
Yes, it's a good idea to cycle off pre-workout supplements every 6-8 weeks. This helps prevent your body from building up a tolerance to the ingredients, ensuring you get the maximum benefits.
Yes, but keep in mind that pre-workout supplements often contain caffeine, which can interfere with your sleep if taken too close to bedtime. If you workout in the evening, consider a caffeine-free pre-workout.
When choosing a pre-workout supplement, look for ingredients that support your specific fitness goals. For example, if you're looking to build muscle, choose a pre-workout with ingredients like BCAAs and creatine. If you're looking for endurance, look for ingredients like beta-alanine and citrulline.
No, not all pre-workout supplements are the same. They can vary greatly in terms of ingredients and effects. Some are designed to increase energy, while others are focused on boosting performance or building muscle.
Yes, pre-workout supplements can be beneficial for any type of workout, not just weightlifting. They can help increase your energy and endurance, which can be particularly helpful for long cardio sessions.
Some people may experience side effects like jitteriness, increased heart rate, or upset stomach from pre-workout supplements, particularly those high in caffeine. Always start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance.
What Pre-Workout Has The Highest Caffeine?
So far, Hooligan has the highest at 650mg, and it doesn't have any exotic stimulants or banned (or not approved for WADA) substances.
What's The Best Pre Workout for Bodybuilders?
Bodybuilders typically need something for muscle building and motivation.
Something like Hooligan would be great but Wrecked and Bulk are also good choices.
What's The Best Pre Workout for Powerlifters?
Hooligan again would be great for powerlifters but another great choice would be Wrecked Extreme.
Which pre-workouts have been banned?
A few years back, the FDA banned Jack3d.
Then came the ban wave on DMAA around 2017, with the FDA mostly targeting Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals and Blackstone Labs.
Now in 2021, Dark Energy and Static Labz have been raided and DMAA may be in danger.
More DMAA products may go off the market in 2021.
Why is Caffeine Always the Primary Stimulant?
Caffeine promotes wakefulness and improves performance like no other stimulant as it's been proven time and time again for its usefulness.
This is why it's combined with other stimulants.
Can I take pre-workout on a full stomach?
No, we recommend waiting at least 1-2 hours after eating (depending on the meal size) before taking a pre-workout.
The ingredients are best absorbed on an empty stomach.
Can I use The Strongest Pre Workouts For Cardio?
Yes, but it wouldn't be optimal. You don't want your heart racing 100 beats per minute before you even start your cardio session.
So taking a quarter scoop or a regular pre-workout with just caffeine would be better.
What Are The Strongest Muscle Builders?
However, if you're looking for something hardcore, check out these lists:
We don't recommend using these hardcore muscle builders if you're a beginner, or if you're under 22 years old.
These types of pre workouts are more than enough to give you an advantage for gains with a properly designed program.
We're not saying these will 100% work for you. But these are just buying guides with recommendations.
Even creatine, a well-researched supplement, doesn't work for some people.
