When it comes to pre-workouts...
There are so many ways a company can go about with formulations.
This means you don't need to have certain ingredients to have a great workout.
You're here because you don't want creatine in your pre-workout.
It's a cheap ingredient to get in bulk so there's no reason why you can't have the choice to include it in your pre-workout or not.
Here we've collected the best pre-workouts without creatine...
Wrecked is one of the few pre-workouts with 8g of pure citrulline and it packs over 30g of ingredients per serving.
Containing over 20g per serving, Bulk contains complete doses of ergogenic aids and a range of nootropics and stimulants to help enhance energy.
We've looked and tried many pre-workouts and have found the best ones.
These pre-workouts without creatine will help reduce fatigue and improve performance and focus.
After months of research and testing, these are the ones that you should consider without creatine:
Wrecked is one of the few pre-workouts with 8g of pure citrulline and it packs over 30g of ingredients per serving.
Wrecked is one of the best pre-workouts to come out recently.
Not only is it a monster formula, but it is disclosed completely.
Not a single ingredient is under a prop blend, it’s what we like to see.
It uses ingredients that will help with pumps, energy, and focus.
The stimulant blend starts with a big dose of caffeine at 300mg along with other forms of stimulants.
And it continues with eria jarensis, theobromine, and alpha yohimbine.
Wrecked also helps with pumps and size by using a huge blend of ergogenic aids like 8g citrulline, 3.5g beta-alanine, 3g betaine anhydrous, and much more.
This blend of stimulants and performance aids will help with long-lasting pumps and energy from all angles.
Use 10% off coupon code FITFREK.
Containing over 20g per serving, Bulk contains complete doses of ergogenic aids and a range of nootropics and stimulants to help enhance energy.
PreSeries Bulk is one of those pre workouts that'll never fade away.
It's not a “buy it once, get the amazing-energy, and build up tolerance” type of preworkout.
It has no hype or marketing that leads it to it's success.
Because it's jam packed with massive but proven doses of ingredients like 6 grams of citrulline malate, 4 grams of beta alanine, 4 grams of BCAA's, 2.5 grams of betaine anhydrous, and a whole lot more.
Consider: Best Pre-Workouts without Beta-Alanine
Not to mention the nootropic and energy aspect…
It has 500mg of choline, 180mg of caffeine, and a little bit of theanine for Jedi-like focus.
21 ingredients all to support one goal and that's muscle gains!
PreSeries Bulk is one pre workout that is made with future-proof ingredients.
Testosterone support, nitric oxide boosters, BCAA's, this has got it all.
It gives some nice smooth, long lasting energy however with the help of the massively dosed l-theanine and caffeine.
Bulk is one pre workout that can seriously enhance performance and recovery.
If you can't handle the beta-alanine, try PreSeries Lean which has less beta alanine and less BCAA's but features a fat burning blend.
Hooligan is a strong pre-workout coming from Apollon Nutrition, with balanced pumps, and focus, and doesn't use any exotic stimulants.
It’s hard to find a pre workout that is not only strong, but has a reputation for clean formulas without being too expensive.
Hooligan is the solution to these problems.
It uses a monster dose of caffeine at 600mg, along with performance aids including lion’s mane, alpha GPC and betaine HCl.
Nothing is underdosed.
It’s a lot and if you haven’t taken more than 300mg caffeine before, then you’ll definitely want to start with half a scoop.
This is easily one of the best pre workouts to get without exotic stimulants, and it even performs better than most exotic pre workouts.
Read our Hooligan Pre-Workout review here.
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.
Transparent Labs Bulk Black is a pre-workout supplement designed for those who crave a stronger kick before hitting the gym.
It's marketed as a hard-hitting, clinically dosed pre-workout supplement with 100% formula transparency.
This pre-workout is perfect for those who want a strong daily driver, meaning it can be used regularly while still providing a great workout without the side effects of a much stronger pre-workout.
The energy surge from Bulk Black hits hard within minutes and it's fast. Packing a solid 300mg of caffeine, it stands out in the Transparent Labs lineup.
Despite the hard-hitting energy, there's no crash. It's like riding a high-speed train that slows smoothly as it approaches the station.
The formula is a powerhouse of 17 ingredients, including citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine, l-tyrosine, alphasize alpha-gpc, caffeine anhydrous, l-theanine, theobromine, astragin, infinergy dicaffeine malate, and boron.
These are the game-changers, the ones that deliver the physical and mental benefits you can feel.
El Jefe Guerilla by Xtremis Cartel is a meticulously formulated pre-workout supplement designed to enhance endurance, energy, and focus. Its blend of ingredients offers a comprehensive approach to workout optimization, making it a compelling choice for advanced users
El Jefe Guerilla by Xtremis Cartel is a pre-workout supplement for serious users.
It's a potent blend of ingredients aims to enhance your workout performance, providing sustained energy, improved focus, and impressive pumps.
The formulation of El Jefe Guerilla includes Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, and Arginine Nitrate, three ingredients known for their performance-enhancing effects.
Citrulline Malate is a compound consisting of citrulline, a nonessential amino acid, and malate, a compound found in apples.
It can improve blood flow and reduce muscle soreness.
Beta-Alanine is a nonessential amino acid naturally produced in the body.
It's a popular ingredient in pre-workout supplements because it enhances muscular endurance. Arginine Nitrate is a compound that combines the amino acid arginine with nitrate.
Arginine Nitrate provides a direct source of nitrate, which the body can convert into nitric oxide.
One of the unique aspects of El Jefe Guerilla is the inclusion of Vasodrive-AP.
This patented ingredient enhances vasodilation, which can lead to improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles during exercise.
This can result in enhanced exercise performance and improved recovery. However, it's worth noting that while El Jefe Guerilla is packed with these beneficial ingredients, some of them may not be in sufficient quantities to provide their intended benefits.
Despite this, El Jefe Guerilla remains a popular choice for its potent formulation and the sustained energy, improved focus, and impressive pumps it provides.
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 pre-workout supplement that stands out for its clean, vegan-friendly formulation.
It supports your training and fitness goals by enhancing your physical strength and endurance.
The supplement contains natural caffeine derived from genuine coffee beans.
At 80 milligrams, the caffeine content is moderate, making it a suitable choice for those sensitive to stimulants or prefer a less intense energy boost.
This natural caffeine enhances your physical strength and endurance, helping you push through challenging workouts.
The formulation of Pre Lab Pro also includes L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine, two amino acids known for their cognitive-enhancing effects. L-Theanine promotes a relaxed state without inducing drowsiness, which can be beneficial during intense workouts that require focus and concentration.
On the other hand, L-Tyrosine aids in producing adrenaline and dopamine, potentially improving mental clarity and providing extra endurance during stressful activities like exercising.
This combination of ingredients is designed to provide a smooth energy boost and intense focus during workouts, without the common side effects of pre-workout supplements such as jitters or energy crashes.
One of the unique aspects of Pre Lab Pro is the inclusion of Red Beet Powder. Derived from beets, this ingredient is rich in valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
It has been shown to improve muscle efficiency and endurance, making it a valuable addition to a pre-workout supplement.
However, it's worth noting that while Pre Lab Pro is packed with these beneficial ingredients, some of them may not be in sufficient quantities to provide their intended benefits.
Despite this, Pre Lab Pro remains a popular choice for its clean, vegan-friendly formulation and the smooth, jitter-free energy boost it provides.
Crazy Nutrition is a fairly new company but they seem to be off to a decent start with their Pre-Workout and other products.
Intensive Pre-Train by Crazy Nutrition is a pre-workout supplement designed to elevate your workout performance.
It's a blend of ingredients crafted to provide the energy and focus you need to power through your routine.
With Crazy Nutrition's reputation for quality and effectiveness, you can trust that you're getting a supplement that delivers real results.
The formulation of Intensive Pre-Train includes Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, and Glycerol Monostearate, among other ingredients. Citrulline Malate, a potent nitric oxide booster, helps widen your blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach your muscles during workouts.
This can lead to improved performance, less muscle soreness, and faster recovery.
Beta-Alanine, a nonessential amino acid, is used by muscle cells to produce carnosine, which acts as an acid buffer during high-intensity exercise.
Increased carnosine levels can delay muscle fatigue, allowing you to push harder and longer during your workouts.
Intensive Pre-Train also includes Tyrosine and Taurine, two amino acids that play crucial roles in various bodily functions.
Tyrosine is known for its role in producing dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline neurotransmitters that can help improve focus and alertness, especially during stressful situations.
Taurine, on the other hand, is known for its role in regulating water and mineral levels in the blood. Despite its potent formulation, it's worth noting that Intensive Pre-Train includes Arginine AAKG, which may not be the most effective nitric oxide booster due to its absorption rates.
However, the overall formulation of Intensive Pre-Train makes it a solid choice for those seeking a pre-workout supplement to enhance their workout performance.
Creatine is a common ingredient in many pre-workout supplements due to its ability to increase muscle strength and size.
However, not everyone can or wants to use creatine.
Some people may experience side effects like bloating or stomach discomfort, while others may simply prefer to get their creatine from food sources or take it separately so they can control the dosage.
For these individuals, pre-workout supplements without creatine can be a great option.
Pre-workouts without creatine often contain a blend of other performance-enhancing ingredients. Here are some common ones:
Caffeine: This stimulant is often included for its ability to increase alertness and reduce perceived exertion during exercise. It can help you push harder and longer in your workouts. Research has shown that caffeine can improve exercise performance in various ways, including increasing power output and delaying fatigue.
Beta-Alanine: This amino acid is known for causing a tingling sensation when consumed in high doses. It's included in pre-workouts for its ability to buffer acid in muscles, which can delay fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Studies have shown that beta-alanine can improve performance in exercises lasting one to four minutes at a time.
Citrulline Malate: This is a combination of the amino acid citrulline and malic acid. It's included in pre-workouts for its ability to increase nitric oxide production, which can improve blood flow to muscles and enhance exercise performance. Research has shown that citrulline malate can improve strength and aerobic performance.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): These include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are included in pre-workouts for their ability to promote muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle damage and soreness after exercise. Studies have shown that BCAAs can enhance recovery and reduce muscle soreness after exercise.
Betaine: This compound is found in foods like beets and spinach. It's included in pre-workouts for its ability to enhance power and strength. Research has shown that betaine can improve muscle endurance and increase strength.
When choosing a pre-workout without creatine, it's important to look beyond just the absence of creatine. Consider the blend of other ingredients and whether they're included at effective dosages. Also, look for products that are transparent about their ingredients and dosages. Avoid products with proprietary blends, where the amounts of individual ingredients are not disclosed.
One example of a high-quality pre-workout without creatine is Pre Lab Pro. This supplement contains a well-rounded blend of ingredients, including caffeine, L-theanine, and citrulline, and is transparent about its ingredient dosages. It's also free from artificial sweeteners and colors, making it a clean and effective choice for those seeking a pre-workout without creatine.
Remember, while pre-workout supplements can enhance your workout performance, they're not a replacement for a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and a well-designed workout program. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
One of the most researched supplements is creatine.
With hundreds of studies proving its safety and efficiency, it's no wonder it's such a reliable muscle builder.
Even more than turkesterone!
But it's not required to be in your pre-workout.
In fact, you can take it anytime in the day, so there's no reason why pre-workout companies need to have it in their formulas.
This means you can either combine it with your pre-workout, you can take it in your protein shake, or any other time without any issues.
You'll still be maximizing your creatine storage.
So what makes a good pre-workout without creatine?
A solid formula behind a pre-workout should be:
The part about the natural flavoring and coloring is completely up to you.
There are great pre-workouts with natural flavoring and coloring like Transparent Labs Bulk and Pre-Kaged.
Creatine is a popular ingredient in many pre-workout supplements due to its proven benefits in enhancing strength, power, and muscle mass.
However, not everyone may want to include creatine in their pre-workout regimen.
There are several reasons why someone might choose to avoid pre-workouts with creatine.
While creatine is generally considered safe for most people, it can cause certain side effects in some individuals.
These side effects can include stomach discomfort, nausea, muscle cramps, and diarrhea.
These symptoms are often dose-dependent and may be alleviated by reducing the amount of creatine consumed.
However, for some individuals, these side effects may be enough to make them consider other pre-workout options without creatine. Research has shown that these side effects can occur in some individuals, leading them to seek alternatives.
Not everyone responds to creatine supplementation in the same way. Some people may see significant improvements in their performance and muscle growth, while others may see little to no effect.
This variability in response may be due to differences in individual muscle fiber composition, initial muscle creatine levels, and the amount of dietary meat intake.
Those who do not respond well to creatine may choose to avoid it in their pre-workout supplements. Studies have shown that the response to creatine can vary widely among individuals.
Some individuals may prefer pre-workout supplements that focus on other ingredients, such as caffeine, beta-alanine, or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These ingredients can also enhance workout performance and may be preferred by those who do not want to consume creatine.
For example, caffeine can improve focus and energy levels, beta-alanine can buffer muscle acidity to delay fatigue, and BCAAs can support muscle recovery and growth. Research has shown that these ingredients can also provide significant performance benefits.
While creatine is generally considered safe for long-term use, some individuals may have concerns about potential long-term effects.
For example, there is a common misconception that long-term creatine use can harm the kidneys.
While research has not supported this claim in healthy individuals, those with pre-existing kidney conditions are often advised to avoid creatine.
Therefore, individuals with kidney concerns may choose to avoid pre-workout supplements with creatine. Studies have shown that long-term creatine use is generally safe, but those with kidney conditions should exercise caution.
Finally, some individuals may choose to avoid creatine due to personal dietary choices.
For example, vegetarians and vegans may prefer to avoid creatine because it is naturally found in meat, fish, and other animal products.
While synthetic creatine (the type found in supplements) is not derived from animal sources, some individuals may still choose to avoid it due to personal dietary preferences. Research has shown that dietary preferences can influence the choice of pre-workout supplements.
In conclusion, while creatine can offer significant benefits for many individuals, it is not for everyone.
Those who experience side effects, do not respond well to creatine, prefer other ingredients, have concerns about long-term use, or have certain dietary preferences may choose to avoid pre-workouts with creatine.
What is creatine?
Creatine is a natural amino acid derivative that can be found in your body's muscle cells.
It can be created from glycine and arginine or consumed from a diet like red meat and fish.
But getting enough creatine from foods is unrealistic, so supplementation is handy.
How does it work?
Creatine works by increasing ATP production.
ATP production is the body's energy source for high-intensity exercises like jumping, sprinting, and lifting.
When you use ATP, it turns into ADP (adenosine di-phosphate).
When you have enough creatine, it can be stored in muscle cells as phosphocreatine which can help turn ADP back into ATP.
It can also boost protein synthesis by enhancing water retention in muscles.
Does it have any negative side effects?
Creatine doesn't have any serious negative side effects but it can cause unwanted issues like weight gain (water retention increases in muscles so it can increase body weight) and some digestive issues can occur (bloating, gas, diarrhea).
These side effects are unlikely to happen when consumed in moderate doses of 3-5 grams.
They likely happen if you consume 10 grams or more.
Creatine is still very safe and well-researched.
But it doesn't need to be in your pre-workouts so you don't have to consume it in a pre-workout.
Can I mix my own creatine with pre-workout?
Yes, you can.
This is not a bad thing to do, creatine will still work.
Can I replace my pre-workout with creatine?
You can but creatine is a single ingredient while pre-workouts are usually made out of multiple ingredients that can increase endurance, power, and strength.
Creatine doesn't have caffeine and it won't replace a pre-workout.
But it does go well with a pre-workout since it can be used for strength and energy.
See here for the difference between pre workout vs creatine.
Why would someone choose a pre-workout without creatine?
Some individuals prefer pre-workouts without creatine due to personal preferences or specific dietary needs. Creatine can cause water retention, leading to weight gain, which some people may want to avoid. Additionally, some people may experience digestive discomfort with creatine.
Are pre-workouts without creatine effective?
Yes, pre-workouts without creatine can still be effective. While creatine is known for its ability to enhance power output and muscle volume, there are many other ingredients, such as caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate, that can improve energy, focus, and endurance.
Can I build muscle with a pre-workout without creatine?
Absolutely. While creatine is beneficial for muscle growth, it's not the only ingredient that can help. Other ingredients like BCAAs and protein can also support muscle growth and recovery.
What are some popular pre-workouts without creatine?
Some popular pre-workouts without creatine include Pre Lab Pro, Bulk Black, and El Jefe Guerilla. These supplements contain other performance-enhancing ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate.
Can I take a pre-workout without creatine if I'm already supplementing with creatine separately?
Yes, you can. If you're already taking a separate creatine supplement, choosing a pre-workout without creatine can help you control your creatine dosage more accurately.
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