You have a lot of choice if you're in the market for a pre-workout supplement. And adding one to your routine seems like a no-brainer when you read about the benefits. Who doesn't want to get bigger results from every workout, and a better return on every drop of energy expended in the gym? Pre-workout supplements promise this, and more.
But how do they help specifically? And are they actually effective? Here at Elite Supps we're big believers in the benefits of pre-workout supplements. Here are 4 reasons many people choose to try them..
Key points
- More energy. A pre-workout that works for you can leave you feeling considerably more energized.
- Better alertness. Caffeine and other ingredients may help support mental focus during your session.
- Greater power. Many effective formulas contain creatine, used to support performance during heavy training.
- Muscle support. Amino acids like BCAAs and Leucine are popular for muscle-building and recovery goals.
- Know the downsides. Ingredients affect people differently, so finding the right brand for you is key.
1 - Pre workout gives you more energy
A good pre-workout powder that's working for you will make you feel considerably more energized for your workout. This helps on many levels - from getting your mindset right so you actually feel like you're about to crush your workout, through to caffeine, which many people find helps them feel more alert and ready to push through their workout. If you struggle to motivate yourself and get your head right for early morning sessions, pre-workouts can also be a great help to fix that and get you in the game.
2 - Pre workout can boost your Levels of Alertness
If you find yourself dragging your feet on the way into the gym, adding a pre workout to the mix will definitely help! Not only does pre workout contain caffeine to get you perked up, it also contains ingredients that may help support mental focus during your session. Staying sharp mentally in the gym is important to avoid injury.
3 - Greater, Longer Lasting Power
Many of the most effective pre-workout powders contain creatine, a well-researched ingredient commonly used to support performance during heavy training. And this benefit isn't just applicable to those who are bodybuilding. Even endurance athletes can improve their results thanks to creatine, which is commonly used by endurance athletes as part of their training support routine. This is an obvious plus point for anyone who trains regularly, regardless of the end goal
4 - Increased Muscle Building & Reduced Muscle Breakdown
Amino acids, which are common in pre-workout powders, have wide reaching benefits. BCAAs - in particular Leucine - are popular among those looking to support their muscle-building goals. Other amino acids are also commonly included in pre-workouts to help support recovery as part of an intense training routine. Many users find this supports their overall recovery routine..
Potential Downsides of Pre Workout
There can be some negative effects, and you should be aware they exist. Different ingredients, in different combinations and quantities affect people in different ways. So finding the right brand for you personally is key. The caffeine contained in pre-workout powders can affect sleep cycles - especially if taken later in the day. Some combinations of ingredients can cause headaches or nausea in some people. If this happens you can always try a different brand. Caffeine and creatine are both common pre-workout ingredients; staying well hydrated when using them is important, so be mindful of your fluid intake..
Important: Don't go beyond the suggested dosage for pre-workouts, otherwise you could begin to experience dehydration.
Which Pre-Workout Supplement Should You Use?
That's a tough question as everybody responds differently to different formulations. However, researching and testing has shown the supplements containing all the essential amino acids, with BCAAs, creatine, and B-Vitamins are some of the most effective and bestselling options available. Be sure to check you're not allergic to any ingredients in your brand of choice before getting started.
Here at Elite Supps we have one of the widest ranges of pre-workout supplements available anywhere. But which pre workout is the best? That depends on what you use it for! If you are training in the evening, try a non stim pre workout. If you are a caffeine fiend and want something that will really rock your boat, try one of our high stimulant pre workouts. If you want to support your training, a pre workout containing creatine may be worth considering. We have a great pre workout containing creatine. Each one has LOTS of reviews from our existing customers, as well as a full ingredients list.
Shop our bestselling, 5-star rated pre-workout supplements today.
Is it okay to take pre-workout every day?
Physically, for most healthy adults, yes. Whether it is useful every day is a different question.
Caffeine tolerance builds with regular use, so daily pre-workout tends to become daily pre-workout that does less. The people getting the most from it are generally those using it on hard sessions rather than every time they enter a gym.
Watch total daily caffeine rather than the pre-workout alone. Around 400 mg a day is a reasonable ceiling for most adults, and a scoop of a high-stimulant product plus a couple of coffees gets there quickly.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, sensitive to caffeine, or have a heart condition, high blood pressure or anxiety, speak to your GP before using any pre-workout.
Should beginners take pre-workout?
Probably not at first, and the reason is not safety.
If you are new to training, almost everything works. Your results over the first year come from turning up, learning the movements and eating enough. A pre-workout adds nothing to that, and starting on one means building tolerance before you have anything to use it for.
If you do want one, start with half a scoop. Stimulant tolerance varies enormously between people, and a full scoop of a high-stimulant product is a genuinely unpleasant first experience for some.
The more useful first purchases are protein, if you struggle to eat enough, and creatine, which has far better evidence than any pre-workout and costs a fraction as much.
What are the risks?
Almost all of them are caffeine's, and they scale with dose and sensitivity.
- Jitteriness and a raised heart rate. Usually a dose problem.
- Disrupted sleep. Caffeine has a half-life of roughly five to six hours, so an evening session can cost you the night.
- Headaches on rest days. Withdrawal.
- Tingling or flushing. Beta-alanine. Harmless, expected, surprising the first time.
- Digestive upset. Often from taking it on an empty stomach.
The most common cause of a bad reaction is dose. Half a serve solves it more often than switching product does.
