Both creatine and beta-alanine support strength, but they also work better together. For example, protein helps you meet your protein macro needs, while amino acids help stop muscle protein breakdown. We opted for companies we trust for their transparent dosing and thoughtfully curated ingredients for brand selection. For that reason, certain supps — like beta-alanine, creatine, and a sleep aid — were considered. An even higher dose of up to 9 mg per kilogram of bodyweight might improve performance in the gym even more but also increases the risk of unpleasant side effects like nausea. A few small studies show that beta-alanine improves older athletes’ muscle endurance and training volume. The good news is that you can supplement with B12 without worrying about overdosing, as it is safe at any dose without side effects.53 B vitamins are water-soluble, and you pee out any excess. Athletes should keep their blood B12 levels at 400–700 pg/mL to perform their best.52 As you probably can’t monitor your B12 levels on your own, a B12 supplement might be a good idea as a precaution. Overall, Bourgeois gives the formulation a 3.25 out of 5, docking points for the inclusion of proprietary blends and relatively little l-citrulline. Most research points to training benefits in doses of at least 3 grams, but combining it with beta-alanine is sure to give you a good pump for a hard-hitting workout. “I like that this formula contains ashwagandha to help promote mental agility during stressful workouts. I had plenty of mental energy for both my workout and my work with Alpha Brain.” Thankfully, Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout combats these effects with a blend of nootropics — including 300 milligrams of alpha-GPC — to help you reel in your thoughts. In fact, its price per gram can get lower than Transparent Labs if you’re willing to spend more money up-front. Anyone with a chronic medical condition or those taking medications should talk to their doctor before beginning any new dietary supplement. They’re ideal for those looking to increase exercise performance and decrease recovery time with a single ingredient. BarBend tester, Nick English, notes the doses of key ingredients when he tried it out. (5)(3) Combine that with 4 grams of beta-alanine and you can expect a nice pump and prolonged endurance to support muscle gain. It was tropical.” We wish it came in more than two flavors, but for being a completely sugar-free pre-workout, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we liked the taste. For taste — 4 out of 5 — our tester preferred the Tiger’s Blood flavor to Yuzu Peach, saying, “I thought the Tiger’s Blood flavor tasted like a coconut, watermelon, and strawberry mix. “I didn’t feel overly stimulated — just a feeling of being present and ready to get to work,” one tester reports. This product contains the usual pre-workout players — caffeine, beta-alanine, and l-citrulline, which may help with better blood flow and performance. I rate it lower than my top 2 picks in terms of results, but it’s still way ahead of most other pre-workouts supplements for men. They used clinically studied ingredients at doses proven to boost performance, energy, and focus to develop Blackwolf. Some brands make stimulant-free pre-workouts that contain no caffeine, although they usually contain other active ingredients as a means to enhance performance in other ways. Once you’re over 300 mg, you’re walking the line between sharp and shaky. When it comes to caffeine, more isn’t better. A legit product should break down each ingredient by name and dosage so you can compare it to clinically proven standards. You’ll see a flashy title like “Pump Matrix,” “Anabolic Surge,” or “Energy Vortex,” followed by a laundry list of common ingredients but zero transparency on the exact composition or ingredient amounts. You’ll see beta-alanine, but the scoop only has enough to tickle your lips, not buffer your muscles. Something to consider, however, is the 'half-life' of caffeine. For most people, the ideal time is around 30 minutes to one hour before your workout — this should give the supplement enough time to hit your bloodstream and amp you up ahead of your session. You don't want to be waiting around for your pre-workout to kick in, so it's important to find the sweet spot. Always refer to the label of your pre-workout for specifics. Most people take pre-workout around 30 minutes to one hour before they work out, but just because it's called pre-workout that doesn't necessarily mean you have to take it prior to your workout. As impressive as these ingredients are, though, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, points out that other additives are somewhat underdosed in comparison to current research. Luckily, though, this one has a pretty moderate dose of caffeine and it's third-party tested, too. It may also produce the hallmark skin-tingling sensation common to pre-workouts. After taking a look at the caffeine content, our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, appreciates that XWERKS doesn’t overdo it. It is for our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rates the effects of this pre-workout powder a 5 out of 5. Taking a pre-workout supplement before exercise may help provide a noticeable boost to both your physical performance and mental drive. Pre-workouts can vary widely in their blends of caffeine, amino acids, boosters, and focus enhancers. Each person and athlete has unique fitness goals, whether it’s building muscle, burning fat, boosting energy, or improving endurance and strength. We primarily focus on pre-workout supplements without artificial sweeteners and other additives, while prioritizing clinically dosed formulations. See our top citrulline-only products and learn more about this promising ingredient. You will find this ingredient at the top of most pre-workout supplement labels, creatine or no-creatine. Below we’ve briefly mentioned some of the common or not so common ingredients found in the products listed above. In other words, these pre-workouts offer a quality combination of effective ingredients. Legion Pulse contains all four, including 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is very close to the recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. Cory also enjoys using BULK BLACK before bodybuilding workouts since it contains 8,000 milligrams of citrulline malate. “I started sweating almost immediately, and within five to 10 minutes, I had a boost of energy, a massive pump, and felt like I could lift harder and stronger,” he says. Creatine can be added to pre-workout formulas for added athletic performance, but creatine alone doesn’t replace pre-workout. If you’re one to get bored with your supplement routine, consider searching for a pre-workout that comes in various flavors. For safety measures, it’s best only to use supplements that use evidence-based formulas. Furthermore, some ingredients commonly found in pre-workout supplements such as caffeine can also raise insulin levels.The following six supplements belong to the first category, listed in no particular order.Pump Serum is the best pre-workout without caffeine.However, it’s important to assess one’s tolerance to caffeine to minimize the potential for side effects, and/or consult with a doctor to ensure a pre-workout is safe to take.According to PN Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach Jacek Szymanowski, “Dry scooping is consuming pre-workout powder without mixing it with water.Paraxanthine is a metabolite of caffeine, but not caffeine itself.Instead of creatine, this product has betaine anhydrous.It will give you tons of clean energy and massive pumps, and your workouts will be way more intense, helping you get body-transforming results fast. The cost depends on the ingredients used and their doses, which means you might pay more for the versions that deliver larger concentrations of the key ingredients compared to the lower-dose formulations. This formula has low doses of L-arginine, creatine, and beta-alanine, making it more appropriate for endurance athletes.” Our product tester gives the taste a 5 out of 5, noting, “This is bitter if you mix it just with water, but great if you mix it with a sports drink.” Regarding the sweeteners, one of our product testers noted, “The initial taste is pleasant, but there is a bit of an artificial sweetener aftertaste — score 4 out of 5 on flavor.” CHOOSING THE BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR YOU: TYPES OF PROTEIN, BENEFITS AND MORE If you’re looking for a pre-workout that doesn’t have an overpowering flavor, consider our pick for the best-tasting pre-workout, Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout. Other testers enjoyed the flavor, though they agreed that it’s pretty strong. In addition to enhancing your hydration, which is essential for the best muscle pumps, Kaged has added l-citrulline, an ingredient that promotes greater blood4 flow by increasing levels of nitric oxide. It’s available in several flavors and is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s been tested for the presence of banned substances. Kaged Pre-Workout Sport delivers hydration and energy in a clean, moderate formula that’s ideal for everyday training. According to a 2021 meta-analysis, pre-workout may help for some types of activity, though it’s not a miracle supplement. If you have any preexisting conditions or health history, it’s always best to consult a doctor before trying out a new supplement, pre-workout included. To minimize the risk of negative effects, it’s best to start with a smaller amount rather than taking a full serving. Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of pre-workout supplements since the FDA does not regulate them. Pre-workout supplements can be expensive, so it’s smart to consider your budget when choosing one for regular use. Value – The pre-workout you pick should offer the value it promises and this should be equal to the stated price. Additionally, the money-back guarantee reflects the brand’s confidence in its product, making it a top choice for fitness enthusiasts. I do slightly prefer krisp apple, but I regularly switch it out for fruit punch to change things up! Nevertheless, Pre-Kaged stands out as one of the pricier pre-workout options available. Getting in more reps in a muscle-crunching routine becomes more possible because there’s less muscle fatigue and more muscle stamina. Better yet, the feeling of being more energized, focused and motivated remains for about a couple of hours. Your body becomes more energized and your mind more focused, and these are feelings that you want to have before hitting the trail or the gym. Beginners are well-advised to start off with half the recommended dosage to allow their bodies to get used to the high caffeine content. Aside from caffeine, it contains two stimulants (Dendrobium, and Synephrine HCl) that will really kick your mind and body into high gear – safely, of course. Optimum Nutrition Pre-Workout Customer Reviews Overall, the impressive formulation earns 4 out of 5 stars from our team, as we docked a point for the high caffeine content since it may be too intense for some people. Each serving of BULK BLACK also contains 350 milligrams of caffeine, which is close to the recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. These ingredients work together to enhance your training, paving the way for strength gains over time. This supplement contains a potent combination of 4,000 milligrams of beta-alanine, 2,500 milligrams of betaine anhydrous, and 10 other active ingredients. For BodyNutrition’s #1 recommended pre-workout supplement for women, click here. It also has the ingredients that create the full experience most people want when they take a pre-workout supplement.We picked a several types of supplements, including pre-workout, intra-workout, and post-workout options.Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout - A potent energy-boosting "cutting" formula?We tried the Tropical Punch flavor, and it wasn’t our favorite because it had an odd chemical taste — which is baffling considering this is supposed to be an all-natural pre-workout.Supplementation with this important nutrient serves many vital functions and provides a plethora of health and performance benefits for the hard-training athlete and bodybuilder.While not all of the supplements we’ve tried are 100% naturally derived, we do think there are some others that deserve a shoutout. For a 30-serving container, you’re looking at roughly $40 on both sites. That’s why some users prefer having it in their pre workout. Creatine is an effective ingredient for stimulating muscle growth, recovery, and exercise performance. What are the side effects of beta-alanine? For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend Nutricost’s pre-workout. It costs about $2.27 per serving, which is more expensive than most of the options on this list. “The product dissolved easily in a standard shaker bottle within 60 seconds,” Pete said, rating the mixability a 5 out of 5. (32) This metabolite of leucine has been shown to help promote better recovery by limiting muscle breakdown. One 167-serving container costs $16.97, which is only about $0.10 per serving. You could also, of course, opt for a pre-workout, as the majority of formulations include beta-alanine. This beta-alanine supplement only comes unflavored, so we recommend mixing it with your favorite sports drink or an electrolyte powder. If you train at night, you may want to avoid caffeinated pre-workouts. On the flip side, if you like to take a long warmup, taking it closer to your arrival might allow for the effects to not kick in fully until you’re done warming up. This time can allow the ingredients — like caffeine, beta-alanine, and taurine — to absorb and start taking effect. The general rule is to mix the powder (if you’re taking a powder, not a pill) in about eight ounces of water and ingest it 30 to 60 minutes before training. Creatine It’s also one of the best pre-workout supplements for getting your blood vessels fully dilated for maximum vascularity. The company also hides some of the ingredients behind a proprietary blend that makes stacking with other products very difficult. Most popular pre-workout supplements come in powder form, and the Lit pre-workout has taken the same approach. Other pre-workout supplements that I recommend contain two or three times as much per dose. For our testing phase, we went through a regular training week without any pre-workout supplement to get a baseline of training data. The creatine capsules were very large and four of them contained only 93% of the recommended 3g/d dose. The glass jar is good for storage but isn’t practical for carrying around, though Ancient + Brave do offer True Creatine + sachets, if you're likely to be taking creatine on the go. This creatine powder was the best value for money in terms of cost per dose. You can customize your dosage and caffeine content by taking from one to four gummies about 15 to 20 minutes before your workout. If you have any preexisting conditions or have experienced a negative reaction with cayenne pepper in the past, we suggest consulting a medical professional before trying this pre-workout. When testing, Pete remarked, “I took this before a morning workout and the 300 mg of caffeine was definitely noticeable. Some are high-stimulant for maximum energy, while others are stimulant-free for those who are sensitive or prefer training later in the day. To find the best pre-workout for your needs, consider your training intensity, performance goals, and tolerance to stimulants. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis men (i.e., men who are not trans). In this piece, we’ll run down our picks for the best pre-workout for men and have Laila Ouldibbat, a New York City-based registered dietitian who’s pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, explain the benefits of each one. So while it might be hard for some to pick out the best pre-workout for men, that’s not the case for us. The problem, however, is that there are so many options to pick from—the global pre-workout industry was valued at more than $15 billion in 20211. There are a lot of times when we as men will be a bit boastful and refuse help from anyone or anything—unless that’s a scoop of the best pre-workout to help get us through leg day. Even better, it is safe with no reported harmful side effects.29 Whey protein is one of the best options for increasing your protein intake and building muscle. Whey protein is rapidly absorbed and stimulates muscle protein synthesis more than other proteins like casein and soy.18 If anything, most studies show that more recent forms of creatine are not as effective as monohydrate. Compared to the average pre-workout powder, Jacked Factory is cheaper and has more caffeine and flavor options, but it’s missing independent third-party testing. For those new to pre-workouts or sensitive to caffeine, this allows you to easily find your perfect dosing. “I like that you still get 180 milligrams of caffeine with 1 scoop, so you get the energy but without all the other effects.” It has more caffeine per serving and more flavor options, but it’s also more expensive. “It has a hefty dose of sodium and caffeine in each serving, which isn’t ideal for all athletes. As it is, this one packs 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is on the high side. We also love that you can buy this product with zero caffeine. “I actually really enjoy the taste, which doesn’t happen often for me when it comes to pre-workouts. We believe all pre-workouts on this list are fairly priced for what they offer. Value can be defined by comparing the ingredients/doses, servings per container, and price. You might expect most pre-workouts to last anywhere from 2-4 hours on average. However, it doesn’t seem to have the same beneficial effects on performance as beta-alanine. Caffeine in pre-workouts is usually absorbed in the body pretty quickly and within about 45 minutes of ingestion. Two hundred milligrams of caffeine is half of the recommended daily limit, which may be too much or too little for particular athletes. “I love the caffeine content — 200 milligrams helps me get locked in without feeling jittery or wired,” they add. In terms of taste, our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored this pre-workout powder at 5 out of 5. Ingredients to Look for in Your Pre-Workout Supplement “You even get other impressive compounds, like ashwagandha, in research-backed doses.” We really like Legion Triumph as a trustworthy companion for muscle gain and general health and wellness. As such, adding one of the best multivitamins to your regimen can be a simple yet effective way to bolster your resistance training and nutrition plan. Your body needs proper vitamin and mineral counts to perform even the most basic of tasks, and growing muscle is no different. I will say that this could be one of the best high-stim pre-workouts I’ve tried; it doesn’t hurt my stomach, I feel really stimulated, and I like the ingredients—I’d just be careful taking this.” Wrecked Enraged is a high-stimulant pre-workout with either 200 or 400 milligrams of caffeine depending on the servings size you pick. The JYM Supplements pre-workout has 14 ingredients claimed to “fuel your most intense workouts and help you reach your loftiest fitness goals.” Look no further than “Pre-JYM” if you’re looking for energy with enhanced focus. Research16 suggests 1,500 milligrams of Nitrosigine—the amount El Jefe supplies in two scoops—helps increase pre-workout energy levels and post-workout muscle pump while decreasing muscle damage. Taking one of these supplements can have several benefits when included in a well-rounded lifestyle. Our testing team put dozens of nitric oxide supplements to the test, scoring them against BarBend’s supplement testing methodology. Plus, the FDA doesn’t regulate sports nutrition supplements, adding another layer of mystery to your supplement choices. Bodybuilders are a unique breed of folks who require special consideration and care when selecting supplements. If you’ve been hitting it hard in the gym but your pumps seem lackluster or you burn out halfway through your training session, maybe an intra-workout or nitric oxide booster is what you need. They can help potentially provide an edge in areas that need special care, which is why it would benefit you to identify your weak points and select your supplements accordingly. Supplements, at their core, are meant to supplement your training and diet. Something that you’ll likely want regardless of where you’re at in your prep is a high-quality whey isolate to help hit your protein goals. More advanced pre-workout ingredients like yohimbe could help cut body fat. According to a review by the International Society of Sports Nutrition, caffeine is a highly effective performance enhancer (5). To make our rankings, a pre-workout supplement had to include multiple ergogenic compound from each category. For maximum gains, choose Blackwolf—its combo of whey protein isolate, creatine, and branched chain amino acids is unbeatable when it comes to supercharging your muscular supercompensation after tough lifting workouts. If all you do is hit the gym to stay in decent shape, a pre-workout supplement probably isn’t necessary. I’ve already explained how betaine is beneficial for improving body composition, and as you can see, it’s a core ingredient in pre-workouts that are geared toward fat loss. This could be due to dietary factors, however, since I usually take fat-loss products combined with lower carb and calorie intake, which can influence muscle fullness. First of all, the 180mg of organic caffeine plus the addition of L-Theanine gave me a reasonable energy boost without causing any feelings of jitteriness or anxiety. Studies have shown that these supplements increase the breakdown of fat into ketones, which were then used for energy or excreted. While all of the ingredients we’ve listed participate to a degree, these two are most pronounced. The clinical dosage for L-citrulline malate starts at 6 grams, make sure you are getting it. BCAAs can improve endurance and mental power at dosages as low as 3 grams, but for recovery and muscle growth 7+ grams are required. Branch chain amino acids are known for their anabolic effects. It may also include nitric oxide boosters, vitamins, and antioxidants.You might be wondering where you’ll get the energy to train if there are no stimulants.PureBulk has a strangely limited return policy regarding opened products.(13) None of these supps will negatively interact with one another, though we don’t suggest taking a non-stim and standard pre-workout as it’s a bit redundant.Over the past several years, we at BarBend have helped over 1.6 million athletes find the right supplement for their gains.But don’t worry if you’re short on time; we’ve taken care of it for you.First and foremost, we do not recommend products that we ourselves would not use.Increased muscle mass raises metabolism, meaning you burn more calories, which could help you lose weight.His programs produce “next level” achievements in muscle size, strength and performance for professional athletes and anyone looking to build a muscular athletic physique. When it comes to taste, though, we have to dock this product a few points, rating it a 2 out of 5 in this category. “I also noticed a nice pump relatively shortly after drinking the product.” “Gorilla Mode contains ingredients that can support both the mental and physical exertion required to crank out a hard-hitting workout,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “There’s usually a thin white layer of residue floating on top, but that’s probably from the creatine.” Typically, we prefer products that disclose all ingredients and exact doses for each one. While some products are more expensive than others, keep in mind that they may have more ingredients, high amounts per serving, and quality can and does vary between products. Check out this supplement guide to learn more about the lasting effects of pre-workouts. To date, I haven’t compared any of these pre-workouts head to head to find out which products stand out among the crowd and which ones are better left on the shelf. But if you can find room for them in your macros, it’s a pretty decent supplement, especially if you’re after a cheaper whey. Otherwise, it’s worth noting that GNC and Optimum Nutrition and Isopure all get their whey from Glanbia, one of the largest-scale producers of American style cheeses — whey can be a byproduct of cheesemaking, and Glanbia uses it to make protein supplements. Additionally, caffeine can have an effect on blood flow restriction, so using a caffeine- or stimulant-free pre-workout may help you maintain a greater muscle pump when training. The inclusion (or exclusion) of caffeine is the largest difference between non-stim and regular pre-workout supplements. This can be helpful for athletes looking to wean off the stimulant, or those that have a caffeine sensitivity.“It has a hefty dose of sodium and caffeine in each serving, which isn’t ideal for all athletes.All the supplements that we have on our lists here at BarBend have been researched for the integrity and effectiveness of their formulations.“However, there’s a definite richness to the deep green color, and you’re almost visually cued that this pre-workout is designed to give you a substantial boost of energy.”The results were very promising… body composition, arm size, bench press volume, work capacity, and power all increased.Many pre-workouts provide a noticeable caffeine boost to enhance energy levels, and some formulas are designed to give you an extra kick for more intense workouts.The official website includes numerous positive reviews from customers who have enjoyed the benefits of this product. But a pre-workout doesn’t just mean energy, the formula has a pump complex consisting of citrulline, arginine AKG, agmatine sulfate, and norvaline. So if you’re someone who prefers to not feel tingling throughout your body before and during your training sessions, then look no further. A fan favorite (and there’s no creatine), PEScience Prolific has a focus on increasing nitric oxide to enhance factors of performance. Nutrabay Gold Spark Pre-workout is the safest and best pre-workout supplement that guarantees improved workout performance with its unique formulation. Studies have shown that pre-workouts delay the onset of fatigue and improve exercise performance, endurance, and reaction time. If a pre-workout supplement helps you stay consistent in the gym, it may also help you gain strength and muscle mass. These supplements are designed to help you put in the work at the gym to make gains and enhance your performance over time. Understanding the ingredients list and dosage levels is important to ensure you’re paying for a high-quality supplement and not just expensive marketing. In our full JYM Pre-Workout review, GGR writer and product tester Amanda Capritto explains that this pre-workout contains a LOT of ingredients, which is great news for your fitness goals. If you’re looking for a good pre-workout that can give you a bit of energy but won’t turn you into a crazed gymrat, consider Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard. And all in all, the formulation of this product only earned a 2 out of 5 since it’s missing beta-alanine as well, an important pre-workout ingredient. It should be noted that there isn’t any creatine in this formulation, which has been shown to increase muscular performance, so you’d have to take it separately if muscle growth is one of your goals. “With this, I felt motivated and focused to finish my workout, but I wasn’t stimulated very much,” he says, giving it a 5 out of 5 for overall effects. Jacob, however, notes the effects might depend on your caffeine tolerance. We had two competitive weightlifters try Pre-X, and both said it was one of the best pre-workouts they’ve used. “I like that this product features a combination of nitric oxide boosters, ergogenic aids, and cognitive enhancers,” says registered dietitian Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD. I also loved the hefty dose of vitamin C and the 200 milligrams of caffeine.” The rush of fluids causes your muscles to look and feel “full.” Lactic acid also starts to build up in those working muscles, drawing water into them. Well, in response to your muscles contracting, your heart begins to pump more blood to them to provide more oxygen and nutrients. In a fitness supplement market that’s crowded with male-centric messaging, we’re here to break down the best pre-workouts for women. She has written about other supplements for Good Housekeeping, including creatine, magnesium and fish oil. Asche recommends avoiding pre-workout supplements that only list a proprietary blend and do not list out the amounts of each ingredient. If you're taking any ongoing medication, you should talk with your doctor before beginning citrulline supplementation or any dietary supplements. However, those already taking medications for blood pressure need to consult a physician because these supplements can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels when used with vasodilators. L-Citrulline supplements impact blood pressure by acting as mild vasodilators and increasing blood flow throughout the body. We recommend taking these products about 30 minutes to an hour before workouts. If you’ve heard of Jim Stoppani, you shouldn’t be too surprised to learn that his Pre JYM Pre-Workout was our top choice for the best pre-workout for focus. That doesn’t mean we don’t like the product; it’s just expensive. Unlike some strong pre-workouts, this one was a little more forgiving. It’s a balanced formula with caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline, and ashwagandha that earns a 4 out of 5 for the formulation. Anthony said, “This powder gives me some persistent chunks even in a shaker bottle, which is a little bit annoying, but I think it’s worth it for the quality of the ingredients (and fine if you just down it quickly).” Some companies use proprietary blends to disguise how much of a certain ingredient is present in their supplement, which most of the time means they’re underdosing things like beta-alanine or creatine. While caffeine isn’t the only compound present in pre-workouts, it is one of the most notorious. If you’re wondering if taking pre-workout powder is right for you, here are some of the benefits to taking a scoop before your next training session. It’s a well-rounded formula with ingredients that support nearly every aspect of training, including strength, power, pump, mental focus, and energy. The two-scoop servings give clinical doses of key ingredients like citrulline, creatine, and betaine, which makes this a good formula for pump and strength. Transparent Labs Bulk Black is slightly more expensive than Bulk ($1.83 per serving compared to $1.66), but it has higher doses of caffeine and mental focus ingredients, which contribute to that cost. Bucked Up pre-workout is a decently well-rounded formula with ingredients to support energy, pump, strength, and mental focus. Unfortunately, aside from the increase in energy from the caffeine, I didn’t really notice much of a performance boost from Ryse Loaded. At $2.00 per serving, it’s pricier than several other options, but with the added glutamine and micronutrients, you may be getting your money’s worth. The product is third-party tested so you can feel assured you’re not ingesting harmful amounts of toxic contaminants. One customer writes, “There is definitely a bump in performance with this, especially with no caffeine or stim. As if that wasn’t enough, the product contains B vitamins that support energy production and relieve stress. When you inspect the label on a pre-workout, make sure you see the ingredients you need, but then consider how much of each is in the formula.Transparent Labs BULK is our best-rated pre-workout with a 4.6-out-of-5 overall score, thanks in a big part to its … transparency.This naturally occurring trimethylxantine, found in a variety of plants, is likely the most popular and often consumed pre-workout compound.Are pre-workout supplements good or bad for health?Pre-workout supplements are great for athletic tasks governed by muscular strength, anaerobic power, and aerobic endurance, so they’re not likely to help with something like yoga, no matter how serious you are about it.Look for seals from organizations like NSF or Informed-Sport indicating the product underwent third-party batch testing.Follow your products’ directions provided to you by the manufacturer.This all-natural stim-free pre-workout is made without artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.Another selection of supplements from the store is GNC Pro Performance, which has just added its take on the cost-effective, daily-type pre-workout named after the competitive category. This was the opposite of what I experienced with Ryse Loaded Pre, for example, where I felt like I had a really noticeable increase in energy, but this didn’t translate to performance in the gym. That is to say, I was doing the same volume and intensity for my workouts as usual, but I felt like I was exerting very little energy. The raw ingredients in pre-workout are naturally really sour or bitter, so it can be difficult to hide this taste. Pre-workouts contain a number of different ingredients, each with its own benefits. Along with the key ingredients in the formula, there are important factors to consider when selecting a pre-workout. If you’re wondering whether you can build a tolerance to any of these ingredients or just how they affect your body, check out our video below. Formulated with all-natural ingredients, each of which are present at a high level, Legion Pulse’s stim-free pre-workout formula is a fan favorite. Our expert product testers agreed that Jacked Factory Nitrosurge is the best pre-workout drink for beginners because it gives you the option to use one or two scoops with clear labeling for both dosage sizes. Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout is a generally positively reviewed pre-workout with 180 milligrams of caffeine and a large variety of flavor options. If you’re not a fan of beta-alanine, you may want to consider a pre-workout that doesn’t contain a full dose of it, like Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Powder. We review our top eight choices for pre-workout supplements for muscle gain, rating each supplement in several areas. Rhodiola is a great pre workout ingredient that both improves performance AND boosts the immune system. Similar to the effects that I felt, this pre workout has quite standard ingredients that align just about perfectly with the workout results. Demolish Pre Workout by Frenzy Labz The way a pre-workout mix is concocted directly translates to its purpose and benefits for you. Do you want to slim down, build muscle, or maintain your body where it is now? And when starting a new pre-workout regimen, always start slow and monitor how your body responds. Discover the best brands for improved performance It contains clinically dosed beta-alanine, L-citrulline, B vitamins, and electrolytes. Creatine monohydrate, in particular, is the most studied form of creatine. While this is challenging to assess before buying a product, some brands offer sample or variety packs to test the product before committing to a tub. For example, beta-alanine may cause a tingling sensation, which is harmless but can be strange or undesirable to many individuals, while caffeine could keep you up at night. And it never hurts to have a proper serving of B vitamins either. Then the strength and performance complex includes Betapure betaine, beta-alanine, and taurine. You might be wondering where you’ll get the energy to train if there are no stimulants. From the same Australian-based brand that makes Koala Freak pre-workout, Staunch has become increasingly more popular with fitness lovers. The average cup of coffee contains roughly 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. If you are trying to compare coffee versus pre-workout, here’s a bit of context. “Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired, so it helps you feel more alert and awake,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. Check out a few of these considerations to make before choosing a pre-workout. It also mixes up completely clear, which is pretty remarkable,” they add, giving its solubility a matching score of 5 out of 5. We’re disappointed to see a lack of other important ingredients such as creatine, beta-alanine, and other performance ingredients. Fat burners are dietary supplements that claim to help burn body fat and boost weight loss. Professional medical advice trumps dubious testosterone-boosting supplements. Since you may be working your muscles for longer, beta-alanine may also help with hypertrophy. Beta-alanine can help improve endurance-based cardio and strength workouts. To avoid paresthesia, or the itchy feeling, users can break up their daily serving throughout the day. The itchy and tingly feeling people talk about after taking a pre-workout comes from this non-essential amino acid. Below, we discuss the main benefits you can potentially receive from taking a pre-workout. It’s also important to note that pre-workouts with hydration support can make a difference in strength performance too. A good pre should increase energy (caffeinated versions), and contribute to enhanced physical and mental performance. A big mistake that many beginners make is taking a full serving size of a high dosed caffeine product without having built up a solid tolerance to a comparable amount. In creating this list of pre-workout supplements, the one question we asked ourselves was, are these good options for beginners? Not all pre-workouts contain creatine though so make sure to check the label if you prefer to have it included. For women, thoughtfully formulated pre-workouts that account for overall health, balanced energy, and quality ingredients can make a meaningful difference in your exercise routine.Also, note that these prices reflect the price per serving, not the price per scoop.Vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements can’t replace a healthy diet, and you can get what you need from foods alone, in most cases.And when starting a new pre-workout regimen, always start slow and monitor how your body responds.Have the time to mix your pre-workout with water in a blender?After all, each athlete is different when it comes to their experiences with certain ingredients.Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen. They are particularly helpful for boosting energy before a workout, so if you’re having trouble dragging yourself to the gym, you may be a good candidate for one. Most people do just fine exercising without a pre-workout supplement, but if you’re struggling to reach your fitness goals, you may want to try one. If you take a pre-workout supplement about 30 minutes before your workout, you’ll feel more energy going into that workout, which will enable you to step up your intensity a little bit. You’ll enjoy improved strength and athletic performance without the jitters or post-workout crash you may experience with some pre-workouts. It contains certified organic ingredients that give you a clean, powerful energy boost while extending your endurance so you can get more out of your workout. When it comes to fitness supplements, pre-workouts geared toward men can have less-than-appealing side effects when taken by women looking to get amped up before exercising. This preworkout has 150 mg of caffeine, which gave me enough energy to complete my tough strength training workout and left me focused even afterward. Key ingredients include L-citrulline, beetroot extract, creatine monohydrate and alpha-GPC, intended to give you energy and keep you focused during your workout. Other common, nonstimulant ingredients that aid energy and performance include electrolytes, taurine, creatine, beta-alanine, amino acids and nitric oxide precursors. Vitamin D is also crucial for your muscles to function correctly. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, a multifunctional hormone, and an essential nutrient available in some foods and as a supplement. Your body uses the excess to build other fat-free tissues and for energy. Nothing terrible happens if you eat “too much” protein – more than you can use to support growth and muscle recovery. Stimulant-free pre-workout pills may be more beneficial for those who train late at night or are sensitive to stimulants.Taking creatine and a non-stim pre-workout supplement already?Timing is key when using pre-workout supplements, with most designed to be taken minutes before exercise.VasoDrive-AP helps increase the production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)12, which is responsible for most of the nitric oxide produced in the body.Mix one heaping teaspoon of GNC’s Creatine Monohydrate with water once daily before workouts. Perhaps the most serious reason why not everybody can use a pre-workout supplement before heading to the gym is because they suffer from cardiovascular issues. Whereas some people tolerate caffeine well, others are very sensitive to it, meaning that its effects are amplified considerably when compared with other people. Another reason why people may be looking for a stimulant-free supplement is because they’re sensitive to caffeine. If you consume a pre-workout in the evening, the caffeine will stay in your system for several hours, meaning that you’ll struggle to get to sleep at night. For people who cannot, or who wish not to, consume caffeine or low caffeine pre-workout, however, caffeine-free versions are available! A pre-workout supplement isn’t just about a boost of energy. If you’re taking care of your diet and training, these supplements may be able to help give you the extra edge that you’ve been looking for. Ensure you’re selecting the right supplements to match your calorie needs during prep to save yourself the headache from the scenario mentioned above. Keeping where you’re at in your prep in mind can help guide your choices in supplements. Blends are usually more of an issue with pre-workout supps and multis, not so much single-ingredient supplements like beta-alanine and creatine. Same with the citrulline, as it only provides 3 grams per scoop,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. “I like that Nitro Surge contains beta-alanine, but it’s a fairly low dose, according to the latest research. Flavor and solubility scored a 5 out of 5, and we also scored workout effects a 4 out of 5. Jacked Factory Nitro Surge is among our favorite pre-workout picks for athletes looking to build strength. Some research has shown that testosterone can support bone density and muscle mass maintenance through exercise in postmenopausal women. Possible side effects include jitters, elevated heart rate, sweating, and stomach upset (due to glycerol and yohimbine). Kill Switch feels like a worthy successor, delivering similar "spiked" effects with its own unique twist. Pumps are secondary, but the focus, drive, and mood make it a standout. Because it combines DMHA, DMBA, caffeine, and alpha yohimbine, I’d limit it to 2–3 uses per week. One serving contains 3g, 100% of the recommendation per day, although the scoop measured out slightly more than this. This creatine powder offers good value for money but the tropical taste is not going to be to everyone’s liking. Innermost offers a free 15-minute consultation to anyone with questions about which product is best for them. The blend is convenient for those who already use both creatine and collagen, but it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. (7) We’ve also earmarked regular variety of Pulse as one of the strongest pre-workouts available. “I love that Transparent Labs’ Stim-Free pre-workout is free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives,” said Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, while assessing the product for BarBend. Grab a steaming cup of decaf, relax, and dive into our picks for the best non-stim pre-workouts available today. To date, the BarBend team has helped 1.6 million athletes find high-quality nutritional supplements. Here is the list of the absolute best pre-workout supplements we tested for Strength, Weight Loss, Muscle Mass, Weight Gain, Cardio, and more… We’ve not only researched and analyzed the top pre-workout supplements on the market, but we’ve also personally tested each of the pre-workout on our list. With an abundance of pre-workout products on the market, it can be overwhelming when deciding which one to get. Saba adds that beta-alanine may also help buffer the build up of lactic acid, that burning sensation you sometimes feel in your muscles from strenuous exercise. It also contains 2.5 grams of beta alanine, ginger and vegan branch chain amino acids (BCAAs). Gnarly Pre-Workout is NSF Certified for Sport and packed with 180 milligrams of caffeine from green tea leaf — almost the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Boost your performance and energize your workout with these expert-vetted picks. Additionally, it is always best to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your regimen. For context, I analyzed over 50 pre-workouts, and the average cost was $1.61. For some people, 350mg of caffeine is not required, but I tolerate high caffeine just fine, so for an experienced pre-workout user like myself, this dose is great. This one is high in caffeine, with 350mg per 2-scoop serving (which is the serving size required to get clinical doses). The formula is simple, but Legion uses clinical doses of the most proven ingredients for pump, mental focus, strength, and endurance. I memorably took this pre-workout for some early morning workouts.