If you’ve been in the gym or around workout enthusiasts, you’ve heard of pre-workout supplements. Often called “pre-workouts” for short, these are supplements that are meant to be consumed prior to a workout to give you the energy and stamina to power through even the most intense session.

Pre-workouts and their ingredients have been a topic in fitness circles for a long time. A pre-workout supplement provides us with energy, helps us push through fatigue, and gives us power for serious muscle pumps to give us the most benefit from our workouts.

However, pre-workouts are quite popular and therefore, there are lots of options on the market. While this may seem like a good thing- it can actually be a bit overwhelming because it’s difficult to determine which is best. After all, these products are regulated by the FDA as foods, not drugs, so it’s easier for companies to hide nonsense or harmful ingredients and dosages. You deserve a premium pre-workout and if you know what you should look for in a supplement of this kind, then you are headed to significant gains.

Let’s dive right in and discuss pre-workouts. A supplement is all about the ingredients that make it up and each company has its own formula that makes them different from the one right next to them on the store shelf. Knowing what you are taking is critical- not only for your athletic performance and your gains, it’s also critical for your overall health.

What About Pre-Workouts?

As we mentioned, you’ve likely heard of preworkout supplements, and you may have even heard all about the benefits associated with using them. We live in a busy world and sometimes our schedules require that we find energy somewhere. For some, a cup of coffee is enough. Others need a little bit more of a boost and the ingredients found in pre-workouts give them that energy boost, as well as help with their gains.

Of course, there is always the question of cost and whether or not a pre-workout is actually necessary. However, for anyone who believes a pre-workout supplement is beneficial, they reap the many rewards that come with it.

A quality pre-workout will give you an energy boost and also improve your focus. Experts believe it is likely due to specific ingredients, such as caffeine. It gets you moving and gives you the energy to keep going.

Another characteristic of a quality pre-workout is that it reduces fatigue, which keeps you going in any workout. It also increases blood flow to the muscles, which improves muscle pumps. This translates into a significant increase in size and strength. Recovery is also enhanced, which promotes efficient growth and faster recovery times.

In general, pre-workout supplements are safe. However, it is important to note that the ingredients found in the supplement determine its safety and efficacy. You should avoid products that have nonsense ingredients and dosages in them and instead seek out the best, most premium pre-workout options.

Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine may find that pre-workouts bring undesirable side effects. However, there are other options. Stimulant-free pre-workouts are available to provide you with the same, or better, benefits.

Ingredients to Look for in a Pre-Workout Supplement

When it comes to pre-workouts, you deserve the best quality ingredients at the appropriate dosages. That being said, you should only choose products that list the ingredients and dosages on the label. Avoid those that hide behind “proprietary blends”.

Here are some of the ingredients you should look for in a pre-workout supplement. We’ve also outlined the benefits that each one provides.

Caffeine

Caffeine elevates your energy, increases your focus, and improves your reaction time. When you take a pre-workout and get that urge to get moving, it’s probably because of the caffeine. In addition, caffeine increases metabolism as well, which helps you burn fat.

Creatine

Creatine is a popular standalone workout supplement. It is also found as an ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It helps to increase ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, in your system to help you push through those intense workouts. This results in an increase in the size and strength of your muscles. In addition, creatine improves cognitive functioning.

BCAAs

BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, is a chain of three amino acids: leucine, valine, and isoleucine. This ingredient helps you push through fatigue, delays soreness for a more efficient workout, and facilitates muscle growth for the best gains.

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine reduces lactic acid buildup in your muscles, which reduces soreness and improves your athletic performance, delays fatigue, and facilitates muscle building.

L-Citrulline

L-citrulline reduces fatigue, increasing exercise capacity and improving athletic performance. In addition, post-workout soreness is greatly reduced.

Betaine Anhydrous

Betaine anhydrous builds strength and power output. In addition, it makes changes to your overall body condition.

L-Theanine

L-theanine improves mental performance and soothes the jitters often associated with caffeine, as well as stress and anxiety. Therefore, you get the energy boost without crashing.

L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is another ingredient that helps relieve stress and improves memory and cognitive functioning to improve your alertness and your overall workouts.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is a natural source of caffeine, which means it also provides energy. It also improves metabolism to facilitate weight loss and gives you a boost to get through your intense workout sessions.

Conclusion

In closing, pre-workout supplements can significantly improve your athletic performance, taking it to the next level. However, it’s critical that you pay attention to the formula and make sure the ingredients are high-quality and available at safe and effective dosages.

You should never settle for a brand that places quantity over quality. You want a supplement you can trust that has been formulated with you in mind and emphasizes your gains and your overall athletic performance and health. While a pre-workout supplement may not be required, the right one will definitely do wonders for you and will help you reach your fitness and bodybuilding goals. Put yourself in charge of your training and overall health and only choose the best fitness supplements.

Now that you are aware of the ingredients that you should look for in a pre-workout, it should be easier for you to make a decision. Remember, no matter what they promise, you should avoid products with “proprietary blends” and only choose products that list each ingredient as well as their dosages.