
Each article is created without any external influence. When you use our provided links to buy products, we receive a commission as an affiliate. To understand how we generate revenue, please read our advertising disclaimer.
Fitness made for you
PT-designed routines and recipes.
Get real results without the high price tag.

To train hard, you need to keep your nutrition in order. The supplements you take can provide the extra edge needed when the going gets tough.
One of the most popular supplements on the market is pre-workouts. As the name suggests, they’re taken before working out to increase aspects of mental and physical performance. Common ingredients include caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline, all of which usually come mixed in a ready-made powder or shot.
With so many different formulations to choose from, it’s easy to get lost when finding the best pre-workout. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top ten pre-workout supplements.
10 Best Pre-Workout
- Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout – Editor’s Choice
- Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout – Best Caffeine Option
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout – Best For Energy Boosts
- Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout – Best For Muscle Gains
- Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout – Best Natural Option
- C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout – Best For Fat Burning
- Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout – Best For Taste
- Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout – Best Budget Option
- Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout – Best Vegan Option
- Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout – Best For Variety
Best Pre-Workout 2025
We’ve gone through the pre-workouts currently on the market with in-house experts to give you our top 10 recommendations. Each has been ranked according to the characteristics that we feel are most important. Whether it’s for your weight loss workout plan or muscle-building session, one of these pre-workouts will likely help.
Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout

- Most ingredients are included near the research-backed doses.
- Excellent label transparency and third-party testing.
- Several flavor options.
- No artificial sugars.
- High price point.
- Moderate caffeine dose.
One serving includes 6 grams of citrulline malate and 2 grams of beta-alanine to aid performance and improve blood flow. The 180 milligrams of caffeine is about in line with the research-backed dose to give you an added energy boost.
What I particularly like about this pre-workout is that it includes three ingredients commonly used in most fat burners. This makes it one of the best pre-workout supplements if you’re looking for an extra fat-burning boost.
Alongside the clear labeling, the informed choice stamp is shown on the tub. This makes it suitable for tested athletes and offers peace of mind because you know what’s in each serving.
Transparent Labs offers nine different flavors and uses Stevia as a natural sweetener. Each serving costs $1.67, which is excellent value when considering the ingredients and testing used.
Overall, the Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout is well-balanced for those seeking an added performance and fat-burning boost.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 6 grams of citrulline malate, 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1.8 grams of l-theanine, 1.5 grams of betaine, 1 gram of acetyl l-carnitine HCL. |
Caffeine | 180 milligrams (Green coffee beans) |
Sweeteners | Natural flavors sweetened with Stevia |
Flavors | Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Orange, Cherry Squash, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Fruit Punch |
Third-Party Tester | Informed Choice Certified |
Price Per Serving | $1.67 |
Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout

- The main ingredients are included in the research-backed doses.
- 21 flavor choices.
- Option to purchase with and without caffeine.
- Third Party Tested.
- Pricey per serving.
In terms of ingredients, the Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout packs a punch. Each serving contains 8 grams of citrulline malate, 3.6 grams of beta-alanine, and 2.5 grams of betaine. This makes it a great option to increase your energy levels and pumps in the gym.
With 350 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, it’s the best caffeine pre-workout option in our top 10 list. The 350 milligrams of l-theanine helps to balance out this high dose, providing a sustained energy release.
Legion products are arguably on par with the transparency offered by Transparent Labs. The type and amount of each ingredient are clearly shown, with the pre-workout Labdoor Tested For Purity. This is one of the better testing organizations available, which is a huge plus in our books.
At $2.02 per serving, it is slightly pricey. However, the ingredient doses and third-party testing make it worth the money. It’s a solid choice if you’re happy to spend a little more.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 8 grams of citrulline malate, 3.6 grams of beta-alanine, 2.5 grams of betaine, 350 milligrams of l-theanine. |
Caffeine | 350 milligrams (Caffeine anhydrous) |
Sweeteners | Uses stevia leaf extract and erythritol |
Flavors | Arctic Blast, Blood Orange, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Cotton Candy, Frosted Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Lemon Lime, Mojito, Peach Ring, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Rainbow Sherbet, Sour Candy, Strawberry Kiwi, Strawberry Margarita, Tropical Punch, Watermelon |
Third-Party Tester | Labdoor Tested For Purity. |
Price Per Serving | $2.02 |
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout

- 3 grams of creatine monohydrate for muscle strength and performance.
- Good value for money.
- Informed choice certified.
- The beta-alanine and l-citrulline doses are below the research-backed amounts.
- Sucralose is used as a sweetener.
Optimum Nutrition is another brand with an excellent track record in the supplement industry. Their Gold Standard Pre-Workout remains a crowd favorite and is our option for energy boosts.
Each serving contains 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, around the research-backed dose. Its inclusion makes it well-suited for those looking for more energy when performing high-intensity exercise.
Optimum Nutrition has also included 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, 750 milligrams of l-citrulline, and 175 milligrams of caffeine. These are a little on the low side, which is something that could be improved on.
As with all Optimum Nutrition products, their pre-workout is Informed Choice certified. This makes it perfect for tested athletes looking for something from a well-respected brand.
There are four flavors, which is normal for most pre-workouts. However, the use of sucralose as an artificial sweetener means we’ve marked it down slightly.
At just $0.97 per serving, the Gold Standard Pre-Workout offers excellent value for money. It comes from a proven brand and is designed to give you a great energy boost. It’s a solid choice for tested athletes looking to improve their performance.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, 750 milligrams of l-citrulline, 385 milligrams of l-tyrosine, 375 milligrams of acetyl l-carnitine HCL. |
Caffeine | 175 milligrams |
Sweeteners | Sucralose |
Flavors | Fruit Punch, Blueberry Lemonade, Green Apple, Watermelon Candy |
Third-Party Tester | Informed Choice Tested |
Price Per Serving | $0.97 |
Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout

- Includes ingredients catered towards muscle growth.
- Great value for money.
- Several flavors to choose from.
- Two scoops are needed for the research-backed doses.
- No third-party testing.
While most pre-workouts are focused on energy and performance, Nitro Surge is designed for muscle-building. Each serving has 3 grams of l-citrulline, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, and 1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous. It’s our best pre-workout for muscle gain.
If you double the dose, this would put them at the research-backed amounts. However, this would mean you’re getting 360 milligrams of caffeine, which is quite high for a single dose.
Each tub is well-labeled, with ingredient amounts specified for one and two servings. Jacked Factory also states that they use zero fillers and dyes but use sucralose as a sweetener. The brand offers 14 flavors to choose from.
Unfortunately, the Nitro Surge does not undergo third-party testing, This is something to consider if you’re a tested athlete or want to know exactly what’s in each serving.
At just $0.93 for the single serving, it’s a good muscle-building pre-workout that offers great value for money. Whether you’re doing a push pull legs routine or a full-body workout, it can help give you an extra edge.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 3 grams of l-citrulline, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, 1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous, 90 milligrams of l-theanine. |
Caffeine | 180 milligrams (caffeine anhydrous) |
Sweeteners | Sucralose |
Flavors | Swoleberry, Green Apple, Cherry Bomb, Blue Raspberry, Cherry Limeade, Arctic White, Pineapple, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Grape, Sour Peach Rings, Blueberry Lemonade, Black Cherry, Cotton Candy |
Third-Party Tester | None |
Price Per Serving | $0.93 |
Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout

- Informed Sport Certified.
- Uses natural ingredients.
- Includes added micronutrients.
- Very expensive price per serving.
- Low caffeine dose.
- Only one flavor choice.
The Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout doesn’t use your typical pre-workout formulation. Alongside helping to improve energy and focus, the added micronutrients may help to plug potential nutritional gaps. It’s our best natural pre-workout pick for those who prefer natural ingredients.
Each serving contains 4 grams of l-tyrosine, 2.2 grams of a Setria Performance Blend, and 1.6 grams of l-theanine. It uses a great blend of nootropics (substances intended to improve cognitive function). Alongside the added vitamins and minerals, this should give you a smooth increase in performance.
The 80 milligrams of added caffeine is on the smaller side. However, this may make it better suited for those who prefer a smaller boost.
Pre Lab operates with full transparency, clearly showing the amount and type of each ingredient on the tub. Alongside this, the pre-workout is Informed Sport Certified, which makes it suitable for tested athletes. This is perhaps the gold standard in terms of testing organizations.
With no artificial ingredients, the Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout offers an excellent natural option. It focuses on multiple aspects of performance and comes in five flavors.
At $2.95 per serving, it is the most expensive pre-workout on our list. However, you’re paying for the added natural ingredients and overall quality increase compared to other options.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 4 grams of l-tyrosine, 2.2 grams of Setria Performance Blend (l-citrulline and l-glutathione), 1.6 grams of l-theanine. |
Caffeine | 80 milligrams (natural caffeine) |
Sweeteners | Xylitol, erythritol, monk fruit extract, stevia extract, Swerve |
Flavors | Natural Berry |
Third-Party Tester | Informed Sport Certified |
Price Per Serving | $2.95 |
C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout

- 300 milligrams of caffeine is above the scientifically proven dose.
- Several added fat-burning ingredients.
- Made by a brand with 20 years of market experience.
- Extremely high price per serving.
- Only 20 servings per container.
The C4 Ultimate Shred is one of the newer pre-workouts from a brand that has been operating for 20 years. Each serving offers 3.2 grams of beta-alanine and 3 grams of l-citrulline, which is near the research-backed amounts.
With 300 milligrams of caffeine and a fat-burning matrix mix, the C4 Ultimate Shred is catered towards fat-burning and endurance. It’s our best pre-workout for men and women wanting to improve their fat-burning potential.
The tub is well-labeled with the amount and type of each ingredient. However, the lack of third-party testing is something to improve on. This means it wouldn’t be suitable for tested athletes or those who prefer to know exactly what’s in it.
C4 has given you some nice flavors to choose from. However, they’re sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium. These may negatively impact your gut health, with potential links shown in mice.
At $2.75 per serving, the price point is one of the highest on our list. Even with this, you are buying from a brand with proven market experience and an excellent track record. Therefore, it’s our best pre-workout for weight loss.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 3.2 grams of beta-alanine, 3 grams of l-citrulline,1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous, 1 gram of l-tyrosine. |
Caffeine | 300 milligrams |
Sweeteners | Sucralose, acesulfame potassium |
Flavors | Orange Creamsicle, Pink Lemonade, Frozen Bombsicle, Cherry Limade. |
Third-Party Tester | None |
Price Per Serving | $2.75 |
Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout

- Uses natural ingredients and is vegan-friendly.
- Caffeine is included in the research-backed dose.
- All flavors have been reported to taste great.
- The main ingredients are included in low doses.
- No third-party testing.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout to enjoy, this is the one. Despite only having four flavors to choose from, it sits above the rest in terms of reported taste. It’s our best-tasting pre-workout if you’re looking for something enjoyable to drink.
Alongside this, it only uses natural ingredients to give you a high-quality pre-workout that comes at a great price.
Each serving contains 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of creatine monohydrate, and 1 gram of l-arginine. Each of these is below the research-backed amounts. However, you could double the dose if you can handle 400 milligrams of natural caffeine anhydrous.
While the label is well-organized and clearly shows each ingredient, there’s no mention of the third-party testing lab used. Future releases should show this so performance athletes can know if it’s suitable for them.
Overall, the Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout is great tasting and uses natural ingredients. However, it needs to be double-dosed if you want to get up to the research-backed amounts.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of creatine monohydrate, 1 gram of l-arginine. |
Caffeine | 200 milligrams (Natural caffeine anhydrous) |
Sweeteners | None |
Flavors | Unflavored, Fruit Punch, Citrus, Stim-Free |
Third-Party Tester | Yes — Lab not specified |
Price Per Serving | $0.90 |
Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout

- Budget-friendly price point.
- Research-backed amounts of l-citrulline and caffeine.
- Added B vitamins.
- Made in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility.
- Sweetened with sucralose.
- Third-party testing organization not specified.
Despite the low price point, the Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout is well-formulated. Each serving includes 4 grams of l-citrulline, 2 grams of beta-alanine, and 300 milligrams of caffeine. Each is at or near the suggested research-backed doses.
In terms of brand transparency, the tub is well-labeled with each ingredient clearly shown. Nutricost also states that it’s made in a GMP-compliant, a Food and Drug Administration or FDA-registered facility. However, despite being third-party tested, they don’t specify the testing lab name.
With five flavor options, the brand offers a decent range to choose from. However, sucralose is used as an artificial sweetener. At just $0.70 per serving, it offers incredible value for money. Because of this, it’s our top-pick budget option.
Overall, Nutricost has made a well-formulated pre-workout. Future releases could aim to use natural flavors and specify the third-party testing organization.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 4 grams of l-citrulline, 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1.5 grams of betaine anhydrous, 250 milligrams of n-acetyl l-tyrosine. |
Caffeine | 300 milligrams (Caffeine anhydrous) |
Sweeteners | Sucralose |
Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Grape, Peach Mango |
Third-Party Tester | Yes — Not Specified |
Price Per Serving | $0.70 (60 servings) |
Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout

- Vegan friendly.
- No added sugar or gluten.
- Added ingredients to improve cognitive function.
- High price per serving.
- No third-party testing.
The Onnit alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout focuses on improving both mental and physical performance. Each serving contains 2.4 grams of beta-alanine and 2.4 grams of l-citrulline for muscle pumps and performance. The 225 milligrams of ashwagandha is added to improve focus, with many users reporting exactly that.
While each tub is clearly labeled, there’s no mention of any third-party testing. Alongside this, you only have two flavors to choose from, which is quite limited. It’s gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan-friendly.
At $2.55 per serving, it is on the more expensive side. However, the added ingredients to improve mental focus make it worthwhile. It’s an excellent hybrid option for vegan gym-goers.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 2.4 grams of beta-alanine, 2.4 grams of l-citrulline, 250 milligrams of African palm oil, 225 milligrams of ashwagandha. |
Caffeine | 200 milligrams of caffeine |
Sweeteners | Stevia |
Flavors | Tiger’s Blood, Yuzu Peach |
Third-Party Tester | None |
Price Per Serving | $2.55 |
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

- The main ingredients are included in research-backed doses.
- Third-party tested with published certificates.
- Several flavor choices.
- Contains creatine monohydrate.
- Uses artificial sweeteners.
- Customer reviews report issues when mixing.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout that hits all the research-backed doses, this is it. Each serving contains 5 grams of l-citrulline, 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate, and 2.5 grams of l-tyrosine. Alongside this, it has 200 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, 2 grams of betaine anhydrous, and 2 grams of HydroPrime glycerol.
In terms of the formulation, we’re impressed with the types and amounts of each ingredient. At just $1.50 per serving, you’re getting a lot of research-backed doses for your money. Because of this, it’s a great choice for those looking for a good pre-workout variety.
There are 13 flavors to choose from, with some names I would love to try myself. However, they do use sucralose and acesulfame potassium as artificial sweeteners. Gorilla Mind operates with full brand transparency. They’ve also included certificates of analysis showing the results from the third-party tester.
Overall, the Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout is well-formulated, offers an excellent range of flavors, and comes at a good price point. It’s our best pre-workout for women and men looking for something that does a bit of everything.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 5 grams of l-citrulline, 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate, 2.5 grams of l-tyrosine, 2 grams of betaine anhydrous, 2 grams of HydroPrime glycerol, 400 milligrams of alpha-GPC. |
Caffeine | 200 milligrams (Caffeine anhydrous) |
Sweeteners | Sucralose and acesulfame potassium |
Flavors | Orange Rush, Cotton Candy Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Bombsicle, Volcano Burst, Sour Gummy Worms, White Gummy Bear, Fruit Punch, Cherry Blackout, Tiger’s Blood, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Jungle Juice, Blackberry Lemonade |
Third-Party Tester | Yes — Dyad Labs |
Price Per Serving | $1.50 |
Benefits Of Taking Pre-Workout
Pre-workouts offer several useful benefits depending on the ingredients used. Note that these can differ between individuals based on tolerance levels and the type of exercise.
Increases Energy Levels
The most well-known ingredient present in most pre-workouts is caffeine. This is a central nervous system stimulant that can boost your energy levels and improve alertness. It’s commonly added to pre-workouts because of its multiple proven links to better endurance, power, and cognition.
Caffeine works by blocking the activity of adenosine, a chemical messenger that helps depress the nervous system and promote sleep. This can also increase the activity of norepinephrine and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that improve energy levels.
Improves Muscular Strength

Many pre-workouts also contain creatine in different forms. Alongside caffeine, creatine is one of the most well-proven performance aids, with thousands of studies confirming its effectiveness.
Creatine is an amino acid naturally found in muscle cells. It helps to increase the energy levels and function of the muscles by increasing Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP. This is the form of energy that the muscle cells use to contract.
Even though creatine is produced naturally, it’s not enough to meet the body’s needs. Therefore, supplementation can improve the body’s creatinine levels and with it, the amount of ATP.
This increases the muscle’s energy and function, improving muscular strength. With this, creatine is well suited to something like a PHUL workout, where power and hypertrophy are the main goals.
Enhanced Muscle Pumps
Most pre-workouts contain nitric oxide boosters to improve blood flow and performance. Common examples include citrulline and beetroot extract.
Nitric oxide, or NO, is a natural gas produced by the body. It acts as a vasodilator which means it relaxes muscles in the walls of the blood vessels. This improves blood flow, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to circulate throughout the body.
In terms of pre-workout formulations, increasing the amount of NO can enhance muscle pumps due to the higher blood flow. Because of this, NO precursors work well when taken as part of a hypertrophy workout.
Supports Better Cognitive Function
As mentioned above, adding caffeine to a pre-workout can help to enhance alertness and cognition. However, other nootropics may also be added. Common ones include tyrosine and theanine.
Nootropics, commonly known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, change the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain. They’re added to pre-workouts to improve memory, attention, and alertness during the session.
Better Exercise Performance
Each of the points discussed above can contribute to better exercise performance when the pre-workout is correctly formulated. This includes increased energy levels from caffeine and enhanced muscular strength from creatine.
Furthermore, the increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles from NO boosters may improve exercise performance.
Beta-alanine is commonly added to most pre-workout supplements. This combines with histidine in the body to make carnosine. This molecule acts as a muscle buffer, meaning it reduces the muscles’ acidic environment during high-intensity exercise.
Higher carnosine levels mean the muscles can better manage the lactic acid build-up. With this, adding beta-alanine can further help to enhance exercise performance. Whether you’re doing an Arnold split or a normal routine, pre-workouts can improve your performance.
How To Choose The Best Pre-Workout
These are the five main factors to consider when choosing the best pre-workout. These are also the main things we looked at when making our top ten list.
Ingredients And Dosages
When it comes to pre-workouts, there are five important ingredients to look out for. These are the ones that have the most scientific backing. With each of these, you need to consider the research-backed doses and whether they’ve been included in these amounts.
- Caffeine: 200 milligrams.
- Creatine: 3–5 grams.
- Beta-Alanine: 4–6 grams.
- Citrulline: 3–6 grams.
- Citrulline Malate: 6–8 grams.
In many cases, you can supplement these levels by adding more of the pure ingredients. However, pre-workouts with these doses use scientifically proven amounts.
Brand Transparency And Third-Party Testing
Dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA. Therefore, it’s up to the brands to use third-party testing to verify the ingredients used. Doing this means the pre-workout has been tested by a laboratory for the amount and type of each ingredient.
If a pre-workout has been third-party tested, the tub will be stamped by the testing organization. Some may also include a certificate of analysis to show the pre-workout is what it claims to be.
If the pre-workout is third-party tested by a high-quality organization, it means athletes can use it in tested sports events. Even in high-school football players, the prevalence of pre-workout usage was estimated to be 29.4%. Therefore, third-party testing should be an important consideration when purchasing.
Try to avoid proprietary blends. This means the brand has chosen not to disclose the amounts of certain ingredients, and there’s no way to tell if they’re included in effective doses.
Different Flavors And Taste
Most pre-workouts are available in different flavors. While this is arguably less important than the other factors, it should still influence the final decision.
Look at the different flavors to see which ones you potentially like. If there’s a wider range available, you can switch between flavors to mix things up.
The customer reviews can be used to see if the flavors taste as expected and how well the powder mixes.
Value For Money
This refers to the benefits offered versus the money you’re spending. The type and dosages of ingredients used and testing quality should be the main considerations.
Look at each pre-workout and compare the ingredients and testing to the price point. Pre-workouts with higher price points should have more ingredients and higher-quality testing.
Consider what you want to get out of the pre-workout and how well-suited the ingredients are for your exercise goals. Once you have this, make sure it’s within your specified budget when choosing the most appropriate one.
Customer Reviews
Each pre-workout brand will make a series of claims based on the ingredients included. Each one should be backed by scientific evidence.
Customer reviews provide real-world accounts of people who have used the products and experienced the potential benefits. Look at these to see the general opinions to get a better idea of how effective each one is.
Potential Side Effects
Pre-workouts are generally considered safe when taken as directed. However, you should test a lower dose first. Also, never take more than the recommended dose.
If you’re unsure about the ingredients or have pre-existing medical conditions, speak to a qualified professional first. They will assess your current condition and make a judgment on whether it’s safe for you.
These are some of the common side effects you may experience:
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Dehydration.
- Skin Reactions.
- Digestive Issues.
- Stomach Upsets.
- High Blood Pressure.
- Jitters.
- Insomnia.
- Tingling Sensations.
- Heart Abnormalities (Self-Diagnosed).
It’s important to note you may experience some of these or none at all. The exact effects depend on your tolerance and the amount of ingredients used. Generally speaking, these are all seen as mild side effects that go away when use is discontinued.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an extra boost in your mental and physical performance, pre-workouts are an excellent supplement to use. The different ingredient formulations can provide several benefits, including increased energy, strength, muscle pumps, and cognitive function.
Our top ten list of pre-workouts represents the best ones currently available in 2025. Take a look at the award we’ve given them and read the review to learn which is the right choice. Above all, follow the recommended serving sizes and you will be enjoying the benefits in no time at all!
Frequently Asked Questions
A pre-workout is worthwhile for those looking for an added performance boost. However, the exact benefits given depend on the ingredients and dosages used. This is why it’s important to review each one carefully.
Many bodybuilders use pre-workouts to boost their energy levels, enhance their strength, and improve exercise performance. Pre-workouts tend to make up a small part of their overall supplement routine.
Taking a pre-workout every day is generally considered safe when following the suggested doses. However, the effectiveness of some ingredients may decrease over time if breaks are not used. A good example would be caffeine.
A beginner can take pre-workout if they want. However, the most important thing at this stage of training is to develop a solid diet and training routine. Once these are done, a pre-workout can be used as a training aid.
Resources
Endomondo.com refrains from utilizing tertiary references. We uphold stringent sourcing criteria and depend on peer-reviewed studies and academic research conducted by medical associations and institutions. For more detailed insights, you can explore further by reading our editorial process.
- Beck, K., Thomson, J.S., Swift, R.J. and Pamela (2015). Role of nutrition in performance enhancement and postexercise recovery. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, [online] pp.259–259. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/oajsm.s33605.
- Martinez, N., Campbell, B., Franek, M., Buchanan, L. and Colquhoun, R. (2016). The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 13(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0138-7.
- Krzysztofik, M., Wilk, M., Grzegorz Wojdała and Artur Gołaś (2019). Maximizing Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review of Advanced Resistance Training Techniques and Methods. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 16(24), pp.4897–4897. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16244897.
- Gough, L.A., Sparks, S.A., McNaughton, L.R., Higgins, M.F., Newbury, J.W., Trexler, E., Faghy, M.A. and Bridge, C.A. (2021). A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. European Journal of Applied Physiology, [online] 121(12), pp.3283–3295. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04774-6.
- Samuel, P., Ayoob, K.T., Magnuson, B.A., Wölwer-Rieck, U., Jeppesen, P.B., Rogers, P.J., Rowland, I. and Mathews, R. (2018). Stevia Leaf to Stevia Sweetener: Exploring Its Science, Benefits, and Future Potential. The Journal of Nutrition, [online] 148(7), pp.1186S1205S. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxy102.
- Georgiou, G.D., Antoniou, K., Antoniou, S., Michelekaki, E.A., Zare, R., Redha, A.A., Konstantinos Prokopidis, Efstathios Christodoulides and Clifford, T. (2024). Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal Intensity Exercise in Trained Young Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, [online] 34(6), pp.397–412. doi:https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2024-0027.
- labdoor. (2019). Supplement Ratings and Reviews – Labdoor. [online] Available at: https://labdoor.com/.
- Gonzalez, A.M. and Trexler, E.T. (2020). Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, [online] 34(5), pp.1480–1495. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000003426.
- Magnuson, B.A., Roberts, A. and Nestmann, E.R. (2017). Critical review of the current literature on the safety of sucralose. Food and Chemical Toxicology, [online] 106, pp.324–355. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.047.
- Bian, X., Chi, L., Gao, B., Tu, P., Ru, H. and Lu, K. (2017). The artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium affects the gut microbiome and body weight gain in CD-1 mice. PLOS ONE, [online] 12(6), p.e0178426. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178426.
- Kreider, R.B., Kalman, D.S., Antonio, J., Ziegenfuss, T.N., Wildman, R., Collins, R., Candow, D.G., Kleiner, S.M., Almada, A.L. and Lopez, H.L. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 14(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z.
- Who.int. (2018). Good Manufacturing Practices. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/teams/health-product-policy-and-standards/standards-and-specifications/norms-and-standards/gmp.
- Kumarpillai Gopukumar, Shefali Thanawala, Venkateswarlu Somepalli, Rao, S., Vijaya Bhaskar Thamatam and Chauhan, S. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, [online] 2021, pp.1–10. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8254344.
- Wax, B., Kerksick, C.M., Jagim, A.R., Mayo, J.J., Lyons, B.C. and Kreider, R.B. (2021). Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations. Nutrients, [online] 13(6), pp.1915–1915. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061915.
- Wetestyoutrust.com. (2023). Certified Dietary Supplements | Informed Choice. [online] Available at: https://choice.wetestyoutrust.com/.
- Cholewa, J.M., Hudson, A., Cicholski, T., Cervenka, A., Barreno, K., Broom, K., Barch, M. and Stuart (2018). The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on body composition and performance in collegiate females: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 15(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0243-x.
- Espinosa-Salas, S. and Gonzalez-Arias, M. (2023). Nutrition: Micronutrient Intake, Imbalances, and Interventions. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597352/.
- Matěj Malík and Pavel Tlustoš (2022). Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients, [online] 14(16), pp.3367–3367. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163367.
- Piattoly, T.J. (2022). Dietary Supplement Safety: Risk vs Reward for Athletes. Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, [online] 30(1), pp.150891–150891. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsm.2022.150891.
- Zaragoza, J., Tinsley, G., Urbina, S., Villa, K., Santos, E., Angelie Juaneza, Tinnin, M., Davidson, C., Mitmesser, S., Zhang, Z. and Taylor, L. (2019). Effects of acute caffeine, theanine and tyrosine supplementation on mental and physical performance in athletes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0326-3.
- Xu, X. (2024). The review: Effects of acesulfame K on human health. International journal of agriculture and food sciences research., [online] 1(1), pp.64–70. doi:https://doi.org/10.62051/ijafsr.v1n1.07.
- Guest, N.S., VanDusseldorp, T.A., Nelson, M.T., Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B.J., Nathaniel, Arent, S.M., Antonio, J., Stout, J.R., Trexler, E.T., Smith-Ryan, A.E., Goldstein, E.R., Kalman, D.S. and Campbell, B.I. (2021). International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 18(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4.
- Rodak, K., Kokot, I. and Kratz, E.M. (2021). Caffeine as a Factor Influencing the Functioning of the Human Body—Friend or Foe? Nutrients, [online] 13(9), pp.3088–3088. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093088.
- Antonio, J., Candow, D.G., Forbes, S.C., Gualano, B., Jagim, A.R., Kreider, R.B., Rawson, E.S., Smith-Ryan, A.E., VanDusseldorp, T.A., Willoughby, D.S. and Ziegenfuss, T.N. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 18(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w.
- Wang, Z., Qiu, B., Li, R., Han, Y., Petersen, C., Liu, S., Zhang, Y., Liu, C., Candow, D.G. and Coso, J.D. (2024). Effects of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Muscle Strength Gains in Adults < 50 Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, [online] 16(21), pp.3665–3665. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213665.
- Gonzalez, A.M., Townsend, J.R., Pinzone, A.G. and Hoffman, J.R. (2023). Supplementation with Nitric Oxide Precursors for Strength Performance: A Review of the Current Literature. Nutrients, [online] 15(3), pp.660–660. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030660.
- Fiani, B., Zhu, L., Musch, B.L., Briceno, S., Andel, R., Sadeq, N. and Ansari, A.Z. (2021). The Neurophysiology of Caffeine as a Central Nervous System Stimulant and the Resultant Effects on Cognitive Function. Cureus. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.15032.
- Trexler, E.T., Smith-Ryan, A.E., Stout, J.R., Hoffman, J.R., Wilborn, C.D., Sale, C., Kreider, R.B., Ralf Jäger, Earnest, C.P., Laurent Bannock, Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T.N. and Antonio, J. (2015). International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 12(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y.
- Harty, P.S., Zabriskie, H.A., Erickson, J.L., Molling, P.E., Kerksick, C.M. and Jagim, A.R. (2018). Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 15(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6.
- Vento, K.A. and Wardenaar, F.C. (2020). Third-Party Testing Nutritional Supplement Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use Among an NCAA I Collegiate Student-Athlete Population. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, [online] 2. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.00115.
- Shoshan, T. and Post, E. (2021). Prevalence of Protein and Pre-Workout Supplement Use among High School Football Players and Potential Product Contamination. Global Pediatric Health, [online] 8, pp.2333794X2110312–2333794X2110312. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794×211031202.
- Saldanha, L.G., Dwyer, J.T., Hardy, C.J. and MacKay, D.J. (2023). Perspectives on the Use of Proprietary Blends in Dietary Supplements. Journal of Nutrition, [online] 153(5), pp.1305–1308. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.03.035.
- Zhang, M., Sun, L., Li, Y., Wang, G.A. and He, Z. (2023). Using supplementary reviews to improve customer requirement identification and product design development. Journal of Management Science and Engineering, [online] 8(4), pp.584–597. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmse.2023.03.001.
- Jagim, A.R., Camic, C.L. and Harty, P.S. (2019). Common Habits, Adverse Events, and Opinions Regarding Pre-Workout Supplement Use Among Regular Consumers. Nutrients, [online] 11(4), pp.855–855. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040855.
- Chappell, A.J., Simper, T. and Barker, M.E. (2018). Nutritional strategies of high level natural bodybuilders during competition preparation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 15(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0209-z.
- Pickering, C. and Kiely, J. (2018). What Should We Do About Habitual Caffeine Use in Athletes? Sports Medicine, [online] 49(6), pp.833–842. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0980-7.
0 Comments