What is a pre workout supplement and what it contains
If you are a fitness enthusiast and are a regular at your local gym with a killer workout motivation of “Go hard or Go home”. Then you might wanna consider reading this post. A pre workout supplement is something consume before you start the workout. And here’s why. Pre workout supplements are mainly focused on enhancing energy levels and performance during your workout. BUT! before pouncing on one of these there are plenty of things you should follow first,
- Get enough sleep which is a must for muscle growth.
- Drink plenty of water(at least eight glasses)
- Keep a score on how much caffeine you put in your body on an average basis.
- Eat right! Remember the old saying “Eat big to get big”, nothing beats a well balanced diet rich in protein and nutrients for muscle growth.
OK! Now that that’s out of the way lets focus on what ingredients does a pre workout supplement contain.
- Creatine- It is after all a molecule found in your cells. Through numerous tests and experiments scientists have found out that creatine can safely increase muscle mass and strength, hence the number one supplement to build mass and power. In fact it is shown that the athlete who uses creatine has 5-10% more growth in muscle than the one who don’t. A recommended dose starts at 20g per day, which are split into multiple servings.
- Caffeine- Is a molecule found in coffee primarily and also in many energy drinks. What it does is stimulate certain parts of the brain to make you feel less tired and more energetic. Based on many studies, the recommended dose of caffeine for exercise performance is about 1.4–2.7 mg per pound of body weight. Research shows it increases power output during weight training but also increases performance during endurance centered activities.
- BCAAs- Branched chain amino acids are a major component in most pre supplement workouts. leucine, isoleucine and valine are the key components present here. The high-quality protein found in dairy, eggs and meat provides sufficient BCAAs to support muscle growth, and it also contains all of the other amino acids your body needs. BCAA helps your body reduce the protein breakdown during a hardcore workout. Finally, some research has shown that these supplements may reduce muscle soreness after running and weight training.
- Beta-Alanine- This ingredient aids you in keeping your fatigue level at a certain level making you perform better. When acid starts to build up in your body during intense exercise, beta-alanine helps combat the acid. Bottom line it controls muscle fatigue.
- Citrulline-is an amino acid produced naturally in your body. Most endurance exercise studies have used L-citrulline. While research on weight training has used citrulline malate. A recommended dose is 6 grams. This helps blood vessels to function normally during intense workouts and not build up unusual blood flow.
- Nitrate- Is a molecule found in most muscle building vegetables like spinach and beetroot. This can be converted to nitric oxide which helps in increased blood flow to muscles. The optimal dose of nitrate is probably 2.7–5.9 mg per pound of body weight.
- There are more ingredients such as Sodium bicarbonate, But these are the essentials.
Are Pre Workout Supplements Necessary
Let me share my experience first. After starting to go the gym as a 19 year old kid I often felt lethargic, tired, muscle pain for more than the usual amount of time, sleepiness etc. After consulting a few of my friends who already been supplementing for some time I decided to be a consumer as well. The results were amazing! I no longer felt that depleted, lethargic or fatigued after or during a workout. The reason been is the level of energy boost, pump and muscle strength performance brought out by the supplements taken before the workout. Of course this goes hand in hand with eating right, sleeping well etc.
When should you take it and the pros and cons of pre workout
Just because its called “pre workout” does not necessarily mean it has to be taken right before you start lifting the barbell or hit the squat rack. It can be taken 15-20 minutes beforehand or if its a long strenuos workout then 1 hour before.Always refer to the label of your pre-workout for specifics. In fact, it may be worth cycling your pre-workout intake.
Pros and cons
Increased performance during workout and also during the day. Because of the regulated blood vessel function and boosted muscle strength, you will be less likely to feel tired or fatigued. Also Increased concentration and focus: Pre-workout is packed with caffeine, which is know to enhance cognition. As research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found, caffeine works on people’s arousal, mood and concentration, so if you want to be focused on a workout, pre-workout is the supp for you.
The Cons are entirely dependent on your usage.As mentioned so much real food can be replaced by NOTHING!! Keep that in mind. Therefore if you plan to overuse than the recommended dosage digestion problems and feeling jittery will be major side effects.
Now that we got you all covered for what a pre-supplement is.Lets dive into the best pre-workout supplements out there that are used and praised by many fitness enthusiasts over the globe.
1. Cellucor C4 Extreme Pre Workout Powder
Pre-workout stimulant C4 Extreme Energy is concentrated blend of Creatine Nitrate, Beta Alanine, Citrulline Malate. And a special formula of C4® Extreme Energy. This product is suitable for active and professional athletes who want to do their best during their training and get to the new performance level.0 Sugar, 0 Calories, and 0 Carbs Per Serving. Fully transparent, made without artificial flavors or dyes, and contains an innovative formula with 25% more energy (200mg) and endurance than C4 Original, plus 2x the nitrates, to deliver enhanced energy, pumps, focus, and performance.
Purchase here->Cellucor C4 Extreme Pre Workout Powder
2.Evlution Nutrition ENGN Shred Pre Workout
- DVANCED PRE-WORKOUT AND SHREDDING FORMULA: Ultimate Pre Workout for men and women designed to power your intense workouts while also supporting your fat loss goals with 18 active ingredients. Contains 0 sugar, 0 carbs, and 0 calories!
- MORE BENEFITS: Thermogenic Fat Burning Formula, with Energy, Endurance and Enhanced Mental Focus Support
- KEY INGREDIENTS: ENGN SHRED MATRIX of CLA, L-Carnitine, Coleus Extract, Yohimbe Bark Extract and Capsimax. MIND-TO-MUSCLE MATRIX of Toothed Clubmoss(Huperzine A), Alpha GPC, Choline Bitartrate, and L-Tyrosine. STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE SUPPORT from Beta Alanine, Agmatine Sulfate, Betaine and Caffeine from Green Tea. B VITAMIN COMPLEX of Niacin, B6, Folic Acid and B12
Purchase here->Evlution Nutrition ENGN Shred Pre Workout
3.KAGED MUSCLE Preworkout for Men & Pre Workout Women
- Delivers intense energy & laser-like mental focus*: formulated with PurCaf organic caffeine from non-GMO green coffee Bean, Taurine, Tyrosine,.And a complete profile of fermented, plant-based Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), Pre-Kaged pre workout powder delivers a clean, intense surge of energy.And relentless focus that will get your mind and body locked in and ready to obliterate your workout.* it’s so good, you’ll never use another pre-workout product again.
- Triggers bigger, longer-lasting muscle pumps*: every serving of Pre-Kaged pre-workout for men and women delivers a massive dose of pure L-Citrulline. This scientifically superior vasodilator helps drive nutrient rich blood and oxygen deep into your muscles for dense, hard muscle pumps.* Pre-Kaged also includes Spectra, a patented blend of 29 fruit and veggie Superfoods that not only provide important antioxidants, but it also supports nitric oxide production.*
- Award-winning pre-workout formulated to increase muscle, strength & performance*:.Pre-Kaged is an award-winning pre-workout powder that delivers a unique combination of patented ingredients, scientifically tested to deliver increases in muscle size, strength, and athletic performance.* This includes patented Creatine HCl, patented Carnosine beta Alanine with self-affirmed Gras status, and patented beta power, a purified Betaine extract.
- Check the complete review here.
Purchase here->KAGED MUSCLE Preworkout for Men & Pre Workout Women
4.Pre JYM Pre Workout Powder
- QUALITY INGREDIENTS – Pre JYM preworkout powder contains the best ingredients to optimize your workout. It has BCCAA’s and creatine for muscle growth, citrulline malate and caffeine for endurance, plus beta-alanine and betaine for strength.
- GREAT TASTE – No other pre-workout supplement surpasses the great taste, texture, and nutrition of Pre JYM. Simply mix with 12-32 ounces of water and drink 30 minutes before your workout for the best results.
- ENHANCED STRENGTH & ENDURANCE- Creatine HCl, beta-alanine and betaine help fuel your muscles for more strength and stamina during workouts. The BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) found in Pre JYM provide a direct source of energy during your workout.
Purchase here->Pre JYM Pre Workout Powder
Bottom line conclusion
Every fact regarding pre workout supplements have been covered here. And you have to have the ability of making a clear choice for your workout needs now. Are Pre Workout Supplements necessary for you? If so what are you gonna choose here? Is it the C4,pre-Kaged? Let us know on the comments below. Also for checkout our post for best supplements of 2020.
She recommends fueling up for tough workouts with roughly 15 grams of carbohydrates—which you can get in half of a banana or one slice of bread with some jam. Experts also suggest eating a little bit of protein, but just a few grams, and keeping the fiber and fat to a minimum (both slow down digestion and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort while you’re exercising). If you’re into caffeine, a cup of coffee about 30 minutes prior to your workout will give you some extra energy. Seriously, pre-workout nutrition can (and should!) be that easy. But if you want to try out pre-workout for yourself, you can give one of the options vetted by NSF or Informed-Choice a shot. (Make sure you stick to the serving size, and it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor about trying any new supplement, especially if you have any health conditions or take any medications.)
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