The best pre-workouts are formulated to optimize athletic performance, especially on days when energy levels are low. Although not an essential supplement, research shows that using the supplement can boost athletic performance and muscle growth, among other benefits. We spoke to certified experts to identify beneficial pre-workout blends that take cost, sugar content, and third-party testing into account. Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Pre-Workout received high marks for its naturally sourced caffeine content, but C4’s Original Pre-Workout was a close second for its lack of sugar and 5 calories per serving. I took 2nd place.
The best pre-workout provides a safe and effective way to gain energy and build muscle. … [+] Exercise.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
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The gold standard for optimal nutrition pre-workout
Energy source: Caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine | Price per serving: $0.83
Optimum Nutrition’s blend of key ingredients like caffeine, creatine, and beta-alanine helps boost your energy and performance without the jitters and crashes that are common before other workouts.
“Beta-alanine is intended to aid in high-intensity exercise,” explains registered dietitian Brittany Werner. “It may help you lose lean body mass during intense training, which means you can burn more fat and preserve that valuable muscle. It has also been shown to reduce fatigue and promote recovery in athletic athletes.
Werner adds that when combined with exercise, creatine can help build muscle strength and replenish “ATP stores (a compound that releases energy used in muscle contractions)” to energize muscles. Masu. It also helps increase lean body mass. Creatine is one of the most well-researched and recommended supplements on the market. ” Flavors include Blueberry His Lemonade, Green Apple, Watermelon Candy, and Fruit Punch.
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Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout
Energy source: Caffeine, beta-alanine | Price per serving: Approximately $0.90
As the name suggests, Naked Nutrition’s pre-workout contains only clean, essential ingredients and no artificial additives, colors, or sweeteners. This makes it an easy choice for those who want to know exactly what they’re putting into their body, and Werner offers personal sweetener-free pre-workouts to support a vegan-friendly diet. It’s the same reason why I recommend it as a favorite.
Carefully selected ingredients like beta-alanine, natural caffeine from unroasted coffee beans, and electrolytes work together to boost your endurance, whether you’re supplementing with iron at the gym or heading out for a long run. Improves strength, concentration, and overall performance.
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ascent pre workout powder
Energy source: Caffeine, whey protein | Price per serving: $0.90
“For gym sessions, I like Ascent’s pre-workout because it doesn’t have too many ingredients,” says Eric Cohen, a CrossFit L1 trainer and two-time CrossFit Games athlete. “In my experience, the simpler the better.”
In fact, Ascent’s hallmark is its commitment to transparency and purity, with its products free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. The short list of ingredients has also undergone rigorous testing to ensure each ingredient meets the highest standards of effectiveness and safety. Each serving contains 150 mg of caffeine to maximize performance, 250 mg of electrolytes to boost hydration, and 5 grams of protein powder to support muscle recovery.
“Not all pre-workouts include protein, but I like the ones that do because protein is the building block of muscle,” explains Cohen.
Energy source: beta-alanine, caffeine | Price per serving: $1.00
What sets Honey Badger Pre-Workout apart is its powerful blend of workout-enhancing ingredients that not only boost energy levels, but also promote sustainable endurance and focus.
“Honey Badger Pre-Workout uses only clinically studied doses and ingredients, so the ingredient list is short,” notes Werner. It is extremely clean with zero additives or artificial sweeteners.
Caffeine, citrulline, and beta-alanine boost energy and prevent fatigue, while tyrosine, pterostilbene, and electrolytes boost focus and hydration. You can expect fruity flavors such as peach mango, blue raspberry, fruit punch, wild berry, and pink lemonade.
Energy source: beta-alanine, caffeine | Price per serving: $0.83
Pre-workouts are not designed to build muscle, but rather to provide sustained energy to build muscle on your own. That’s why I like Jacked Factory’s Nitrosurge Build blend, which tastes great and isn’t overpowering. It has a small amount of ingredients to help you avoid getting overwhelmed, especially if you’re new to pre-workouts. The lower amount of beta-alanine per serving eliminates the immediate itchy tingling sensation associated with most potent blends. This is a reaction caused by nerve cells in the skin that are sensitive to beta-alanine. If you want to increase your dose to feel the effects (don’t worry about the itching), one more cup is enough. It’s great for beginners as a pre-workout, but the ability to quickly add another drink is handy. It also tastes great, which is a big plus if you don’t like the taste of chemicals before your workout.
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C4 original pre-workout
Energy source: Caffeine, beta-alanine | Price per serving: $0.90
Cellucor’s C4 Pre-Workout Blend has been a popular option for years, and for good reason. A moderate amount of caffeine, equivalent to 1-2 cups of coffee, is sure to give you an energy boost and dissolves well in any liquid. It’s a better option for people who don’t consume caffeine regularly, and those who do consume caffeine may need something stronger. It is also relatively affordable as it costs less than $1.00 per dose. With just 5 calories and less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, it’s free of unnecessary sugars, and for that matter, no added sugar. With up to 10 flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find an easy one to give you a quick boost of energy.
Energy source: Caffeine, beta-alanine | Price per serving: $1.16
As soon as you start reaching for these potent pre-blends, you’ll notice that they have artificial flavors to mask certain ingredients. However, Promix’s formulation is decidedly simpler in the flavor department. Flavors that don’t scream “unnatural” include strawberry lemon, cherry lime, and Florida orange, but are still effective despite the fact that they taste great. We experienced a noticeable increase in energy and even felt itching (which gradually subsided). When you add a spoonful to water, it tastes like an electrolyte drink diluted with water and is easy to drink.
Why trust Forbes’ scrutiny?
In addition to coverage of pre-workout blends, Forbes’ scrutiny team extensively reviewed the essential elements of a well-rounded workout routine, including protein powders, resistance bands, and complete home gyms.
Gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who oversees this article, has a background in kinesiology and draws on his expertise when evaluating pre-workout recommendations.
We have experience with some of the pre-workout options featured in this article, specifically Optimum Nutrition, C4, and Ascent. Forbes Verified Contributor Bailey Berg, who wrote this article, spoke with multiple experts to further evaluate these pre-workout blends, and as a former collegiate rower who works out regularly, I worked on this theme.
This story will be updated to ensure all information is current and each recommendation is always on top. It was last revised in May 2024.
How to choose the best pre-workout
Before choosing the pre-workouts on this list, we consulted experts who use and recommend pre-workouts on a regular basis.Brittany Werner, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Director of Coaching at Working Against Gravity. Eric Cohen is a CrossFit L1 trainer, a two-time CrossFit Games athlete, and the founder of 99Walks, his virtual walking challenge for women.
Insights courtesy of Werner and Cohen guided our evaluation as we evaluated ingredients, taste, and price per serving, weighing these factors against customer reviews. Our analysis has handpicked the best pre-workouts that reflect a balance of performance, flavor, affordability, and compliance with the highest standards in the supplement field.
What to consider when buying a pre-workout
On the surface, any pre-workout blend seems to have the same effect, but the ingredients, dosage, and even the form of the pre-workout can affect how it interacts with your body. there is. When purchasing a pre-workout, consider the following variables:
material
Take a close look at what’s in your pre-workout mix. Make sure your pre-workout includes ingredients that match your goals and what you feel comfortable with. Check for specific ingredients such as caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine, and BCAAs, and if you don’t recognize an ingredient, look it up or talk to your health care professional to make sure it’s something you want to put into your body. please.
Dose
Pay attention to how much of each ingredient is in your pre-workout mix to make sure it reflects what your body can handle and what it’s looking for. If you’re sensitive to stimulants like caffeine and beta-alanine, consider a mix like his Nitrosurge Build from Jacked Factory. If you can’t stomach sweeteners and additives, a natural pre-workout is safer. In some cases, taking too much of one ingredient can negatively impact your experience or cause side effects such as tremors or stomach discomfort. That’s why it’s important to check how your body reacts to pre-workout ingredients and choose your combination accordingly.
shape
Think about how you do your pre-workout. Do you like to mix powder with water or prefer to take everything you need in pill form? You may be looking for a ready-to-drink option for added convenience. Choose the shape that suits your lifestyle and habits.
price
Check the price tag to see if it fits your budget. Higher prices may require premium ingredients or additional features, but you can still find quality options without breaking the bank.
Is it safe to take before a workout?
Before adding a pre-workout to your routine, you should first keep in mind the inherent ambiguity of the supplement industry. “It’s important to keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate these supplements,” says Werner. “There are very few oversights regarding the integrity or quality of ingredients,” so it’s important to critically consider all your options before using a pre-workout. You need to consider not only what you’re taking, but also why you’re taking it and how it makes you feel.
Is it okay to pre-workout every day?
It can give you more energy and focus for your workout, but if used before your daily workout, it can lead to dependence and tolerance build-up. It’s important to give your body a break from time to time and not rely on supplements for energy.
