We have all struggled with days where lifting a five pound dumbbell feels like climbing mount Everest. We are all humans and our energy level fluctuates on a daily basis depending on various factors in our life’s such as work, family, etc. This is where most of us turn in to pre workout supplements to help boost our energy and get through our workouts.
What do pre-workout supplements consist of?
Pre-workout supplement includes ingredients that helps boost ones energy levels. These supplements may come with or without a stimulant. They help to increase blood flow to your muscles to help increase your energy levels. Some of the nutrients that are included in these supplements include caffeine, leucine, nitric oxide boosters and many other stimulants like theacrine or yohimbine.
Who should and shouldn’t take pre-workout supplements?
Most healthy adults can take pre-workout supplements, however, if you know that you’re highly sensitive to caffeine, you may benefit more from a low-stimulant or stimulant-free pre-workout. Many pre-workouts contain stimulants and some of them contain increased level of stimulants, so be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any health conditions that might cause adverse reactions to them.
Our experts tested and reviewed numerous pre-workout supplements to help our readers pick the right supplement for their needs. Below are the five pre workout supplements that we recommend and as with all supplements and exercise products, please consult your physician prior to consuming any of these supplements.
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OUR PICK: Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
Available in unique flavors such as concord grape, green apple, peach lemonade and cotton candy, this pre-workout powder from Optimum Nutrition is best for fitness enthusiasts. Amino blend has a perfect mix of essential amino acids required for muscle recovery. Formulated with caffeine, this is one of the best pre-workout powders to help boost your energy. This formula also provides you with increase mental focus to help you workout better. Not only is the taste good, but the drink has no after taste. You can get a boost of energy in anytime of the day.
Optimum nutrition amino energy includes a blend of amino acids, with 5 calories per serving. You can choose from 10 different flavors according to your taste. Compared to other market blends, this formula has micronized free form amino acids which absorb much faster than others. It also helps to support muscle recovery especially after a tough workout. Caffeine included is derived from natural source, i.e. green tea leaves. This formula is also keto-friendly, which truly makes it one of the best pre-workout powders.
“I like it! I was afraid to try pre-workout for a long time, but this brand is very good. I take 1-2 scoops before my afternoon workout, depending on how I’m feeling, and always have a “better” time, whether it’s cardio or lifting.”, wrote one satisfied customer.
| Total Customer Reviews on Amazon | 18, 577 reviews |
| Ratings | 5 star 81% 4 stars 10% 3 stars 4% 2 Stars 2% 1 Stars 2% |
| Top 5 reasons for 4-5-star reviews | Micronized amino acids for better absorption Gives a lot of energy Keto friendly formula No after taste Many flavors to choose from |
RUNNER UP: Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement Powder
In the list of best pre-workout powders comes this drink from Alani Nu. With flavors like Hawaiian shaved ice, mimosa, aloha pineapple, pink guava and blueberry acai, it comes packed with a solid formula. This blend has about 200mg caffeine, 500mg of L-tyrosine, 6g of citrulline and 1.6g of beta-alanine. You can easily consume this blend before your workout to help boost your endurance, energy and move better. It will also aid in muscle recovery before and after your workout. This formula also does not have any carbohydrates, so its mostly keto-friendly.
Comparable to other pre-workout drinks, this one comes in many unique and exotic flavors to choose from. It will also dissolve in water with ease. This product will provide you with a burst of mental energy that you need for your workout and these are some of the factors that put this at the top of our list.
“I absolutely love this pre-workout! It gives me the extra “kick” I want but doesn’t make me jittery. I notice a tingly sensation but I personally like that. I don’t feel a crash after my workout either like some people claim to have after using other pre-workouts. I loveeee the rainbow candy flavor- it’s super sweet.“, wrote one satisfied customer.
| Total Customer Reviews on Amazon | 5,100 reviews |
| Ratings | 5 star 81% 4 stars 10% 3 stars 4% 2 Stars 2% 1 Stars 2% |
| Top 5 reasons for 4-5-star reviews | Many flavors to choose from Keto-friendly Provides instant energy Helps through workout Helps in muscle recovery |
ALSO GREAT: C4 Ripped Sport Pre Workout Powder Fruit Punch
C4 pre-workout drink is another option to try from the best pre-workout powders available. It is made for both men and women. This powder has fat-burning ingredients like CLA and Dyglofit which also helps in burning fat. It includes Carnosyn beta-alanine which fights off exhaustion and help with your endurance for those long workouts. This brand is one of the few best pre-workout powders that has been officially recognized by NSF for sports, which is an independent certification program in the US.
This comes in two flavors mainly fruit punch and arctic snow cone. This powder includes a blend of amino acids and is sugar-free and low on carbs. The revolutionary fat-burning formula of C4 is one of its kind and not very commonly found in the market. You can train harder and better, knowing that this formula is truly trusted by athletes around the world.
“I am new to pre workouts and I wanted to try this one because it didn’t seem as daunting as some of the others on the market. I am also looking to lose weight so I wanted a pre workout that didn’t have any creatine in it. I would definitely recommend it if you are trying to lose weight and are new to working out!” wrote one satisfied customer.
| Total Customer Reviews on Amazon | 6287 reviews |
| Ratings | 5 star 75% 4 stars 14% 3 stars 6% 2 Stars 2% 1 Stars 2% |
| Top 5 reasons for 4-5-star reviews | Many flavors to choose from Low on sugar Fat Burning formula Used by athletes No bad after-taste |
ALSO GREAT: BSN N.O.-XPLODE Pre-Workout Supplement
N.o. Xplode is amongst the best pre-workout powders that you can have to increase your stamina and power. With an explosive energy, this formula is especially designed for athletes of all levels to use and improve their performance. It comes in various flavors like fruit punch, grape, watermelon, green apple, cherry limeade, pineapple vice and scorched cherry. It has a unique blend of about 9 vitamins and minerals. This formula helps to improve mental focus, maximize intensity and performance, enhances endurance and gives you an explosive burst of energy.
The main goal of this product is to provide you with energy, focus and improved performance. Ideally, you need to take it about 20-30 minutes before you start training. This blend is also easy to digest ad not too hard on the tummy. It keeps you filled up before your workout, so that you can perform better. It provides a great value for your money and its one of the most popular energy supplements on the market. It mixes very well in water and has longer than average effects to help keep you focused during your long workout sessions.
| Total Customer Reviews on Amazon | 7,559 reviews |
| Ratings | 5 star 75% 4 stars 13% 3 stars 6% 2 Stars 2% 1 Stars 4% |
| Top 5 reasons for 4-5-star reviews | Many flavors to choose from Mixes easily Explosive energy Great value for money Great taste |
BUDGET PICK: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout
Optimum nutrition provides this blend which is one of the best pre-workout powders on the market and its quiet budget friendly. One of hte most popular energy supplements, it comes in four flavors like fruit punch, watermelon, green apple and blueberry lemonade. This formula is unique as it includes Vitamin D to provide support to your bones. It also includes 175mg of Caffeine to keep you focused and provide mental clarity for you to perform better. This formula has about 3 grams of creatinine to boost your overall performance. It also includes 1.5g beta-alanine for better endurance, 1.5g citrulline malate, 375mg acetyl-L-carnitine, and 250mg N-acetyl-L-tyrosine. All these amino acids help in muscle recovery and to boost your endurance.
Caffeine is sourced from natural green tea leaves to help with mental focus and energy. “I’m in love with this pre-workout. It packs a great punch and gets me out and moving when I need it.”, wrote one satisfied customer.
| Total Customer Reviews on Amazon | 22,108 reviews |
| Ratings | 5 star 69% 4 stars 17% 3 stars 8% 2 Stars 3% 1 Stars 3% |
| Top 5 reasons for 4-5-star reviews | Great flavors Caffeine keeps you stimulated No bad aftertaste Provides mental clarity Helps support endurance |
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