14 of the Best Pre-Workout Supplements to take your Workout to the Next Level
If you want to take your workouts to the next level, getting a good pre-workout supplement is the perfect way to ensure that your workouts become as efficient and effective as they can be.
Pre-workout supplements have been shown to help improve your workouts by providing you with the extra energy you need to keep yourself motivated and in workout mode.
If you’ve found that you’re running out of energy far sooner than you’d like, you’re struggling with focus, or you aren’t building muscle as much as you would like, a pre-workout supplement may be exactly what you need.
The pre-workout supplement market is saturated with products, geared towards giving you the best pump, energy, and drive so that you can make the most of your workout sessions.
All of these contain ingredients that can help with workouts, but different supplements may contain more of certain ingredients than others or omit ingredients entirely whereas other supplements include them all.
This can make it confusing when trying to purchase supplements, which is why we’ve put together a list of the best pre-workout supplements so that you can choose the supplement that is best for you.
Best Pre-Workout Supplements
GAT Sport, NITRAFLEX Testosterone Boosting Powder
INCREASE MUSCLE GROWTH WITH SUPPORTED TESTOSTERONE LEVELS: In a clinical study, calcium fructopyranose borate (CFB) was shown to increase total and free testosterone within 3 hours of a single dose equivalent to just over 2 scoops of Nitraflex.
INCREASE BLOOD FLOW AND ENERGY: This clinically tested, high-intensity pre-training formula has potent ingredients to help magnify energy, alertness, strength, stamina, pumps and free testosterone during workouts.
CREATINE-FREE, IDEAL FOR PRE-CONTEST PREP AND LEAN MUSCLE: Creatine causes water retention, which can make achieving a dry, hard muscular look even more difficult, so we left it out. NITRAFLEX is ideal for pre-contest prep and lean muscle physique.
BOOST BENCH PRESS STRENGTH IN 2 WEEKS: Increase bench press strength up to 10 lbs in just 2 weeks. Potent ingredients will increase energy for each workout while increasing strength.
If you’re looking for a good protein powder, you can count on GAT Sport, NITRAFLEX Testosterone Boosting Powder to give you the boost you require, whilst also helping to increase your energy, strength, and even your mental sharpness.
A lot of this comes down to the 7.2 grams of performance-enhancing ingredients included within the protein powder, a blend of ingredients created by the manufacturers themselves.
GAT Sport, NITRAFLEX Testosterone Boosting Powder includes ingredients such as:
L-Citrulline Malate
L-Arginine
Niacin
L- Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) amino acids
325 milligrams of caffeine
calcium fructoborate
Beta-Alanine
L-Tyrosine
L-Theanine
GAT unfortunately doesn’t declare how much of each ingredient goes into their product.
Excitingly, GAT Sport NITRAFLEX Testosterone Boosting Powder, in a few fun flavors, such as Green Apple, Piña Colada, and Black Cherry. For best results, take this pre-workout supplement 30 minutes before your workout.
Each 300g tub contains around 30 servings on average, using the provided 10.2g scoop. Mix one scoop with 08 to 10oz of water and consume 30 minutes before your workout session.
Pros
High caffeine content – the same as 3.5 cups of coffee
Good mix of ingredients – a balanced supplement, with a range of benefits
Contains cognitive enhancers – helps you to stay focused and alert
Cons
Does not list ingredient amounts
NITROSURGE Pre-Workout Supplement
Pre Workout Powder for Energy, Strength, & Blood Flow: Nitrosurge is a creatine-free pre-workout for men and women, formulated with evidence-based ingredients that boost nitric oxide (NO), energy, and strength for hours on end. As a best rated pre workout supplement , Nitrosurge delivers peak performance, laser focus, and intense pumps every single training session.
Nitric Oxide Boosting Pre Work Out Supplement: Nitrosurge elevates muscle pumps during training thanks to clinical doses of L-citrulline and betaine anhydrous — two proven nitric oxide boosters. Feel the satisfaction of skin-tearing pumps every time you hit the gym with this best-rated pre-workout supplement.
Ingredients Backed by Science. Nitrosurge pre-workout powder optimizes the key components of athletic performance — energy, mental sharpness, focus, muscle pumps, strength, and stamina — with ingredients that are backed by science and clinical research.
Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-Certified Facility. Unlike many sports nutrition pre-workout products, Nitrosurge preworkout powder drink is free from artificial fillers, food dyes, and banned stimulants. Experience lasting energy that keeps you in the zone when it matters most — no crashes or jitters.
NITROSURGE Pre-Workout supplement provides you with energy and mental clarity, giving you the pre-workout boost that you need. The supplement contains around 180 milligrams of caffeine per serving, and also contains L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Beta-Alanine, and Theanine.
This pre-workout supplement will help to promote blood flow to your muscles, as a result of the vasoactive complex included in the formula. This means that it helps to provide your muscles with oxygen and also aids in taking any waste from your muscles to your kidneys.
Believe it or not, one scoop of NITROSURGE contains the same amount of caffeine that you would get from two cups of coffee, really giving you the energy boost that you need to get through your daily work-out.
NITROSURGE pre-workout comes in tubs that weigh 216g. It’s recommended that you take one scoop with 6-8oz of water, or 2 scoops with 12-16oz of water, approximately 30 to 40 minutes before your workout for the best results.
NITROSURGE contains (per serving):
L-citrulline – 2 grams
Beta-alanine – 1.6 gram
Betaine anhydrous – 1.25 grams
Theanine – 90 milligrams
BioPerine® or black pepper extract – 2.5 milligrams
Caffeine – 180 milligrams
With around 30 scoops per tub, you can count on a tub of NITROSURGE to provide you with the same amount of energy you would get from 60 cups of coffee – alongside all the other included workout benefits!
NITROSURGE Pre-Workout Supplement comes in a tasty range of flavors. These include Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Cotton Candy, and Pineapple!
Pros
Effective formula – ingenious balance of performance and mental stimulation
Great flavors – NITROSURGE always comes through with amazing taste
Transparent labeling – peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re taking
Cons
Some users may experience side effects
C4 Extreme Pre-Workout
C4 PRE WORKOUT POWDER FOR MEN & WOMEN – America’s #1 Selling Pre-Workout Brand has been trusted since 2011 with over 2 billion servings sold*
BUILD MUSCLE & STRENGTH – Formulated with a fully transparent label with no proprietary blends and innovative performance ingredients
INCREASE REP COUNT – Formulated with CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, a premium clinically studied beta-alanine, which has been studied to support muscular endurance and fight fatigue
ENERGY TO PERFORM – Formulated with 200mg Caffeine to support explosive energy and physical performance when you need it most
DELICIOUS FLAVORS UNLIKE ANYTHING ON THE MARKET – Fruit Punch, Icy Blue Razz, Midnight Cherry, Twisted Limeade, Ultra Frost, Watermelon
Manufactured by Cellucor, the C4 Extreme Pre-Workout powder is a great supplement for both men and women.
Ingredients per serving:
Beta-Alanine – 2g
Citrulline Nitrate – 1g
Creatine Nitrate – 1g
Caffeine Anhydrous – 200 milligrams
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine – 200 milligrams
C4 Extreme Pre-Workout contains ingredients such as creatine nitrate, beta-alanine, arginine, and tyrosine, which help to improve your focus, energy, as well as muscle fatigue when working out. This means that you can depend on this powder to give you all the performance boost you need to take your workout to the next level.
Each tub is 183g and contains 30 servings on average. To get the most out of your workout, it’s recommended that you mix 1 level scoop of C4 Extreme Pre-Workout powder with 6oz of water, 20 to 30 minutes before your workout.
C4 Extreme Pre-Workout Powder comes in a variety of fun flavors, including Icey Blue Razz, Strawberry Kiwi, Cherry Limeade, and Lemon Drop!
Pros
Reputable brand, popular product – well trusted within the industry
Uses sensible 150 milligrams of per does – enough that you benefit but not so much that you risk side effects
Contains B vitamins –Uses your body’s natural system to produce energy.
Cons
Caffeine related side effects – skin tingles aren’t for everyone
ProSupps Mr. Hyde Signature Pre-Workout
Intense Performance: This workout energy drink has powerful ingredients like Creatine, Beta Alanine, Nitrosigine Arginine Silicate, L-Citrulline, Caffeine, TeaCrine and more that provide intense rapid released and sustained energy, focus and pumps for peak performance. The combination of Caffeine and TeaCrine in our energy drink powder helps provide jitter-free sustained energy and drive throughout your workout from start to finish.
Supports Muscle Strength: Our pre-workout energy drink has Beta Alanine that helps prolong training endurance, delay onset of exercise induced fatigue, increase power output and recovery rate. It also contains Creatine Monohydrate that helps enhance muscle strength and power output, increase training adaptation, and increase the work capacity of your skeletal muscle.
Increases Blood Flow: Formulated with Nitrosogine, our pre workout drinks help enhance and optimize blood flow for improved muscle pumps and vascularity, nutrient delivery, and endurance. This muscle pumps energy drink also promotes increased stamina and precision focus, so you can dominate your training sessions.
Banned Substance Tested: Athletes and fitness advocates can trust ProSupps Mr. Hyde Signature pre workout drink, knowing that our products are not only effective, but certified for use in most sports to help them train harder and longer. Our pre workout energy powder is Informed Choice Certified which has undergone rigorous routine testing and manufacturing audits and have been tested for more than 220 banned substances prohibited in sport by LGC’s world-class anti-doping labs.
No Calories and Gluten Free: Our healthy pre workout has no sugar, carbs, calories and is gluten-free to provide a safe boost of energy for you to feel good. Get everything you need and nothing you don’t for that intense workout you crave with ProSupps pre workout powder for men and women. It also has a Blue Razz Popsicle flavor that you’ll surely love.
The ProSupps Mr. Hyde Signature Pre-Workout powder is perfect for providing you with a caffeine boost, as it includes around 196 milligrams of caffeine. You can count on this supplement to help keep your energy levels high, letting you get the most out of your workout without leaving you exhausted for the rest of the day.
Active ingredients per serving:
Creatine Monohydrate – 2.5g
Beta-Alanine – 1.5g
Arginine Silicate Inositol – 250 milligrams
L-Citrulline – 125 milligrams
L-Aspartate Acid – 125 milligrams
Choline Bitartrate – 250 milligrams
L-Theanine – 26 milligrams
N-Acetyl-Tyrosine – 26 milligrams
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) – 13 milligrams
Caffeine Anhydrous – 169 milligrams
Di-Caffeine Malate – 37 milligrams
Like other supplements, ProSupps Mr. Hyde Signature Pre-Workout Powder is great for increasing blood flow to your muscles, making your workout even more effective.
Mr . Hyde Signature Pre-Workout Powder includes ingredients such as Creatine Hydrochloride, L-Leucine, Beta-Alanine, and Agmatine Sulfate, which all help to increase your strength during Work-outs, allowing you to push yourself just that little further.
This pre-workout powder comes in some really exciting flavors – Blue Razz Popsicle, Cherry Popsicle, Pixie Dust, Green Apple, and Cotton candy!
One tub is 213g, which is 30 servings at 7.2g.
Pros
Fantastic flavors – a delicious treat to help you look forward to working out!
Great blood flow – improves the effectiveness of your workout
Solid energy – helps you to keep working out for longer
Cons
The stimulation may be too much – if you’re just starting out on Pre-Workout then the simulation content may be too high
Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout
INCREASE ENDURANCE, boost energy and increase focus with Redcon1’s award winning preworkout with the perfectly formulated, quality ingredients.
HITS AS HARD AS THE FIRST TIME, no matter whether its your first time using Total War or last scoop in your tub, Total War will hit you just as hard as the first time your tried it.
BANNED SUBSTANCE FREE, Total War pre-workout powder is third party tested to be free from banned substances. See exactly what’s in each product with full ingredient transparency on the label.
THE STRONG COMBINATION of stimulants and focus factors along with N.O. compounds makes Total War an all-in-one preworkout supplement. * Enjoy the most energy, focus, and skin-splitting pumps you’ve ever felt during a workout.
GUARANTEED RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK within 30 days if you are not 100% satisfied. We will help you resolve your concern or provide a full refund.
Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout powder can help to increase your focus and endurance, whilst also providing you with that much-needed energy boost.
The powder contains powerful ingredients like Beta-Alanine, which is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps to enhance your endurance during a workout, whilst also reducing the exhaustion you experience, so your workouts will be more effective, and you’ll be able to carry on working out for longer.
Active ingredients per serving:
L-Citrulline – 4 grams
Malic Acid – 2 grams
Beta-Alanine – 3.2 grams
Agmatine Sulfate – 1 gram
Taurine – 1 gram
Caffeine Anhydrous – 250 milligrams
Juniper berry extract – 150 milligrams
Di-Caffeine Malate – 100 milligrams
Green tea extract – 45 milligrams
Naringin – 25 milligrams
Black pepper extract – 10 milligrams
Cocoa seed extract – 5 milligrams
Not only does this pre-workout contain 250 milligrams of caffeine per scoop, but it also contains Di-Caffeine Malate, which is a form of caffeine fused with malic acid.
When combined, they create a slower releasing form of caffeine, letting you keep your energy levels up throughout the day – so you can rely on this powder to give you the energy boost you need!
Redcon1 Total War Preworkout Powder also includes some Agmatine sulfate which is a natural amino acid that can help to improve blood flow, increasing endurance allowing you to train harder.
The powder contains Agmatine, which helps to block pain receptors and is used medically for nerve pain and treating depression, meaning that you’ll experience a little less of that painful muscle ache, making your workouts considerably more enjoyable.
Alongside all of this, Citrulline Malate is also included within the formula, which raises your nitric oxide levels to help increase blood flow, increasing nutrients in the muscles and contributing to the pump effect.
This brilliant pre-workout supplement comes in over 15 delicious flavors, including Green Apple, Rainbow Candy, Raspberry Spyder, Sour Gummy Bear, Pineapple Juice, Tiger’s Blood, Grape, Olympia Fireball, and Demogorgon Blood.
Pros
Over 15 delicious flavors – you can cycle through flavors so that it doesn’t get old
325 milligrams of caffeine per serving – the boost you need to get through your workout
30 servings – enough for at least a month of exercise
Cons
Large caffeine content – at times may cause bad caffeine crashes
Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
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.
Mental focus – Caffeine and Huperzine A have been suggested to naturally enhance mental focus. You’ll feel super “in the zone” And ready to crush your workout. Pre JYM is not loaded with stimulants that create jitters, make you explode and lead to a crash.
This powder also contains citrulline Malate and caffeine for endurance, alongside Beta-alanine and betaine for strength. When combined with BCAAs (branch-chain amino acids), which stimulate the building of protein into muscle, you know that this powder is great for providing you with everything you need to make your workout as effective as it can be.
Not only is this powder effective, but it’s a real treat to drink, as it comes in five delicious flavors: Grape Candy, Tangerine, Rainbow Sherbet, Pink Lemonade, and Cherry.
Each tub contains 750 grams of powder, the equivalent of 30 servings. Mix one scoop with 12-32 ounces of water and drink within 30 minutes of starting to exercise.
Pros
Reduces muscle pain and fatigue – brilliant combination of ingredients
Massive pumps – get the blood flowing and visibly see your muscles bulge
Increased mental focus – stay focused on your training and get maximum results
Cons
A little low on Betaine – compared to some other pre-workouts
PRE-KAGED KAGED MUSCLE Pre-Workout Powder
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.
The industry largest, most fully dosed scoop: with Max dose ingredients, and a massive 32g per serving, just one scoop of Pre-Kaged does it all. Kaged Muscle is a health-forward brand, so like all our products, Pre-Kaged has been third-party tested, screened for banned-substances, and our ingredient profiles are completely transparent. So, even the most meticulous athletes can see exactly what they’re getting. There’s a reason it’s one of the highest-rated and most-awarded pre-workout supplements available.
The Kaged Muscle difference: we develop our formulas with some of the most premium, patented, and cutting-edge compounds available. After all, why train to get bigger, stronger, FITTER, and healthier, but use supplements with low-quality ingredients? Or worse yet, in dosages that aren’t effective? Kaged Muscle supplements are formulated for performance-minded men and women who not only want real results, but also want clean products that provide incredible value for their money.
The PRE-KAGED MUSCLE Preworkout is an award-winning pre-workout powder for both men and women, and contains both scientifically tested and patented ingredients, giving you all the boost you need for a high-efficiency workout session.
This powder has a formula made up of effective ingredients such as creatine and BCAA’s (branch-chain amino acids) that can be excellent for muscle retention.
It also contains tyrosine and taurine, which are brilliant for helping you to stay focused and motivated during your workout.
Each serving contains the same amount of caffeine as two and a half cups of coffee, so you know that this powder is going to give you the energy boost that you need.
The PRE-KAGED pre-workout powder comes in over five flavors, including Fruit Punch, Berry Blast, and Orange Crush.
To use, mix 1 level scoop with 12-16 ounces of cold water, approximately 30-45 before you start exercising. For best results, you should shake your bottle between each sip to ensure that the powder is nicely distributed, and drink the entire serving within 25 minutes.
Each tub contains 592 grams of powder.
Pros
Caffeine kick – equivalent to around two and a half cups of coffee in each serving
Scientifically tested – ingredients that you can trust
Patented ingredients – patented ingredients help to create a unique formula
Cons
Must be continuously shaken whilst drinking
Pump Serum Stim-Free Pre-Workout Supplement
OVER 31 GRAMS PER SERVING: Pump Serum has one of the largest scoop sizes currently on the market. Every serving has a whopping 31 grams of active ingredients. In the creation of this stimulant-free pre-workout, we’ve made sure to include all the necessary ingredients at the correct dosages.
SCIENTIFICALLY BACKED INGREDIENTS: Every ingredient in Pump Serum is added at the correct and efficacious dosages. You will find scientifically backed up ingredients like L-Citrulline, Glycerpump, Beet Root, L-Tyrosine, and Nitrosigine.
NO STIMULANTS & ZERO CAFFEINE: Looking for a stim-free and caffeine-free pre-workout option? Pump Serum is by far the most stacked product on Amazon and is formulated to optimize pump, muscle fullness, training capacity, and focus.
GREAT FLAVORS & MIXABILITY: The flavor could sometimes be off when creating such an effective product with so many ingredients. However, not with Pump Serum; this product has some of the most incredible flavors and mixes perfectly with some water or any other beverage of choice.
LABEL TRANSPARENCY: Every ingredient you see on the label is actually in the product. What you see is what you get. Some brands like to hide behind a proprietary blend well, not with us.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout, but you are sensitive to caffeine, citrulline, and other stimulants heavily used in most pre-workouts, Pump Serum might be a solution for you.
Active ingredients per serving:
L-Citrulline – 8000 milligrams.
Betaine Anhydrous – 3000 milligrams.
Glycerpump™ – 3000 milligrams.
Beet Root Extract – 2000 milligrams.
L-Tyrosine – 1500 milligrams.
Nitrosigine – 1500 milligrams.
Agmatine Sulfate – 1250 milligrams.
Pomegranate Extract – 1000 milligrams.
VasoDrive-AP – 254 milligrams.
(Huperzia Serrata Leaf Extract – 20 milligrams.
Black Pepper Fruit Extract – 5 milligrams.
With Pump Serum, you can increase your focus and training capacity stimulation-free, and still feel great whilst doing it. This is thanks to Glycerpump™, a stable version of glycerol. Glycerpump combines well with other ingredients, has a longer shelf-life, and doesn’t taste as bad compared to the alternatives.
This powder is great for people that are sensitive to certain ingredients, as it doesn’t contain any stimulants, giving you more control over what you are putting into your body. The powder forgoes ingredients such as caffeine or citrulline, which means you don’t have to worry about a post-workout crash.
A 775-gram tub contains approximately 25 servings at 31g per serving. To use, mix one level scoop of Pump Serum with between 8 and 12 ounces of water. This is most effective when taken around 30 minutes before starting your workout.
Stim-free – gives you control over what you are putting into your body
Great taste – interesting flavors, such as Strawberry Mojito and Jungle Juice
Great circulation – increases nitric oxide in the body
Cons
25 servings per tub (slightly less than some other brands)
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout
9000 MG PURE L-CITRULLINE – The ONLY pre-workout in the entire industry featuring the maximum effective dosage of PURE L-Citrulline that IS NOT artificially inflated with Malic Acid on the label (with Citrulline Malate, you’re only getting 1/2 – 2/3 as much L-Citrulline as the label implies). The huge spike in Nitric Oxide significantly increases pumps, endurance and can cut DOMS in half after training.
5000 MG CREATINE MONOHYDRATE, 3000 MG GLYCERPUMP, 2500 MG BETAINE, 1000 MG AGMATINE – Supersaturates the muscle with blood and induces a state of hyper-hydration for massive pumps, endurance and power. Also includes your full daily saturation dose of Creatine. Creatine has shown time and time again to significantly improve strength, power output and muscle size.
1500 MG L-TYROSINE, 500 MG KANNA, 400 MCG HUPERZINE A – The high doses of these Nootropics top off the cognitive enhancing component of Gorilla Mode and contribute to a significant increase in energy, mood and overall mental acuity.
350 MG CAFFEINE, 350 MG N-PHENETHYL DIMETHYLAMINE CITRATE – Laser focus and a substantial increase in energy levels. In conjunction with one another, this combination of stimulants mimics the actions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin and keeps levels elevated throughout the duration of a full workout for intense drive and performance.
23,500 MG TOTAL NITRIC OXIDE PRECURSORS, PLASMA EXPANDERS AND VOLUMIZING AGENTS – This product is so potent that we actually had to edit this product page to warn you that it will have some grittiness. When we say it is the most potent formula on Amazon, we aren’t kidding. It isn’t possible to make a potent formula like this that mixes like a run of the mill cookie cutter watered down pre-workout. More potent = more issues mixing. If you want the best, then choose us and embrace the grit.
Get yourself the biggest boost in strength possible from a non-hormonal pre-workout, Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Powder increases nitric oxide, intramuscular hydration, energy, and focus, giving you massive pump and performance.
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Active Ingredients, per serving:
The powder contains high volumes of active ingredients such as Creatine, Betaine, Glycerol, and L-Citrulline, which can help to fill your muscles with blood, as well as aid in intracellular hydration, both of which aid in the building of muscle.
If you’re particular about tastes, Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout is sure to come in a flavor you enjoy. The powder comes in 11 different, delicious flavors:
Cherry Blackout,
Volcano Burst,
Jungle Juice,
Bombsicle,
Lemon-Lime,
Mouth-Watering Watermelon,
Tigers Blood,
Mango Peach,
Fruit Punch,
Firefly Lemonade
Mojo mojito.
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Formula comes in 608-gram tubs, with 40 servings per tub. It’s recommended to use 1-2 scoops of this powder with around 12-14 ounces of water. It’s best to drink this 30 minutes before you begin your workout, as this will help you to achieve the best results.
It should be noted that, as per the product guidelines, you should start with smaller amounts, to begin with, to evaluate the effects of the powerful ingredients and make sure that they aren’t too strong.
Pros
40 servings – will last you longer
Variety of flavors – a flavor to suit everyone
Strong ingredients – helping to make workouts more effective
Cons
Potent formula – start with small amounts
Project: Blackout
MAXIMIZE PERFORMANCE: Supercharge your most grueling workouts with our high performance Project Blackout Pre-Workout. Packed with our high-stimulant performance matrix and patented pump formula, our project blackout formula will satisfy even the most advanced hardcore athlete.
JUICEY PUMP: This pre-workout powder is built to help you get skin-tearing pumps out of your workouts. With our patented NO3-T Nitrate blend, your muscles will experience an increase in blood flow that will not only give your muscles a boost, but help you perform better.
LASER FOCUS: In order to get the most out of your workouts, our pre-workout formula was designed to increase your ability to focus your energy and mind without distraction. Through Vitacholine, our pre will help you build a better mind-muscle connection for better pump, better workouts, and better results.
FAST-ACTING, LONG-LASTING ENERGY: With both slow release VitaShure caffeine and fast acting caffeine anhydrous, you will get a quick boost in energy that is long lasting. This combination is made to sustain your energy through your entire workout while avoiding the dreaded energy crash.
PREMIUM INGREDIENTS ONLY: RYSE takes a unique approach to the lineup, utilizing the latest science and ingredients backed by clinical evidence. Not only do we use the best patented ingredients that are backed by research, we TEST multiple times. You’ll always get what the label says and only use the highest quality ingredients, many are patented.
If you decide to purchase Project Blackout Pre-Workout Powder, you know that you are getting what you’ve paid for.
This is because the powder is made from premium ingredients, and the company takes a tough approach when it comes to testing, making sure they deliver exactly what is on the back of the tub every time.
Active ingredients per serving:
Beta-Alanine – 3.2 grams
Choline Bitartrate – 1.5 grams
Betaine Anhydrous – 1.5 grams
Betaine Nitrate – 1 gram
Sodium Nitrate – 500 milligrams
Calcium Potassium Phosphate – 500 milligrams
Caffeine Anhydrous – 350 milligrams
Sustained-release Caffeine – 100 milligrams
Huperzia Serrata Extract – 10 milligrams
Not only this but Project: Blackout pre-workout powder is backed by clinical evidence, as well as a researched-backed formula, so you know that you can rely on it to do what it says it will.
It also features patented N03-T technology (which is a combination of nitrates and amino acids that helps deliver oxygen to the muscles) and aids in slowing lactic acid buildup, meaning you can keep pushing for even longer.
Project: Blackout comes in three great flavors: Baja Burst, Tigers Blood, and Mango Extreme!
Each tub contains 310 grams of powder, with 25 servings included within each tub. To use, you should mix around 10-12 ounces of water with 1 scoop of Project: Blackout pre-workout powder.
Pros
N03-T Nitrates – a patented combination of amino acids and nitrates for improved oxygen delivery to muscles
Sustained-release caffeine – a consistent energy release that helps you to keep going throughout your workout
Great taste – you’ll want to work out just to drink some!
Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
MUSCLE BUILDER – The most complete pre-workout product available, Vapor X5 includes powerful musclebuilding ingredients to help you pack on size, including creatine monohydrate – the most researched form of creatine – combined with betaine
TEST SUBJECTS BUILT 3.75 LBS OF MUSCLE – Test subjects who supplemented with the exact 2.5g dose of betaine in 2 scoops of Vapor X5 built 3.75 lbs of lean muscle in 6 weeks compared to 0.66 lbs by the placebo group. That’s over 4x more muscle
NITRIC OXIDE BOOSTER – Enhance your focus with a precisely dosed key ingredient that’ll deliver energy & an intense sensory experience. Research shows that Nitrosigine boosts nitric oxide levels. With hawthorn, it delivers shirt-splitting pumps
MuscleTech Vapor X5 pre-workout powder is made from a great mix of ingredients. This powder is made up of one of the most complete formulas on the pre-workout powder market!
Active ingredients per serving:
Creatine monohydrate – 1.5 grams
Betaine Anhydrous – 1.25 grams
Beta-Alanine -1.6 grams
Arginine inositol silicate – 750 milligrams
Hawthorn extract – 200 milligrams
Taurine – 500 milligrams
L-Citrulline – 1.5 grams
Caffeine Anhydrous – 190 milligrams
Coca extract – 50 milligrams
Choline – 100 milligrams
L-Theanine – 50 milligrams
Choline Bitartrate – 100 milligrams
Galangal Extract – 50 milligrams
Yohimbe Extract – 20 milligrams
Vapor X5 gives a massive boost in energy, focus, and muscle pump. In clinical studies when tested, participants who used MuscleTech Vapor X5 gained 75lbs more of lean muscle (on average) over six weeks, compared to the control group who used a placebo.
The powder helps to provide you with explosive energy from the caffeine and Choline Bitartrate, muscle building, as a result of the Creatine and Betaine Anhydrous. It also helps to increase your endurance, as a result of the included Beta-Alanine and taurine, whilst also saturating your muscles with oxygen-rich blood, as it helps to improve the blood flow around the body.
Pros
Good Creatine content
Great, all-round performance enhancer
All ingredients and amounts are clearly visible
Cons
Hawthorn and Yohimbe extract is illegal in some countries
Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Supplement
100% ALL NATURAL PRE WORKOUT POWDER. Pulse is a naturally sweetened and flavored pre workout supplement that contains large and effective doses of the best science-backed ingredients, including those found in many nitric oxide supplements: L citrulline malate, betaine, beta alanine, alpha gpc, caffeine, and L theanine.
BOOSTS ENERGY & FOCUS. Mix a serving of this preworkout for women and men with water, swig it down, and get fired up and zeroed in and crush your workout . . . and without the jitters, upset stomach, or post-workout crash.
ENHANCES STRENGTH & ENDURANCE. This all natural preworkout powder is a nitric oxide booster and helps you push more weight and reps, get bigger and better pumps, and gain more muscle and strength.
GUARANTEED RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK. If you’re not 100% satisfied with this preworkout for men and women, just notify us and we’ll give you a prompt and courteous refund on the spot. No complicated forms and no return necessary.
THE MAN BEHIND THE BRAND. Tired of the exaggeration and lies of the workout supplements industry? So was Mike Mathews, international bestselling fitness author with over a million books sold, and that’s why he created Legion Athletics.
Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Supplement is probably one of the most potent stimulation formulas available on the market – so if you’re looking for something strong and effective, this may be the one.
Not only does this have the same amount of caffeine as about 3 and a half cups of coffee, but it also has Beta-Alanine, taurine, Theanine, L-Citrulline Malate, L-ornithine HCL, and Betaine at high doses.
These ingredients positively contribute to your workout by reducing fatigue, improving muscular endurance, and increasing your mental focus.
This pre-workout supplement comes in a great variety of flavors, including Fruit Punch, Strawberry Kiwi, Sour Candy, Cherry Limeade, and Tropical Punch!
Each tub contains 21 servings, weighing in at 494 grams. For best results, take 1 to 2 scoops of pre-workout supplement mixed with 10-12 ounces of water, between 15 and 30 minutes before you begin your workout. If you are taking this for the first time, start with 1 scoop to ensure that it is not overpowering.
Pros
Strong formula – powerful ingredients, resulting in better, more efficient workouts
Comes in a caffeine-free option – can be taken by those that should avoid caffeine
Great flavors – you can look forward to a tasty treat before every workout
Cons
Only 21 servings per tub
Alani Nu Pre-Workout Supplement
Packed with 200 mg of caffeine to provide energy during workouts and training sessions, and with 1.6g of Beta-Alanine, 6g of Citrulline, 500mg of L-Tyrosine to support your goals. Packaging may vary
100% transparent ingredients means no proprietary blends, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body
Take before your workout for sustained energy and endurance to help achieve your fitness goals
Multiple delicious flavors available, all packed with the nutrients you need and none of the fillers that you don’t. Crush your goals and build strength everyday
Our pre-workout powder is banned substance tested and is manufactured in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliant facility. We care about the products you put into your body
Unlike most other pre-workouts that focus on physical performance, Alani Nu is a supplement that focuses on that ‘feel-good’ factor, providing unbelievable tasting flavors and vegan-friendly ingredients without any fillers or proprietary blends. The brand takes a simple, yet effective approach to this pre-workout supplement, and doesn’t use any more ingredients than it needs.
Ingredients per serving:
Beta-Alanine – 1.6 grams
L-Tyrosine – 500 milligrams
L-Citrulline Malate – 6 grams
L-Theanine – 200 milligrams
Caffeine – 200 milligrams
They utilize natural caffeine, which gives you the energy boost you need to keep going for longer, while the Beta-Alanine increases your endurance.
The inclusion of L-Tyrosine gives you clarity and mental focus, L-Theanine gives you that feel-good feeling, needed to get through the dreaded post-workout crash, and they’ve also added some L-Citrulline to help you get that all-important pump.
Pros
Research-backed ingredients – you can trust that these ingredients do what they say they will
Low in calories – won’t negatively impact any diet plans
Great taste – you can look forward to drinking this before every workout
PACKAGING MAY VARY – New look, with the same trusted Quality.
175MG OF CAFFEINE- help fuel your mind and body to train at the highest level
3G CREATINE – help support overall performance
1.5G BETA-ALANINE – help support enhanced endurance
Designed to increase physical performance in short, high-intensity bursts, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout is a great pre-workout supplement.
It’s perfect for providing you with some extra energy to help you get your daily workout out of the way, as it provides you with all the essential ingredients necessary to maximize your sessions in the gym.
This pre-workout supplement contains loads of goodness, including Vitamins B1, B6, B12, Niacin, and Pantothenic Acid, which help to raise your natural energy levels, alongside a multitude of other health benefits.
Ingredients per serving:
Caffeine – 175 milligrams
Beta-Alanine – 1.5 grams
Creatine Monohydrate – 3.4 grams
Creatine – 3 grams
Citrulline – 750 milligrams
Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl – 375 milligrams
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – 250 milligrams
Niacin – 17 milligrams
Thiamin – 2.1 milligrams
Vitamin B6 – 2 mcg
Vitamin B12 – 9.1 mcg
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard combines these great ingredients with the equivalent of almost two cups of coffee of caffeine per serving, which is sure to give you the push you need to hit your goals.
A tub of Optimum contains 300 grams of powder, which means that you can get 30 servings out of each pack.
Optimum comes in four flavors: Blueberry lemonade, Watermelon Candy, Green Apple, and Fruit Punch.
Pros
Good for you – contains vitamins B1, B6, B12
Provides an energy boost – the equivalent to two cups of coffee per serving
A month’s worth per pack – includes 30 servings
Cons
Only four flavors (less variety than some other brands)
Buyers Guide
Caffeine
The most popular stimulant used in pre-workout products is by far caffeine. Not only does it increase focus and alertness, but it’s also a metabolic stimulant, meaning that it burns fat and converts it into energy.
Whilst you can get some caffeine from your regular, morning cup of coffee, pre-workout supplements can provide you with an ultra caffeine boost, meaning that you get a bit more of an energy kick than what you did with a cup of coffee.
Not to mention, these supplements often include slightly varied types of caffeine or even several types of caffeine within each power. This helps the manufacturers to maximize the benefits of caffeine, helping it to improve your workout as effectively as possible.
When looking at pre-workout supplements, always check on the caffeine content to ensure that it is a dose that is suitable for you against any health issues that you may have.
Beta-Alanine
If you’re looking to improve your endurance, you should keep an eye out for the ingredient ‘Beta Alanine’ when taking a look at which pre-workout supplements to try out.
Beta-Alanine is an amino acid, and it’s useful in pre-workout supplements as it increases the amount of carnosine in muscle tissue.
Carnosine is produced in the body naturally, especially in the muscles and brain tissue. It has many functions for the body but it is also one of the key components to building muscle.
Unfortunately, we can’t consume carnosine to put more into our system for this benefit because it gets absorbed by our bodies and broken down.
Carnosine is made up of two amino acids, Histidine and Beta-Alanine. When Beta-Alanine is consumed it isn’t broken down and absorbed like carnosine, but goes to the muscles and bonds with Histidine to make Carnosine.
Citrulline Malate
Another great ingredient to look out for in your pre-workout powder is Citrulline Malate.
Citrulline Malate is often used in pre-workout powder formulas, as it has been proven to reduce the feeling of fatigue, whilst increasing the blood flow to your muscles.
The better the blood flow, the quicker lactic acid can be transported out of the muscle, preventing the sensation of your muscles burning and helping you to get on with the rest of your day without too much discomfort.
This makes workouts much easier and side effects less frequent, so you can carry on for longer, also helping your workouts to be more effective.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green and black tea and some mushrooms.
It’s great for pre-workout supplements, as it is known to help ease stress and anxiety. This means that it’s excellent for balancing out the powerful effects of stimulants within the pre-workout powder on the body, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed.
This ingredient also aids in reducing the risk of crashing from any caffeine, as well as helping you to stay focused and motivated, allowing your workout to become much more enjoyable and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Buy A Pre-Workout Supplement?
If you’ve found your daily workouts to be particularly exhausting, or if you wish that they were a bit more worthwhile, and you could see results slightly sooner, supplements can help.
Pre-Workout supplements, such as the ones on this list, are perfect for those that struggle with the exhaustion that sinks in when putting yourself through reps, helping you to get even just a few more minutes of exercise in.
Many contain ingredients that help you to keep extra focus, meaning that following instructions and keeping your motivation up can be a lot easier when taking a pre-workout supplement.
They can also aid in blood flow, meaning that your muscles are receiving more oxygen and getting rid of waste faster, keeping your muscles from building up with lactic acid as quickly, which is what causes muscle burn when you are working out.
Whilst your workouts will still be worthwhile when you aren’t taking a supplement, pre-workout supplements really can give you that extra kick of energy that you need to keep going, helping you to build and tone that muscle even faster.
Are Pre-Workout Supplements Bad For Me?
As long as you are taking any pre-workout supplements within the recommended amounts, and in the ways recommended, you shouldn’t suffer any nasty side effects.
It should be noted, however, that these supplements contain ingredients such as caffeine, in high amounts, which can be bad for people, such as pregnant women and people with heart problems.
Always follow the guidelines included with the supplement, and if in any doubt, speak to a professional before using it.
Can I Take a Pre-Workout Supplement on an Empty Stomach?
Pre-workout powders are actually their most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
Whilst it’s okay to take pre-workout supplements when you have eaten, it is important to note that the powder may take longer to take effect, as it will take longer to enter your bloodstream.
This means that when taking pre-workout supplements after eating, you should plan for an extra fifteen minutes before the effects of the pre-workout powder start to kick in.
If you take this supplement without eating beforehand, the effects will be much more noticeable, and a lot more powerful.
If you are starting to take pre-workout supplements for the first time, this effect might be desirable, as it can prevent the effects from being too overpowering, and help you to kick-start your workout effectively.