Pre-Workout Supplements

Pre-workout supplements are a common go-to for both gym enthusiasts and those looking to maintain overall fitness alike. Gathering enough energy to go to the gym or simply do an at-home routine can be difficult at times, causing us to lose motivation or have a less than ideal workout. Enter the world of pre-workout supplements: ingredients and nutrients that can help add a boost of energy to help meet our fitness goals by giving us that little extra kick to start our workout on the right foot or pushing our bodies or do that extra rep.

Pre-workout supplements are designed to help you get the most out of your workout, enabling you to fight fatigue as you go and are usually taken 20-30 minutes before a workout. It’s important to note that many pre-workout supplements contain a variety of stimulants, so if you’re new to these types of supplements it may be a good idea to start with a smaller dose and work your way up, otherwise you may find yourself feeling jittery.

Keep in mind there are also caffeine-free and stimulant-free options that can also work well, but sometimes you’ll see blends that include ingredients like L-theanine to help curb the effects of the dreaded “caffeine crash” that can lead to undesirable results both in and out of the gym.

The Best Pre-Workout Supplements

When it comes to the highest quality pre-workout supplements, look for ingredients that will help keep you focused and energized. This can range from protein to help fuel your body and make for smoother muscle recovery, caffeine to support healthy energy levels and L-theanine to help fight any crash after the stimulants wear off.

Amino acids are also worth mentioning for a pre-workout supplement option, as they can help reduce fatigue during cardio or high-intensity interval training (HIIT workouts) and assisting with muscle growth and maintenance during resistance exercises. Amino acids can be taken before, during or after a workout depending on if you’re looking for energy, muscle-stimulating effects or post-workout recovery.

Some key ingredients and vitamins to keep an eye out for are:

• Caffeine (with L-theanine) can boost energy without the crash

• L-citrulline can improve oxygen intake and enhance your endurance

• Protein can support muscle gain over time

• NMN may improve exercise metabolism

• BCAAs can help decrease exercise-induced fatigue and promote muscle-protein synthesis