Have you wondered why you are not getting the desired workout performance? As a team of bodybuilders, we know how it feels when we do not have the required energy levels for getting the appropriate performance while challenging workouts sessions.
After much deliberation, we learned that what we were lacking was the best pre-workout supplements. Yes, we know that there is a lot of hype regarding most pre-workout supplements. And usually, not many live up to the hype. But what about others that do? To find out, you need to read through the entire article.
The 22 Best Pre-Workout Supplements in 2022
Pre-workout formulas are not new. They have been around the market for an extended amount of time. However, due to the high demand, many pre-workout supplements that are average at best slipped onto the shelves.
To seclude them from the effective ones and help pre-workout newbies, we took the time to taste, test, and compare the promising options from the market. We have researched a few top pre-workout supplements and affordable pre-workouts, and these are the ones that stood out:
1. | Pre Lab Pro | The product contains 2X stronger nitric oxide (NOx) boosters for muscle pumping plus afterburn ingredients |
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2. | CrazyBulk Intensive Pre-Train | Patented ingredients that work for one of the most powerful pre-workouts to buy |
3. | XWerks Ignite | An ultimate pre-workout supplement with synergistic effects, blend of energy, focus, and stamina ingredients |
4. | TestoPrime | Best pre-workout supplement for men who suffer from low testosterone |
5. | Cellucor Pre-Workout Powder | The top-selling pre-workout in the country |
6. | Cellucor C4 Extreme | A more explosive version of the classic C4 formula |
7. | Transparent Labs Pre-Workout | An effective pre-workout for bulking up |
8. | Blackwolf Pre-Workout | Caffeine formulas featuring tasty flavors |
9. | Ladder Pre Workout | An all-natural pre-workout drink designed to boost N02 |
10. | 4 Gauge | Combination of power, focus, stamina, and pumps |
11. | Onnit Total Strength + Performance | Best Pre-workout supplement to boost performance and strength |
12. | Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout | Legion Pulse is an all-natural pre-workout drink that increases energy, focus, strength, and endurance. |
13. | Powher Pre-Workout | Pre-workout formula low in stimulants and designed specifically for women |
14. | NSP Nutrition Energize Pre-Workout | This trifecta formula is designed to promote muscle growth and development |
15. | IdealFit IdealLean Pre-Workout | An excellent pre-workout formula that adds endurance and focuses for women who are active |
16. | Bauer Nutrition BRF Pre-Workout | Pre-workout formula with BCAAs and whey protein isolate powder |
17. | Legion Pulse | Ingredients formulated from peer-reviewed research, 100% natural |
18. | Beast Sports Beast Mode Black | Boost endurance, energy, and nitric oxide with this affordable and trusted pre-workout supplement |
19. | Alani Nu Pre-Workout | No fillers, hard stims, or unnecessary ingredients |
20. | Huge Supplements Wrecked | A unique blend of 18 clinically effective ingredients makes it one of the best pre-workout supplements |
21. | Huge Supplements Wrecked Extreme | Contains high doses of stimulants when compared to their original formula |
22. | Huge Supplements Wrecked Stim-Free | Stim free pre-workout formula with 13 potent ingredients |
Pre Lab Pro
Product Name | Pre Lab Pro |
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Ingredients | L-tyrosine, L-citrulline, L-theanine, Vitamin D, Riboflavin, Folate, Potassium, and Iron, Rednite, Setria, natural Caffeine, Himalayan Pink Salt, and other ingredients |
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Flavors | Natural Berry |
Price | $59.00 |
Money Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Wouldn’t it be excellent if the pre-workout supplements did not taste like pre-workout supplements? Well, thanks to Pre Lab Pro, that is a reality.
As you might have guessed, Pre Lab Pro integrates additional flavor into the pre-workout formula. Unlike the proprietary blends, the flavoring on this is natural, making it the best tasting pre-workout product. And this natural pre-workout supplement is all-around ergogenic. That means it will work from multiple levels.
However, you do not have to worry because Pre Lab Pro does not have too much caffeine like some proprietary blends.
CrazyBulk Intensive Pre-Train
Product Name | CrazyBulk Intensive Pre-Train |
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Ingredients | Vitamin C, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Folic Acid, Biotin, Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Glycerol Monostearate, L-Arginine, L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Caffeine, KSM-66, En-Xtra, Bioperine and no artificial sweeteners added |
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Flavors | Blue Raspberry |
Price | Starts from $39.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
CrazyBulk Intensive Pre-Train is not like any other pre-workout supplements. Instead, it has nothing but high-strength ingredients. The intensive pre-workout formula will offer your body everything it needs to obtain long-lasting energy levels, improve performance in exercise, and decrease fatigue in muscles.
Apart from that, there is natural caffeine in this formula. That will increase blood flow and improve energy levels during intense exercise sessions. The blend can even significantly improve performance during cardio sessions because it will target energy production.
XWerks Ignite
Product Name | XWerks Ignite |
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Ingredients | Caffeine, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Rhodiola Rosea, DMAE, L-Tyrosine, CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, Calcium, and Magnesium Lactate, L-Citrulline Malate |
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Flavors | Orange, green apple, orange, blue raspberry, and watermelon |
Price | $49.00 |
Money Back Guarantee | 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee |
Getting the best pre-workout supplement that comes in different flavors without any artificial sweeteners is pretty hard. However, if you were looking for one, this offering from XWerks is the ideal pick. They do offer a tremendous fruit punch.
However, it did not make into our list for being the only best-tasting pre-workout supplement. It also features highly effective elements.
All elements will make this thermogenic pre-workout powder offer the energy required to carry out the intense workouts.
TestoPrime
Product Name | TestoPrime |
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Ingredients | D-Aspartic Acid, Panax Ginseng, KSM 66 Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, Green Tea Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Vitamin D, Zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Garlic Extract, Black Pepper Extract |
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Flavors | Unflavored |
Price | $59.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | Lifetime Money Back Guarantee |
There are plenty of pre-workout formulas out there. However, you might be looking for the best natural pre-workout supplement that can boost protein synthesis and improve your testosterone levels. Well, that is where the TestoPrime steps in.
So, what exactly makes something the best natural pre-workout supplement? Well, first of all, it contains nothing but natural ingredients. There are some unique ingredients that you will not usually find on the regular pre-workouts.
The ingredients will also increase blood flow and your body temperature. So, your body will naturally burn more fat.
Cellucor Pre Workout Powder
Product Name | Cellucor Pre Workout Powder |
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Ingredients | Creatine, Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Beta-alanine, Folic acid, N-acetyl l-Tyrosine, Velvet bean seed extract, and Calcium |
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Flavors | Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch |
Price | $19.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Among all of the brands that offer pre-workouts in the market, Cellucor is one of the most affordable pre-workout options. Well, it does provide an extensive lineup of pre-workout supplements, but that is not the only thing.
The caffeine intake should be restricted to 400mg of the pre-workout that will enhance the body’s energy production and allow you to carry out the intensive workout sessions without any issues.
Best pre-workout supplements do not have to bear a hefty price point. And that is what Cellucor pre-workout powder believes that they are offering this stellar pre-workout product in an affordable range.
Cellucor C4 Extreme
Product Name | Cellucor C4 Extreme |
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Ingredients | CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Nitrate, Creatine Nitrate, Natural Caffeine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Huperzine A |
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Flavors | Watermelon, Midnight Cherry, Icy Blue Razz, Ultra Frost, Cherry Limeade, Blueberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch |
Price | $34.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
There are not many pre-workout powders out there that can maximize the endurance level to an extreme amount. However, if you are looking for one, you need to keep the Cellucor C4 into your consideration.
But the flavor profile is not the only thing that made it reside among the best pre-workout supplements. There are zero calories in the formula too. That means it will not mess up your macronutrient balance. Instead, the pre-workout will offer optimum nutrition to your body and allow it to go to the very extreme.
The pre-workout will even work like a charm in increasing energy levels during the intense workout. Best pre-workout supplements can do a lot more than increase energy, and this is the proof.
Transparent Labs Pre-Workout
Product Name | Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout |
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Ingredients | Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Sodium, Zinc, Potassium, Boron, Beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, Taurine, L-theanine, natural Caffeine, and Theobromine |
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Flavors | Watermelon, Tropical Punch, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Blue |
Price | $54.00 |
Money Back Guarantee | 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Sometimes, your body does not get all the optimum nutrition even after following a balanced diet. Well, that is where you need to consider the dietary supplements that Transparent Labs offer.
First of all, there is an extensive lineup of the strongest pre-workout supplements available. You will find caffeine-free pre-workout supplements along with stim-free pre-workout supplements. There will be loads of options, and you can choose any pre-workouts that meet your needs and check all of your criteria.
Each pre-workout targets a specific goal; for example, the stim-free pre-workout supplement will boost energy level with a caffeine-free pre-workout formula. The stim-free pre-workout will even offer all of the benefits of the best pre-workout blend without any jitters or caffeine-related side effects.
On that note, the stim-free pre-workout holds the ability to accelerate weight loss. Even though it does not have any stimulants, it will boost energy levels by providing your body with the optimum nutrition it requires to produce more energy.
Blackwolf Pre-Workout
Product Name | Blackwolf Pre-Workout |
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Ingredients | L-Citrulline, Caffeine, Beta-Alanine, Creatine, and other ingredients |
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Flavors | Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch |
Price | $44.99 |
Money-Back Guarantee | Within 14 days after the day on which you wish to cancel your order |
Even though this pre-workout does not have that much recognition compared to the other pre-workouts on our list, it is worthy of having a position in this list of the best pre-workout supplements. Want to know what it can offer? Continue reading!
The first thing that makes Blackwolf Pre-Workout a worthy pick as the best pre-workout supplement is the flavor options. It comes in loads of fruit punch flavor profiles. Those will make it easier for you to have the pre-workout daily. Then, the formula of this pre-workout utilizes nothing but the proven elements. That increases its effectiveness.
And you can find the formula of the pre-workout being available in both caffeine and caffeine-free options. While the caffeine-free pre-workout might not be capable of increasing blood flow that well, it does offer all of the other benefits.
Ladder Pre Workout
Product Name | Ladder Pre Workout supplement |
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Ingredients | L-citrulline, Creatine monohydrate, Beta-alanine, Phosphatidylserine, L-Theanine, Caffeine |
Features |
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Flavors | Tropical Fruit, Strawberry Lemonade |
Price | Starts from $14.95 |
Money Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money Back Guarantee |
On the lookout for the best vegan pre-workout supplements? Ladder Pre Workout might be the one that you have been looking for all this time.
Like some of the other best pre-workout supplements on this list, this formula also contains Beta-Alanine and amino acids. Those will provide your body the nutrition it needs to support you through the whole intense exercise sessions. They will also allow you to work out without facing muscle cramps or spasms.
Furthermore, the formula of this pre-workout has the NSF certification. That means it will not contain any low-grade elements. Also, the blend is available in flavors that are pretty uncommon in plenty of other workout supplements. You can get it in the tropical fruit flavor and lemonade flavor.
4 Gauge
Product Name | 4 Gauge |
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Ingredients | Caffeine Anhydrous, L-Theanine, Creatine Monohydrate, L-Citrulline DL-Malate, Red Beet, Rhodiola Rosea, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Coconut Water Powder |
Features |
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Flavors | Fruit Blast |
Price | $45.00 |
Money Back Guarantee | N/A |
The best pre-workouts do not always have to come in boring packaging. That is what 4 Gauge had factored in when they were planning to offer a highly effective pre-workout supplement in the market.
Just like the name suggests, it comes in a shotgun shell bottle. And like a four gauge round, it does pack a lot of punch. It will offer your body to enhance physical and mental performance without the drawbacks. You will not feel any jittering or numbness after you take it before a workout session.
That said, it is a 4-in-1 formula. It provides raw strength, muscle pumps, focus, and energy at the same time. It even has other elements that the strongest pre-workout supplements usually have.
Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Product Name | Onnit Total Strength + Performance |
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Ingredients | Onnit Power Blend, Onnit Performance Blend, Onnit Support Blend |
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Flavors | Strawberry Lemonade |
Price | $59.95 |
Money Back Guarantee | 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
You might have already heard about the brand Onnit before. Yes, they are pretty popular in the supplement market. Now, they are shooting for a spot in the best pre-workout supplements list with this specific offering.
First, it does not come in the bland pre-workout flavor that many other pre-workouts come in. Instead, you will find it is available in strawberry and lemonade flavors. And unlike some of the other pre-workouts, the formula is caffeine-free. That means you will not have to worry about jittering.
As the absorbability rate of the formula is exceptionally high, your body will not have any issue absorbing all of the good stuff of the blend. That would also result in you seeing the improvements in a short amount of time. The formula also holds the ability to boost weight loss and optimize blood flow.
Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout
Product Name | Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout |
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Ingredients | Caffeine, L-Theanine, Citrulline Malate, Beta-alanine, Betaine, and Alpha-glycerophosphocholine |
Features |
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Flavors | Blueberry and lemonade |
Price | $39.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | N/A |
The pre-workout supplement claims that it could enhance the mood, improve focus, and boost overall energy simultaneously, so we had to give it a look. And we are not one bit disappointed.
Each of the Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout servings comes with a strong dose of citrulline malate and Beta-Alanine. Those hefty dosages will work wonders in terms of increasing the energy level of your body and allowing you to push further during the exercise sessions. Most importantly, this pre-workout does not taste wacky.
Powher Pre-Workout
Product Name | Powher Pre-Workout |
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Ingredients | Caffeine, L-tyrosine, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Enxtra, Coconut Water Powder, Oxyjun, Rednite, Leucine, Folic Acid, vitamin B6, amino acid, Beta-Alanine, and other plant-based extracts |
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Flavors | Pink Lemonade |
Price | $45.00 |
Money Back Guarantee | 90-Day Money Back Guarantee |
The manufacturer Powher is pretty well-known in the supplement market. So, we had to give it a shot when they offered something worthy of being on the best pre-workout supplements list.
First of all, there are two different versions available. One is specifically for women, while the other is for men. Both the pre-workout products contain a highly effective formula. You will find unique ingredients such as EnXtra in the blend, which is a caffeine amplifier. It will boost the overall effect of the stimulant.
It will also lower the chances of fatigue occurring during the workout sessions. You will find it easier to carry out the extensive exercise sessions for an extended amount of time, which will offer more gains.
NSP Nutrition Energize Pre-Workout
Product Name | NSP Nutrition Energize Pre-Workout supplement |
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Ingredients | L-Tyrosine, Choline Bitartrate, DMAE Bitartrate, L-Theanine, Bacopa Monnieri, L-Citrulline, Caffeine, B-Vitamin |
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Flavors | Lemonade Fresh, Grape Blast, Tropical Sunrise |
Price | $35.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Stimulating muscle gains, offering bigger muscle pumps, and eliminating brain fog are some of the things that most pre-workouts can not provide at the same time. However, this offering from NSP is not one of them.
Instead of relying on the regular pre-workout blend, the brand has opted for a highly effective formula. Those will offer what most of the other pre-workouts are not capable of delivering.
It costs a lot to get one of these pre-workouts, right? Not really! The manufacturer has managed to keep the price point at the affordable range. And another thing that makes it reside among the best pre-workout supplements is that it is available in multiple fruity flavors. You will enjoy every sip of the drink.
IdealFit IdealLean Pre-Workout
Product Name | IdealLean Pre-Workout supplement |
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Ingredients | Niacin, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, IdealLean Fat Loss Blend, CLA, Green Tea Extract, Caffeine, Beta-Alanine, Betapure, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Bioperine, Citrulline Malate, and other ingredients |
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Flavors | Green Apple, Pink Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi |
Price | $39.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Are you tired of seeing the pre-workouts being available for men only? Want to get yourself the best pre-workout supplement that is specifically for women? You need to check out this offering from IdealFit.
As mentioned, the formula is specifically for women. And unlike the other pre-workouts that are for women, this one does not skimp on the dosages. Instead of weakening up the formula, the blend has the same strength level as the pre-workouts for men. You will not feel like you have a sub-par pre-workout.
You will not even have to worry about the taste because it is available in many fruity flavors. Those will allow you to enjoy the shake fully. And the price point is in the affordable range. So, there will be no need to break your wallet just to get one of the best pre-workout supplements for women.
Bauer Nutrition BRF Pre-Workout
Product Name | Bauer Nutrition BRF Pre-Workout |
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Ingredients | Whey Protein Isolate, Vitamin C, Zinc, Thiamine, Pantothenic acid, Selenium, Vitamin B6, Caffeine, Vitamin B12, and Clarinol CLA |
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Flavors | Citrus Burst |
Price | $26.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Are you looking for the best pre-workout formula that can fuel up your body before an intense workout? It would help if you kept the Battle Ready Fuel of Bauer Nutrition BRF Pre-Workout on your consideration list.
The formula holds the ability to boost your energy to the maximum level. You will not feel drained after a couple of seats of exercise sessions. It will also fuel your intensity level and allow you to focus on the reps and sets. As you can work out for a long time, it will be easier to gain the targeted gains.
Furthermore, the blend works like a charm in increasing the endurance level. It will even improve the post-workout recovery rate. You can focus on the other tasks at hand after doing those intensive exercise sessions. The formula will make you fully prepared for an intensive battle, hence the name: Battle Ready Formula.
Legion Pulse
Product Name | Legion Pulse |
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Ingredients | Caffeine, Beta-alanine (as CarnoSyn®), L-theanine, Alpha-GPC (as AlphaSize®), Betaine, and Citrulline malate |
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Flavors | Fruit Punch, Apple Cider |
Price | Starts from $24.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 100% Money Back Guarantee |
The supplement manufacturer, Legion, has been around the market for an extended amount of time. And in this time, they have offered loads of supplements that are strictly for workouts. But among all, we found this specific offering worthy enough to be the strongest pre-workout on this best pre-workout supplements list!
First, let us talk about the flavor profile. It will come in unique fruit flavors, which will allow you to enjoy every sip of the drink. And as the flavors are natural, you will not feel like having an ordinary pre-workout. Even the formula of this pre-workout is not like the average pre-workouts. The brand opted for a highly effective one.
As the pre-workout supplement contains a good amount of caffeine, your endurance level will rise significantly too. However, there will be no need to pay a hefty price for getting a tub of this best pre-workout blend. The price point is pretty competitive, and it falls under the affordable range.
Beast Sports Beast Mode Black
Product Name | Beast Mode Black |
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Ingredients | Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Beta-alanine, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, Caffeine, Taurine, Yohimbe extract, Calcium fructoborate, and DMAE |
Features |
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Flavors | Blue Raspberry |
Price | $39.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Not everyone wants to stick to the pre-workouts that utilize average dosages of ingredients. Many want to get an extreme level of energy and get fully pumped up before a workout. That is where the Beast Mode Black comes into play.
Instead of opting for the regular pre-workout blend, the brand has opted for something that is exceptionally strong. The formula is 380 percent stronger than the typical pre-workouts. That would generally translate to higher overall strength and more fat-burning potential.
Inside the blend, you will find a hefty dose of Beta-Alanine, taurine, and, most importantly, caffeine. That will offer you a natural ability to make each rep count and get a higher overall muscle pump. The nitric oxide levels of your body will go through the roof and allow you to carry out intensive exercises at ease.
Alani Nu Pre-Workout
Product Name | Alani Nu Pre-Workout |
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Ingredients | Citrulline Malate, Beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, Caffeine, and L-theanine |
Features |
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Flavors | Breezeberry, Carnival, candy grape, Galaxy Lemonade, Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Island crush, Mimosa |
Price | $39.99 |
Money Back Guarantee | N/A |
There are loads of pre-workouts that come in a fruity flavor. However, most of the flavor profile seems muted and not that tasty at all. Well, that is what Alani Nu factored in when they were manufacturing this pre-workout blend.
To start with, it utilizes dozens of flavoring ingredients. As it does not just rely on one, the flavor profile will seem more instance. It will linger on your tongue for an extended amount of time and make you want more of it. Now that is something you will not find in most of the other pre-workouts.
Inside each serving, you will find 200mg of caffeine, 500mg of L-tyrosine, 1.6g of Beta-Alanine, and 6g of L-citrulline. As you can see, the dosages are at a high level too. And unlike some of the average pre-workouts, the formula does not have any filler in it. So, you will be getting nothing but the proven elements.
Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-workout
Product Name | Huge Supplements WRECKED Pre-workout |
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Ingredients | Beta-alanine, Citrulline malate, L-tyrosine, Lion’s mane extract, Caffeine, Green coffee bean extract, Himalayan pink salt, Theobromine, Turmeric extract, Tart cherry, Kale, Bluebelly, Broccoli, and Green tea extract |
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Flavors | Bomb popsicle, Rainbow bursts, Peach rings, and Raspberry mojito |
Price | $49.95 |
Money Back Guarantee | N/A |
Another manufacturer that you might be a bit familiar with is Huge Supplements. They are pretty well-known for providing high-quality supplements. And an excellent example of that is the Wrecked.
As the name suggests, the Pre-workout formula contains an insane amount of high-quality, proven ingredients. Those will allow you to wreck the exercise sessions and get more gains out of them.
Huge Supplements Wrecked Extreme
Product Name | Huge Supplements Wrecked Extreme |
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Ingredients | L-citrulline, Beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, Alpha GPC, Caffeine anhydrous, Caffeine citrate, L-theanine, Huperzine A, and other ingredients |
Features |
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Flavors | Jungle Candy |
Price | $59.95 |
Money Back Guarantee | N/A |
The Wrecked Extreme utilizes the original Wrecked formula but enhances it in different factors.
Just like the original formula, it has some unique and proven pre-workout ingredients. Those will enhance the overall effectiveness and allow you to get more out of the blend. The caffeine will do a proper job of increasing the energy level and allowing you to carry out the exercise sessions for an extended amount of time without any fatigue.
Once you integrate the pre-workout into your daily routine, you will even notice an improvement in focus. It will clear up the fog in your mind and allow you to stay fully determined. That would go a long way in enabling you to get the dream body you have always wanted.
Huge Supplements Wrecked Stim-Free
Product Name | Huge Supplements Wrecked Stim-Free |
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Ingredients | L-citrulline malate, Beta-alanine, Agmatine sulfate, L-tyrosine, Lion’s mane mushroom, Caffeine anhydrous, Hordenine HCL |
Features |
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Flavors | Jungle juice, Strawberry mojito |
Price | $54.95 |
Money Back Guarantee | N/A |
We have got yet another offering from Huge Supplements. Unlike the other ones we have already reviewed, this one does not contain any caffeine. But can it offer the benefits of a proper pre-workout? Let us describe that to you!
This pre-workout powder will offer you all of the benefits of the highly potent formula of wrecked but without caffeine. That means there will be a lower chance of jitters occurring.
As you can see, it has all of the vegan-friendly ingredients. So, if you were looking for a highly potent vegan pre-workout, this might be it. That said, the formula emphasizes offering your body an energy boost by relying on natural ingredients. And the energy boost will be reasonably significant too.
How We Ranked The Best Pre-Workout Supplements
Each of the pre-workout will claim to be the best of the best. However, when you take a closer look at some, most will utilize a less potent formula and offer little to no benefit. So, we are focusing on the factors of preferred pre-workout supplements you can take:
Science-Backed Ingredients
We know that not all of the pre-workouts will utilize the same formula. Some will rely on proprietary, while you will also find a pre-workout using a unique blend to offer a specific goal. However, no matter what the mixture was for the pre-workout, we considered whether the formula had science-backed ingredients or not.
Advertised Benefits
There are plenty of pre-workouts that will go over the board when it comes to advertising. No matter how good the formula is, no pre-workout will be capable of making you Hulk in just a matter of seconds. Also, no pre-workout can help you burn a massive amount of weight in just one night.
Tested and Marked Safe
There are plenty of pre-workouts that will rely on steroids. But as you know by now, steroids are not safe for your health even if they can supercharger you for a couple of hours. So, which ones did we consider?
Well, if it had the certification of NSF and complied with the regulations of the FDA, it got a position on our list. Also, a pre-workout got into our list if independent tests and third-party studies backed it.
Doctor Formulated
Yes, there are pre-workout supplements available that will have the backing of doctors, a medical advisory board, and dieticians. This backing adds a layer of legitimacy to the formula. And usually, when a pre-workout has the support of professionals, it will have an effective blend.
Texture and Flavor
Generally, the pre-workouts will come in the form of powder. Yes, there is a capsule version of pre-workout available, but those are not that common. And when you are having a drink, what would be your priority? The taste, right? Well, for that reason, when scrutinizing a pre-workout, we factored in the taste.
On that note, you will find pre-workouts that will have a great taste but will be highly clumpy when you start to mix them in water. And the lumpy texture is not that enjoyable at all. Considering that, our -priorities went to the pre-workouts that had a great taste and a smooth texture at the same time.
Use of Natural Flavorings
Usually, to make the pre-workout supplements taste good, brands will opt for artificial flavoring, sweeteners, and ingredients. Even though they might taste good, they are not suitable for your health. You might even face some severe side effects after having a pre-workout such as that.
The Reputation of the Manufacturer
When a manufacturer has a good track record, it means that they have been around the supplement market for an extended amount of time. And in that period, they have offered nothing but high-quality supplements, which is why they have so much popularity.
So, when we initially checked a pre-workout out, the manufacturer’s reputation was in our minds. But we did consider the ones that are from less-reputable brands if the formula was good enough. However, those did not gain that high ranking compared to the pre-workouts from a reputable brand.
Sources of Ingredients
Sometimes a pre-workout will seem too good on paper. It will state that it has all of the proven ingredients that the best pre-workout should have. However, the sources would be low grades. And that degrades the overall potency of the formula substantially. So, when ranking, we factored in the source of the ingredients.
Money-Back Guarantee
When a pre-workout brand backs their offering with a money-back guarantee, it shows how confident they are about their formula. Also, the money-back guarantee can offer you peace of mind that you will be entitled to get a complete refund if anything goes.
Value Proposition
People will agree to purchase a pre-workout at a higher price to offer all of the best pre-workout benefits. However, not all hold the ability to spend hundreds on a pre-workout. So, we had to consider the value proposition of the pre-workouts. The ones that provide a higher value got a higher ranking.
Serving Size
An ideal serving size for a pre-workout should be from 5 grams to 31 grams. And the ones that had potent formula will usually have a serving size that is around 10 grams.
That said, when the pre-workout servings are higher than 31 grams, it means that the formula has fillers in it. And fillers can only increase the overall quantity, not quality. So, we factored in the serving size when ranking the pre-workouts in our list.
What Does Science Say Regarding Pre-workout Supplements
You will find multiple scientific studies backing up the effects of pre-workout? They proved that you could benefit from a pre-workout. But what do they have to say? That is what we will discuss in this segment.
Ergogenic Aid and Cognitive Benefits
In one of the studies published in the Journal of The International Society of Sports, researchers found that many pre-workout supplements could offer ergogenic aid to active people. Now, what does ergogenic aid mean? Well, it is fancy to say that you will boost performance during the exercise sessions.
Other studies have also validated that the popular pre-workout supplements hold the ability to offer a cognitive boost to individuals. More than half of the pre-workouts available in the market contain caffeine. And as you might know, caffeine is a stimulant that can surely boost the cognitive performance of individuals.
Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition concluded that pre-workout supplements “have promise as an ergogenic aid for active individuals,” or, in other words, they enhance the performance of people who already exhaust the gym.
Boost in Endurance
Apart from just increasing cognitive performance, caffeine holds the ability to boost performance and overall endurance level. And this study validates this fact. The researchers found that the participants who took caffeine before an exercise session saw a boost in endurance.
Fat-Burning Effects
Another benefit that you will obtain from caffeine is in terms of weight loss. In this study from 1995, the researchers have found that caffeine could increase energy expenditure by up to 11 percent. That means you will be capable of burning 11 percent more calories during the workout session by taking caffeine and giving you very meaningful workout benefits.
L-Citrulline
Many of the pre-workouts will have L-Citrulline in the ingredient list. And this compound has a strong link with the endurance level too. One study proved that when participants took this element as a supplement, they could bench press 53 percent more than usual.
Other studies have validated the same claim. One study regarding cyclists proved that the individuals who took this element as a supplement could pedal 12 percent longer than average.
Creatine
Another popular ingredient of pre-workouts is creatine. And different studies show that it can offer powerful effects in terms of athletic performance. You might notice amateur athletes and professional bodybuilders taking a creatine supplement.
The compound can accelerate the production of muscle cells and improve performance during strength training. Studies showed that it could help while doing high-intensity training too. It will even enhance the chances of you building lean muscle mass faster than usual.
Taurine
You will find the ingredient, taurine, in multiple pre-workouts. And there is a good reason behind it being so common. This study from 2004 showed that the element could protect the muscle cells from oxidative stress. Another separate study validated this claim. It was on cyclists.
Both the studies did come to another conclusion. They proved that taurine could remove the waste product from the muscle cells during exercise. And it could do a proper job of protecting the muscles from stress and oxidative damages.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
You will find BCAAs in plenty of pre-workouts. And it is a well-known fact that amino acids could increase protein production. They do that by building blocks of protein inside your body. But that is not the only thing BCAAs are capable of offering. They can synthesize the muscle cells at a fast pace.
BCAAs represent 35 percent to 40 percent of all essential amino acids. And you might not know this, but your body can not naturally produce amino acids on its own. That said, there are a couple of studies that back up all of the benefits of BCAAs.
L-Citrulline
The ingredient L-citrulline is a pretty popular ingredient in pre-workouts. Many studies back up the effects of this element. This particular study concluded that the component holds the ability to widen up the blood vessels. And that would eventually increase the blood flow and allow you to perform better.
On that note, when the blood flow increases, you will feel the pumped-up effect. And that would eventually make you carry out more reps, push your body to the absolute limit, and make you gain more from the exercise sessions.
CDP Choline
At its core, the element CDP Choline is a nootropic. Now, what do nootropics do? It increases your ability to focus, enhances your physical and mental performance, and gives attention to one specific thing properly. As a result, it will let you stay highly determined during the workout sessions. You will find yourself spending more time on the bench than wandering around.
L-Theanine
Another popular element of pre-workouts is the L-Theanine. And it will mostly be paired up with caffeine. The reason behind that is the element holds the ability to nullify the caffeine’s side effects. That means you will not feel anxiety or the jittering effect when you take the pre-workout.
Beetroot Extract
The natural supplements will generally contain beetroot extract. And it holds the capability to raise the nitric oxide levels of the body. But what does nitric oxide do? It relaxes the vessels, which would eventually reduce your blood pressure.
Even though your body can produce nitric oxide naturally, beetroot extract can enhance the production process. And this study tells us exactly that. Researchers have found a strong connection between lower blood pressure and beetroot. Other studies have concluded that it can boost endurance too.
Yohimbine
Another ingredient that is quite famous in natural supplements is Yohimbe. It is derived from a specific African plant. And it is a traditional element that can boost the energy and flow of blood. In this study from 2006, the researchers have validated that the usages of Yohimbine can even increase the weight loss rate and help you to burn fat quickly.
Who Should Take a Pre-Workout?
The pre-workout products are safe, and anyone can take them whether they exercise intensively or not. However, some people associate pre-workouts with bodybuilders. And it is pretty natural and a valid assumption. Pre-workout formulas are mainly for those who want to enhance their overall exercise performance.
That said, these are the people that will get the most benefit out of a pre-workout:
- Runners
- Cyclists
- Bodybuilders
- People trying to lose fat
- Those who want to accelerate the weight loss rate
- Anyone, trying to enhance the exercise performance
- People who want to exercise for a prolonged amount of time
Why Should Stay Clear of the Low-Quality Pre-workout Supplements?
Choosing the right pre-workout powder is as crucial as selecting the proper medication for your medical condition. If you end up getting a wrong or below average pre-workout, you will not only see zero benefits but might also face loads of side effects.
Take this study into your consideration. Here, the researchers have tested numerous pre-workouts and found that they provided no benefit at all. So did manage to raise the blood pressure and heart rate, but the increase was so excessive that it was close to the dangerous rate.
Even though some good pre-workout supplements could increase the blood pressure accordingly, they provided little to no benefits in terms of workout performance. For that reason, it is pretty crucial to choose the right pre-workout supplement.
That said, it would be a good idea to steer clear of proprietary formulas that you have no clue about. Those generally associate the most with side effects. This study found that there are plenty of pre-workouts that will sneak in unlabeled elements into the formula. Some of those elements were risky as well.
In the past, different manufacturers were caught using amphetamines, pre-hormones, and other risky compounds in their low-quality formula. However, the good news is that the FDA is working hard to solve this issue. So, the chances of you ending up with one of these pre-workouts is low but not zero.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-workout Supplements
Q: What are the side effects of pre-workout?
A: Healthy adults will not face any side effects if they consume the pre-workout supplement at the recommended dosages. However, people with certain medical conditions who overdose on the pre-workouts can face digestive issues, high blood pressure, vomiting, nausea, headaches, anxiety, jitters, and interruption in terms of sleep.
Q: How much caffeine can I take in a single day?
A: The recommended dosage of caffeine is 400mg per day. That is about 4 cups of good coffee. However, the thing is, most of the pre-workouts will contain around 400mg of caffeine in just one serving. So, if you are taking a pre-workout, we recommend not taking your morning cup of joe.
Q: Are pre-workouts safe?
A: For healthy adults, those pre-workouts typically rely on proven ingredients that will be completely safe. However, when you exceed the recommended dosage, it might not be safe at all. Furthermore, if you have a particular medical condition, you need to consult your doctor before taking one of these.
Q: What does the pump mean in terms of working out?
A: The pump would generally refer to the muscular energy and the overall endurance during an exercise session. That is why you will see many of the pre-workouts promoting themselves as capable of maximizing the pumps. What they refer to is that the formula can increase energy and endurance levels.
Q: How should I take a pre-workout?
A: Most of the pre-workouts will come in powder form. That means you can mix them up with water and enjoy them. Some will even integrate fruity flavors, which will let you enjoy every sip of the drink.
The 22 Best Pre-Workout Supplements in 2022- Final Words
As we mentioned, choosing the perfect pre-workout is pretty essential. And the top pre-workout supplements that we have covered in our list fall under that criteria. So, you will notice nothing but improvements if you take them as recommended.
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Disclaimer:
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.