What Are the Best Pre-Workout Supplements? | An Expert Guide
What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?
Designed to provide a boost of energy before you exercise, pre-workout supplements come in a variety of forms, catering to a range of needs and desires.
Some common ingredients found in pre-workout supplements include:
- Caffeine – Most pre-workout supplements feature 150-300mg of caffeine per serving, intended to keep you focused and improve your performance.
- Creatine – This ingredient can help you increase your levels of lean body mass and help you gain strength.
- Beta-alanine – Intended to assist you when completing a high-intensity workout, beta-alanine can lower fatigue levels and enhance recovery.
- Amino Acids – With the ability to reduce muscle damage after an intense workout, amino acids can help promote muscle growth.
- Nitric Oxide – This can help to improve exercise performance when you are under stress.
- Vitamin B6 – A key player in your body’s energy production, vitamin B6 is crucial for your metabolism, particularly during exercise.
What Do Pre-Workout Supplements Do?
The benefits of pre-workout supplements can vary depending on your body and formulation. In some cases, pre-workout supplements may be able to:
•Increase Energy Levels
Containing stimulants like caffeine, pre-workout supplements can help to increase energy levels before a period of exercise. This can lead to improved endurance and a higher intensity of training.
•Enhanced Focus
Pre-workout supplements can improve mental focus and concentration, enabling you to remain engaged during your workout.
•Improved Strength
Known to enhance strength, power and muscular endurance, pre-workout supplements can improve your overall performance at the gym.
•Increased Blood Flow
Certain supplements contain ingredients that can help widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and muscle nutrient delivery.
•Reduced Fatigue
Pre-workout supplements that contain amino acids and beta-alanine may assist in post-workout recovery, allowing for a quicker return to training.
Should You Eat Before Taking Pre-Workout Supplements?
Types of pre-workout include:
Pre-Workout Powder
A scoop of pre-workout powder can be added to water and then mixed to make a flavoured drink. It can also be mixed with fruits, liquid and nut butters to make a pre-workout smoothie. Consuming your pre-workout with food can help to provide extra nutrients, giving you an extra boost before a trip to the gym.
Pre-Workout Meal
According to experts, the healthiest pre-workout you can take is a nutrient-dense meal. Eating two to three hours before exercising can provide a host of benefits, boosting energy levels and fuelling your body.
Before your trip to the gym, eat a snack or meal that includes protein and carbohydrates to keep your body fuelled during your session.
Are Pre-Workout Supplements Healthy?
If you’re a frequent gym-goer, ensuring you can perform at your best is crucial.
Turning to powdered, targeted pre-workout supplements might seem like the obvious choice, however, they usually come packed full of artificial sweeteners and unnecessarily high doses of the key ingredients listed above.
Opting for all-natural energy boosters can ensure you remain in control of what enters your body. Additional benefits of natural pre-workout supplements include:
Limit Intake of Synthetic Ingredients
All-natural energy boosters exclude synthetic ingredients like artificial sweeteners and flavourings, making them substantially better for our bodies.
Reduce Potential Side Effects
Artificial ingredients can, in some cases, cause side effects like digestive issues and overstimulation. By opting for all-natural pre-workout supplements, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing nasty side effects.
Cater to Dietary Restrictions
If you’re following a vegan diet, or have personal dietary preferences or restrictions, all-natural supplements can cater to your needs.
Our Top 5 All-Natural Energy-Boosting Ingredients
Able to provide a natural boost of energy, Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to enhance physical stamina and endurance. It can also help to improve performance, increase muscle strength and reduce exercise-induced muscle damage.
In addition, this powerful herb can also improve cognitive function, reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and reduce inflammation in the body.
A natural energy booster, black maca can enhance stamina and performance. It can also assist in combating fatigue and improve overall energy levels.
Often consumed to increase energy levels and combat fatigue, ginseng can help to improve physical endurance and mental alertness. It can also help to boost the immune system and improve mood.
A patented extract of Ashwagandha, Sensoril can help to improve focus and concentration. It can also support mental clarity, enabling you to kickstart your exercise regime with a clear head. It can also help combat fatigue, boost energy levels and improve stamina.
Short for medium-chain triglyceride oil, MCT can be easily absorbed by the body, making it a readily available source of energy. MCTs are rapidly absorbed into energy by the liver, making them a convenient source of fuel for both the mind and body.
To browse our complete range of the best all-natural energy-boosting pre-workout supplements, simply use the navigation on our site.
Alternatively, if you would like to receive further guidance on the best pre-workout supplements to suit your needs, please consider reaching out to one of our trusted practitioners.