Best Pre Workout of 2023 | (Buyer’s Guide & Reviews)

Let’s be honest: pre-workout supplements are everywhere. They turned into a go-to drink for many workout devotees before they hit the gym.

So, what all the fuss? Are they really safe and effective or more dangerous than we know?

Let’s get one thing straight: not everyone who works out needs pre-workouts. And not everyone will benefit from the same supplement the same way.

In fact, pre-workouts are far more complex than you think! It’s not just a powder you drink to lose weight. The best of these restore muscles, help you shed fat, and gain body mass.

If your workout isn’t bringing you results, maybe it’s time to change. Let’s have a look at the pre-workouts and see what they can do to restore energy and fire your passion!

What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?

Pre-workout supplements or pre-workouts are powder drink mixes designed to boost your physical performance and energy during your workouts. They also help you stay focused and enable you to work harder for longer.

They are available in a few different forms. Some are tablets or capsules, others come in powdered form, and you have to mix them with water and drink them before your workout session.

There are dozens of different formulas and ingredients that vary from brand to brand. Let’s have a look at the best-rated pre-workouts today.

What Are The Best Pre Workout Supplements?

Common ingredients used in popular best pre-workouts are the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Also, you’ll notice that many pre-workouts have in common is caffeine! Caffeine is known as a stimulant that can improve your mental focus and acuity, energy level, and can help tackle tough tasks longer. It mat boosts your metabolism, which can help with burning fat!

A good pre-workout powder will do two things: get you pumped and keep you that way. Generally, caffeine and amino acids are your friends!

Let’s find out what is the top-rated pre-workout?

1. 4 Gauge Pre Workout – Best Natural Pre-Workout

I was reluctant to take pre-workout supplements at first. I thought they were nasty powders of harmful ingredients that will cause severe diseases.

But a buddy of mine kept bringing 4 Gauge Pre Workout to our gym sessions all the time. Once, he convinced me to try it. And I knew I found the supplement for me!

4Gauge is a pre-workout (third-party tested) that blew me away: shortly after taking it, I noticed bursts of energy and clear focus.

With time, my endurance increased and gave me that extra fuel I never knew I needed. 4Gauge combines effectiveness with transparency and smart ingredients that fully support your cardio and getting lean goals. It is natural and clean pre-workout with no proprietary ingredients.

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2. Powher – #1 Best Pre-Workout for Women

We tried hard to find an effective supplement for the ladies. But then, I discovered Powher (thanks to my colleagues) and my female clients love it. It is my go to pre-workout for women!

Powher is a blend of carefully chosen ingredients and electrolytes, designed especially for women. Forget about the male-focused stimulants and testosterone-boosting ingredients.

Powher helps you stay focused and boost endurance with fewer stimulants, and effective results. It tasted good and gives you the push without any jitters.

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3. Transparent Labs PreSeries BULK Pre-Workout – Best Vegan Pre-Workout

Bulk is considered one of the best on the market. I have tried it along with many others and few can compare.

Firstly, it’s formulated without any artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives. It’s gluten-free and loaded with active ingredients that primarily target the male population.

I don’t recommend it for women as it primarily meant to support bodybuilders and serous athletes who want to gain muscle mass.

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Transparent Labs Stim-Free – Without Caffeine

I discovered this one back in the day when my clients wanted something that’s caffeine-free. I love caffeine but I completely understand if you don’t.

And Transparent Labs thought of you! Just because it’s caffeine free, it doesn’t make it less effective. In fact, we’ve seen some incredible results with this supplement!

I noticed it boosts workouts just as any other on the list since it packs beta alanine, creatine, and L-norvaline. Expect high-intensity workouts without any crash from stimulants and caffeine.

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Nitro Surge Pre-Workout

Top ingrediencts are: Betaine Anhydrous, L-Citrulline, Beta Alanine, Theanine, Caffeine

I tried Nitrosurge as an alternative to 4 Gauge which has been my go-to pre-workout. Honestly, I believed everything else was simply inferior. I bought it, I took it, and I headed to the gym.

And I was blown away! My energy and strength levels were through the roof! While this one is creatine free, it’s also free of any artificial ingredients.

Support your NO2 levels and improve performance. Workouts will get explosive without any crashes with long-lasting endurance.

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Jym Pre-Jym – for Bodybuilding

PreJym is packed with BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) and creatine that support muscle growth. Citrulline malate and caffeine promote endurance and boost energy levels.

What’s more, a combo of beta alanine and other quality-ingredients improve endurance, give you strength, and help build muscles as this is one of the best supplements for bodybuilders.

With its unique formula I always recommend it to my clients and numerous online reviews can confirm its effectiveness as well!

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Legion Pulse Pre Workout – Best For Early Morning

Whenever I need an effective early bird morning supplement, Legion Pulse has got me covered. I love the pulse and the energy it gives me.

I’m not tired after taking this supplement, and it helps me kickstart my day effectively no matter how tired I am when I wake up.

Legion Pulse is very effective as it doesn’t cause any crashes, increases focus and alertness, boosts endurance, and it does it all with one single scoop and carefully chosen ingredients.

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Evlution ENGN Shred – Best Pre-WorkoutFor Weight Loss

If you are after out shading somee weight, I Evlution Nutrition fully supports those who want to shed fat. Evlution delivers what it promises.

We noticed amazing results with my clients as this supplement boosts endurance and prevents you from giving up on your fat loss mission.

We’ve trained longer and harder and this powder, and the great news is that it’s made with high-quality ingredients in the USA. It supports intense workout sessions with the weight loss goal in mind.

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Cellucor C4 Original – Best For Running

When you feel you need to enhance focus, get high on energy, and boost endurance, Cellucor packs it all. 

When I started jogging, I started taking this supplement because I just needed that kick to help me go the extra mile. 

It provided me decent pumps and it comes with a bearable taste. This is by far the best supplement on the list for runners. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, C4 pre workout will help you take your goals to a whole new level.

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Scivation Xtend – Pre-Workout Without Creatine

Yes,Scivation Xten is a BCAA. Combined with great taste, this supplement will keep you hydrated and provide you with enough energy to run a race or train like a beast.

I normally prefer creatine-based products but if you don’t – this is the preworkout for you. It’ll give you a the energy will last longer for an effective workout and recovery.

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Psycho Pharma Edge of Insanity – Strongest Pre Workout

I felt the kick. Seriously, this is the strongest workout on the list. That means it’s been tested on some of the most hardcore and demanding users in the industry (myself included).

Very quickly after taking it, I was able to notice razor-sharp focus, bursts of energy, and an unstoppable rush for a killer training session time and time again. If you’re a little insane and can’t get enough, give it a try!

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Wild Thing Pre-Workout – Best For Pump

Amino acids, creatine, nootropics, and other ingredients will give you tons of energy and transform you into an animal in the gym.

It’s hard to believe that it increases the energy the way it does, but Wild Thing is really good pre-workout supplement for a pump.

A fellow trainer gave me a sample and I can promise you that it literally needed max 30 minutes for all those energy bursts and sharp focus to kick in.

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Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout With Creatine for Muscle Gain 

Kaged will turn on the intensity of your workouts and help you gain muscle in the long run. I tested a while back on request of a few clients and I must say I was able to notice my mind well-balanced and tuned with my strength, energy, and focus.

The product is consistent even though the flavor can be a bit underwhelming.

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NLA Uplift – Good For Women

Designed specifically for females, NLA for Her fully supports your fitness goals and help you make the most of your workouts, especially bodybuilders.

Most of my clients that used it confirm the energy increase and great focus. There aren’t any jitters either, which is great. But, it is a proprietary blend and the taste is very overwhelming (I tried it, it’s not pleasant).

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Garden of Life Organic Pre-Workout – All Natural For Energy & Focus

This is a (kind of) natural product that’ll boost your energy and focus throughout the workout. It’s not as powerful as some of its competitors, but it won’t make you experience jitters and anxiety either, which I really loved.

It’ll give you a kick of boost so that you can push yourself further with a steady increase of energy.

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MAN Sports PepTest BULK- Best Pre-Workout For Bulking – Not For Beginners

Once you’re experienced and know your body inside out, not all pre-workouts will be enough. When I wanted more, I had to dig deep to discover that new supplement that would get me going.

I was reluctant to try PepTest at first, but I must say it delivered and lit my workouts on fire.

I trained like a beast; I was loaded on energy, my workouts were more intense, and I was able to build muscles effectively. But be warned! This is not beginner material.

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Some products that are not included in this review are: Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy (Green coffee and green tea extracts,aminos), protein powders including whey protein, Old School Labs Vintage Blast, Genius Pre, BSN N.O.-Xplode (Creatine, taurine, citruline malate, beta-alanine)

Is Creatine Worth Using?

Creatine is a source of fuel and energy for your body, and it can play a key role in increasing both muscle and strength in your body. This article will show you why creatine should be your first choice in anabolic and maintenance supplements for your body. Preliminary research does show a benefit to creatine supplementation when it comes to the bodybuilding population. Creatine plays a key role in helping your body recover from hard training. Creatine helps the body to release stored glycogen, which results in improved recovery after intense training. Creatine is also an important factor in muscle-building, and when used as an anabolizing agent, it’s a source of growth hormones and is absorbed into your bloodstream.

It’s not often that I get to review a supplement, but I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do so with Creatine. I’ve been in the bodybuilding game for nearly 30 years, and I’ve tried virtually all the supplements on the market. If I was reviewing creatine and felt it needed work, I wouldn’t be helping to sell it. The Side Effects of Creatine. Creatine is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and endurance athletes, and it’s a fairly safe supplement with minimal side effects. The best news is that most side effects are only temporary. One major issue that we see is low urine output and an increased chance of kidney stones. For this reason, it’s important to have a supplement specifically for creatinine as part of your supplement regimen.

Can You Take Pre-Workout Everyday?

This is an exciting time for pre-workout. There are new, cutting-edge formulas that promise a more, faster, efficient workout than ever. But are the pre-workouts you have to buy pre-workout at the health food store really that great? Maybe they are – but the advice I can give is this: Check out the ingredients in your favorite pre-workout – including the carbon monoxide!

If the ingredients aren’t good, get ready for pain… or buyer’s remorse. It’s important that you get the right pre-workout for your body and you, personally, in order for it to work! If you don’t understand the science of what you’re buying and are just buying because you think it will help, you may end up feeling like you’re making a huge mistake. Well, you are making a huge mistake, because if you look at what I’ve written, and what I have discussed with my fellow contributors and supporters, you’ll realize that you may be wasting your time and money.

What Pre-Workout Ingredients Should I Look Out For?

The following are the most important ingredients to look for in effective supplements:

1. Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the best fat burners and is a common ingredient in many pre-workouts. It boosts focus and performance while you exercise, it enhances memory and the fat burning process.

2. Taurine

Taurine helps to improve workouts by reducing fatigue and protecting the muscle cells during exercise. It may slow the absorption of glucose into the blood, which should prevent sugar crashes.

What’s more, it has many health benefits as it helps to reduce blood pressure, influence fat loss, and reduce stress.

3. BCAAs

BCAAs or branched-chain amino acid are valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These have been shown to help reduce muscle damage when taken before a workout session.

4. B-vitamins

Vitamin B complex consists of 8 vitamins. They all play an important role in the body’s capability to produce energy. Workouts can be much more efficient when the body has enough B vitamins since they also help to convert food to fuel, maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and mental function.

5. Vitamins

Vitamins help to improve the overall workout, especially if your body lacks these nutrients. Vitamin E and C are particularly important (apart from the B-complex) since they act as antioxidants in the body, protecting it from free radical damage and cell damage during exercise.

6. Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine is an amino acid naturally found in our bodies. It helps with energy and build muscle strength. It’s a popular ingredient for bodybuilders and weightlifters because it improves muscle recovery time, strength, and overall performance.

7. NO2-boosters

Nitric oxide is naturally present in our bodies. It helps to promote blood flow to the muscles. Studies confirmed that supplementing certain compounds that help your body produce nitric oxide is beneficial in terms of boosting athletic performance by providing muscles with oxygen and nutrients. There are numerous Nitric oxide products available.

These compounds are L-arginine, L-citrulline, and dietary nitrates (beetroot juice).

8. Beta alanine

This is an amino acid that helps to enhance muscle endurance and minimize the buildup of lactic acid in muscles while you exercise. It’s effective for short and high-intensity workouts. What’s more, it also reduces muscle fatigue. 

Keep in mind that there is such a thing as illegal pre-workout ingredients. Some are banned because they were a risk to public health.

We have double-checked all the products on this list (I’ve tried all myself as well), so you don’t have to worry about such things. In case you’re interested, here’s the list of those banned and unapproved ingredients.

Benefits And Potential Downsides of Pre-Workout Supplements

Let’s get one thing straight: you won’t burn fat with these supplements without any physical exercise.

They aren’t designed to make you stronger and leaner without any additional work.

If you include them in your workout sessions, they’ll help you train longer and harder while boosting your focus, endurance, and energy levels at the same time.

The more energy and endurance you have, the longer you can keep exercising efficiently. That means these supplements will enable you to:

• Improve focus
• Reduce muscle damage while you exercise
• Minimize fatigue
• Andvance the workout performance
• Improve stamina and muscle performance
• Increase metabolism
• Improve your overall mood and motivation

What’s more, choose the supplement that’s the best fit for what you’re trying to achieve. They have different ingredients that target different goals: do you want to build muscle or focus more on lean muscle mass?

Unfortunately, there are also some potential downsides, but you can avoid them if choosing the supplement carefully.

Some of them are filled with artificial ingredients that may not be the best for your healthy lifestyle. Choose supplements that use natural and harmless ingredients.

What’s more, pre-workouts can be overstimulating; getting jitters is a common side-effect, especially for those who have never used such supplements before.

Let your body get used to them and introduce them step-by-step. That way, you should be able to avoid the jitters.

Apart from that, some of the other downsides also include:

Dehydration (which you can avoid by drinking enough water and don’t forget about electrolytes)

Headaches

Insomnia

Diarrhea 

Best Way to Take Pre Workout Supplements

To get the most of your supplement, it’s best that you take it 20-30 minutes before the workout session. That time depends on each supplement though, since some become effective a bit faster, others need more time to start working.

In any case, check the notes on your supplement to see when it’s best to take it. Some chemicals need a bit longer to absorb into the body than others.

Making Homemade Top Pre Workout Drink Mixes

Some people refuse to buy pre-packed supplements. The good news is that there’s a natural alternative to these boosters and you can make them at home, too. That way, you avoid artificial ingredients and poor taste of your drinks.

Here are three recipes that are not only cheap but will also kickstart your workout session with ingredients you may already have in your pantry:

Coconut Kickstarter

This drink combines electrolytes you need to keep your body healthy while getting that caffeine fix with an espresso shot.

You’ll need:

Coconut water

1 shot of espresso

1 banana, peeled

1 TBSP honey

A dash of cinnamon

Add all the ingredients into your blender and mix them well. Drink before a workout to improve performance and increase energy. 

Beetroot Energy Boost

If you need support for a highly intense workout, think beetroot! This is a popular natural ingredient for many athletes around the world since it helps to enhance the exercise, enabling you to train longer and harder.

You’ll need:

1 beetroot, peeled

2 pieces of dark chocolate

Milk

Strawberries

Raspberries

Combine all the ingredients in your blender and mix them thoroughly. Drink before your workout session and you’ll be able to train like a beast.

Strawberry Supercharger

For the ultimate shake on the list, combine caffeine and beta-alanine that will charge your energy and minimize fatigue. Mind you; this one is meant to improve the most demanding workout sessions.

You’ll need:

Caffeine

Beta-alanine

Strawberries

Water

1 TBSP honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender and drink before that hardcore training session. 

Good Natural Pre-Workouts

Let’s have a look at some of the best natural pre-workout foods you can add to your meal or snack to get the most of each workout session:

Coconut water

Coffee

Banana

Trail mix

Fruit and Greek yogurt

Dried fruits

Hard boiled eggs

Oats

Fruit smoothies

Peanut butter

Avocado

What Does a Pre Workout Do?

Pre-workout or BCAA supplements reduce the post-workout lactic acid build-up and are extremely important when it comes to fueling your muscles for better performance. They increase your strength and speed, help you build muscle in a single day or even improve your endurance to get out of the gym, boost your appetite, give you energy, and all other wonderful benefits your body so greatly needs. For example, anyone who trains at a high intensity or for long periods of time should be taking a BCAA supplement stimulant-free.

You can also get a form of them by purchasing it from a health food store or taking one straight from the supplement bin at your gym. But before you jump on the BCAA bandwagon, you should know some of the downsides of having them. Let’s get started with the bad: A majority of these supplements are made from a substance called Glycine or Hydroxycinnamic Acid, which comes from Acai berries.

Why You Should Not Take Pre-Workout?

Anybody can see that taking a pre-workout will not work if you’re not in shape or you lack the physical power to get the desired results. I know when you get home, you’re thinking, “what are the benefits of taking the pre-workout?” Actually, no, they are not there. Pre-workout only help you peak your physical performance to give you more energy so you can work out, which may work for a while, but after some time, it’ll leave you exhausted and you’ll eventually get to a point where you’ll become used to the same type of physical activity, which is useless.

But, it is good to know that you don’t have to depend on pre-workout to get results. To get the results, you need to train hard and maintain proper workout techniques. The right fitness routine will help you build muscle and burn fat, increasing your performance, fitness, and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Pre-Workout Does Cbum Use?

Chris Bumstead’s Thavage Pre-workout is a product that he personally designed for taste profiles and flavoring. It aims to provide a high-quality pre-workout experience with a focus on taste. The recommended dosage of Thavage Pre-workout is to assess tolerance and start with 1 scoop, also referred to as “half-thavage.” If needed and based on individual response, users can gradually increase the dosage to 2 scoops, known as a “full thavage.”

It is important to note that pre-workout dosages should be approached with caution and tailored to individual needs and tolerances. Assessing tolerance is crucial, as some individuals may be more sensitive to the ingredients in pre-workout supplements. Starting with a lower dosage allows the user to gauge their response and make adjustments accordingly.

Additionally, it is advisable to follow the instructions and guidelines provided on the product packaging and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if there are any concerns or specific health considerations.

Remember, the primary purpose of a pre-workout supplement is to enhance performance and provide an energy boost during workouts. Individual responses and optimal dosages may vary, so it is essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly to ensure a safe and effective experience.

What Pre-Workout Did Arnold Use?

Arnold Schwarzenegger, a renowned bodybuilder and former professional athlete, has not publicly disclosed a specific pre-workout supplement that he used during his career. However, it is known that Arnold focused on maximizing his performance and endurance through rigorous training and nutrition.

Regarding the mention of beta-alanine, it is a popular ingredient found in many pre-workout supplements. Beta-alanine is an amino acid that increases carnosine levels in the muscles, which helps buffer the accumulation of lactic acid during exercise. By reducing the buildup of lactic acid, beta-alanine may delay the onset of fatigue, allowing individuals to perform at higher intensities for longer durations.

While the specific pre-workout supplement Arnold Schwarzenegger used is unknown, it is reasonable to speculate that he may have incorporated products containing beta-alanine into his training regimen due to its potential benefits for endurance and performance.

It is important to note that individual responses to pre-workout supplements can vary, and what works for one person may not have the same effects on another. Additionally, pre-workout supplements should be used in accordance with recommended dosages and guidelines, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice based on your specific needs and goals.

Do Bodybuilders Use Pre-Workout?

Certainly, bodybuilders frequently incorporate pre-workout supplements into their fitness regimen. These formulations are designed to enhance physical performance during training sessions by providing a boost in energy, focus, and endurance. The primary components of pre-workout supplements include caffeine, amino acids, and various ergogenic aids.

Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, is a key ingredient in many pre-workout supplements. It acts on adenosine receptors, reducing the perception of fatigue and increasing alertness. This enables bodybuilders to train with greater intensity and for longer durations. Moreover, caffeine has been shown to enhance the mobilization of fatty acids, contributing to the utilization of fat as an energy source during exercise.

Amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), are integral components of pre-workout formulations. BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, play a crucial role in protein synthesis and muscle recovery. Consuming these amino acids before a workout can support muscle preservation and minimize catabolism, ensuring that the bodybuilder is in an anabolic state during and after training.

Ergogenic aids like beta-alanine and creatine are often included in pre-workout supplements due to their performance-enhancing effects. Beta-alanine buffers lactic acid accumulation, delaying the onset of muscle fatigue. Creatine, on the other hand, helps replenish adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells, leading to increased strength and power output.

It’s important to note that while pre-workout supplements can offer benefits, individual responses may vary. Some bodybuilders may be sensitive to certain ingredients or prefer obtaining nutrients through whole foods. Additionally, proper nutrition, hydration, and rest remain fundamental aspects of a comprehensive training program. As with any dietary supplement, consulting with a healthcare or fitness professional is advisable to ensure compatibility with individual health and fitness goals.

Final Conclusion. Are Pre-Workout Supplements Good or Bad for You?

Pre-workout supplements are designed to boost your workout performance. But they’re not all created equal, as they support different training goals and demands.

As a personal trainer, I’ve tried all on the list and more. Since I want to provide my clients with only the best and most effective supplements that complement their workouts, I do my research thoroughly.

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I’ve seen people try different supplements and fail because they completely ignored the target public of these pre-workouts.

It’s extremely important to choose the correct supplement for your lifestyle, style of workout, and your goals. Ask yourself, what are you trying to achieve?