You workout regularly, and you need a boost to support your active lifestyle, which is completely reasonable. But here’s the problem: your body can’t stand caffeine-fueled supplements.
You hate the jitters, mood swings, and those deal-breaking crashes.
In fact, it seems that these stim-packed pre-workout supplements destroy your motivation more than they boost it. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this.
Here’s the good news…
There are effective pre-workout supplements available, and they’re completely caffeine- and stimulant-free.
That’s why I’ll have a closer look at the best pre-works and hopefully help you choose the best brand for your needs and your personal athletic goals.
For me & my clients, . is #1 choice due to being natural, plant-based, prebiotic-infused & made with the cleanest ingredients (NO Synthetic Additives). Also, the product includes L-Glutamine which I believe is a thoughtful choice (playing a vital role in protein metabolism & also acts as the main carrier of nitrogen required for muscle energy, repair, and growth). Also, supplement with a proven track record among intermediate to advanced athletes.
Table of Contents
What is Caffeine Free Pre Workout?
Caffeine-free pre-workout is a supplement that helps to support your workout without the benefit of caffeine. In other words, you’ll get the same exercise-boosting effects during your workout but without any caffeine side effects, such as
- Crash
- Jitters
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach
These caffeine-free supplements still need to provide benefits that regular pre-workout supplements can, such as improved explosive performance, clear focus, alertness, and increased motivation. They’re relying more on natural ingredients and vitamins that provide energy stimulus.
7 Best Stimulant Free Pre Workouts
1. Performance Lab – #1 Stimulant-Free Pre-Workout (Caffeine and Creatine Free)
Performance Lab has designed a formula that supports all types of workouts without any caffeine. A great alternative for those who want to avoid side effects, and I tried it because I wanted to see how effective can it really is.
I was amazed by the regular flow of energy this supplement helps to provide me. Clean and safe supplement but it’ll get your blood pumping and support endurance easily.
Increases nitric oxide production
Boosts energy
Great for beginners
Non-GMO, soy-free
No side effects
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2. PUMPSURGE – Pre-Workout Without Caffeine
PumpSurge replaces caffeine with betaine and a few other ingredients that provide complete support for athletes. This is also a NO booster with nootropics, which means you get the whole package minus the side effects.
The supplement gives me skin-splitting pumps (similar to Wild Thing pre-workout), incredible mental concentration, and supports muscle regeneration, and helps me train like a beast without any illegal ingredients (also it is good nitric oxide booster). The formula is scientifically based and great for evening workouts that will help your workouts but also allow you to get a good night’s sleep.
Promotes muscle recovery
No jitters, no crash
cGMP certified facility
Transparent label
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3. Transparent Labs STIM FREE Pre Workout
With a clean and killer formula, Stim-Free pre-workout is a powerful supplement that will provide the desired effect to help you achieve your goals effectively. A blend of citrulline malate, BCAAs, beta-alanine, betaine, and a few others will have you roaring all over the gym.
This is one of my favorite supplements from Transparent Labs because it is full of the right amino acids and it delivers. Prepare for skin-tearing pumps and endurance for long or short-intensity workouts. Plus, it promotes testosterone production!
Improves mind focus
Promotes muscle recovery and growth
Helps with testosterone and adrenaline production
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4. Evlution Nutrition Fat Burner – For Best Pump
Elvution pre-workout is an energy booster, promotes weight loss, and increases pumps to a whole new level.
This supplement helps to build muscle mass and gives you razor-sharp focus with green tea extract and natural product for clean energy without any crash or jitters.
It curbs your appetite and supports energy production but it doesn’t mess up your sleep! I’ve used it for intermittent fasting and it worked!
Boosts fat burning
Supports metabolism (post workout energy)
Gluten-free
Made in the USA
FDA approved
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5. Organic Muscle Natural Pre-Workout Powder
For those who are super picky about their ingredients, Organic Muscle has got you covered. They designed their formula on natural and organic ingredients that provide a long-lasting pump and bursts of energy for any type of workout.
This is a completely clean supplement, free of any fillers, chemicals, sugars, or artificial ingredients. Aa a blend of maca, ginseng, acai, yerba mate, beetroot, green tea, and a few others, this is the healthiest alternative on the list.
Heck, I felt like a beast when I tried it and I was seriously skeptical. But, it does the trick, promotes crazy high energy, a natural yet effective push, effective for all types of athletes.
Natural support for workouts
USDA organic ingredients
Boosts energy, stamina, and focus
Provides metabolic support
Boosts nitric oxide
More flavors available
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6. PEScience High Volume
With a combo of L-citrulline, glycerol, taurine, and arginine, this is indeed a high volume supplement that changes your workouts from average to intense.
I loved the fact that it gave me a pump, boosted tissue recovery, and helped me train harder for longer without any jitters or crash.
Also, it helped to boost my mood and kept my workout motivation going even on the heavy leg days. Prepare for razor-sharp focus and long-lasting energy for all types of workouts.
Nitric oxide boosting ingredients
Boosts mood and motivation
More flavors available
Gluten-free
Vegan-friendly
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7. BSN N.O. Xplode Pre-Workout With Beta-Alanine
The only one option from BSN will leave you craving for more and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Packed with a workout, pump, and energy-boosting ingredients that will help you push over your limits and build endurance with sharp focus and enhance endurance.
In other words, I can confirm from personal experience that it lives up to the hype. It also supports muscle recovery and increases the ability to train harder, more intensely, and longer.
Raise endurance and performance
Improves strength
Maximum performance
Long-lasting energy
Supports recovery
Artificially flavored
Contains sucralose
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8. RSP Nutrition
Treated with a plant compound that helps minimize inflammation and rebuild muscle faster, the Pump Boost Pre-Workout is a great pre-or post-workout supplement for anyone looking to build and maintain strength.
RSP Nutrition is dedicated to using organic plant-based ingredients, seed and grain proteins, lactose, and digestive aids to make a healthy product. RSP Nutrition’s Pre-Workout RYB-10 contains 10 vitamins and minerals!
The RSP Pump Boost has a light and smooth consistency, just like real Muscle Milk. The PB is the best pre-workout on the market!
Famous for its quality RSP Nutrition has been famous for its quality pre-workout since the release of the Pump. It is made by RSP Nutrition.
Easily mixed
To keep the caffeine levels down and give people the jolt they are looking for, RSP Nutrition includes the premium amino acid L-carnitine and a combo of caffeine and L-carnitine.
Highly concentrated
The caffeine content is 1000 mg and the L-carnitine content is 200 mg.
Won’t spike your blood sugar
RSP Nutrition is pretty strict about this. This stuff does not spike your blood sugar, which is important if you are diabetic.
How Does Caffeine Pre Workout Work? What are the Benefits?
Just because a supplement is caffeine-free, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have important benefits. In fact, many users prefer stimulant-free pre-works to those with stimulants as they’re able to enjoy their workouts longer without any downsides .
Here are some of the benefits of using caffeine-free powders:
No caffeine side-effects (crash, jitters, trouble sleeping, insomnia)
A steady and constant flow of energy
Better support during and after the workout
Contain nutrients that support muscles and blood flow
By supplementing on no caffeine products, you’ll be able to grow more muscle, increase repetition, and increase training sessions.
What Ingredients Should You Look For? What to Avoid?
Here are the ingredients that you should look for in a good caffeine-free supplement:
- Beta-alanine
This is an amino acid that helps prevent lactic build-up in the muscles. It also promotes muscle recovery and boosts endurance.
- Creatine
Creatine is an effective component that helps grow muscle mass.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral that helps with muscle contractions, minimizes spasms, and boost the performance of athletes.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports muscle strength; it helps to lower the risk of a stress fracture and improves overall athletic performance.
- Peak ATP
This component improves athletic performance by increasing blood flow and feeding your muscles more nutrients.
- Beetroot
Beetroot can improve athletic performance, boosts pump, and improves endurance.
- Alpha GPC
For increased alertness, alpha GPC helps to boost your brain and help you stay focused during your exercise. It can also boost power during your workouts.
On the other hand, supplements that are not high-quality or come from a reputable brand or consumer-protected groups (Informed Choice, NSF, BSCG), can more likely than not contain ingredients that you should avoid.
The proprietary blend sign alone should make you alert already since these blends normally contain ingredients that manufacturers want to hide.
They don’t have to list all the ingredients, and you end up paying more for cheap or ineffective stuff that may even cause side effects without you knowing it.
Apart from that, here are some of the most important things you’ll want to avoid in your supplements:
- Synephrine
Synephrine is a fat burner that can cause severe reactions. Also a banned substance.
- Yohimbe
This is a stimulant that’s commonly used for weight loss. Not necessarily effective, and it causes severe reactions more often than not.
- Caffeine
A natural compound, but some brands mask it up ad high it into their products in large doses.
- DMAA
This is a definite no for people with high blood pressure. What’s more, it can cause tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.
Caffeine vs Caffeine Free Pre Workouts
One of the most common questions I get from clients and even friends is this: should I switch to no caffeine supplements?
I recommended this option in the past as I do now for people who dislike caffeine. A stim-free option (caffeine pre-workout) is a good choice in this situation.
Here’s the deal…
Every time you take a caffeine-loaded supplement, your body goes into overdrive, and you feel that unstoppable rush of energy bursting through your veins. I get it; I love that feeling.
And I love my coffee.
Still, you may feel like you’re drinking too much caffeine; think about it: it’s also in all types of energy drinks, those hot cups of coffee you chug down before, during, and after work, and cokes.
Well, you’re not alone; about 90% or Americans intake caffeine daily.
Let’s face it, and it helps up get through days more easily. But there isn’t a really huge difference between these pre-workouts in terms of ingredients and effects. In fact, the biggest difference is the caffeine content. Even no caffeine supplements can contain it, but it comes from natural sources, such as green tea or yerba mate. What’s more, there are a few more differences to consider.
Supplements with caffeine may:
Cause jitters and energy crash
Build up a caffeine tolerance
Cause headaches and stomach issues
Too much leads to dehydration
Influence your sleeping patterns
They also give you a roaring raise of energy and you’re able to turn your workout upside down, allowing you to reach that extra mile or complete the rep. What’s more, they’re good for morning workouts, as you wake up in an instant, with incredible alertness and mental focus, ready to take over the world.
On the other hand, a caffeine-free pre-workout doesn’t cause any of the downsides I just listed. They will effectively help with the workout, but the energy levels aren’t as powerful and roaring. You can expect an energy raising but in a steadier and more balanced flow.
That’s why these supplements are perfect for evening and night workouts. You don’t have to worry about the pre-work to affect your sleeping patterns. Also, these are also handy for people who, in some way, are sensitive to caffeine and refuse to have it.
Is Stimulant-Free Pre-Workout Bad For You?
Caffeine pre-workout isn’t bad for you. But you have to understand the downsides and consequences that may occur when you take too much caffeine on a daily basis.
Let’s face it, it is a good stimulant and most of us can’t imagine our lives without coffee. Taking that one step further, when combined with other compounds, it can be extremely beneficial for your workout.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout?
Stimulant-free preworkout is a supplement that doesn’t contain caffeine. It has similar ingredients to the supplements with caffeine, but without the downsides the stimulants often cause.
Is C4 Stimulant Free?
Original C4 isn’t stim-free, it’s a low-caffeine pre-workout supplement. It contains 150mg caffeine anhydrous.
But you can also make a homemade version without caffeine; there are many online recipes for that (can’t tell if they’re any good though).
What is the Best Stimulant-Free Pre-Workout Supplement
Deciding on the best stimulant-free supplement depends on your workout goals, athletic performance, types of workouts, and a few other factors.
No two pre-works are created equal, so before choosing a pre-workout supplement, ask yourself: do you want to improve endurance? Do you train to lose weight? To gain muscle mass and for bodybuilding? Is it anything else?
I strongly recommend you to first set your athletic goal and decide on the reason why you exercise. If you don’t have these two cleared up, you may end up taking the wrong pre-workout supplement that won’t really help you achieve your goals.
Let’s say you want to lose weight and gain lean muscle mass. Would it make sense to take something that would boost your muscle mass and turn you into a bodybuilder?
Why is C4 Banned?
The international drug-testing agency, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned the synthetic estrogenic hormone-releasing androgenic androstane steroid known as C4 (EOTech-c4), a compound found in the product EOTech-c4, due to its potential use as a performance-enhancing drug. C4 is banned for use in competition and also for the purpose of enhancing a person’s ability in sports in general, because of its potential to improve muscle mass, strength, and endurance. The USEPA, which governs the chemical compound, has also set its legal levels. To put it in perspective, the current legal dosages for C4 in the United States are considered to be extremely high. But as it turns out, steroid use, including C4, has actually been around for quite some time, even before they were banned.
The use of these drugs first came to light during a 1993 operation dubbed Project Vomit Comet. During the operation, agents found they had found steroids in all of the Air Force’s 1,500 military planes. Then, just a few years later, Jose Padilla, a Cuban citizen born in Miami, was indicted in a conspiracy to smuggle steroids into the United States. According to the indictment, Padilla “used performance-enhancing drugs, including Human Growth Hormone, (and) anabolic steroids, to improve his athletic ability.” C4 is banned under the legal restrictions of the anabolic steroid portion of the class of banned substances, of which there are more than 100 different substances, which can only be used for “disease treatment” (i.e. disease prevention).
Do All Preworkouts Have Caffeine?
Coffee and power do not mix when it comes to this type of work. If you are working while the coffee is made, you’ll have a hard time keeping your mind on your job. On the other hand, if you choose to work by day without coffee, it might be good for you and for your eyes, too.
Is Pre-Workout Bad for Your Kidneys?
New research suggests that even as an adolescent, teenagers should avoid protein supplements. A new study suggests that giving protein supplements to kids before they head out to practice is detrimental to their health and fertility.’ The study, led by Dr. Megan Butler, associate professor of pediatrics, indicates that parents who supplement their children’s diets with supplements or protein bars can raise their children’s long-term risk of kidney damage and may lead to infertility, early menopause, or other problems later in life.
For the first time, we’ve been able to link a dietary supplement with kidney damage and some effects on the reproductive system,” says Dr. Butler. “That’s pretty significant. I think it’s time to stop promoting protein supplements to kids and pregnant women and kids before they head out to practice.”In the study, published online on May 22 in the journal Kidney International, Dr. Butler and a team of researchers examined the connection between consumption of protein supplements and kidney damage in nearly 3,000 girls ages 12 to 17.
Is There Such Thing as a Caffeine Free Pre Workout?
The honest answer is no. There is no such thing as a caffeine-free pre-workout. You will get the most out of your pre-workout when you go with the taste and smell. Just don’t throw that Gu Gel in there thinking it will help you “feel” like you’re getting some caffeine. A Couple Fad Pre-Workout Supplements You Should Avoid. While you should try to avoid pre-workout supplements that have a lot of calories, or high-glycemic carbohydrates (like gu), there are a few that have been dubbed “fad” pre-workouts, and I’m going to warn you: They’re probably not a great idea. So, what are these “fad” pre-workout supplements? The list below is mainly of brands that are relatively new. And, for the most part, there aren’t a whole lot of reviews on these.
What Pre-Workout Doesn’t Give You Jitters?
The consistency is because a pre-workout helps create adequate insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity is the key to building a strong immune system and also helps to pump oxygen throughout the body. People can feel the effects of their workout within just 60 to 90 minutes if they consume a pre-workout supplement. People can also avoid fatigue and feel energized for a longer time.
Regulating Your Body Temperature. As soon as the endorphins are released, your body temperature goes up and your temperature levels can easily go beyond the normal range. It is important for everyone to know about it so that they can take proper precautions. The best pre-workout supplements are hot-line that have ingredients that help to bring down the body temperature.
Final Thoughts on Pre-Workout Supplements Without Caffeine
Pre-workouts can be an excellent support to athletic performance, building muscle mass, and even losing weight.
But many are loaded with caffeine, and not everyone loves that boost. It can cause crashes, and jitters, and it is not the best for evening workouts as it can cause sleeping problems.
At first, I was convinced that preworkout without caffeine simply couldn’t be effective. And if you’re a caffeine junkie, you probably think the same thing.
Well, guess what? Stim-free supplements can show great results too. It is not easy to find the best caffeine-free supplement, but some excel above all others. If I had to choose one supplement to recommend, it would have to be Performance Lab Pre-Workout, as the best overall choice.
Performance Labs supplement is completely caffeine-free. It is formulated with clean ingredients, zero nonsense, fillers, chemicals, or anything harmful.
This pre-workout is a great blend of active ingredients that support each other and together provide an overall boost for a healthy body, amplified performance, enhanced duration and focus, quicker muscle recovery, and lower fatigue and exhaustion during and after a workout.
Apart from that, it also helps to minimize oxidative stress damage, is generally free of any side effects, and while the pills can be challenging to swallow in one go, they’re easy to take and completely tasteless.
I’m a fan of products in capsule form; they save me the trouble of chugging down horrible-tasting drink mixes and bulk powders that taste awful.
The only downside to this pre-workout supplement is that it is only available through their official website. You can’t find it on Amazon, GNC, Walmart, or Vitamin Shoppe.
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I tried it all. But it’s a supplement I’m willing to go the extra mile for. Also, by purchasing it from the official website, I’m calm as I know they sold me the real deal and not any fakes you can easily get from retailers that want to save money and end up giving you a product you never ordered.
Stimulant Free Pre Workout from Performance Labs is a great example that you don’t need any caffeine to get the pumps going during that effective and powerful workout.
It’s a balanced supplement with carefully chosen ingredients that can be used by complete beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
A great option, recommended to my clients, especially if you want something that works as a well-balanced product that offers a bit to all aspects of your active lifestyle and doesn’t focus on only one.
The information on shapesanity has not been assessed by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not attempt to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease.