Does pre-workout give you a performance boost???
Jack3d, Bucked Up, C4. These are just a few of the names you’ll find in the pre-workout section of your favorite supplement store.
Pre-workouts have been a staple in the gym bag of fitness enthusiasts for years.
But what are they, and do you need to be taking one?
Let’s dive in.
Pre-workouts are multi-ingredient, often labeled as proprietary, dietary formulas designed to give you an energy boost for your workout . . . or a night out on the town.
Typically, they come in powder form and are mixed with water 15-30 minutes before exercise.
The most common ingredients are caffeine, creatine, amino acids, and beta-alanine, a favorite of five-time CrossFit Games Champ – Mat Fraser.
Which pre-workout is right for me?
Knowing which pre-workout to take can be anyone’s guess.
However, with some brands battling to be the most extreme pre-workout, it’s best to do your research to avoid potential adverse effects of stimulant-loaded pre-workouts like jitters, sleep impairment, and headaches.
If you decide a pre-workout is right for you, consider starting with small servings and building overtime to avoid unwanted side effects.
When choosing a brand, try staying away from anything that says proprietary on the label and avoids exotic add-ins like DMAA, 6-dion, and 1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2 . . . whatever the heck that is.
The best way to get a pre-WOD energy boost for most people is by consuming easily digestible carbs like a piece of fruit about 30–60 minutes before your workout. Pair that with a small cup of coffee, and you’ll be off to the races.