Do Pre-Workout Supplements Really Work?

Pre-workout supplements work to help you get more out of the exercise you do. The ingredients in pre-workouts give you a boost in energy, help fight exercise fatigue, and increase your strength. They also help you focus more on what you’re doing. You’ll get better results for your efforts.

In this article, you’ll find all you need to know about pre-workouts and how to use them. We’ll look at some common ingredients found in them and what each does for your body. Then, you can decide if pre-workouts are right for you.

Do I Need Pre-Workouts?

You don’t need pre-workouts to get a good workout in and get results. But just like products exist for your car to make it perform more efficiently, pre-workouts do that for your body.

Have you ever gassed out in the middle of a workout? Pre-workouts give you a boost to help you power through those challenging moments of exercise fatigue. You’ll have better stamina, so you can continue to work out with the same intensity you started with.

It’s not that you need pre-workouts. Adding them to your supplement regimen enhances your workouts, making them more effective. You can get results faster.

What’s In Pre-Workouts?

The best pre-workouts are usually taken in powder form that’s been added to water or some other liquid. Various formulas exist. Below are some of the common ingredients found in them and explanations of what they do.

Caffeine

Some pre-workout supplements have caffeine in them. Caffeine helps increase mental focus and energy levels. Some studies show it improves physical performance and helps the body burn fat. 

Those who are sensitive to caffeine should look for a stimulant-free pre-workout supplement. Levels of caffeine in pre-workouts vary widely, also.

Nitric Oxide Precursors

These are ingredients that help open up your blood vessels allowing for better blood flow to the muscles. Your body produces nitric oxide itself, which is the compound that relaxes your blood vessels. Nitric oxide precursors help your body make more nitric oxide.

Pre-workouts have L-arginine and L-citrulline in them to facilitate the production of nitric oxide. Better blood flow allows more oxygen into your muscles, as well as more nutrients.

Creatine

Though made naturally by your body, creatine is often taken by athletes and bodybuilders. The creatine stored in your body is associated with muscle strength and energy levels. Taking in creatine in pre-workouts gives your body more of a stored supply. It increases energy, shortens recovery, and builds muscle faster.

Artificial Sweeteners

The sweeteners are used to make the pre-workouts taste better. Some are ok. However, pay attention to how your pre-workouts make you feel. Certain artificial sweeteners can make you feel bloated or nauseous. That will impede your workout. Change your pre-workout supplement if you experience discomfort.

Not All Pre-Workouts Are Safe

When you’re shopping for a pre-workout supplement, be mindful of what you choose. Unfortunately, some pre-workouts, like many other kinds of supplements, are of low quality. They’re unsafe and can cause harm to your body.

Nutritional supplements aren’t highly regulated in much of the world. For that reason, labels on pre-workouts aren’t always completely accurate. It’s best to buy your pre-workout from a reputable retailer. Look for indications of supplement testing by agencies such as NSF International and USP.

How to Take Pre-Workout Supplements

Most pre-workouts come in powder form. Mix one scoop with a specified amount of water, usually about 10 ozs. Drink your pre-workout about a half-hour before the beginning of your workout. 

Some users report a tingling or itching in their hands or face. That feeling comes from the ingredients working to open up those blood vessels. It dissipates quickly once you begin your workout. 

Make sure you drink plenty of water. Some pre-workouts include diuretics to help with losing weight. That can cause dehydration if you aren’t taking in enough water. You may experience headaches if this happens to you. You could also feel fatigued. 

How Much Do Pre-Workouts Cost?

Generally, they’re not cheap. Pre-workout supplements come with a range of price tags. You’ll find them for around $20 or upwards of $60. While you can find a good pre-workout for less money, more expensive options usually have better quality ingredients that are more effective.

Can Pre-Workout Cause Heart Attacks?

Pre-workouts that have caffeine in them usually have the same amount as 1 to 2 cups of coffee. Layering pre-workout on top of other sources of caffeine such as coffee, energy drinks, or soda can increase blood pressure. This can cause issues with your heart and an increased risk of a heart attack.

Final Thoughts

Pre-workouts work to enhance performance during exercise. It’s important to choose a pre-workout supplement that’s good quality and from a reputable source. Using pre-workout supplements correctly can help you increase stamina and get the results you want quicker with better efficiency.