Rather, we looked at the overall impact of the product. Even if a product contains a couple of not-so-science-backed inclusions, we still consider it reputable if there are enough quality, well-dosed ingredients. Not all pre-workout ingredients are useful, while others might be surprisingly beneficial.

Caffeine is associated with alertness, endurance, power output, strength, and perceived exertion. Pre-workouts typically contain anywhere from 80 to mg of caffeine.

An effective dose is three to 6mg per kilogram of body weight. The best-researched ergogenic aid besides caffeine, creatine helps power output, anaerobic capacity, and fatigue, all while increasing muscle size by drawing more water into them.

Three to five grams daily of creatine is effective. Beta-alanine is linked to improved endurance, both in cardio-focused intervals and strength training with higher reps between 60 and seconds of continuous work.

Because it allows you to endure more, it may help with hypertrophy. The standard dose is 1. An effective dose is 2. Taurine may help with improving focus. Since it might draw water into cells, it may enhance recovery and muscle cramps, as well.

You can take up to six grams per day about one to two hours before exercise. An effective dose might be to mg per kilogram of body weight taken an hour before exercise, but large doses can cause GI distress and might need to be split up.

These sorts of products can make some folks a little concerned about side effects and unintended consequences. Caffeine is a real drug.

It can cause anxiety, diarrhea, and maybe even temporary high blood pressure. It just means everyone has a different tolerance for caffeine. Caffeine can also make it harder for the nervous system to relax or enter a parasympathetic state conducive to recovery. If you regularly take caffeine, consider taking a week off from it every couple of months to keep you from building up too strong a tolerance for it.

And if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine, consider avoiding it altogether. If you take them every day, they may imbue you with their benefits regardless of the time of day you take them since they work over longer time periods than other pre-workout ingredients. A balanced meal of protein and carbs a couple of hours before a workout can do wonders for performance.

This is especially common with citrulline and tyrosine. We also strongly recommend talking to your doctor before starting any supplement regimen, pre-workouts especially. If you have any pre-existing conditions, speaking with a physician before making changes to your diet or supplement routine is a must.

Social media stars on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have started a trend known as dry-scooping — where you scoop pre-workout powder directly into your mouth.

This is ill-advised and dangerous. Many pre-workouts have hundreds of milligrams of caffeine in them, and diluting that powder into water allows your body more time to absorb and process it. Otherwise, you risk absorbing too much caffeine too quickly, which can lead to jitters, an upset stomach, and an elevated heart rate.

The dangers of dry-scooping is about both the rate of ingestion and the amount, but much more so the amount. A toxic dose would be 20 to 40mg per kilogram of bodyweight, or about 1, to 2,mg for a pound individual.

Still, there are other potential hazards associated with dry scooping. For example, you can also choke on the powder. They might increase the amount of energy you have and the effectiveness of the exercise.

We looked at the price, taste, ingredients, and effectiveness of every one of these supplements. Some ingredients, like tyrosine and taurine, may even improve focus. There are so many options on the market for pre-workouts, and many seem to have similar formulas.

One that stands out from the noise with a potent and robust ingredients list is Transparent Labs BULK. It has well-dosed levels of citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine to potentially support blood flow and endurance.

The more regularly you take pre-workout, the less effective each dose usually becomes because you build up a tolerance.

We generally try to only take pre-workout before particularly challenging sessions or when we really need an extra kick of energy. That said, you can usually feel the effects of a pre for anywhere from two to six hours, depending on a variety of factors.

The short answer here is that the price of a pre-workout supplement will vary greatly depending on the ingredient list, dosages, and quality of each ingredient.

Although this may seem expensive to some, you tend to get what you pay for with pre-workout supplements. Dry scooping refers to taking a scoop of pre-workout powder dry, as the name implies, without mixing it in a shaker bottle or cup, then optionally washing it down with water after.

It can be dangerous, though, as mixing the pre-workout with water allows your body time to absorb the ingredients more slowly. We advise against it and always recommend following the label of your pre-workout supplement for instructions on how best to take it.

Mike is an all around strength sports enthusiast who holds a B. in Exercise Science, an M. in Exercise and Sport Physiology and is pursuing his Ph. in Health and Human Performance. In addition to academic credentials he also holds numerous certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach, and ACSM Exercise is Medicine.

He has competed at high levels in Powerlifting, Weightlifting, and now Strongman. He has a garage gym which he loves to workout in and try new equipment as well as experiment with different exercises.

In his free time he is either playing with his dog Bernie, writing fiction, or playing video games. He is interested in the latest and greatest in fitness and gym equipment and technology and loves to try new things.

View All Articles. BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Roundups.

We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page. Top Pre-Workouts Video Review Pre-Workout Benefits How We Picked Common Ingredients Pre-Workout Prices. About Our Expert This article has been reviewed by Justine Hays, M. Transparent Labs BULK.

Shop Transparent Labs. Specs Caffeine: mg Key Ingredients: 6g of citrulline malate, 4g of beta-alanine, 2. Pros This pre-workout is transparent with clearly labeled, research-backed, and effectively-dosed ingredients.

BULK has boron and zinc that might help increase testosterone. This pick contains alpha-GPC, taurine , and tyrosine , all of which may help with focus.

Cons The large dose of beta-alanine may cause too much tingling. BULK is somewhat expensive compared to similar options.

Transparent Labs uses stevia to sweeten this, which may taste bitter. Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Build. Caffeine: mg Key Ingredients: 3g of l-citrulline, 1. Shop Amazon. Specs Caffeine: mg Key Ingredients: 3g of l-citrulline, 1.

Pros The combination of citrulline and betaine anhydrous can help users achieve a pump, which research shows may lead to muscle growth. The addition of creatine can help improve muscle strength and size over time.

The combination of beta-alanine and caffeine may work well together to provide focused energy. Cons People may find the beta-alanine-induced skin tingles uncomfortable.

This product has artificial sweeteners, which may not be ideal for all athletes. Transparent Labs BULK Black. Pros This contains the caffeine equivalent of about three cups of strong coffee.

The doses of beta-alanine and citrulline are higher than they are in most other pre-workouts. Cons Other pre-workout supplements include a small dose of creatine, too. Pros Since men are more likely to have a B12 deficiency, the 4, percent dose of your RDI in here might help.

This is not a solution for those who have a vitamin deficiency. This contains the caffeine equivalent of about two cups of strong coffee. You can choose from 12 different, unique flavors.

Cons The caffeine content might be excessive for some. There is no creatine in this pre-workout. Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout. Shop Onnit. Pros Lighter dosages of ingredients like caffeine and beta-alanine Not many pre-workouts contain dedicated hydration ingredients like ashwagandha and African palm oil Great for focus and energy Third-party tested.

Cons The price per serving is expensive. There are only two flavors to choose from. Mixed reviews on flavor options. Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite. Shop Kaged. Specs Caffeine: mg Key Ingredients: 1g of citrulline, 3.

Pros This formula has large doses of ingredients like citrulline for blood flow and pumps. This one has coconut fruit water powder for electrolytes. You also get 3,mg of creatine monohydrate. Cons The caffeine content is very high, which may be too much for some.

Transparent Labs LEAN for Weight Loss. Specs Caffeine: mg Key Ingredients: 6g of citrulline malate, 2g of beta-alanine, 1. Pros LEAN has ingredients you might typically find in a fat burner. This product is free of artificial sweeteners and colors. LEAN is a solid product, but it may not be enough for those looking for a dedicated fat burner.

Legion Pulse Pre-Workout. Shop Legion. Specs Caffeine: mg Key Ingredients: 8g of citrulline malate, 3. Pros No artificial colors, preservatives, or ingredients. No additional sugars Clinically-backed pre-workout ingredients Third-party testing Also available in a stimulant-free option.

Shop 1st Phorm. Additional sodium can help you stay hydrated as you sweat. The taste here was a big hit among our testers. Cons Caffeine lovers may not like that this is a stimulant-free pre-workout.

This product lacks a very common pre-workout ingredient — citrulline. Jacked Factory Nitrosurge. Caffeine : mg Key Ingredients : 6,mg of l-citrulline, 3.

Pros Jacked Factory Nitrosurge has 16 different flavor options we personally enjoyed the strawberry margarita and fruit punch. The price per serving is reasonable, considering the potency of this formula. The product lists ingredients for both one and two scoops. Cons The caffeine content from two scoops of this pre-workout may be too high for some.

Xwerks Ignite. No time to scoop, stir and shake en route to the gym? No problem. Swig one of these convenient shots to get you ready to smash that elusive PB. The punchy tropical flavour and smooth consistency made it easy to knock back in a hurry, and the mg caffeine dosage was spot on, helping our lifters kick-start their sessions, without causing jitters or itchy breakouts.

The shot also contains the usual recovery-enhancing suspects: beta-alanine and vitamins B6 and B This potent pre-workout contains an impressive list of active ingredients that have been scientifically proven to aid performance.

Sure enough, it kept our testers pushing hard, even during their most demanding sets, and they raved about the zingy lemon flavour, which was a treat to chug as they hyped themselves up ahead of training.

Sure enough, our testers felt it helped them sustain their energy levels and they loved the strong, sharp flavour, which they likened to Haribo Tangfastics. Down one half an hour before training and prepare to smash some PBs. It also features a blend of vitamins C, B6, B9 and B12 to combat tiredness.

The impact on our panel's performance was impressive, facilitating faster runs and successful weights sessions. Though on the artificial side, everyone enjoyed the sweet blue raspberry flavour.

Beast mode, incoming Fruity and sweet, its strong mix of ingredients includes an optimal dose of vitamins C, B3 and B12 along with plant-based BCAAs to see off those sluggish mornings. It also contains piperine a compound found in black pepper , which is linked to enhanced strength and endurance.

The mg caffeine hit gave our testers a noticeable energy boost and they found the light berry flavour enjoyable and refreshing, but not overwhelming.

With mg of caffeine, plus creatine, L-glutamine and vitamin B6, it contains a host of energy-boosting ingredients designed to fight of fatigue and get you in gear for your workout.

It made a big impression on our testers, who said it delivered a surge of energy before their sessions and helped with post-workout DOMS. It also scored top points for its mixability and texture, which made it quick and easy to gulp down.

The Berocca-esque orange mango and passionfruit flavour is one for those with a sweet tooth, while grape is a popular choice too. Backed by man-mountain and three-time CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser , Cellucor's C4 pre-workout is America's 1 pre-workout.

Cellucor uses an in-house product development team alongside athlete feedback to create its C4 pre-workout.

If you're concerned about the caffeine content of your pre-workout, Bulk's caffeine-free option is a safer bet. Offering similar benefits to conventional pre-workout supplements, it contains 5g BCAAs and 3g of creatine monohydrate.

Grenade's 50 Calibre Pre-workout, with its battle-hardened style, is another favourite among lifters. With a goal to feature every possible natural component that aids performance — including theobroma and beet extract — it comes in berry, cola and lemon flavours. Finding the right pre-workout isn't always about finding the powder that suits you.

There are plenty of alternative options you can take before your next training session. For example, there are pre-workout gels, pre-workout pills, pre-workout capsules and pre-workout drinks. We've put a few below:. If you don't want to be guzzling another fitness-centric drink from a protein shaker, pre-workout gel could be the fix you're after.

Prefer your pre-workout in shot form? Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard pre-workout shot is the best we've tasted in a while.

While not strictly a pre-workout capsule, Grenade's Black Ops capsules use caffeine for focus and green tea extract for fat-loss support. Ideal if you're in a calorie deficit. Made with green coffee extract, caffeine, Vitamin B6 and cayenne extract, Red-Cell is ideal as a pre-workout or as part of a weight loss programme.

Coffee: A cup of black coffee with or without sugar before your workout is a great way to up your energy levels. Bananas: Rich in starchy carbohydrates, one banana will contain around 14g of sugar, made of glucose and fructose — two sugar types that are ideal for athletic performance.

Bananas are also rich in potassium and magnesium , providing electrolytes to your body that — when lost — will cause muscle cramps and fatigue, so it's best to keep your levels topped-up.

Each banana will contain around g of carbohydrates, fuelling your muscles before strenuous exercise. Coconut Water: Like bananas, coconut water is naturally full of electrolytes. With an improper electrolyte balance leading to muscle cramps, stiffness, nausea, headaches and fatigue, drinking coconut water will help top up your body's electrolyte supply.

Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews.

Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.

Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills. Yanar was our former Fitness Group Testing Manager. She managed health and fitness product testing across all the magazines, overseeing all testing processes and ensuring our lab and panel tests are conducted to the highest standards.

Yanar is a Level 3 qualified PT, trained yoga teacher and a registered yoga therapist. She has been into fitness and wellness her whole life. After many years running races and marathons, she now trains and competes in CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She passionately advocates strength training for women to build a stronger mind and body for life.

The Best Functional Gym Shorts for Men. The Best Wireless Headphones for Sweaty Workouts. UCAN takes a unique approach to its products because it doesn't use traditional stimulants. Instead it uses SuperStarch, which is a low-glycemic, complex carbohydrate made by a patented cooking method applied to a specific strain of non-GMO corn.

The purpose behind SuperStarch is to provide athletes with steady, long-lasting energy without the sugar or carb crash. I tried UCAN's energy powder in the Cran-raz flavor prior to my strength training workout and initially followed the directions on the tub which said to mix one scoop of powder with 8 to 12 ounces of water.

Similar to other pre-workouts I've tried, I found one scoop to be too sweet and a half scoop was a better alternative. Even though I shook it up using a water bottle, you'd benefit from either blending it or using a shaker ball for a smoother consistency. Otherwise you'll end up with some powder settled at the bottom, which is what happened to me.

Despite that mishap, the pre-workout stayed true to its word and gave me the energy I needed to get through my workout. I also felt like my energy levels remained steady even after the fact. UCAN didn't have a negative effect on my stomach, and that probably is because of the formula, which the brand says is made to be slowly released and absorbed by the body.

I tend to gravitate towards berry flavored pre-workouts and Ascent's Blueberry Raspberry hit the spot. It reminded me of the blue raspberry Jolly Rancher flavor, which was a favorite of mine as a kid. However, now that I'm older, I can only handle so much sweetness.

I followed the directions on Ascent's pre-workout bag and mixed one scoop of pre-workout with 10 ounces of water 20 to 30 minutes before my workout. I found the flavor to be super sweet, but it didn't leave a bad aftertaste or upset my stomach.

Next time I would do half a scoop to cut back on the sweetness. This pre-workout has mg of caffeine, which gave me enough energy to complete my tough strength training workout and left me focused even afterward.

It also features mg of electrolytes, which is important to keep you hydrated as you sweat during your workout. I was happy that Ascent gave me the adequate amount of energy I needed to charge up my morning and workout.

I've found that fruit-flavored pre-workouts can sometimes be filled with lots of artificial flavorings, which can taste too sweet.

This Beachbody pre-workout passed with flying colors. It doesn't have artificial flavors or sweeteners, which is helpful to know if you aren't a fan of most of the artificial sweeteners in pre-workouts.

I tried this pre-workout in the fruit punch flavor, and it was sweet without an unpleasant aftertaste. I had the individual packets, but Beachbody also sells 9. This pre-workout consists of quercetin, which is a plant-based antioxidant that helps delay exercise-induced muscle fatigue to keep you going.

It also contains mg of caffeine per serving and it should be noted that the directions say not to exceed two packets a day. Ladder : This pre-workout was created with athletes in mind to make sure they perform to the best of their ability.

It has caffeine, creatine, Beta-Alanine and L-Theanine. I tried the Tropical Fruit and Strawberry Lemonade flavors. Despite having no gastrointestinal issues, I wasn't a fan of the flavors and the aftertaste that lingered.

However, if I were to choose between the two, I would go with the Strawberry Lemonade because it had the better flavor profile. Coco5 : Although Coco5 is technically more of an electrolyte beverage, it is intended to be consumed during or after your workout to replenish electrolytes.

I liked the cherry flavor and that the coconut water flavor is not detectable. Coco5 didn't make the best list because the sugar content and calories were higher in comparison to Cure's and Nuun electrolyte powders.

Coco5's drinks are still lower in calories and sugar than traditional sports drinks, so it's a better choice if you had to pick between the two. We acknowledge that everyone's body is different in the way they handle pre-workouts or any other supplement.

Therefore, I used my own anecdotal experience as a fitness enthusiast and a recreational runner training for my next half-marathon to test and select the best pre-workouts. These were exceptionally helpful on those days when I needed the extra boost to get me through my long runs or a strength training workout.

When selecting the best pre-workout brands, I looked at:. Pre-workouts come in the form of a powder, are mixed with water and taken a half hour or up to an hour before a workout to help boost energy and performance. Stimulants can raise your heart rate and blood pressure as well as increase nervous system activity.

This will give you the peace of mind that the supplement you're taking is safe and free of banned substances. Pre-workout, like any other supplement, is intended to be used in addition to a well-balanced diet and lifestyle.

When taken together, this dynamic duo can support increased energy levels, enhance cognitive function, and help ease levels of daily stress 5. If you came looking for incredible muscle pumps, grab your dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells and listen up. The research-backed combination of citrulline malate 3 and beetroot extract 17 can contribute to significant increases in nitric oxide production, supporting blood flow and nutrient delivery to your muscles.

The downside? Good for: Those who want an energy boost without the caffeine crash after their workout. Pre-Lab Pro is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, allergen-friendly, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavors and synthetic additives. Pre-Lab Pro has 80 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is less than a standard-sized Red Bull can and much less than the several hundred milligrams found in most pre-workouts.

When combined, these two substances have been shown to increase energy and reaction time. GGR Senior Editor and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis tried this pre-workout supplement, which unfortunately only comes in one flavor: Natural Berry.

Tastes like drinking a Flintstones vitamin. Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is an uncaffeinated pre-workout powder that will not give you the jitters or tingling commonly associated with pre-workout supplements.

This pre-workout contains a blend of citrulline malate, beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, taurine, and elevATP, a compound claimed to increase ATP activity in muscle cells. We gave Transparent Labs Stim-Free pre-workout a near-perfect 4.

It is essentially a caffeine-free version of their standard pre-workouts for those who prefer to train at night, or simply want all their caffeine to come from coffee. The primary ingredient is citrulline malate, which a review 27 stated was vital for nitric oxide production to help support skeletal muscle function and improve blood flow to muscles.

I felt focused at all times and there was no energy crash at the end of my workout. Sodium and potassium act primarily as electrolytes to promote hydration, though studies 28 tell us they can also assist in helping you get a pump.

Similarly, beetroot powder is added for color and can also help improve nitric oxide production Amanda Capritto, GGR staff writer and expert product tester who also tested this pre-workout, said the Cherry Limeade flavor was tasty and not overly sweet, though she said it was difficult to get it thoroughly mixed.

If you are looking for a clean pre-workout supplement with a simple list of natural vitamins and minerals, Naked Nutrition's Stim Free Pre Workout may be for you.

It is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO. Also, there are no proprietary blends in Naked Energy, which is third-party tested. It does have one gram of creatine, which is better than nothing but not enough to cause a significant uptick in strength and muscle mass.

When it comes to flavors, Naked Nutrition has three—all of which contain no artificial sweeteners: Unflavored, Fruit Punch, and Citrus. Nicole tried the unflavored option and said it was a bit bitter, though it would go well with a sports drink.

The 90 cents per-serving cost is another big plus in our books, and each container comes with 50 two-scoop servings. While Gorilla Mode receives mixed reviews, it is formulated with all the key ingredients you want in a pre-workout drink to improve performance in the gym.

However, if you are sensitive or want to avoid stimulants, this may not be the supplement for you. Gorilla Mode has been formulated specifically to support increased energy, focus, muscle strength, and endurance.

The combination of L-Citrulline 16 , GlycerPump 24 , and Agmatine 25 can boost nitric oxide production, promote increased blood flow, and improve intramuscular hydration.

Several people tested Gorilla Mode for us, including Jacob Penner, USA Weightlifting L-2 coach and owner of Endless Strength Weightlifting Club. Moving down the ingredient list, we see a unique blend of nootropics designed to support enhanced focus and mood 9.

The combination of L-Tyrosine 6 , Kanna 26 , and Huperzine A 22 are known for their cognitive-supporting properties and their ability to help ease daily stress.

Add in the milligrams of caffeine and 2, milligrams of creatine per serving and you have yourself a pre-workout cocktail that could help get you closer to your goal of bigger, stronger muscles 8.

There are some countries, like Australia, and some sports associations where the stimulant is banned. In terms of taste, we had mixed results.

I mixed one scoop with 20 ounces of water, and it tastes like all three flavors of a rocket pop at once. It just tastes like something sweet. Endura-Formance is formulated with all the key ingredients one would look for in a pre-workout drink.

While the taste is not for everyone, most users experienced improved performance at the gym. Endura-Formance is their premium pre-workout product containing research-backed ingredients shown to enhance muscular endurance and speed up the recovery process after a tough treadmill workout.

Certified personal trainer and former competitive triathlete Amanda Capritto used Endura-Formance when training for her races and says it always gave her a boost, giving it a 5 out of 5 for effects. As a reminder, sodium is an electrolyte that can help fuel longer workouts that leave your clothes drenched in sweat.

Amanda points to two other ingredients that make this a perfect fit for runners: PeakO2 and S7. The Genius Brand Genius Pre is a stimulant-free, nootropic-based pre-workout designed to help improve your focus and performance in the gym.

With no preservatives, no proprietary blends, no artificial flavors, and no banned substances, Genius PRE is a vegan-friendly pre-workout ideal for anyone looking for a clean product. We should also point out that this is a stimulant-free product, so there is no caffeine, and no big energy boost like you might get from other products.

Jacob Penner, a USA Weightlifting coach who has been testing different pre-workouts for years, used Genius PRE a number of times to check out its efficacy. He gave it a 4 out of 5 for its workout effects. Pretty much by the time I was done lifting, the pump was fading. In terms of formulation, we gave this a 4 out of 5, only knocking it down a point because it lacks a stimulant, which is something most people are looking for in a pre-workout.

However, by all other accounts, this checks a lot of boxes with its ingredient lineup. Amanda Capritto, certified sports nutrition coach and GGR senior staff writer, points out that there are clinically-backed ingredients and dosages of key pre-workout players like l-citrulline malate, carnosyn, betain anhydrous, l-tyrosine, l-arginine, and taurine.

There are also nootropics like choline 31 and huperzia serrata 22 , which support cognitive function. I felt almost euphoric taking this, actually. In terms of taste, Jacob rated this a perfect 5 out of 5. Absolutely love the taste — this is like a blue icee. Read more in our Genius pre-workout review.

Fuel your body with a delicious pre-workout supplement with nutrients and 14 active ingredients for an energy-boosting workout. Earning a perfect 5 out of 5 for its workout effects, Pre JYM Pre-workout is our pick for best for focus. Caffeine, of course, is one of the primary ingredients that help with increased focus 12 , as is Huperzine A 22 and L-Tyrosine 6.

Both also note that this pre-workout mixes perfectly in a shaker bottle with water. You can read more of their thoughts in our full JYM Pre-Workout review. Good for: Those who want a high-quality and affordable pre-workout powder.

C4 is the flagship product for Cellucor, and is considered by many as the No. Many people at Garage Gym Reviews have used both the C4 powder and the drink. Here, we will dive into the specs of the powder. Olympia-level pumps from it, but your sleeves will feel a bit tighter than they were before you started the workout.

It also contains 1. Check out our full C4 pre-workout review for more. BlackWolf Pre-Workout contains 11 scientifically proven ingredients designed to improve energy, focus, and performance without any unwanted side effects. Containing 11 key ingredients and no proprietary blends, Blackwolf pre-workout is formulated to provide you with heightened focus support and maximal endurance to improve overall athletic performance.

Whether you enjoy training in the evening, or just looking for a stimulant-free pre-workout, the fruit-flavored version of Blackwolf pre-workout is designed to support and enhance your performance without caffeine. Nicole Davis, GGR senior editor, gave Blackwolf a try before one of her workouts.

Each serving contains 6 grams of citrulline malate, which has been shown to promote increased blood flow 2. This can contribute to improved oxygen delivery to your muscles during workouts, as well as faster removal of metabolic byproducts caused by intense training sessions.

Similar to citrulline, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate works as a nitric oxide booster 32 to help you get more out of your workouts. The 3. This product also contains creatine monohydrate 8 and betaine anhydrous 33 , both of which can assist with muscle strength and exercise performance.

Despite the absence of caffeine, you can still expect support for focus and concentration due to the addition of DMAE 14 and Huperzine A These powerful nootropics can enhance cognitive function during workouts.

In terms of flavor, Nicole rates it at a 3 out of 5. There are lots and lots of pre-workouts on the market.

Deciding on the 18 best pre-workouts was no easy feat. We weighed the pros and cons of each product after analyzing these factors and using our GGR supplement testing methodology :. Are important ingredients like caffeine, creatine, citrulline, citrulline malate, and beta-alanine included?

Are there high levels of stimulants that have been shown to have detrimental effects? Stimulants to keep an eye out for: High levels of caffeine, dendrobium, synephrine, DMAE, rauwolfia vomitora. This is subjective, but we base it on the views of our testers, as well as what the general consensus is in online customer reviews.

We took the individual flavor and full range of flavors into consideration. How well does this product dissolve in the suggested amount of liquid?

Are there floaties? Is it grainy? Is it super thick or super thin? Does it separate after a few minutes? What do customers think of the product? Are reviews consistent? Does the company interact with customer reviews?

If not, you might as well buy a more affordable supplement. This is particularly important for pre-workouts, because overloading on stimulants can be dangerous.

Caffeine is a stimulant that targets the central nervous system, helping to support increased mental alertness while reducing the perception of fatigue Additionally, it can increase fat oxidation and spare muscle glycogen levels Creatine is a naturally occurring substrate that aids in energy production.

When taken as a dietary supplement, creatine has been shown to promote increased muscle strength, muscle size, speed, and high-intensity exercise capacity 8.

Nitric oxide supports improved blood flow via vasodilation widening of blood vessels Citrulline malate is a compound that combines citrulline with malate, a substrate essential for the production of energy needed for muscle contractions.

Citrulline malate has been shown to help delay muscle fatigue and increase oxygen delivery to muscles 3. Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that binds with histidine to form carnosine. In your muscles, carnosine acts as a hydrogen ion buffer to help delay fatigue and improve high-intensity exercise performance 4.

Wondering why you should consider drinking a pre-workout before your next sweat session? Some benefits include:. Pre-workouts are probably best known for their ability to support increased energy and focus during workouts. Caffeine is well-known for its ability to boost energy and endurance levels during intense workouts 12 , and nitric oxide boosters like citrulline 15 and beetroot extract 17 can promote blood flow, which may result in more oxygen and nutrients being delivered to your muscles to maximize performance.

Pre-workouts can enhance strength in several ways. For one, they can provide you with more energy so that you hit your workouts harder and increase your training volume. But, perhaps the most important ingredient for increasing strength is creatine. Creatine, which is present in some pre-workouts, aids in energy production during short, intense efforts and has been shown to increase strength when combined with resistance training in numerous research studies 7.

Ingredients like L-Theanine 5 , Rhodiola rosea 13 , and L-Tyrosine 6 can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your workout. Nootropics like these have also been shown to enhance memory, attention, and concentration 9.

One way to boost stamina during your workouts is to combat feelings of fatigue. Supplementation with beta-alanine 4 has been shown to increase intramuscular stores of carnosine. Carnosine works as an intracellular buffer to reduce the accumulation of hydrogen ions— ultimately delaying fatigue Caffeine 12 , citrulline 16 , beta-alanine 4 , and creatine 8 can help maximize your energy and strength while reducing fatigue.

Make sure key ingredients are present in research-backed dosages. There are countless research studies that pinpoint the minimal dose needed to experience energy- or strength-boosting effects from ingredients like beta-alanine and creatine, but here are a few you should know before you start shopping:.

These blends will make it difficult to know the exact dosages used. A detailed ingredient list that clearly states the dose of each ingredient will ensure you know exactly what you are consuming.

This means that a company, not affiliated with the supplement manufacturer, evaluates the dietary supplement to ensure what is printed on the label is actually inside the product. RELATED: Best supplements for men.

When taken as directed, pre-workouts are generally considered safe to use for healthy individuals. There are special populations, like pregnant women and adolescents, who should avoid them altogether though.

Always check with your doctor before taking a new supplement. You should never consume more than the recommended dose, especially if the product contains stimulants like caffeine. The name pretty much gives it away—pre-workouts should be taken before your training session, with most people downing their supplement minutes before they intend to start seriously training.

That means if you down a pre-workout even at 1 p. Consider using one of the best stim-free pre-workouts or moving your workout to earlier in the day. With countless pre-workout supplements currently on the market suitable for just about every goal, the choices can seem overwhelming.

Our other top picks include:. Pre-workouts are okay to take on a regular basis, but keep in mind that you can build up tolerance to stimulants, like caffeine. This will give your body some time to reset.

C4 is manufactured by Cellucor, a well-known and established company in the supplement space, and is one of the most popular pre-workouts on the market. We recommend it on our list of best pre-workouts because of these attributes. GGR readers get an exclusive discount at C4energy.

com, so be sure to check it out. Dry scooping is a term used to describe taking a pre-workout powder without dissolving it in a fluid. It is no more effective than mixing a pre-workout in water, and can be potentially dangerous. Dry scooping can cause choking if the powder is accidentally inhaled, and can even cause a sudden increase in heart and blood pressure due to the immediate hit of caffeine to your system.

It is recommended that you follow the instructions listed on the product label and mix your pre-workout powder in 8 to 12 ounces of water.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We have the best running workouts that just about any runner could do to build endurance, speed, and stamina.

Read more. Feeling overwhelmed by the endless options for protein supplements? A registered dietitian gives you expert tips on what to look for in protein powder. Pre-workout supplements are multi-ingredient products designed to boost energy and improve exercise performance1.

We specifically rate and personally test products for factors such as the following:Formulation: Does it have scientifically-backed ingredients and dosages?

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Check Out the 14 Best Treadmills for Your Home Gym View More. Best Online Workout Programs Learn More. Krissy Kendall, PhD × The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers.

This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts. GGR Score: 3. Check Price.

Bottom Line Onnit's Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout is a unique blend of ingredients that our testers enjoyed for workouts where they wanted to be focused and energized.

GGR Score: 4. CHECK PRICE. Product Highlights Formulated to help support muscle gain 20 grams of research-based active ingredients per serving 8 flavor variations are available. Cons No creatine Some users report it tastes bad. Product Highlights Designed to provide sustainable energy without the crash Uses a blend of caffeine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, rhodiola rosea, DMAE, L-tyrosine, carnosyn beta-alanine, L-citrulline malate, as well as calcium and magnesium lactate.

Xwerks claims that this product increases muscle growth and repair, enhances focus, and expands muscular endurance and work capacity Available in 4 flavors. Cons Expensive May make you feel jittery or experience other side effects like headaches or digestive problems. Bottom Line Xwerks Ignite is an all natural pre-workout supplement with both energy-boosting and focus-enhancing ingredients.

Cons Natural sweeteners make for a different taste—it may not be your cup of tea Only 21 servings per tub. Bottom Line Formulated with all-natural ingredients, each of which are present at a high level, Pulse is a fan-favorite.

Product Highlights Formulated for those looking to lose weight but maintain muscle mass 14 grams of evidence-based ingredients Naturally flavored and sweetened with Stevia Available in 9 different flavors Backed by a day money-back guarantee.

Allmax® Nutrition Impact Pump. Bucked Up® Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout - Orange Mango - 25 Servings. Cellucor® C4 Original Pre-Workout - 60 Servings. Athletic Alliance Havok Pre-Workout - Pineapple Mango.

Athletic Alliance Havok Pre-Workout - Strawberry Lemonade. PERFECT Sports® ALTRD® State Extreme Pre-Workout - Cherry Bomb - 40 Servings. PERFECT Sports® ALTRD® State Extreme Pre-Workout - Atomic Peach Rings - 40 Servings. PERFECT Sports® ALTRD® State Extreme Pre-Workout - Blue Raspberry - 40 Servings.

REDCON1 Creatine Monohydrate - 60 Servings. REDCON1 Total War® Preworkout - Rainbow Candy - 30 Servings. REDCON1 Total War® Preworkout - Sour Gummy Bear - 30 Servings. REDCON1 Total War® Preworkout - Blue Raspberry - 30 Servings.

Bucked Up® Pre-Workout - Blue Raz - 25 Servings. Bucked Up® Pre-Workout - Blood Raz - 25 Servings. Bucked Up® PUMP-Ocalypse - Blue Raz. Bucked Up® PUMP-Ocalypse - Blood Raz.

Bucked Up® WOKE AF® Nootropic Pre-Workout - Blue Raz Lemonade - 20 Servings. Bucked Up® WOKE AF® Nootropic Pre-Workout - Miami - 20 Servings. Athletic Alliance Havok Cellucor® C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout. Pro Supps® MR HYDE NITROX Pre-Workout.

Athletic Alliance Havok-Neuro - Frost Elderberry. Athletic Alliance Havok-Neuro - Peach Lemonade. Cellucor® C4 Ripped Pre-Workout. Cellucor® C4 Original Pre-Workout - 30 Servings. Cellucor® C4 Original Pre-Workout - Fruit Punch.

Cellucor® C4 Original Pre-Workout - Icy Blue Razz.