As much as we would all like to - you can't expect to turn up to every workout feeling 100%. Sometimes, you'll go to the gym feeling tired, lethargic and unmotivated, and if that sounds familiar, finding the best pre-workout may be all that's needed to alleviate your training lull.

What is Pre-Workout?

Pre-workout is a supplement that’s designed to give you an extra jolt of energy during your workout. The caffeinated boost that comes from the supplement can allow people to maximise their gym time by giving them energy plus the endurance to power through longer workouts with more reps and more intensity.

There are two categories of pre-workout: products with stimulants and products without stimulants. As the name suggests, pre-workout should be taken before a workout, and although many people drink it on their way to the gym or during their workout, it should be taken at least 30 to 60 minutes prior to hitting the weights or cardio machines.

Benefits of Pre-Workout

An improvement in exercise performance is the main benefit of pre-workout and many gym goers swear by it. Although, it should be noted that this supplement does not produce results on its own merit. Instead, it’s an energy-producing supplement. The theory behind using pre-workout is that when you have the energy and endurance to work out longer and harder, there will likely be an acceleration in results. Pre-workout on its own doesn’t affect weight loss or muscle growth, but it gives you a boost of energy that can help increase focus and endurance and improve your physical performance. Not to mention, you’ll likely feel more motivated to get to the gym.

There are several types of pre-workout supplements on the market that feature beneficial ingredients like caffeine, carbohydrates, amino acids, antioxidants and B vitamins. These common ingredients are the key players that give you an energy boost to endure a challenging workout. If you don’t know where to start, we are here to help.

Pre-Workout Ingredients

The ingredients in pre-workout vary from product to product, and with so many products on the market, it can be confusing to know which of these ingredients will give you the boost you’re looking for. Here are the top three essential ingredients to look for in pre-workouts: caffeine, creatine and amino acids.

Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the more recognisable pre-workout ingredients and it’s largely responsible for that boost in energy levels and focus that you’re looking for.

Creatine

Creatine monohydrate is a supplement that helps with muscle building. It’s a naturally occurring substance that is found in muscle cells, and studies have shown that supplementing your creatine intake can help build muscle.

Amino-Acids

Branched-chain amino acids, commonly called BCAAs, play an important role in the effectiveness of pre-workout because they help control how protein is used throughout your body. With stronger, refreshed muscles, you can train longer and more often. 

Other ingredients can include Beta-alanine, Nitric Oxide (NO), L-tyrosine, L-theanine, Acetyl l-carnitine, Vitamin B-6.

What Is the Best Pre-Workout?

For beginners, intermediate and experienced. Personal favourite?