Preworkout Supplements 101: Everything You Need To Know

Pre-workout supplements have become all the rage in the past decade. The demand for these performance-boosting products is so high that analysts predict a steady 13.8% annual growth rate in this market niche till 2025. China and the United States are the biggest consumers of pre-workout supplements in the world.

But just how effective are these supplements in improving energy levels and optimizing your performance in the gym? And more importantly, what factors should you consider when choosing an appropriate pre-workout supplement? This article debunks these and more vital issues.

What are pre-workout supplements?

People who lift weight or perform intensive anaerobic exercises often take pre-workout supplements to boost their energy and performance in the gym. As the name rightly suggests, these supplements ought to be taken before engaging in the actual workout.

There are many types of pre-workout supplements. These include powders, drinks, tablets and capsules. They generally contain a delicate combination of vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients that help improve your workout. 

Apart from replenishing the body with essential macronutrients, high quality pre-workouts such as those provided by SFGate can also help prevent muscle cramps and fatigue when you’re working out. Your focus will improve and your post-recovery period will dramatically reduce.

Active ingredients found in most pre-workout supplements

When choosing a pre-workout supplement that’s right for you, there are certain ingredients you should look out for. These include:

 

• Caffeine

 

Caffeine provides gym lovers with a significant boost in energy to sustain their workouts. This compound is also found in coffee, tea and similar beverages – it’s what jolts people’s alertness in the morning. Apart from boosting anaerobic capability, the caffeine found in pre-workout supplements also increases muscle endurance and ramps up your metabolism rate. Our bodies absorb caffeine more efficiently when it’s in powder or pill format.

 

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

 

If you’re always fatigued when performing routine workouts, a suitable thiamine supplementation might help. Also known as vitamin B1, Thiamine effectively reduces the concentrations of ammonia and lactic acid produced when lifting weights. This compound further fortifies your nervous system and promotes healthy cell development. As such, it’s important to check whether your preferred pre-workout supplement contains Thiamine before purchasing it.

 

• Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

 

Amino acids are the essential building blocks found in proteins. Our bodies use these amino acids for muscle growth and repair. There are three major types of BCAAs: valine, leucine and isoleucine. These are essential for reducing muscle fatigue, preventing muscle breakdown and accelerating recovery. Although you can get BCAAs from popular foods such as beef, salmon and chicken, it’s important to supplement them using a proper pre-workout supplement.

 

• L-theanine

 

Certain ingredients found in pre-workout supplements help to enhance people’s cognitive function and improve their focus. L-theanine is one such ingredient. This compound regulates glutamate and increases alpha frequency waves within the brain, helping users to feel relaxed and alert. Other key ingredients that can boost your attention in the gym include Tyrosine and Huperzine A.

Factors to consider when choosing a good pre-workout supplement

 

• Check customer reviews

 

It’s important to study client feedback and customer ratings before purchasing a supplement. After all, you want a product that delivers the desired results. Online review platforms and company websites are the perfect places to get first-hand reviews from like minded individuals who have used the pre-workout supplements you’re researching.

 

• Assess the price and money-back guarantee

 

Before you start shopping for a pre-workout supplement, conduct some research to understand how much these performance boosters generally cost. Next, create a budget and look for a proven supplement that can provide value for your money. It’s also vital to select a supplement that offers customers a reasonable money-back guarantee.

 

• Read the ingredients list

 

How many active ingredients are in your favorite pre-workout supplement? Are their quantities sufficient enough to provide effective benefits? When choosing a good supplement, read through the ingredients list and ensure it isn’t laced with too many fillers and artificial sweeteners. Opt for those pre-workouts that contain a proper blend of natural ingredients.

 

• Consider your workout goals

 

Different pre-workout supplements are designed to achieve diverse objectives. Some supplements like Testodren are best suited for males over 40 years old while others such as Powher are specially formulated for women. Therefore, choose a supplement that will help you achieve your particular workout goals.

Final Thoughts

Taking a high quality pre-workout supplement can dramatically improve your energy level and maximize your gym performance. However, you should maintain the appropriate dosage and follow the tips discussed above to derive all the benefits of your preferred pre-workout supplement.