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Do Pre-Workout Supplements Really Maximize Your Workout?

Description: Discover a guide on the effectiveness of pre-workout supplements to maximize workout performance! Read on what supplements to take before a workout, safety, ingredients, and natural pre-workout supplements that you can rely on for results.

Pre-workout supplements are a vital part of the diets of many fitness enthusiasts. Individuals who do high-demanding physical activities use these supplements to enhance their performance. There are plenty of pre-workout supplements out there. Yet, many wonder whether they are as effective as they claim to be. This article aims to help you understand what pre-workout supplements are, what's in them, and how to safely and smartly use them.

 

What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?

A pre-workout item is any product that you can have before starting a workout. People think that an excellent pre-workout supplement must come from the counter of a vitamin store in the form of a powder or a pill. It doesn't have to—a cup of black coffee consumed before a workout can be called a "pre-workout" too.  

No one likes to turn up to his or her workout feeling sluggish, tired, or unfocused. Pre-workout products aim to boost your energy, performance, focus, and recovery. On paper, they should give you the "boost" that you need to have a great workout. Yet, not all pre-workout supplements will meet your pre-workout needs and expectations. So, it's essential to understand the vital ingredients of a pre-workout supplement and pick the best product for the best results.

What Supplements To Take Before Workout (Ingredients)

Manufacturers often claim that their products are a result of a unique formula. However, when you look closer, the majority of pre-workout products contain similar core ingredients. These include substances athletes and weightlifters often consume, most notably, caffeine. Let’s take a look at some essential components that one must consider what is the best pre workout supplement for men and women.

 

Caffeine

Those who don't use pre-workout supplements can experience increased performance after drinking a coffee. Caffeine can increase endurance, fatigue, and metabolic rate irrespective of your choice of exercise. So it’s not a surprise that it’s a core ingredient of such products.

Most popular pre-workouts contain high doses of caffeine. Some as high as 300mg per serving. Ideally, one should consume three milligrams of caffeine for every kilogram of body weight. For an average individual, that’s around 200mgs of caffeine or two cups of coffee.

Creatine

The substance that is naturally found in your body produces energy and increases muscular strength. Most pre-workout supplements contain Creatine. It also comes solely as a supplement that is popular among power athletes and weightlifters. Various studies confirm Creatine’s effects in enhancing muscle strength, recovery time, muscle mass, and performance.

NO2 Boosters

Nitrogen Dioxide boosters such as Arginine and Citrulline promote blood flow in your body. As a result, nutrients are delivered quickly, which paves the way for increased energy levels.

BCAAs

Branch chain amino acids are another essential ingredient found in popular pre-workouts. They have proven to improve performance, increase muscle recovery, and strength.

Ingredients to Avoid in a Pre-Workout Supplement

While most pre-workout products may not contain substances that are unhealthy, some do. Therefore, it's vital to understand components you should avoid when selecting a pre-workout. 

 

Sugar Alcohols & Artificial Sweeteners

These ingredients enhance flavor while avoiding excess calories in pre-workout supplements. Yet, they can cause digestive problems such as bloat, gas, and diarrhea in some people. So, avoid going for pre-workouts containing high amounts of these ingredients.

Unhealthy Amounts of Caffeine

The healthy limit of caffeine for an average adult is around 400mg per day, according to a source on Sciencedirect.com. A scoop of some pre-workout supplements contains as much as 410mg of caffeine, which is over that limit. You should avoid such products to avoid health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, trouble sleeping, and anxiety.

Is It Safe to Use Pre-Workout Supplements?

It's important to know what supplements to take before workouts without affecting your health. Therefore, your first step is to avoid any brand that doesn't disclose the amount of caffeine, sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners in their product. Your next step should be to ensure that your daily intake of these substances doesn't go over the upper level advised for average adults.

Remember that consuming high amounts of caffeine can lead to dehydration. So drink plenty of water after using safe pre-workout supplements. If you're someone who is pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart problems, anxiety, diabetes, or sleeping disorders, you should first consult your doctor before consuming such products.

Do I Need Pre-Workout Supplements?

There are natural pre-workout supplements that you can use. The simplest method is to drink a good glass of black coffee before a workout. Pre-training snacks that are high in carbs and low in fats and fiber also help.

Pre-workout supplements can be expensive. You must use them consistently for them to be beneficial. Workout recovery supplements such as Creatine take time to contribute to muscle recovery, strength, and performance. So deciding to add safe pre-workout supplements to your diet adds a somewhat significant monthly expense.

Conclusion: The methods you use to supplement your body are your personal preferences, depending on your diet and lifestyle. Do you need a pre-workout supplement to complete complicated training routines? Definitely, no. However, do pre-workout supplements help you go through such routines effectively? Yes, they do.

What’s your opinion on this? Drop a comment below!


Author’s Bio: Luke Capp shares a passion for fitness and health. He takes an interest in digging deep into fitness trends and discovering their truths and myths. He is a vivid believer in sharing his findings so that many who strive hard for a healthier life can achieve their goals.

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