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Best Caffeine Free Pre-Workout For Clean Energy Boosts 2021
Maximize your exercise performance without the caffeine crash or jittery brain-drain.
When it comes to stimulants and the best pre workout supplements, there’s really no contest: everyone loves caffeine.
Sure, in our Adderall age, there are certainly more powerful stimulants available. However, for a more sustainable headrush with a limited risk of long-term issues, caffeine remains a reasonable choice for boosting performance, both mentally and physically, and caffeine free pre-workouts are great for this.
Because caffeine is associated with “feel good” performance enhancement, many pre-workout supplements offer generous amounts of caffeine in their formulas, as well as really great vitamins and minerals. However, many of these same supplements tend to mask their poor-quality ingredient forms and overall ineffectiveness with caffeine megadoses, making these failed supplements for those looking for a good caffeine free pre workout supplement.
A few common problems with these cheap, weak supplements include:
Jitters related to excess stimulation
Poor absorption due to excess caffeine
Low-grade creatine forms linked to gastric distress
Unhealthy, pointless synthetic flavors and artificial additives
And more. In other words, caffeine isn’t the only problem with today’s standard pre-workout formula; although, it does often distinguish effective caffeine free pre-workout stacks from ineffective formulas.
As a reliable “dopaminergic” brain booster, caffeine can be used to trick consumers into thinking an inferior, cheap pre-workout supplement is working as they misattribute the noticeable “feel good” feelings of caffeine to the formula’s efficacy.
In this guide, we cover the advantages of avoiding caffeine in your pre-workout stack, as well as how you can optimize yours with the best stim-free ingredients.
But before diving into all of that, here is a deep-dive analysis of Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free Pre-Workout, the best all-in-one caffeine free pre workout.
Best Pre-Workout Without Caffeine: Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is a 100% transparent formula great for serious athletes and bodybuilders looking for a high-intensity workout experience without caffeine.
Working with key ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, taurine, and others, this is a great supplement for those intolerant or avoiding caffeine. With clinically-effective dosages, this is a safe supplement to provide for a host of benefits.
Altogether, Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout works by:
Increasing nitric oxide to the muscles to support enhanced muscular blood flow and oxygenation, priming the “muscle pump” feel for every great workout.
Enhancing focus to give raise alertness so you stay engaged throughout the entire workout.
Boosting endurance by working as a buffer for lactic acid build up and giving you a great endurance boost.
Promoting lean muscle growth for increased strength and definition for better training, performance, and that desired aesthetic.
Plus, with a transparent label and safe, effective ingredients, you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free is an amazing option for those looking for stimulant free supplements for strength training, weight loss, and improved performance. With key ingredients at effective dosages, this is a great pre-workout for anyone looking for stim-free options.
Formula Analysis
Citrulline Malate 2:1, 6,000mg
BCAA 2:1:1, 4,000mg
Beta-Alanine, 4,000mg
BetaPure Betaine Anhydrous, 2,500mg
Taurine, 1,300mg
L-Tyrosine, 1,000mg
Choline Bitartrate, 500mg
ElevATP Ancient Peat and Apple Fruit Extract, 150mg
BioPerine, 5mg
Huperzine A, 50mcg
Transparent Labs Stim-Free brings strength and endurance gains to a whole new level with a unique combination of highly potent, bioavailable, and caffeine-free pre-workout ingredients.
Compared to the standard hyper-caffeinated pre-workout supplements lining the shelves, this is a smarter, cleaner stack that provides a natural boost with all-natural, stim-free ingredients.
Plus, you don’t get those unwanted jitters or caffeine related side effects that typically ruin a great product. With no stimulants and a transparent label, this supplement also contains no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives and is gluten-free and non-GMO to truly maximize your athletic fitness and workout performance.
Shop Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free Pre-Workout Here
Stack with Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB and CoreSeries Post-Workout
To maintain consistent progress with your anabolic gains, fat loss, and other fitness-related goals, stacking a caffeine free pre workout supplement with a post-workout supplement and a “rest day” stack can help. A more complete Transparent Labs stack would look like:
Stim-Free Pre-Workout– a caffeine-free pre-workout enhancer designed to boost nitric oxide, muscle strength, and endurance.
Post– a post-workout formula designed to promote anabolic muscle gains and protect against muscle breakdown.
Creatine HMB– a creatine supplement perfect for restoring depleted muscle tissue and increasing strength.
Transparent Labs CoreSeries Post-Workout
Formula Analysis
L-Glutamine, 5,000mg
Betaine Anhydrous, 2,500mg
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, 2,000mg
Beta-Alanine, 2,000mg
Tart Cherry Powder, 500mg
Astragin, 25mg
Transparent Labs Post is a great post-workout supplement to maximize muscle growth and see results immediately. Working to optimize recovery and muscle repair, the body needs targeted nutrients to fully recharge that are backed by science. With Post, you get great ingredients working together for the best results.
Altogether, the benefits of Post include:
Bolster nitric oxide production
Reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness
Facilitate protein synthesis
Enhance insulin sensitivity
Prime your body for growth and recovery
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs CoreSeries Post is a great supplement to optimize recovery and muscle repair with 6 great ingredients. Paired well with any protein supplement, this can ensure big gains are met.
Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB
Formula Analysis
Creapure Creatine Monohydrate, 5,000mg
B-Hydroxy B-Methylbutyrate (HMB), 1,500mg
BioPerine Black Pepper Extract, 5mg
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB will work to boost performance without losing those hard-earned gains. The added ingredient of HMB along with creatine works in tandem to promote growth, recovery, and provide for the best results possible. BioPerine is exactly what you need to increase absorption so nothing goes to waste.
Altogether, the benefits of Creatine HMB include:
Promote strength and lean muscle
Increase endurance
Prevent lean muscle loss
Decrease fat mass
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.
The World’s Favorite Drug: Caffeine
Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, energy shots, pre workout supplements, fat loss supplements, nootropic supplements, energy-boosting gum pack—more and more, it seems like caffeine is sneaking its way into everything these days. And from a seller’s point of view, this makes sense: caffeine makes people feel great, and people buy things that make them feel good (1).
What’s more, caffeine makes people feel good in a reliable way that’s relatively safe to other habit-forming stimulants and quote-unquote “drugs.”
As a naturally occurring compound, caffeine is found in roughly sixty different plant species, including (2):
Coffee Beans
Tea Leaves
Cocoa Beans
Kola Nuts
Yerba Maté
Guarana Berries
Guayusa
Yaupon Holly
Which is interesting and all, but the more important question here is:
What Exactly Is Caffeine?
Caffeine, or 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (if you want to get fancy with it), is an alkaloid, which means that its chemical structure is predominated by nitrogen. Pure caffeine is highly water-soluble and can, thus, act rapidly on the brain and body after ingestion without aid of fatty foods (as is the case with fat-soluble compounds) (3). Those sensitive to this strong stimulant would require a caffeine free pre workout for muscle building and lean muscle.
Structurally, caffeine is similar to adenosine, a compound that binds with adenosine receptors to induce cognitive drowsiness and fatigue. Which gives us the perfect segue into the more important question:
What Exactly Does Caffeine Do?
Caffeine, as a compound structurally similar to adenosine, binds to adenosine receptors to block the drowsiness of adenosine. In other words, caffeine achieves its stimulatory properties on the central nervous system (CNS) through its inhibitory effects on adenosine, resulting in a boost on:
Catecholamines – dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, etc. (4).
Adrenal Activity– encouraging the release of stress hormone cortisol (5).
Dopamine Signaling – in high dosages (300+ mg), caffeine may increase the availability of dopamine receptors (6).
The Pros Vs. Cons Of Caffeine For Exercise
Several factors largely determine the advantageous vs. disadvantageous use of caffeine or caffeine free pre workout supplements for the best performance enhancement. However, perhaps the two most important factors are:
Dosage – the amount of caffeine per serving
Timing– when you take caffeine (i.e., morning or night?)
Caffeine Sensitivity– your personal tolerance to stimulants
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and therefore they require smaller dosages to reach peak effect. Others may feel like they need to guzzle a significant amount of caffeine just to reach their cognitive baseline so knowing the pros and cons is huge.
Pro #1 – Cognitive Performance
As a dopaminergic stimulant, caffeine may heighten mood and intensity for greater mental motivation in the gym. Taken prior to exercise, caffeine may help ward off mental fatigue in service of a more alert, more ready mindset.
Study: in a placebo-controlled study on caffeine consumption on judo athletes, morning caffeine ingestion was suggested to have “ergogenic properties with the potential to benefit performance, increase anxiety and vigor, and decrease the simple reaction time” (7).
Con #1 – Anxiety, Nervousness, and Jitteriness
Conversely, the mood- and intensity-boosting advantages of caffeine may also tip over into cognitive impairment by promoting anxiety, nervousness, and jitteriness, which is where a great caffeine free pre-workout would come in handy. Encouraging mental arousal, caffeine may often encourage too much arousal, throwing the mind into a scatterbrained state of anxiety that can be detrimental to athletic performance that requires cool composure.
Study: under conditions of anxiety disorder, caffeine consumption may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, potentially as a consequence of increased sensitivity to caffeine associated with anxiety disorder (8). Abstaining from caffeine altogether may significantly help maintain a level head under such conditions.
Pro #2 – Thermogenic Fat Loss
In addition to boosting cognitive arousal, caffeine’s stimulatory effects also seem to boost thermogenesis, or fat burning. By encouraging the activity of “fight or flight” catecholamines and stress hormones, caffeine seems to heighten the body’s energy expenditure capacity, potentially resulting in greater fat loss results during workouts.
Study: in one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100, 200, and 400 mg caffeine dosages were observed to determine what happened with thermogenic, metabolic, and cardio health measures. The results: caffeine dose-dependently increased thermogenic energy expenditure in association with increased plasma lactate and triglyceride levels (9).
Con #2 – Poor Sleep Quality
Nothing disrupts performance, endurance, and metabolic health quite like sleep deprivation. Contributing to a wide range of metabolic disorders and performance decrements, poor sleep quality is often associated with excess caffeine use and you won’t necessarily feel these effects with a caffeine free pre workout. And the relationship between the two is a downward spiral: caffeine promotes sleep deprivation, which encourages further caffeine use, and so on.
Study: comparing the sleep disruptive effects of caffeine administered at 0, 3, and 6 hours prior to bedtime, a group of researchers observed that “caffeine taken 6 hours before bedtime has important disruptive properties on sleep and provides empirical support for sleep hygiene recommendations to refrain from substantial caffeine use for a minimum of 6 hours prior to bedtime” (10).
Pro #3 – Vasoconstriction
Caffeine has a vasoconstrictive effect, meaning that this stimulant promotes the constriction of blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood flow. While this sounds like a negative (as we’ll get into in “Con #3” below), caffeine’s vasoconstriction may potentially have a pain-relieving effect on headaches, namely headaches associated with excessive flow to the brain.
Study: as one study on caffeine’s vascular mechanisms of action suggests, “caffeine has some cardiovascular properties and effects which could be considered beneficial,” (11) involving the association between decreased cerebral circulation and migrainous headache.
Con #3 – Vasoconstriction
One of the main reasons we take pre-workout supplements: boost circulation. And so, naturally, the vasoconstriction of caffeine are typically viewed as a negative when it comes to performance enhancement. Whether we’re talking nootropic cognitive enhancers or bodybuilder pre-workout stacks, the goal is to boost blood flow, not inhibit it and caffeine free pre workouts are great for this.
Study: in one 2009 study on the effects of daily caffeine use on cerebral blood flow, caffeine was shown to reduce cerebral blood flow by an average 27%, (12) which may significantly impact cognition and goes against the vasodilatory aims of pre-workout N.O. boosters.
Okay, So Is Caffeine A Legitimate Performance Enhancer?
Based on the study’s compiled above, the best performance enhancement potential of caffeine significantly depends upon how much caffeine you use, your personal caffeine tolerance, and when you take caffeine (i.e., how close to bedtime) so if sensitive, a caffeine free pre workout would be the way to go.
Of course, much of this is common sense.
But with a better understanding of how caffeine affects your mental and physical performance, you may make a smarter decision as to whether or not you want a caffeine free pre-workout supplement (or any stack for that matter).
An Optional Source Of Pre-Workout Caffeine: Transparent Labs PreSeries BULK Pre-Workout
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs PreSeries BULK is backed by science with clinically effective dosages to increase muscle size and mass. This pre-workout is perfect for reducing fatigue, aiding in muscle growth, and boosting energy levels for better overall performance.
Transparent Labs BULK is the best bulking pre-workout for those looking to gain size and increase muscle mass. With 19 active ingredients and a transparent label, this supplement contains zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, or other additives for only the best in terms of your training and performance.
Top 5 Non-Caffeinated Pre-Workout Ingredients
Whether you’re looking at a caffeinated or caffeine free pre-workout supplement, some of the best pre-workout ingredients you need to look for include:
#1) Creatine
An organic compound highly concentrated in tissue, creatine works as precursor fuel for the natural production of ATP energy, a cleaner, more natural energy source than the stimulatory effects of caffeine. As a dietary supplement, it boosts exercise performance by (13,14):
Replenishing exercise-depleted ATP energy
Stimulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
Buffering muscular lactic acid build-up for better endurance
Because creatine concentrates in muscle tissue, ongoing supplementation is required for creatine to reach peak saturation and, thus, peak ergogenic effect.
Best Pre-Workout Creatine: Creapure® pH10
Creapure® pH10 is 99.5% pure creatine monohydrate
pH-balanced to enhance bioavailability
Clean and easy-to-absorb to reduce bloating and gastric distress
#2) Beta-Alanine
A well-known sports nutrition aid, namely for the skin-tingling sensation associated with it, Beta-Alanine replenishes levels of carnosine, a dipeptide molecule, in muscle tissue, namely fast-twitch fibers for increased strength and power during high-intensity exercise. Consistently loading and maintaining, carnosine benefits performance and recuperation by (15):
Delaying onset fatigue and failure
Enhancing overall strength and stamina
Neutralizing exercise-induced free radicals
Inhibiting advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)
Buffering the impact of damaging acids
And more. The strength and endurance benefits of beta-alanine are unmatched and pair incredibly well with the endurance-boosting advantages of creatine supplementation and caffeine free pre workout.
Best Pre-Workout Beta-Alanine: CarnoSyn®
CarnoSyn® is the only beta-alanine with NDI (New Dietary Ingredient) status
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Well-backed by years of clinical research
#3) L-Citrulline + L-Glutathione
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that, once absorbed, converts in the body to L-arginine, a nitric oxide (N.O.) booster that enhances muscular circulation, strength, and growth. In other words, L-citrulline works as your go-to pre-workout “muscle pump” booster and will help with mind-muscle connection.
Additionally, L-Glutathione is an antioxidant enzyme that, when paired with L-citrulline, benefits performance in a few ways. Combined, L-citrulline + L-glutathione work by (16):
Promoting oxygen delivery to tissue
Protecting muscle against oxidative stress
Sustaining L-citrulline’s N.O.-boosting bioactivities
Improving energy and anabolism
Strengthening immunity against gym-related challenges
And more. Stacking these two compounds may significantly boost performance and protect against the deleterious side effects of boosted performance.
Best Pre-Workout L-Citrulline + L-Glutathione: Setria® Performance Blend
Setria® Performance Blend is made by Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. Ltd., a world leader in supplement development
Kyowa Quality® L-Citrulline is exceptionally clean and bioavailable
Setria® is an advanced glutathione form that pairs well with Kyowa Quality® L-Citrulline
#4) Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Formed by the harsh salty climes of the sea, maritime pine bark extract supplies proanthocyanidins, a potent class of antioxidants that:
Promote endothelial production of nitric oxide (N.O.)
Protect muscle tissue during intense training
Boost long-term cognitive attentional performance
Look for maritime pine bark extract standardized to 95% proanthocyanidins for optimal results with this unique performance enhancing herbal extract.
#5) Himalayan Pink Salt
Hydration is key to muscle growth, and, yet, when it comes to rehydration, we tend to overlook the importance of electrolytes to sustaining healthy H2O levels. As a natural source of electrolyte trace minerals, Himalayan Pink Salt is a smart choice for restoring sweat-depleted electrolytes when taken in a pre-workout context.
Conclusion
Frankly, our caffeine options are far from limited. If you want caffeine, you can get some. Odds are you’re enjoying a hot cup (or a cold can) of caffeine right now, as you read this, so looking for a caffeine free pre workout or one with caffeine is the choice you have to make.
However, what is hard to come by is a real-deal health and fitness supplement that genuinely supports athletic health and fitness. And with its all-natural, hard-hitting ergogenics packed in its caffeine-free pre-workout formula, Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free Pre-Workout certainly fits the bill.
What’s more, Transparent Labs Stim-Free can be synergistically stacked with other top supplements in Transparent Labs Creatine HMB and Post-Workout.
The point isn’t to completely force you into a caffeine-free workout, but to grant you the option. Head to Transparent Labs to see more formulas with PreSeries Stim-Free Pre-Workout.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Transparent Labs and Envato
References
Cappelletti, S.; et al. (2015). “Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug?”.
Evans J et al. Caffeine. [Updated 2020 Mar 22]. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan.
Heckman MA et al. Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) in Foods: A Comprehensive Review on Consumption, Functionality, Safety, and Regulatory Matters. J Food Sci. 2010 Apr; 75(3): R77-87.
Papadelis C et al. Effects of Mental Workload and Caffeine on Catecholamines and Blood Pressure Compared to Performance Variations. Brain Cogn. 2003 Feb; 51(1): 143-54.
Lovallo WR et al. Cortisol Responses to Mental Stress, Exercise, and Meals Following Caffeine Intake in Men and Women. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2006 Mar; 83(3): 441-7.
Volkow ND et al. Caffeine increases striatal dopamine D2/D3receptor availability in the human brain. Transl Psychiatry. 2015 Apr; 5(4): e549.
Souissi M et al. Effects of Morning Caffeine Ingestion on Mood States, Simple Reaction Time, and Short-Term maximal Performance on Elite Judoists. Asian J Sports Med. 2012 Sep; 3(3): 161-168.
Bruce MS, Lader M. Caffeine Abstention in the Management of Anxiety Disorders. Psychol Med. 1989 Feb; 19(1): 211-4.
Astrup A et al. Caffeine: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Its Thermogenic, Metabolic, and Cardiovascular Effects in Healthy Volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990 May; 51(5): 759-67.
Drake C et al. Caffeine Effects on Sleep Taken 0, 3, or 6 Hours before Going to Bed. J Clin Sleep Med. 2013 Nov 15; 9(11): 1195-1200.
Echeverri D et al. Caffeine’s Vascular Mechanisms of Action. Int J Vasc Med. 2010; 2010: 834060.
Addicott MA et al. The Effect of Daily Caffeine Use on Cerebral Blood Flow: How Much Caffeine Can We Tolerate?Hum Brain Mapp. 2009 Oct; 30(10): 3102-14.
Cooper R et al. Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012; 9: 33.
Oliver JM et al. Oral Creatine Supplementation’s Decrease of Blood Lactate During Exhaustive, Incremental Cycling. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013 Jun; 23(3): 252-8.
Hobson RM et al. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino Acids. 2012 Jul; 43(1): 25-37.
McKinley-Barnard S et al. Combined L-citrulline and Glutathione Supplementation Increases the Concentration of Markers Indicative of Nitric Oxide Synthesis. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jun 10; 12: 27.
Brandon Hendrickson Profile & Stats
The biography, life, and accomplishments of Brandon Hendrickson
Brandon Hendrickson is a professional bodybuilder in the Men’s Physique Division. Since earning his pro card in 2013, he has continued his dominance competing at events like the New York Pro, Arnold Classic, and Mr. Olympia, among many other notable events.
Below is a complete breakdown of his profile, stats, biography, training and diet regimens.
Full Name: Brandon Hendrickson
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
185-195 lbs.
5’8”
06/16/1987
Division
Era
Nationality
Men’s Physique
2010
American
Biography
Branon Hendrickson is from Chicago and always enjoyed lifting on the side while playing sports like wrestling, track and field, and football. He always wanted to model as a young child and while going to college, he also worked with a modeling agency. As fate would have it, he soon came to love lifting and fitness became more than just a hobby, but a part of his life.
Brandon earned his pro card in 2013 after winning the NPC National Championships that same year. Since then, Brandon has competed with the best, winning top events like Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic. With a large following on social media, he posts workouts and plenty of photos to keep his fans engaged.
Training
Brandon’s workout routine covers all those muscle groups with great exercises to target your muscles to grow and really build definition.
Leg Day
Shoulders & Arms
Lateral Raise: 3 sets, 12 reps
Reverse Machine Press: 3 sets,
Upright Row: 3 sets, 8 reps
Front Raise: 3 sets, 12 reps
Triceps Pushdown: 3 sets, 10 reps
Machine Dips: 3 sets, 10 reps
DB Triceps Kickbacks: 3 sets, 12 reps
Concentration Curl: 3 sets, 10 reps
Single Arm Machine Curl: 3 sets, 10 reps
Alternating Dumbbell Curl: 3 sets, 12 reps
EZ Bar Curl: 3 sets, 10 reps
Chest Day
Machine Press: 3 sets, 10 reps
Pec Deck: 3 sets, 12 reps
Bench Press: 3 sets, 10 reps
DB Flys: 3 sets, 10 reps
Push Press: 3 sets, 8 reps
Back Day
Low Cable Row: 4 sets, 12 reps
One Arm Row: 4 sets, 12 reps
Underhand Row: 4 sets, 10 reps
Lat Pulldowns: 4 sets, 10 reps
Nutrition
Brandon obviously takes his nutrition seriously, eating only clean and whole foods, but what any serious bodybuilder does is work to make sure they are getting adequate amounts of the right food. Important foods in Brandon’s diet are eggs, lean meats, beef, green vegetables, sweet potato, brown rice, fruits, and whatever supplements he sees fit, most notably, a protein powder.
Supplementation
When it comes to a solid supplementation routine, having the right supplements on your shelf and ready to go can greatly influence many of your gains. Looking for some staples, definitely check out protein powders, pre-workout, and intra-workout BCAAs, as these will offer great benefits to every single one of your workouts. For those looking for that added edge, and of course dependent on your goals, creatine, mass gainers, and fat burners are important supplements to check out as well. And to stay as healthy as possible, a multivitamin will give you those important vitamins and minerals so you never suffer a deficiency.
Competition History
2021 Mr. Olympia, 1st (Men’s Physique)
2020 Mr. Olympia, 1st (Men’s Physique)
2020 Arnold Classic, 2nd
2019 Mr. Olympia, 4th (Men’s Physique)
2018 Jicheng Classic Sanya Pro, 1st
2018 Japan Pro, 1st
2018 Asian Grand Prix Pro, 1st
2018 Mr. Olympia, 1st (Men’s Physique)
2018 Salt City Showdown Pro, 2nd
2018 Governor’s Cup Pro, 1st
2018 Hawaii Pro, 1st
2018 Arnold Classic, 3rd
2017 Mr. Olympia, 3rd (Men’s Physique)
2017 Arnold Classic, 3rd
2016 Mr. Olympia, 4th (Men’s Physique)
2016 Arnold Classic, 1st
2015 Mr. Olympia, 5th (Men’s Physique)
2015 Tampa Pro, 1st
2015 Mile High Pro, 4th
2015 New York Pro, 7th
2015 Western Cup Pro, 8th
2014 Dallas Pro, 7th
2014 Tampa Pro, 6th
2014 Mile High Pro, 7th
2013 NPC National Championships, 1st
2013 Junior Championships, 7th
Mohamed El Emam: Ronnie Coleman’s Best Package Would Easily Win Olympia Today
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Mohamed El Emam believes no bodybuilder currently competing would be able to beat Ronnie Coleman at his best.
Whenever we have a chance to interview a pro bodybuilder for our GI Exclusives, we always ask them for their picks of the best bodybuilders of all time. Each person’s list can reveal some insight into their own goals and careers. At the same time, there is also often a commonality between each list. Certain competitors so impressive that they can’t be ignored. Ronnie Coleman is one of those athletes. For Mohamed El Emam, Ronnie is the absolute best of all time. He goes a step further by claiming that no modern bodybuilder today could defeat Ronnie in his prime. In our latest GI Exclusive, Mohamed El Emam claims Ronnie Coleman would easily win the Mr. Olympia today – including against current champ Big Ramy.
It’s no secret that Ronnie Coleman has the reputation as one of the sport’s best bodybuilders. That’s for good reason. Ronnie solidified the mass monster era and displayed a package so massive and so conditioned – that it seemed almost inhuman. To this day, few have been able to match that kind of shocking physique. It’s for this reason that Mohamed El Emam believes Ronnie is the single greatest bodybuilder of all time.
In fact, Mohamed El Emam believes that Ronnie Coleman’s physique is so impressive – that he would easily win the Mr. Olympia today if he were magically in his prime. That’s an example of how legendary Ronnie’s physique has become in bodybuilding. Some believe he has yet to be matched.
Big Ramy, our current and now two time Mr. Olympia champion, has often been compared to Ronnie Coleman. They both bring mass monster size (even compared to an entire division now packed with mass monsters). Both Ronnie and Big Ramy are unnaturally huge compared to the competition. In recent years, Ramy has also gotten his conditioning under control to look even closer to Ronnie’s impressive package during his prime years.
That being said, Mohamed El Emam cannot but Big Ramy on his list of best bodybuilders just yet. It’s only been a short while that Ramy has been champion – and it remains to be seen if he could maintain the conditioning needed to reign in the long term. El Emam believes that in five more years we can look back and more accurately evaluate Big Ramy.
Even still, Mohamed El Emam is very clear in his statement that Ronnie Coleman could “easily win the Mr. Olympia today.” That includes Big Ramy. So despite Ramy often being compared to Ronnie – El Emam still doesn’t quite put Ramy in the same category. In a way, that’s a major factor that’s been missing from the sport the past few years – a new mind blowing step forward in the form of a competitor.
In some ways, this makes for more exciting competitions. We’ve had more Mr. Olympia champions in the past four years than usual. Big Ramy just earned his repeat victory but before that each year brought us new champions including Shawn Rhoden, Brandon Curry, and most recently Big Ramy. There’s been no knockout champion. Even Ramy’s 2021 physique was a slight notch down from 2020. There were those who thought Brandon Curry would rise for revenge and reclaim his title. That didn’t happen – but the fact that it was close showcases how there is no “Ronnie Coleman level” monsters on the stage currently.
You can watch Mohamed El Emam break down his adoration for Ronnie Coleman in more detail (plus his other top bodybuilder picks) in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Eddie Hall Challenges Hafthor Bjornsson To $100k Charity Boxing Match
Eddie Hall recently challenged Hafthor Bjornsson to a boxing match to raise money for charity.
The boxing match between Eddie Hall and Hafthor Bjornsson has not been able to happen just yet. This was originally scheduled for Sept. 18 of this year but it was forced to be postponed because of an injury that Hall suffered. Now, the strongmen could put a wager on their fight whenever they do step in the ring.
In a recent YouTube video on his page, Hall proposed a deal to make this fight for charity. The loser would have to donate $100,000 to the charity of the winner’s choice. Hall continued by calling out promoters to decide on the venue and when the fight would take place.
Hall suffered a torn bicep, which forced his to step away from the September fight. He addressed that his bicep is fully reattached and that the surgery and rehab was a success.
“In two years since we’ve signed the contract, I haven’t seen a single punch from you that’s made me think, ‘oh, that one would hurt.” Eddie Hall said.
“You give this vibe of confidence which I want to call upon. If you’re that confident, let’s do a little wager between ourselves. If you’re that confident, why don’t we do, the winner gets a $100,000 to their choice of charity. So if I win, you pay a $100,000 to my choice of charity. If you win, I pay $100,000 to your choice of charity.”
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The confidence that Eddie Hall showed in this video is based off his opinion that Hafthor Bjornsson’s boxing ability has not progressed since the two originally decided to fight. Bjornsson ended up fighting Devon Larratt and this fight ended in a first-round knockout. This was not a surprising outcome as Larratt is an arm-wrestling competitor and did not have much time to prepare for this fight.
It is not surprising to see Hall as confident as he is. Even during his rehab process, Hall has remained in the gym and has been working on perfecting his skills. While he was doing this, Bjornsson has also continued training and has had the opportunity to go up against live competition in the ring.
There will be no shortage of a storyline when these two eventually link up for what is being promoted as “the heaviest boxing matching history.”
There is no doubt that the two strongmen will step into the ring at some point. They have a history in powerlifting competitions and that will continue in boxing.The question remains, when and where? There is a chance for the two to meet in March of the upcoming year.
If this is the case, it would be interesting to see if there is a wager and how much it is for. Eddie Hall has already made an offer and now it is up to Hafthor Bjornsson to make the next move.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
How Jordan Syatt Sees Gains With Quick & Effective Workouts
These workouts from Jordan Syatt can influence gains while saving you time in the gym.
Jordan Syatt is a personal trainer, fitness influencer, and bodybuilder with a big presence online seeking to help others achieve their goals. As someone who understands health and fitness, his workouts below are efficient and will seriously influence growth for all your muscle building and body recomposition needs.
While we all know roughly what we need to do to get fit and trim down, it can be hard to put together the most effective training plan possible for ourselves. With so much going on, and our plates full with busy lives, work, and other activities, sometimes having a workout blueprint makes life just a little bit easier. Looking to professional bodybuilders, athletes, and other experts can be a great way to gain knowledge while also working to change our physiques into something to be proud of. With the right guidance, you are well on your way to easy success inside and out of the gym.
As a fitness coach and bodybuilder himself, Jordan knows the dedication and grit it takes to see those desired results and seeks to help others in a comprehensive way to make that happen.
Full Name: Jordan Syatt
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
130-135 lbs.
5’4’’
05/10/1991
Profession
Era
Nationality
Personal Trainer, Fitness Influencer, Bodybuilder
2010
American
Jordan’s approach to training is one where everyone can be involved. Anyone at any experience level can perform these and see great gains while also doing so safely and effectively. With our busy schedules, sometimes all we need is a little assistance from those who know best to give us the edge we want most.
About Jordan Syatt
Jordan Syatt is a personal trainer, fitness influencer, and bodybuilder with a following on social media that continues to grow every day. As a Precision Nutrition Certified coach with a degree in Health & Behavioral Science, he knows exactly what it takes to see results and change your body composition. He has worked with many major news outlets like CNN, Business Insider, The Huffington Post, and more, and trains notable people of status like Gary Vaynerchuck. Holding multiple powerlifting records himself, he knows just what it takes to not help others see their goals become reality but also what it takes to push himself to reach new heights.
His goal is simple, being to give you knowledge and confidence to help you achieve your goals in a quick and efficient way while also having fun. With the knowledge to put together solid and engaging plans, it is absolutely possible to do with his workouts below.
Jordan Syatt Workouts
While focusing in on one muscle group can influence growth, these workouts from Jordan Syatt work to cover all your bases to give you the best chance at seeing growth without wasting too much time. The perfect number of sets and reps, combined with all-around great exercises, is a sure fire to see those desired gains. Plus, having someone with the knowledge like Jordan guiding these workouts makes all the difference when you actually want results.
Total Body Workout
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Reverse Lunge
3
8 each leg
Elevated Push-Up
3
8
Sumo RDL
3
10
DB Row
3
10 each arm
Side Plank
3
12 seconds each side
Thruster
3
12
Upper Body Workout
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Push-Up
3
10
DB Row
3
10 each arm
Lat Pulldown
3
10
Shoulder Press
3
10
Triceps Kickbacks
3
12
Bicep Curls
3
12
Lower Body Workout
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Goblet Squat
3
8
Romanian Deadlift
3
10
Plank
3
20 seconds
Glute Bridge
3
10
For Jordan’s workouts, he makes it clear that the all or nothing mindset should go away. There are days where you might get just a little out of a workout, but that doesn’t mean failure. Taking the time to see progress relies on patience and it is possible to see those results in due time. Staying hydrated and eating plenty of color in your diet will allow you the proper fuel to stay engaged and powered through any workout.
Featured Supplement For Additional Gains & Support
After a grueling workout like above, you need the right supplements to give you that added boost to grow but also fully recover. Something like a pre-workout or an intra-workout BCAA can offer energy and assist in muscle pumps and recovery to give you the best chance at fully optimizing your workout, as well as things like creatine, testosterone boosters, and fat burners. But protein powders should not be overlooked and can greatly influence your post-workout experience so you see great results.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, boasting a great formula for a top protein powder. With nothing artificial added, this is a clean protein that is easier on your stomach.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey boasts an impressive array of eco-friendly accomplishments. It’s organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are no artificial sweeteners — a rarity in a world full of whey protein powder, which are almost always filled with chemical flavorings to disguise the chalkiness of protein. There are also no artificial colorings or preservatives added. If you have a sensitive stomach, allergies, or just care about the environment, this is an excellent whey isolate for you and your body weight goals and is easy to digest compared to a whey concentrate.
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate here!
Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders for more great protein supplements!
Wrap Up
These workouts from Jordan Syatt can offer a great way to see growth in an efficient and effective way. Our lives are busy and sometimes we just don’t have all the time in the world to get a long pump in. Looking to those workouts that can greatly influence our gains from bodybuilders, athletes, and experts who know best is exactly what we need to succeed. Don’t settle for anything less and give yourself the opportunity to learn from the best. Jordan Syatt is one to learn from and you will see that desired change you want most today.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Jordan Syatt Instagram
10 Pushup Variations You Need To Try
These are the 10 Pushup Variations You Need To Try
Pushups are one of the first physical exercises most people learn to perform while growing up. Since pushups are a symbol of strength, they are one of the most common physical competitions people engage in around the world.
Although there is a lot more to pushups than many people realize. The traditional pushups target the chest but there are many other variations of this exercise which work other muscle groups.
1. Traditional / Basic Pushups
Everyone needs to start somewhere and the traditional pushups are for the people who are just starting to workout. In this exercise, you lay down facing the floor with your hands placed on the floor at each side of your chest. If this variation is hard for you, you should start with kneeling push-ups or wall push-ups until you build strength.
2. Diamond Pushups
While the traditional pushups primarily work your chest, the diamond pushups are efficient at engaging your triceps more than your chest. In diamond pushups, you form a triangle by joining both your thumbs and index fingers under your chest.
3. Superman Pushups
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Superman pushups are one of the harder forms of pushups. This exercise engages your core and requires shoulder strength. Lie down facing the floor with your arms and legs stretched out. Perform the pushups using your shoulders.
4. Clap Pushups
There are only a few other pushups variations which can increase your strength and explosiveness like the clap pushups. Perform a traditional push-up, explode your way up so your hands are off the ground. Clap your hands while you’re in the air.
5. Spiderman Pushups
You’re wrong if you thought pushups can only engage and develop your chest. Spiderman pushups work your core and help you in developing the obliques. Get into the traditional push-up position, raise your right leg to your right elbow and hold it at this position while you perform a set. Repeat for the left side with your right foot on the floor.
6. One-Armed Pushups
Single-armed pushups have been the symbol of badassery for a long time. One-armed pushups are a unilateral exercise which works one side of your body at a time. Unilateral exercises are great at fixing muscle imbalances and building strength.
7. Incline Pushups
Incline pushups involve the same hand placements as the traditional pushups. This exercise works your lower pecs and triceps. In incline pushups, you have your feets placed on the floor while your hands are placed on an elevated platform like a bench.
8. Decline Pushups
Decline pushups are the opposite of the incline pushups. In this exercise, your feet are placed on an elevated platform while your hands are on the floor. Decline pushups work your upper pecs and shoulders.
9. Weighted Pushups
Weighted pushups can be a variation of all the exercises mentioned in this article. If you find any of the exercises on this list to be easy, feel free to add resistance by using weights.
10. One-Leg Pushups
Single-legged pushups are one of the few pushups variation which involved your lower body. Raise your right leg with your left foot on the floor while you perform a set of pushups. Repeat with the left leg raised and your right foot on the floor. Doing this will recruit your core and abs.
Which is your favourite push-up variation? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Steal These 3 Strongman Moves And Become A Massive Badass
Strength vs. Size…why you don’t have to choose.
Strongman season has come and gone; and while it was an intense showdown between “The Mountain” Thor Bjornson and 2016 winner Brian Shaw, Shaw takes the prize and now we can all go home…right? Wrong, the “World’s Strongest Man” competition is a display of strength and athleticism, rivaled nowhere else, not only do you have to be big but you have to be able to move.
I don’t know about you but that seems like something tailor made for a SPORT like bodybuilding. “Good artists borrow, great artists steal” – Picasso. Let’s make bodybuilding great again. This is a klepto’s guide to making the world’s biggest men work for you.
Exercise 1: The Sled Pull
We know you’ve heard of it before, but you’re still not doing it. The Sled pull is an awesome exercise because it’s great at building TUT (Time Under Tension). If you’ve read our previous article you know that TUT triggers muscle hypertrophy which is essential for muscle growth as well as strength gains.
What’s also great about the sled pull is that it’s fun. You can perform a myriad of exercises with a a couple of plates and a sled, the gym is your oyster. Lower body, upper body, as a warm up, or as the whole show, the sled pull is limitless and idiot proof.
*The kicker – Not only does this exercise build mass but it raises your heart rate and burns your lungs giving you a sneaky cardio workout.
Here’s a video with Strongman personality Mark Bell showing you how you can get creative.
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Exercise 2: Cheat on your barbell with an Atlas Stone
Training with Atlas Stones can give you the edge in power and strength, as well as the “I’m a badass” feeling after you’re done with a workout.
You can Use these stones to switch it up for a barbell and conduct a multitude of lifts including cleans, shoulder presses, thrusters, shouldering, deadlifts, and front squats to name a few. The form and technique required to lift an Atlas Stone over your head is impressive. It requires deeper squats, recruiting large and small muscles that you don’t normally use in order to keep the constantly shifting surface stable. If you’ve never tried it you should, it will have you feeling like a beast!
Here’s a quick video by our friends at the Onnit Academy
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Exercise 3: Get Farmhand Strong
The Farmer’s Walk is probably one of the simplest exercises known to man. You lift things up and put them down, literally. Oh, you and one more step, the walking. But while it may seem simple on the outside, be sure that you’re body is going through some complex coping methods.
First your forearm muscles are controlling the direction of the weight, then your back muscles are trying to prevent you from having your shoulders ripped off of your body, then your abs are stabilizing as well as trying to prevent you from folding in half. Oh, and did we mention your legs have to make dynamic movements with that weight, which won’t make your cardiovascular system too happy either? Simple, but deadly.
We’ve attached a video from our friends over at Buff Dudes to show you the proper way to perform the farmer’s walk.
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Do you have these strongman exercises in your routine? Let us know by hitting up our comments below or head on over to our official Facebook and Twitter.
The Rock Shows Off Some Recent Incredible Leg Development
The Rock shares some incredible progress pics of his leg development.
The Rock just fresh off of filming Black Adam is showing off some incredible leg development. The actor and athlete took to social media to showcase just how impressive his physique continues to become.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is no stranger to hard work. The talented pro wrestler turned actor has always done his best to push his limits. That not only means in the entertainment arena, but in entrepreneurship and business. But of course one of the biggest assets that got The Rock to where he is today is his incredible physique.
You could argue that after his career in wrestling, The Rock truly began to find his stride. He’s been able to grow himself into a household name with a number of acting projects. It was when he joined the Fast and The Furious series that his career truly took off. With that move to the popular action series we also saw The Rock produce an incredible physique the likes of which we’ve never seen before. Since then we’ve seen him continue to work on building a quality and functional physical form.
So it should come as no surprise that The Rock has made some incredible improvements to his legs. He’s put an emphasis on his leg development in the past, but his recent training eludes to The Rock turning a corner where his wheels are concerned. A recent post to his Instagram account shows The Rock sporting some pretty incredible legs, ones no doubt forged through the fires of intense training.
Bull mana ?
Completely smashed our leg training last night.
Been very pleased (though not satisfied) with my progress in the gym, constantly fine tuning my diet and especially overlaying a wiser approach to work/life balance and mindfulness. ??♂️??♂️
Shit is hard to do, with a million people & things pulling at you every day – I get it, I live it and I understand.
Do your best to block out the noise and stay focused on the goals and initiatives.
Make your goals a healthy obsession and then apply the strategy of consistent, daily hard work.
Slow and steady always wins the long game race.
Have a productive week.
The Rock continues to impress all the time. He has gone to great lengths to get extra chiseled and jacked for the Black Adam film and it shows. With The Rock just several months shy of his 50th birthday, his continued improvement is truly inspirational.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
The Best Caffeine Pills For Bodybuilders & Weightlifters 2021
It’s no secret that weightlifters and bodybuilders like caffeine.
Just take a look at the supplement facts labels of most pre-workouts on the market and you’ll see dosages of anywhere between 100-450mg caffeine anhydrous in pre-workout supplements (“anhydrous” simply meaning caffeine has been dehydrated into powder form).
Here’s the problem though:
Taking huge dosages of caffeine can cause jittery side effects and energy crashes.
Consuming caffeine too frequently leads to you building a tolerance to it, making caffeine less beneficial long-term.
The good news is that you can enjoy the benefits of this stimulant long-term if you don’t consume caffeine every day and choose to take smaller dosages each time – around 50-100mg instead of monstrous 300-400mg dosages per serving.
In fact, a study found that a total daily caffeine intake of around 200mg or lower has proven to deliver improvements in [1]:
Alertness & Mood
Cognition
Athletic Performance
All the above without side effects.
Since you’re here to learn about the Best Caffeine Pills on the market – whether it’s for weightlifting or bodybuilding, as an alternative to coffee, to boost your energy levels and focus more at work, we’ll show you our favorite product below…
Performance Lab Stim
Performance Lab Stim is ultramodern stimulation for precision and performance to help restore caffeine-depleted brain chemicals for clean energy.
Key Benefits
Enhanced physical and mental performance whether taken pre-workout, as a coffee alterative, or to stay alert at work.
No risks of side effects such as jitters, anxiety, or heart rate issues.
Replenishes B-Vitamins that have shown to be depleted by caffeine intake to keep your body performing at its best.
Quick Summary
Whether you want a coffee alternative, pre-workout energy boosts, or to stay alert and focused at work, Performance Lab® Stim delivers something for everyone.
Delivering a safe-but-effective 50mg natural caffeine dosage combined with 100mg Suntheanine® L-Theanine (to form the optimal smart-caffeine 2:1 ratio), you’ll be sure to experience more mental and physical performance benefits, without the risk of jittery side effects associates with higher caffeine dosages. That means that you can safely “double-up” or even “triple-up” on servings if you have a higher tolerance, while still catering to those with lower caffeine tolerances.
The added 250mg of Ajipure® L-Tyrosine ensures that you benefit from enhanced cognition great to boost mind-muscle-connection in the gym or concentrate at work.
Completing the supplement facts label for Performance Lab® Stim are the highly bioavailable NutriGenesis® B-Vitamins to help restore what caffeine has shown to deplete in clinical studies.
Caffeine Pills for Bodybuilding: Should You Take Them?
Some of the main consumers of caffeine are weightlifters and bodybuilders. After all, caffeine anhydrous is a main ingredient in most pre-workout and fat burner supplements…of course, unless they’re “non-stim”. There’s even many gym goers that drink a cup of black coffee before heading to the gym for a quick energy boost, if they’re not into supplements. So, it’s been a fairly natural progression for athletes to look into caffeine supplements as a way to enhance their performance.
But Do Caffeine Pills Help Bodybuilders, Weightlifters, Or Powerlifters?
Caffeine was actually banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use in Olympic games until 2004 [2]. This should show you how effective it really is at improving your performance. Let’s get more specific to bodybuilding, though. We found a study conducted in 2018 that proved caffeine’s ability to boost muscle strength and power, after participants consumed caffeine via capsule form [3]. Another clinical report in 2019 found that caffeine is able to improve both bench press and squat performance [4]. For this reason, it seems fair to say that caffeine is indeed beneficial to bodybuilders, casual weightlifters, or competitive powerlifters.
How Much Caffeine Should A Bodybuilder Take?
In terms of consuming stimulants and other nutrients, dosage per serving is extremely important.
Take too little and you won’t feel a thing.
Take too much and you could experience jittery side effects.
You need to get dosage right. But it’s not always easy. Every single person has a different tolerance to caffeine, meaning everyone needs to trial different dosages to see what works best for them. However, studies have shown that the huge dosages of caffeine often found in pre-workouts or caffeine supplements aren’t ideal. One study in particular found that higher caffeine dosages (6-9mg/kg bodyweight) delivered lower benefits than smaller dosages [5]
The above findings corresponded with a study undertaken by Harvard Medical School; it found that more frequent smaller dosages of 0.3mg caffeine per kg bodyweight was sufficient in keeping participants awake and alert [6]. As a result, a product that delivers around 50mg caffeine per serving should be ideal as an “all-in-one” caffeine supplement, whether you’re looking to stay alert and focused at work or enhance your gym workout.
Caffeine Pills vs Pre-Workout Supplements
Large dosages of caffeine (6-9mg/kg bodyweight) have not shown to deliver any more benefits than smaller dosages. Meaning there is a point of diminishing returns – more isn’t always better with caffeine intake. In fact, the very maximum caffeine dosage that delivers increasing benefits seems to be 200mg per serving [7].
But taking 200mg caffeine in one serving may cause those with lower tolerance some issues, such as jitters, energy crashes, or anxiety. Especially if you plan on drinking coffee during your day too. Most pre-workouts contain around 200mg caffeine, but we’ve seen some that include dosages up to 450mg per serving. Due to these monstrous caffeine dosages causing issues, the supplements industry has seen a rise in the number of non-stimulant pre-workouts – for those that want to completely avoid any chances of jitters or anxiety problems.
But Which Is Better: Caffeine Pills Or Pre-Workouts?
Key Point: You shouldn’t really have to choose between a caffeine pill vs pre-workout supplement either – they both should deliver different benefits.
For example, pre-workouts should contain nitric oxide boosters to promote blood flow (and muscle pumps), as well as scientifically proven nutrients to improve your strength and endurance, such as creatine.
If you’re only taking a pre-workout for the energy boost, then you’ll probably be as satisfied with a caffeine supplement such as Performance Lab® Stim. You can then stack a caffeine pill with a non-stimulant pre-workout for times when you want extra performance benefits during your gym sessions.
Are Caffeine Pills Healthier Than Coffee?
First of all, we love coffee. And so does most of the world. Coffee is one of the main reasons why caffeine is one of the most consumed commodities available. Most people simply don’t care whether coffee is “healthy” or not. However, those that do often turn to caffeine supplements as an alternative to coffee. This is because advanced caffeine pills contain B-Complex vitamins, helping to restore your levels of B-Vitamins that caffeine intake depletes [8]. Taking into account the fact that coffee depletes your B-Vitamin levels without replenishing them, caffeine supplements containing B-Vitamins can be seen as ‘healthier’.
Why Performance Lab® Stim Is Our Top Caffeine Supplement
It’s not often we find a caffeine supplement that offers a sensible dosage of natural caffeine (sourced from coffea robusta seeds). A modest 50mg natural caffeine per serving is enough to deliver a small ‘kick’ in energy levels without going overboard – and you can take double servings if you’re looking for a bigger energy boost pre-workout.
A study concluded that 50mg caffeine, paired with 100mg L-theanine, significantly improved performance on cognitively demanding tasks [9]. So Performance Lab® Stim also comes with 100mg L-Theanine – everything is clinically backed.
Performance Lab® Stim also delivers the essential B-Complex Vitamins that are depleted from caffeine intake. As well as L-Tyrosine, which Nootropic Geek considers to be one of his favorite nootropic ingredients.
For us, Performance Lab® Stim is the full package. We call it ‘Caffeine 2.0’.
Performance Lab Stim is ultramodern stimulation for precision and performance to help restore caffeine-depleted brain chemicals for clean energy.
Conclusion
In terms of being a supplement that gym goers, bodybuilders, or powerlifters take, caffeine pills are pretty new to the party (compared to how long creatine and protein powder has been used for). Caffeine supplements were once associated with being synthetic, cheap, white pills that just delivered high amounts of caffeine and nothing else. The good news is that the industry has made huge leaps forward in creating “advanced caffeine supplements”.
Now, we see top quality supplements containing caffeine sourced from completely natural sources (coffea robusta seeds), paired with L-theanine for maximum effect. As well as providing B-Vitamins in the exact quantities that caffeine depletes your body of them with nootropic ingredients to ensure that you experience even more benefits to your mental performance. After trying and testing numerous caffeine supplements on the market, our top recommendation goes to Performance Lab® Stim.
Try Performance Lab Stim Today
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Performance Lab and Envato
References
[1] Spriet L. Exercise and Sport Performance with Low Doses of Caffeine. Sports Med. 2014; 44(Suppl 2): 175–184.
[2] Aguilar-Navarro M. Urine Caffeine Concentration in Doping Control Samples from 2004 to 2015. Nutrients. 2019 Feb; 11(2): 286.’
[3] Grgic J. Effects of caffeine intake on muscle strength and power: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018; 15: 11.
[4] Grgic J. Caffeine Supplementation for Powerlifting Competitions: An Evidence-Based Approach. Journal of Human Kinetics. 68. 10.2478/hukin-2019-0054.
[5] Graham T. Metabolic, Catecholamine, and Exercise Performance Responses to Various Doses of Caffeine. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1995 Mar;78(3):867-74.
[6] Harvard Medical School. Small, Frequent Doses Of Caffeine Best Strategy For Staying Awake, According To New Study. May 12, 2004
[7] Wildman R. Boost Your Workout with Caffeine. Nutrition; Supplementation. Oct 29 2018.
[8] Ulvik A. Coffee Consumption and Circulating B-vitamins in Healthy Middle-Aged Men and Women. Clin Chem. 2008 Sep;54(9):1489-96.
[9] Owen G. The Combined Effects of L-theanine and Caffeine on Cognitive Performance and Mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8.
Why Was Cedric McMillan Absent During Finals At 2021 Legion Sports Fest?
Cedric McMillan did not appear in the finals on Sunday after being present during prejudging.
The 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro had plenty of storylines over the weekend and Cedric McMillan was a big one coming in. This event took place on Sunday in Reno, NV with the winner taking home an automatic qualification to the 2022 Olympia.
McMillan was set to make his return to the stage to go up against some of the other top competitors. He made an appearance on stage during prejudging but was not there for the finals at night. There has been no official statement made but it is rumored that McMillan missed the finals because of an illness.
Prior to the finals, it appeared that McMillan was not happy about something that happened. It is unknown if this was about his performance or the bad luck sickness that came over him but the statement is pretty self-explanatory. McMillan took to his Instagram story on Sunday afternoon.
Shaun Clarida finished with the gold in Men’s Open. Clarida made the transition from the 212 division to see how he matched up with some of the biggest competitors in the sport. Clarida ended up taking home the prize but made it clear that he was not leaving 212. This was announced prior to the competition. Clarida was coming off a second-place finish at the Olympia.
Cedric McMillan was one of many notable names, along with Regan Grimes and Sergio Oliva Jr. Fans were excited to see him back on stage after being forced to miss some time with an injury.
McMillan was forced to miss the Arnold Classic this year. This is an event that McMillan has had plenty of success in. He appeared on the broadcast, along with Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, but it was not the same impact. McMillan has finished outside of the top five at the Arnold Classic just once and has totaled three top-three finishes. This is highlighted by a second-place finish in 2016.
Cedric McMillan entered the competition as one of the competitors to watch. It remains unclear why McMillan was not present at the finals but fans can continue to look forward to the next time he will step on stage.
This is a story that will continue to update as more information becomes available. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.