Tag: Pre-Workout
9 Nutritionist Approved Pre-Workout Snacks for Energy Boost You’ll Wish You’d Known About Sooner
A pre-workout snack must be delicious, boost your strength, and ensure you don’t feel overly full. Per a study published in the International Society of Sports Nutrition, consuming protein and carbohydrates before working out can be an “effective strategy to support increases in strength and improvements in body composition.” (1) With that in mind, I […]
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How Long Until Pre-Workout Kicks In: A Guide to Maximizing The Supplement
The difference between a good workout and a great one often comes down to being able to generate an extra 5-10% energy, strength, and focus. It allows you to get that extra rep, keep pushing when every muscle fiber in your body begs you to quit, and dial in your mind-muscle connection. A good pre-workout delivers this edge.
A pre-workout will only be effective if you know the right time to take it. That’s why you need to know how long it takes for pre-workouts to kick in. This article answers that question. We’ll also look at how long a pre-workout lasts, identify the ideal ingredients, and pinpoint when you should take your pre-workout for the best results.
How Long Before a Pre-Workout Kicks In?
How long it takes for a pre-workout to take effect depends entirely on the ingredients. Stimulants, such as caffeine, will take between 30 and 60 minutes to take full effect, depending on your body’s tolerance.
Many other pre-workout ingredients, including taurine, beta-alanine, and creatine, will take approximately 30 minutes to take effect. Their peak time, or the point when their effects are at their strongest, is about an hour after taking it. That is when they will be at their highest concentration in your bloodstream.
So, if you mix your pre-workout in the gym locker room and drink it as you make your way onto the gym floor, you should rethink your timing. You’re not going to feel the full effects of your supplement for about an hour. You’ll have no effect at all for the first 30 minutes. Most people’s workouts are pretty much done after an hour, so you’re only going to get the full effects as you leave the gym.
The best time to take a pre-workout is about 30 minutes before the workout begins.
How Long Does a Pre-Workout Last Once Mixed?
Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question. It depends on several factors, which we’ll examine in detail. As a general guideline, however, your pre-workout should last between 1.5-2 hours.
Factors Affecting Pre-Workout Potency
Factors that affect your pre-workout duration:
Supplement Type
The quality of the supplement is the single most significant factor influencing how long a pre-workout will last in your body. Pre-workouts contain several ingredients, each of which has different effective durations in the body. Not only that, but the quality of the ingredient may differ between products. A cheap creatine product may last only half as long as a purer, higher-quality product.
Many pre-workouts contain beta-alanine, which offsets fatigue and allows you to recover between sets quickly. A good quality beta-alanine supplement will have an effective time of about 90 minutes. [1]
Supplement ingredients such as l-citrulline, l-arginine, and nitrate act as vasodilators by boosting the body’s natural production of nitric oxide. These allow for greater blood flow and a better pump. They will last for several hours in the body. [2]
Most pre-workouts contain a combination of ingredients with an average effectiveness time of between one and two hours. [3]
Wrecked Pre-workout Container
Supplement Dosage
Your pre-workout dosage affects its effective duration in your body. If you double the stated dosage of a product, it will last longer, though not necessarily double the period.
However, the recommended dosage stated on the product label usually allows it to work for between 90 and 120 minutes. You do not want your workout to last longer than two hours, so there’s no reason to take more than the recommended dosage. [4]
Your Physique
A supplement’s effect on your body will depend on your physique. A bodybuilder who weighs 260 pounds and has sub ten percent body fat will need a greater dosage of a pre-workout than a 110-pound marathon runner.
If you are over 200 pounds, you will probably want to move toward the higher range of the recommended dosage to get the supplement to work for an average of 90 minutes in your system.
Nutrition
Big eaters will need a higher dosage of a pre-workout to be effective. The reason is that your digestive enzymes will be busy digesting your food and will not be as effective in breaking down your pre-workout ingredients in the required time to give you the full workout benefits.
People who are under-eating will have an enhanced pre-workout effect. However, this is not a healthy habit. You should eat a quality 50/50 carb/protein mix meal about two hours before your workout.
Lifestyle
Pre-workouts provide an immediate energy burst for your workout. They should not be used as a lifestyle booster to help get you through your day after late-night partying.
If you’re looking for something to negate the ill effects of a partying lifestyle so you can hit the gym, your pre-workout will not do that for you. That’s because your poor lifestyle habits will have already mucked up your system to the extent that the benefits of your pre-workout ingredients will be overshadowed by lack of sleep and the processing of alcohol and whatever else you may have ingested. [5]
While we’re on the subject, you should not take alcohol anywhere near your workout. It will wreak havoc on the key hormones required for workout efficiency, namely testosterone, human growth hormone, and insulin.
The drowsy effect of alcohol on the brain will interfere with the ability to react to signals that come from certain pre-workout ingredients. [6]
Water Intake
Your level of hydration will affect the timing of your pre-workout. The pre-workout ingredients will move more effectively through your digestive system if you are well-hydrated. It is, therefore, important to drink plenty of water around the time of your workout. Additionally, sip water throughout the training session.
When Should I Take My Pre-Workout?
Take your pre-workout 30 minutes before your training session. This will provide the ingredients enough time to be absorbed into your system so that they are ready to fire from your first rep.
Most people find that taking a pre-workout sup before they leave home for the gym provides them with enough time to benefit fully when they begin their workout.
You should have a pre-workout meal about two hours before heading to the gym. This should be a 50/50 mix of protein and complex carbs, such as chicken and sweet potato.
So, How Do I Know If the Pre-Workout is Working?
There’s a lot of marketing hype around what pre-workouts can do for you. Generally, the reality is a far cry from what the ads claim. You can expect a noticeable, but not a dramatic, increase in your training motivation, energy, and recovery time, and if the product contains nitric oxide enhancers, a muscle pump during the workout.
Some pre-workout ingredients produce physical side effects that tell you they are working. Beta-alanine, for example, may produce a tingling sensation on your scalp, tongue, or fingertips. Caffeine will increase perspiration.
You should monitor the effect of your pre-workout in a diary and compare it to sessions where you are going pre-workout-free. If you don’t notice any difference, switch to another product.
The 11 Best Pre-Workout Ingredients
Your pre-workout is only as good as its ingredients and dosage. Here’s an overview of the 11 best ingredients to look out for on the label.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is the world’s most popular stimulant. Billions of people rely on it for the mental and physical ‘pick-me-up’ to power them through their day. So, it’s hardly surprising that caffeine is a base ingredient in quality pre-workouts.
Coffee Bean
Caffeine is an odorless, slightly bitter-tasting neurotoxic alkaloid found naturally in several plants. Plants produce neurotoxins to protect themselves from insects and other predators. Caffeine dissolves easily in water and has crystals that look like tiny needles. It is a potent central nervous system stimulant that releases dopamine to boost motivation, alertness, and energy. [7]
Caffeine has been shown to have the following workout-boosting effects:
Improved mental focus
Enhanced fat loss
Greater muscular endurance
Strength increase
Recommended Dosage: 150-250 mg
Related: Caffeine Calculator – Are Your Consuming Too Much?
2. Theanine
Green tea contains the amino acid theanine. It is principally responsible for green tea’s capacity to calm the nerves and revitalize the body. However, theanine has yet another strong effect. It can lessen the immediate negative effects of caffeine on the body without reducing its energy-boosting benefits. Theanine has also been shown to improve cognition and mood. [8]
Recommended Dosage: 200 mg
3. B-Vitamins
The eight water-soluble vitamins that make up the B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12. Together, the eight vitamins offer various health advantages, such as accelerating metabolism, preserving high energy levels, and improving fat digestion. [9]
Recommended Dosage:
B1: 1.2 mg
B2: 1.3 mg
B3: 16 mg NE
B5: 5 mg
B6: 1.3 mg
Biotin: 30 mcg
Folic acid: 400 mcg DFE
B12: 2.4 mcg
4. Citicoline
Citicoline is a nootropic that enhances brain function. Nootropics boost cognitive function, enabling you to concentrate better and be more conscious of the relationship between your mind and muscles when exercising.
Citicoline produces this result by raising the body’s acetylcholine levels. The brain’s neurotransmitter acetylcholine is essential for improving memory, recall, and consciousness. Additionally, citicoline enhances blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function. [10]
Citicoline is added to pre-workouts to improve focus so you can concentrate more on your workout and enhance the mind-muscle connection. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter than transports messages between brain cells. When you take citicoline, the body’s acetylcholine levels increase. Citicoline has also been shown to improve blood flow to the brain.
Recommended Dosage: 250-500 mg
5. Citrulline Malate
The non-essential amino acid citrulline bonds with the organic salt molecule malate to form citrulline malate. The amino acid glutamine is used to make citrulline in the intestines. It is crucial to eliminate ammonia, a byproduct of exercise that can hamper energy production and cause weariness and poor performance.
Malate is a naturally occurring substance found in fruits like apples. It plays a part in the Krebs cycle, a chemical event sequence that converts carbs, lipids, and proteins into energy. Malate may also recycle lactate to provide energy. This is essential to keep the muscles from being drained and speed up recovery. Combining malate and citrulline improves training results. [11]
Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid. It is combined with an organic salt called malate to create citrulline malate. When you take citrulline malate, it converts to the nitric oxide precursor arginine. Nitric oxide enlarges the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to get to the working muscles.
Recommended Dosage: 6-8 grams
6. Taurine
Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that contains sulfur. It is one of the amino acids in the body in the highest concentrations. Fish, cattle, poultry, and lamb all contain naturally-occurring taurine. It is also a well-liked component of energy beverages like Red Bull.
Due to its capacity to remove calcium from the body, taurine increases the activity of your central nervous system. Additionally, it counteracts the effects of free radicals, a normal side effect of exercise. Taurine supplements will provide additional energy, counteracting weariness and resulting in greater muscle contractions with each rep. [12]
Taurine is an amino acid that is added to supplements for its nootropic effects. It is able to remove calcium from the body, increasing central nervous system activity. It also fights against the free radical damage caused by oxidative stress and increases energy levels.
Recommended Dosage: 1-2 grams
7. Beta-alanine
The human body naturally manufactures the amino acid beta-alanine. Because it is essential for synthesizing carnosine, which is contained in muscle fiber, it is a crucial amino for anabolism. Research and practical experience in the gym have demonstrated that beta-alanine improves muscle contraction while counteracting exercise-induced tiredness. [13]
Recommended Dosage: 2-5 grams
8. Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can make it. High-protein foods like soy, turkey, chicken, fish, peanuts, almonds, and dairy products are good sources of tyrosine. It is a vital precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine and is utilized in creating protein.
Together, dopamine and serotonin have an effect. Fatigue results when they are out of balance. Tyrosine supplementation aids in keeping the body’s dopamine and serotonin levels balanced. As a result, tiredness is decreased, and performance is improved. [14]
Recommended Dosage: 500-2,000 mg
9. BCAAs
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine make up branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Leucine, in particular, is a crucial activator of both protein synthesis and protein degradation. BCAAs can be utilized as fuel for physical activity. Additionally, they will stop the catabolic effects of exercise. After exercise, they boost protein synthesis to facilitate the muscle-rebuilding process. [15]
Recommended Dosage: 6-10 grams
10. Creatine
Creatine Powder
In your muscle cells, creatine and phosphorus combine to form phosphocreatine (PC). When you engage in high-intensity sports like weightlifting or sprinting, this compound, which is rich in energy, nourishes your muscles.
Your body uses phosphocreatine to resynthesize ATP during intense exercise. Performance starts to suffer once these stockpiles are depleted. Your muscles may function at higher rates for longer, thanks to creatine supplementation, which boosts phosphocreatine reserves. An immediate increase in strength will result from this.[17]
Recommended Dosage: 3-5 grams
11. L-Arginine
The amino acid arginine is conditionally essential. Although our bodies can produce arginine, under some circumstances (trauma, illness, stress), the body cannot make enough; hence dietary sources become crucial.
During exercise, arginine can be converted into glucose for energy. Nitric oxide and creatine synthesis both depend on it. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that arginine increases growth hormone production, a potent stimulator of muscle growth. [16]
Recommended Dosage: 3-6 grams
Summary
Pre-workouts are not a magic potion. Good ones will work to increase your training energy, focus, and endurance by between 10 and 20 percent. This effect should last between one and two hours.
Take your pre-workout just before you head to the gym. Then, while training, sip from your water bottle to remain hydrated. Most importantly, monitor the effectiveness of your pre-workout. If it’s not working, change it up and try another product.
References
Hobson RM, Saunders B, Ball G, Harris RC, Sale C. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino Acids. 2012 Jul;43(1):25-37. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1200-z. Epub 2012 Jan 24. PMID: 22270875; PMCID: PMC3374095.
Sureda A, Pons A. Arginine and citrulline supplementation in sports and exercise: ergogenic nutrients? Med Sport Sci. 2012;59:18-28. doi: 10.1159/000341937. Epub 2012 Oct 15. PMID: 23075551.
Kedia AW, Hofheins JE, Habowski SM, Ferrando AA, Gothard MD, Lopez HL. Effects of a pre-workout supplement on lean mass, muscular performance, subjective workout experience and biomarkers of safety. Int J Med Sci. 2014 Jan 2;11(2):116-26. doi: 10.7150/ijms.7073. PMID: 24465156; PMCID: PMC3894395.
Mangine GT, Hoffman JR, Gonzalez AM, Townsend JR, Wells AJ, Jajtner AR, Beyer KS, Boone CH, Miramonti AA, Wang R, LaMonica MB, Fukuda DH, Ratamess NA, Stout JR. The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men. Physiol Rep. 2015 Aug;3(8):e12472. doi: 10.14814/phy2.12472. PMID: 26272733; PMCID: PMC4562558.
Leasure JL, Neighbors C, Henderson CE, Young CM. Exercise and Alcohol Consumption: What We Know, What We Need to Know, and Why it is Important. Front Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 2;6:156. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00156. PMID: 26578988; PMCID: PMC4629692.
Jung AP, Bishop PA, Al-Nawwas A, Dale RB. Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps. Journal of Athletic Training. 2005 Jun;40(2):71-75. PMID: 15970952; PMCID: PMC1150229.
Guest NS, VanDusseldorp TA, Nelson MT, Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Jenkins NDM, Arent SM, Antonio J, Stout JR, Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Goldstein ER, Kalman DS, Campbell BI. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 Jan 2;18(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4. PMID: 33388079; PMCID: PMC7777221.
Juszkiewicz A, Glapa A, Basta P, Petriczko E, Żołnowski K, Machaliński B, Trzeciak J, Łuczkowska K, Skarpańska-Stejnborn A. The effect of L-theanine supplementation on the immune system of athletes exposed to strenuous physical exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019 Feb 15;16(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s12970-019-0274-y. PMID: 30770758; PMCID: PMC6377763.
Lindschinger M, Tatzber F, Schimetta W, Schmid I, Lindschinger B, Cvirn G, Stanger O, Lamont E, Wonisch W. A Randomized Pilot Trial to Evaluate the Bioavailability of Natural versus Synthetic Vitamin B Complexes in Healthy Humans and Their Effects on Homocysteine, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Levels. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Dec 12;2019:6082613. doi: 10.1155/2019/6082613. PMID: 31915511; PMCID: PMC6930747.
Gareri P, Castagna A, Cotroneo AM, Putignano S, De Sarro G, Bruni AC. The role of citicoline in cognitive impairment: pharmacological characteristics, possible advantages, and doubts for an old drug with new perspectives. Clin Interv Aging. 2015 Sep 3;10:1421-9. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S87886. Erratum in: Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1625. PMID: 26366063; PMCID: PMC4562749.
Gough LA, Sparks SA, McNaughton LR, Higgins MF, Newbury JW, Trexler E, Faghy MA, Bridge CA. A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021 Dec;121(12):3283-3295. doi: 10.1007/s00421-021-04774-6. Epub 2021 Aug 21. PMID: 34417881; PMCID: PMC8571142.
Jong CJ, Sandal P, Schaffer SW. The Role of Taurine in Mitochondria Health: More Than Just an Antioxidant. Molecules. 2021 Aug 13;26(16):4913. doi: 10.3390/molecules26164913. PMID: 34443494; PMCID: PMC8400259.
Dolan E, Swinton PA, Painelli VS, Stephens Hemingway B, Mazzolani B, Infante Smaira F, Saunders B, Artioli GG, Gualano B. A Systematic Risk Assessment and Meta-Analysis on the Use of Oral β-Alanine Supplementation. Adv Nutr. 2019 May 1;10(3):452-463. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmy115. PMID: 30980076; PMCID: PMC6520041.
Ipson BR, Fisher AL. Roles of the tyrosine isomers meta-tyrosine and ortho-tyrosine in oxidative stress. Ageing Res Rev. 2016 May;27:93-107. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.03.005. Epub 2016 Mar 31. PMID: 27039887; PMCID: PMC4841466.
Mann G, Mora S, Madu G, Adegoke OAJ. Branched-chain Amino Acids: Catabolism in Skeletal Muscle and Implications for Muscle and Whole-body Metabolism. Front Physiol. 2021 Jul 20;12:702826. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.702826. PMID: 34354601; PMCID: PMC8329528.
Brunner JS, Vulliard L, Hofmann M, Kieler M, Lercher A, Vogel A, Russier M, Brüggenthies JB, Kerndl M, Saferding V, Niederreiter B, Junza A, Frauenstein A, Scholtysek C, Mikami Y, Klavins K, Krönke G, Bergthaler A, O’Shea JJ, Weichhart T, Meissner F, Smolen JS, Cheng P, Yanes O, Menche J, Murray PJ, Sharif O, Blüml S, Schabbauer G. Environmental arginine controls multinuclear giant cell metabolism and formation. Nat Commun. 2020 Jan 22;11(1):431. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-14285-1. PMID: 31969567; PMCID: PMC6976629.
Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, Ziegenfuss TN, Wildman R, Collins R, Candow DG, Kleiner SM, Almada AL, Lopez HL. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Jun 13;14:18. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z. PMID: 28615996; PMCID: PMC5469049.
MyProtein The Pre-Workout Review
Everything you need to know about Myprotein The Pre-Workout to boost workout performance
Product Overview
Trying to garner the energy to hit the gym after a long work day sometimes seems impossible. Pre-workout fatigue will not only prevent you from training. But if you do end up exercising, it will impede your performance. Fortunately, a quality pre-workout can give you ample energy to train hard and boost your workout performance. So you can build the most robust and muscular body you’ve ever had.
A premium pre-workout gives you the edge you need to crush your workouts. They’ll contain critical ingredients such as caffeine for endurance and focus and creatine to boost physical strength. In addition, the right pre-workout has additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, to fuel your body for peak performance. Plus, they’ll get you through any workout, whether a high-intensity circuit for endurance or a weightlifting session focusing on strength.
Moreover, the amount of ingredients each pre-workout contains is imperative. For example, Myprotein The Pre-Workout has the perfect quantity of 200mg of caffeine to withstand any workout duration. And 3g of creatine and the proper dosage of micronutrients needed for any great pre-workout.
Main Takeaways
Myprotein The Pre-Workout has 200mg of caffeine, increasing energy, endurance, and concentration for maximal performance.
This supplement has creatine to improve physical performance and build lean muscle mass.
Myprotein The Pre-Workout has beneficial vitamins, such as vitamin B6, to prevent workout fatigue.
Myprotein The Pre-Workout has the proper ingredients that make it an excellent pre-workout. It’s packed with a good dosage of caffeine and creatine that will give you the fuel you need to increase the number of reps you can perform and the amount of weight you can lift.
THE Pre-Workout Highlights
Myprotein delivers The Pre-Workout. And Myprotein only offers the best supplements on the market for your fitness, including Clear Whey Isolate protein. The Pre-Workout is formulated with the ideal ingredients that make up a stellar pre-workout. The Pre-Workout has 200mg of caffeine for maximum energy, focus, and endurance. And it also contains creatine monohydrate to enable you to bust out more reps or use heavier weights. In addition, it has other micronutrients and ingredients that benefit your workout performance, such as L-glutamine and vitamin B6.
Ingredients to Boost Workout Performance
Below are the researched-backed ingredients in Myprotein The Pre-Workout, proven to boost your workout performance.
Creatine
Creatine monohydrate is a must-have in a good pre-workout. Numerous studies prove its effectiveness in building lean muscle mass (1).
Caffeine
The proper dosage of caffeine is imperative for a pre-workout. Because you need enough caffeine to increase your energy and endurance for an intense workout while not too much that it causes jitters and crashes. This 2021 study found caffeine effective at improving aerobic and anaerobic performance (2).
L-glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid found in protein. And protein is essential to building muscle.
AstraGin
AstraGin helps with the absorption of essential nutrients, such as creatine.
BioPerine
BioPerine is a patented piperine extract that helps your body absorb critical nutrients. Moreover, it helps with inflammation.
Capsimax
It’s derived from cayenne pepper and helps with thermogenic properties, such as boosting your metabolism and curbing your appetite. In addition, research on 75 healthy individuals concluded that Capsaicinoidcs effectively lowers body fat (3).
Other Beneficial Ingredients
Besides the ingredients listed above, The Pre-Workout contains other beneficial ingredients for rigorous workouts, such as vitamin B6 and L-citrulline. Vitamin B6 helps reduce fatigue since it’s vital in creating red blood cells, which transport the oxygen throughout your body to feel energized. And L-citrulline aids blood flow to your muscles, increasing your muscular endurance.
Number Of Servings
30
Serving Size
1 Scoop
Stim Or Non-Stim
Stim
Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 300ml of water and drink 30 minutes before your workout.
Effectiveness, Flavors and Price of The Pre-Workout
THE Pre-Workout has pros and cons and comes in different flavors.
Pros
It has 200mg of caffeine.
This supplement has creatine.
It has other beneficial pre-workout properties, such as L-citrulline and vitamin B6.
Cons
It may cause jitters if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Most creatine monohydrates have 5g per serving of creatine, whereas this product has 3g.
Flavors
Myprotein The Pre-Workout comes in five fruity flavors: Orange Mango Passionfruit, Blue Raspberry, Cola, Grape, and Lemon Sherbet.
Price: $14.26
Myprotein The Pre-Workout has the proper ingredients that make it an excellent pre-workout. It’s packed with a good dosage of caffeine and creatine that will give you the fuel you need to increase the number of reps you can perform and the amount of weight you can lift.
Who Should Buy And Who Shouldn’t Buy
Who Should Buy: If you want to enhance your workout performance, try this pre-workout, especially if you suffer from fatigue before and during your workouts.
Who Shouldn’t Buy: You shouldn’t buy this product if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
How The Pre-Workout Boosts Workout Performance
Myprotein The Pre-Workout has the perfect proprietary blend of quality ingredients at the correct dosage for maximal workout performance. This supplement’s creatine and caffeine blend are ideal for giving you the firepower you need to make explosive gains.
How to Best Use The Pre-Workout
Myprotein recommends mixing one scoop (15.5g) of The Pre-Workout with 300ml of water and drinking it 30 minutes before exercise.
Overall Value
Myprotein The Pre-Workout has the proper ingredients that make it an excellent pre-workout. It’s packed with a good dosage of caffeine and creatine that will give you the fuel you need to increase the number of reps you can perform and the amount of weight you can lift. In addition, this supplement has other beneficial ingredients, like vitamin B6 and l-glutamine, to help maximize your gym gains. This is a pre-workout worth trying for an explosive workout.
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References
Chilibeck, P. D., Kaviani, M., Candow, D. G., & Zello, G. A. (2017). Effect of creatine supplementation during resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscular strength in older adults: a meta-analysis. Open access journal of sports medicine, 8, 213–226. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S123529
Guest, N. S., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Nelson, M. T., Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B. J., Jenkins, N., Arent, S. M., Antonio, J., Stout, J. R., Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Goldstein, E. R., Kalman, D. S., & Campbell, B. I. (2021). International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4
Rogers, J., Urbina, S. L., Taylor, L. W., Wilborn, C. D., Purpura, M., Jäger, R., & Juturu, V. (2018). Capsaicinoids supplementation decreases percent body fat and fat mass: adjustment using covariates in a post hoc analysis. BMC obesity, 5, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40608-018-0197-1
Can Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Still Produce Energy & Pumps?
Caffeine-free pre-workouts are great alternatives to avoid stimulants while still seeing results.
Caffeine is a popular substance used by so many of us, but when it comes to our workouts, sometimes we want a caffeine-free pre-workout on our shelf. What you will find with workout products, and in particular pre-workouts, are that they contain caffeine and other stimulants to really drive up energy and increase your focus. But that doesn’t fly for some of us.
A pre-workout supplement can be a game changer for so many. We all know the other essentials like protein powders and BCAAs, but that pre-workout pump and boost we get going into a workout makes us want to work that much harder. But we don’t want the jitters and crashes, and no one blames you for that.
To understand this further, let’s take a look at caffeine-free pre-workouts to see what makes these supplements great alternatives to those stimulant options. Whether you are avoiding stimulants or trying to limit your caffeine intake, the end result will be a pre-workout supplement minus any jitters and crashes.
Benefits Of Pre-Workout
Pre-workouts typically have plenty of great benefits to consider. Whether you are someone who likes a more engaged workout or if you feel drained from everything else that you need a boost, pre-workouts, either stim or non-stim, are great supplements. Benefits include:
Increased muscle pumps: With better blood flow and circulation, you allow yourself the benefit of better muscle pumps for increased size.
More endurance capacity: Working with ingredients to improve endurance, you will find this can really get your body to a place where it can work more efficiently.
Boost hydration and muscle fullness: Keep your muscles hydrated so they feel full and can work harder.
Enhance energy: FOR STIM PRE-WORKOUTS, caffeine and other stimulants can increase focus and boost energy.
No jitters or crashes: FOR CAFFEINE-FREE PRE-WORKOUTS, you can get similar benefits without feeling side effects of stimulants.
Side Effects Of Caffeine To Watch For
Caffeine is technically a drug and it works to affect the brain so you feel more energized and focused throughout the day. Some people become so reliant on it they don’t actually realize how much they take in. Others are sensitive to it and know their limit. Caffeine is a popular stimulant in pre-workout because it gives that energy boost and enhanced focus for more engaged workouts.
Related: Why Do Pre-Workouts Make You Itch?
The side effects of caffeine are important to mention so you know what to look for. These include:
Increased heart rate
Jitters
Crashes
Sleep problems
Potential digestive issues
Increased anxiety
Why Go To Caffeine-Free Pre-Workouts
People go to caffeine-free pre-workouts because they can get similar benefits without any stimulants. Many people don’t respond well to stimulants or try to avoid them. Others may enjoy a cup or two of coffee and don’t want added caffeine in their workout products. But, this doesn’t change the fact that they want a great workout.
The ingredients included in caffeine-free pre-workouts are very similar to those in regular pre-workouts, however, what you will find is the energy may not be as intense, but the other benefits like pumps and muscle growth will largely be the same. If you are someone who is trying to avoid stimulants, we don’t blame you, and these supplements are great for enhancing your workouts without any negative effects.
Related: Must Have Pre-Workout Ingredients
People have debated that pre-workouts aren’t worth taking or that some of are just duds. This is really a preference, but there is something to said for this product to be so popular. Now, most people probably like pre-workout because it hops them up on caffeine and the energy they feel pushes them over the limit of what they think is possible. A cup of coffee can also do that too.
So, do caffeine-free pre-workouts work? There is evidence that some of the ingredients can help with those desired results you want to see most but this may require research on your part to convince yourself if these supplements are worth it or not.
Important Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Ingredients To Note
If you’re supplement doesn’t have stimulants, then what ingredients are included to actually make this worth it.
Citrulline Malate: Can improve strength, power, and muscular endurance while also working to delay fatigue (1).
Taurine: May improve overall work capacity by affecting endurance and overall performance through reducing muscle soreness (2).
Beta Alanine: May improve exercise performance while building lean muscle and promoting better physical function and reducing fatigue (3).
BCAAs: Work to ignite muscle growth, reduce muscle breakdown, and alleviate soreness (4).
Tyrosine: May improve energy and mental performance while trying to reduce stress (5).
Betaine Anhydrous: Can improve strength and power while working to reduce stubborn fat and fatigue. (6)
These are just a few that may be included in supplements. Each company has their own formula so ingredients are subject to change. Always read the label to be sure your product matches your needs.
Featured Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout
With so many products out there, we wanted to share a great caffeine-free pre-workout to boost your workouts and give you something you may love. Plus, it takes the headache out of combing through so many pre-workout supplements.
Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free Pre-Workout
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.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free is an amazing option for those looking for stimulant free supplements for strength training, weight loss, and to improve performance. With a 100% transparent formula, this product is great for those who are intolerant to caffeine or other stimulants, or for those looking to cycle off of them. Also, 13 active ingredients are designed for enhanced focus and increasing lean muscle, and you cannot go wrong with this great stim-free, non-caffeine option that will still enhance energy like other products.
Price: $49.99
Wrap Up
Caffeine-free pre-workout supplements are what you need if you are someone looking to avoid stimulants. Although stim ingredients are key in many pre-workouts, those caffeine-free pre-workouts tend to avoid those and focus on others to provide benefits without the fear of unwanted side effects. If you are someone who may benefit from caffeine-free pre-workout products, then check them out and consider them in your routine today.
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 Envato
Reference
Takeda, K.; et al. (2011). “Effects of citrulline supplementation on fatigue and exercise performance in mice”. (source)
Waldron, M.; et al. (2018). “The Effects of an Oral Taurine Dose and Supplementation Period on Endurance Exercise Performance in Humans: A Meta-Analysis”. (source)
Artioli, G.; et al. (2010). “Role of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine and exercise performance”. (source)
Negro, M.; et al. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)
Attipoe, S.; et al. (2015). “Tyrosine for Mitigating Stress and Enhancing Performance in Healthy Adult Humans, a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature”. (source)
Cholewa, J.; et al. (2013). “Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone”. (source)
National Bodybuilding Co. Pre-Workout Review
Feeling like your gym sessions could use a push?
In this article, we’ll be inspecting one of the most advanced pre-workout supplements we’ve come across – National Bodybuilding Co. Stage Ready Pre-Workout.
In the sections that follow you’ll see why this new pre workout already has many gleaming reviews online, as we analyze its ingredients, benefits, side effects and more.
In this National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout Review, you’ll learn:
How it works
What’s inside?
How to take
Does it have any side effects?
We’ll also see how National Bodybuilding Co. Pre-Workout compares to other pre-workout supplements in terms of boosting energy, bumping up mitochondrial function, supporting cognitive focus, and optimizing exercise efficiency.
Try National Bodybuilding Co’s Pre-Workout Here
How Does Stage Ready Pre Workout Work?
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Stage Ready Pre Workout was specifically designed to enhance levels of strength through a combination of 13 highly researched ingredients in their clinical doses.
As a result, National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout is for advanced bodybuilders and athletes aiming to extend their workout time and get to their fitness goals in the fastest way possible naturally.
Okay, that sounds great. But you may still wonder; “how exactly does Stage Ready Pre-Workout work?”
It boosts your training in four main ways:
Buffers and hydrates muscle tissue – National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout is specifically formulated to increase training capacity and extend the time to exhaustion. Essentially, enabling you to train harder for longer.
Raises Nitric Oxide (NO) blood levels – NO is a natural compound that widens and dilates your blood vessels. This offers an immediate benefit of fuller muscle pumps, but also supports muscle building over the long-run by increasing nutrient & oxygen delivery into the tissue.
Optimizes Cellular ATP Production – National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout contains ingredients that support the function of mitochondria, small energy powerhouses found in every cell of your body. More efficient mitochondria = more energy = better overall performance.
Enhances neurotransmitter synthesis – Neurotransmitters, your brain’s chemical messengers, are crucial for many things, including keeping you focused and in good mood. The ingredients in National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout work in synergy to promote dopamine and epinephrine, two catecholamine neurotransmitters that provide you with clean and sustained mental focus.
Ingredients
So, what’s exactly inside National Bodybuilding Co. Pre-Workout that makes it work so well? Here’s a quick overview:
Vitamin B1 (5mg)
Vitamin B12 (2.4mcg)
L-Citrulline Dl-Malate (5g)
Agmatine Sulfate (1.5g)
Beta-Alanine (1g)
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) (500mg)
L-Tyrosine (400mg)
Coconut Water Powder (Cocus Nucifera) (300mg)
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) (250mg)
Caffeine Anhydrous (150mg)
Vaso6™ Green Tea Extract (150mg)
Infinergy™ Dicaffeine Malate (100mg)
TeaCrine® (Theacrine) (50mg)
All 13 ingredients are safe and natural, and are well within their clinically researched doses. Also, you’ll notice that this pre workout isn’t a proprietary blend.
Proprietary blend involves mixing multiple ingredients and labeling them as a single value. This means you can see the total dose of these combined ingredients, but not their individual doses. Apart from ruining the credibility of its manufacturers, proprietary blends also make you unable to assess the supplement for safety.
None of this can be said for National Bodybuilding Co. Stage Ready Pre Workout, which is 100% transparent.
Here’s the breakdown of the ingredients inside…
Vitamin B1
Also known as Thiamine, vitamin B1 is a key ingredient for helping your body convert carbs and fats into energy. Found in foods such as tofu, asparagus and peas, B1’s effects are most noticeable when you’re on a cut and low on energy.
Vitamin B12
A water-soluble nutrient, vitamin B12 optimizes human performance in a number of ways. One, by promoting the synthesis of the myelin sheath in the brain, which leads to faster signaling between brain cells. [2] Secondly, vitamin B12 can increase oxygen delivery into your muscles, leading to improved overall performance.
We also like that National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout has a highly bioavailable form of the vitamin – Methylcobalamin.
L-Citrulline Dl-Malate
Citrulline turns into Arginine in your kidneys, which results in increased nitric oxide plasma levels.
If you read the “how it works” section above, then you’re aware that NO is a vasodilator that boosts blood flow – making Citrulline one of the best ingredients for muscle pumps. [3]
Agmatine Sulfate
You could say Agmatine is a natural painkiller. This amino acid metabolite can reduce pain perception by acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
You’ll notice this effect the most when doing high-rep exercises – Agmatine helps reduce ‘the burn’ and pain in the muscles, helping you to plow through with intensity.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-Alanine naturally breaks down into another molecule – carnosine – in your body. Carnosine is an anti-aging molecule known for buffering the build up of acid in muscles, allowing you to train for longer.
But not all of Beta-Alanine’s benefits come from its baby molecule, carnosine. Beta-Alanine has some benefits of its own – such as being shown to promote lean muscle hypertrophy. [1]
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
NAC helps your body make more glutathione, the mother of antioxidants. Recharging your glutathione levels has many health benefits. For one, you’ll be healthier as your liver will be able to process toxins more efficiently. In the context of bodybuilding and mental focus, NAC can help the brain work better by reducing irritability, mood swings, and brain fog.
L-Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a natural amino acid found in many foods, and a precursor to your brain’s catecholamine chemicals.
These catecholamines – dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine – are responsible for keeping you awake, alert, and focused. They also increase energy demands and put your metabolism into high gear.
However, things like stress, hard training and sleep deprivation can quickly drain your catecholamine reserves. Tyrosine helps prevent this by recharging your catecholamines. Keeping your cognitive performance high under mentally demanding situations.
Coconut Water Powder (Cocus Nucifera)
We like this ingredient.
Coconut water is a good source of natural electrolytes that keep your muscles nourished and strong. These include potassium which, in addition to balancing blood pressure, also helps alleviate muscle cramps.
It’s refreshing to see coconut water (no pun intended) picked over sugar-laden sources, as it’s vastly superior at boosting athletic recovery.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
CDP-Choline is a brain nutrient that helps strengthen and repair your neurons. It also helps the brain make more chemicals that regulate attention, recall and learning. CDP-choline is the most superior form of choline in terms of its brain bioavailability. [4]
Caffeine Anhydrous
Caffeine is a staple in any great pre workout. And we like to see that it is dosed optimally in National Bodybuilding Co. Stage Ready Pre-Workout.
With 150mg per serving, you’ll be burning more fat for energy and enjoying higher levels of focus, without the ‘crash’ afterwards.
Vaso6™ Green Tea Extract
Vaso6 is a premium, patented quality extract of green tea. With tons of research behind its positive effects on human health, it’s now well-known that green tea can reduce inflammation and protect muscle tissue from catabolism, as well as helping your body to recover faster from injuries. [5] Did we mention that green tea helps you burn more calories, too?
Infinergy™ Dicaffeine Malate
Dicaffeine malate is also known as ‘no-crash caffeine’. Its effects are exactly what the name suggests. It provides a smooth energy buzz that lasts up to 6 hours and doesn’t lead to any of the infamous caffeine’s side effects. Since Di-caffeine malate’s effects last so long, you’ll have plenty left in the tank for other daily activities after your workout.
TeaCrine® (Theacrine)
TeaCrine® is a patented ingredient that contains more than 98% pure theacrine, a compound that can be found naturally in some foods.
Structurally, theacrine looks and acts similarly to caffeine. However, it has one key advantage over caffeine, and that is that it leads to less tolerance over time. It also provides a cleaner energy that doesn’t cause a crash afterwards.
Our thoughts on the ingredient formula:
We like the choice of ingredients in National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout. It will have a powerful yet smooth effect on your energy levels. The stimulants are dosed intelligently which makes this formula safe even if you don’t usually tolerate caffeine very well.
National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout Dose
Taking 1 scoop (11.2g) of National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout before your gym sessions helps to boost all aspects of training performance:
Muscle pumps
Training intensity & endurance
Cognitive focus
Within 30 minutes of ingestion you should feel a rise in your energy levels that will last you throughout the workout, and after it. You’ll also notice an increase in vasodilation from Citrulline, along with enhanced sense of mental clarity.
If you’re new to pre workouts, the manufacturers recommend starting with only half a scoop to assess your tolerance. If you want to take it to the next level, you can easily bump up the dose for your next workout!
Pros
Full 30 day supply
Naturally sourced
Features 13 clinically researched ingredients
Intelligent dosing – optimized for results, and safe at the same time
Keeps the energy levels steady throughout the workout without the crash
Easy to modify the dose depending on how strong you want it to be
Fast tracked shipping
Cons
Premium price
Only ships to USA customers
Only available directly from National Bodybuilding Co.’s website
Conclusion
This concludes our National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout review.
This pre workout contains some of the best ingredients currently available on the market. They’ve been smartly dosed to ramp up your energy levels, enhance motivation & focus, and provide those satisfying muscle pumps.
National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout is ideal if you’re in need of something to help you push that extra mile in the gym.
Although it’s not the cheapest pre workout around, the fact that it contains naturally sourced ingredients, mixes easily, and has great fruit punch flavor make it an excellent value for money nonetheless.
Try National Bodybuilding Co’s Pre-Workout Here!
References
Stout JR, Cramer JT, Zoeller RF, Torok D, Costa P, Hoffman JR, Harris RC, O’Kroy J. Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the onset of neuromuscular fatigue and ventilatory threshold in women. Amino Acids. 2007;32(3):381-6. doi: 10.1007/s00726-006-0474-z. Epub 2006 Nov 30. PMID: 17136505.
https://examine.com/supplements/vitamin-b12/
Moon JR, Vogel RM, Falcone PH, et al. A comparison of citrulline and arginine for increasing exercise-induced vasodilation and blood flow. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12(Suppl 1):P6. Published 2015 Sep 21. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P6
Arenth PM, Russell KC, Ricker JH, Zafonte RD. CDP-choline as a biological supplement during neurorecovery: a focused review. PM R. 2011 Jun;3(6 Suppl 1):S123-31. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.03.012. PMID: 21703569.
Chacko SM, Thambi PT, Kuttan R, Nishigaki I. Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review. Chin Med. 2010;5:13. Published 2010 Apr 6. doi:10.1186/1749-8546-5-13
Best Caffeine Free Pre-Workout For Clean Energy Boosts 2022
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
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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.
Best Summer Shredding Tips To Get You Beach Body Ready
Get that beach bod ready with these summer shredding tips.
The summer months are around the corner and now it’s time to show off that beach body and these summer shredding tips can help. If you were someone who hibernated all winter and maybe let your diet slip, fear not. The top tips for shredding can get you back on track and seeing those gains you want most.
The winter months can be hard. Trekking through snow and cold temperatures to have to hit the gym. It feels like more of a process than actual enjoyment. And if you are someone who maybe slacked off a bit, what you will find is that you might not look as beach ready as you would like.
The top summer shredding tips on the other hand can get you looking and feeling great and without these tips, you may find yourself floundering through spring only to be dissatisfied come those sunshine summer months. Your shirt off can prove to everyone that you were willing to put in work and get that beach body ready for viewing.
Let’s jump into the top summer shredding tips so you can better prepare yourself for when you want to go shirtless. The right approach to making this happen can make your life a bit easier and allow for only the best gains to unfold.
Top Summer Shredding Tips
By following these tips, you will find you can better tackle those goals and allow yourself the ability to see great gains. While it may be challenging to stick to all of these all the time, know it is just until you see that summer shred and get that body beach ready.
Effective Workout Plan
You need to make sure your workout plan is working for you. This means a nice mix of strength training and high-intensity interval work to enhance both muscle building and cardio. What you will find is that by building effective muscle and working towards increasing high intensity intervals, you burn fat without suffering any muscle loss (1). With too much cardio, you start to diminish strength gains and ultimately will lose that definition you want most.
Healthy Diet
We know that healthy diet can mean a lot of different things for a lot of different people. But what we mean by this is to maximize protein and not sacrifice the other two macronutrients (2). At the end of the day, a well-balanced diet is imperative to a summer shred. If you restrict too many calories thinking you can starve yourself to a shred, it won’t work and you will not see gains.
Give Your Body Rest
Your body needs rest and it needs to recover overall as well. What you will find with better recovery is you will feel better and you will give your body the time it needs to recuperate and heal. By feeling better and more loose, you won’t be so tight and wound up so as to cause unwanted stress and you will move better in the gym, thus giving yourself a better workout.
STOP Tracking Your Weight
Tracking your weight will only lead to obsession. It is good to know how much you weigh. But when it comes to a summer shred, pay attention to how you look and feel as opposed to how much you weigh. Muscle weighs more than fat and sometimes it isn’t a question about losing weight, but instead about losing fat.
Use Supplements
Using supplements is absolutely key in a summer shred and what you will find is there are certain supplements to aid in your goals for the most effective shred. A protein powder is exactly what you need post-workout to see great gains for muscle growth, recovery, and fat loss while a pre-workout can give you energy and muscle pumps for that pre-workout boost (3,4). Plus, to aid in that summer shred, a fat burner can kickstart your metabolism and work to suppress your appetite for better gains to fat loss.
Hydration!
Staying hydrated is key for it helps with all of the above tips. For exercise, it will keep those muscles hydrated and moving efficiently to see great gains and optimize recovery. When it comes to diet, what you will find is this can increase satiety and work for overall better support. For its role in weight loss and overall better recovery, staying hydrated is absolutely key in allowing you to shred and optimize all forms of training for the best results possible (5).
Featured Shaker Bottle For Increased Hydration
We wanted to share a high-quality shaker bottle so you see the best gains possible and actually want to stay hydrated. With a great design and overall excellent durability, this shaker bottle is worth every dollar in efforts to help you shred and keep you hydrated.
Ice Shaker 26oz. Shaker Bottle
Code GENIRON For 20% Off
Ice Shaker 26oz Shaker Bottle is a great shaker bottle for those looking for durability, portability, and the best mixing for those training and hydration needs.
Ice Shaker 26oz Shaker Bottle is a kitchen grade premium stainless-steel cup perfect for training and everyday use. This no sweat bottle keeps everything dry, the odor resistant stainless steel allows for longevity and no foul odor, and double wall vacuum insulation allows drinks to stay hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 30 hours or more. Great for mixability, you will find this shaker bottle tackles any and all of those needs and can hold 26oz of any desire beverage.
Price: $34.99
Check out our list of the Best Shaker Bottles to make sure you keep up with all your hydration needs!
Wrap Up
As these warm summer months approach, these summer shredding tips are exactly what you need to succeed. By focusing on the right approach and working to maximize your shredding goals, what you will find is you can effectively shred with these worthwhile tips. That beach ready body may seem farther away than it is and by looking ahead and thinking positively about your prospective gains, you will absolutely get there with the right plan of attack and top summer shredding tips to follow.
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 Envato
References
Roy, M.; et al. (2018). “High-Intensity Interval Training in the Real World: Outcomes from a 12-Month Intervention in Overweight Adults”. (source)
Leidy, H.; et al. (2015). “The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance”. (source)
Frestedt, J.; et al. (2008). “A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study”. (source)
Gonzalez, A.; et al. (2011). “Effect of a Pre-Workout Energy Supplement on Acute Multi-Joint Resistance Exercise”. (source)
Shirreffs, S. (2009). “Hydration in sport and exercise: water, sports drinks and other drinks”. (source)
Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout Review For Advanced Training
Everything you need to know about this pre-workout supplement.
Product Overview
How can you be sure you’re getting what you pay for with any pre-workout supplement, especially when there are literally hundreds of brands to choose from on the market? To answer this question, we tested Transparent Labs BULK as part of our ongoing series comparing the best pre-workout supplements.
BULK Pre-Workout is one of two available pre-workout supplements made by Transparent Labs, the other being LEAN. BULK is specifically formulated to help bodybuilders gain mass using a patented blend of amino acids and testosterone support. We broke down the entire ingredient list below so that you can see what’s really going on with your pre-workout powder.
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 stand firm on their commitment to full-label transparency. Every single ingredient in their supplements, even the flavoring and sweetener, is listed in exact doses so you know you’re getting precisely what’s on the label (and just as importantly, nothing that isn’t on the label). All Transparent Labs products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility that is certified current good manufacturing processes (CGMP) and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Transparent Labs is on a mission to help consumers make smarter choices about what they put in their bodies so they can reap the benefits of quality supplements that are backed by scientific research and clinical studies. Most importantly, they can be confident that each bottle of PreSeries BULK is free from impurities and tested before being put on the shelf.
PreSeries BULK Highlights
PreSeries BULK features 20+ grams of 19 active ingredients per serving (30 servings per tub) and absolutely no artificial food coloring, no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, no fillers, and no body-taxing chemicals that do nothing but detract from workout performance. Instead, PreSeries BULK is naturally flavored and sweetened with stevia, making it a sugar-free, vegan-friendly pre-workout formula that differs from other pre-workout supplements. This pre-workout is designed specifically for athletes, bodybuilders, and gym-goers who want to pack on lean muscle mass, maximize muscle cell volumization, enhance blood flow and muscle pumps, and increase strength.
Ingredients
Citrulline Malate: Can improve strength, aerobic performance, and muscle endurance. May also raise nitric oxide levels in your blood (1).
Beta-Alanine: May improve exercise and aerobic performance and training volume while also increasing strength (2).
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Can increase muscle growth and muscle protein synthesis and decrease soreness while working for your benefit with less muscle breakdown and improved muscle endurance (3).
Betaine Anhydrous: Works to reduce fatigue and encourage muscle growth while aiding in intense workout for less next day muscle soreness from intense exercise (4).
L-Theanine: Can take away some side effects of caffeine and may reduce anxiety and stress (5).
Caffeine Anhydrous: Caffeine can increase energy and focus for better workouts while raising your level of alertness (6).
L-Norvaline: May work for increased cardiovascular support while promoting growth, muscle mass, and recovery.
Bioperine: Can increase absorption of these ingredients so they work more effectively for your gains.
Other Ingredients
Taurine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Choline Bitartrate, Mucuna Pruriens, Synephrine HCL, Hordenine, Natural Flavor, Stevia, Calcium Silicate, Silicon Dioxide
Stim Or No Stim
Stim
Calories
0
Carbs
0g
Sugar
0g
Number Of Servings
30
Flavors
Orange, Green Apple, Sour Grape, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch
Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 16-24 fl. oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout.
Price, Flavors, and Effectiveness
When it comes to BULK Pre-Workout, this is a great pre-workout formula and supplement to increase lean mass, improve cognitive function, work for those muscle building goals, reduce muscle fatigue, and change body composition, all in efforts to improve overall exercise performance. With six delicious flavors to choose from, you won’t grow bored of the taste.
Flavors include: Lemon Lime, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch
Pros
Great benefits for increasing muscle growth and physical performance
Clean, honest, and transparent label and pre-workout formula
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
Premium priced option
Only available directly from their website
Price: $49.99
Check out our list of the Best Pre-Workouts and see where Transparent Labs BULK landed!
Overall Value
Transparent Labs BULK is an excellent choice based off of the formula alone to improve strength and physical performance. The fact that it tastes good, is available in many flavors, and is not the most expensive formulation is just icing on the cake and this Bulk pre-workout review hopefully has changed your mind on this supplement. What you’re really getting is a high-quality and transparent pre-workout designed to improve strength, performance, and aid in your desired physique. Try Transparent Labs BULK today and see what this can do for all your gains.
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
Perez-Guisado, J.; et al. (2010). “Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relives muscle soreness”. (source)
Hobson, R.; et al. (2012). “Effects of B-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis”. (source)
Negro M.; et al. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)
Hoffman, J.; et al. (2009). “Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue”. (source)
Owen, G.; et al. (2008). “The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood”. (source)
McLellan, T.; et al. (2016). “A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance”. (source)
Best Fat Burner & Muscle Builder Combo For An Effective Shred
Give these fat burner and muscle builder combo ideas a try to see results.
Losing fat can be hard while also keeping on that lean muscle, but with the right fat burner and muscle builder combo, you can see great results in no time. For those looking towards an effective shred, what you will find are great supplements to enhance all areas of your gains for the better.
Fat burners are popular weight loss supplements as they work to suppress your appetite, kickstart your metabolism, and burn stored fat. What you will find is that in tandem with other supplements, these results may be amplified. Along with a well-planned and structured diet and training plan, you may even feel unstoppable.
Let’s take a look at these fat burner and muscle builder combo ideas to see what supplements pair well together for your gains. While supplements are great, it is important remember that the right exercises must also be in your routine to see the best gains possible.
How A Fat Burner Works With Muscle
For those looking into a fat burner, you are clearly looking to burn fat. But what happens to that muscle you have worked hard for when you put your body in a calorie deficit on top of a fat burning supplement? Without the right approach to weight loss you can end up losing that hard earned muscle.
A fat burner can help counteract this by helping to retain muscle despite the loss of fat. That dreaded muscle breakdown can be unfortunate and for those looking to actually build muscle, this is a great way to help your fitness goals. Proper muscle maintenance is important as you look to grow and build a shredded physique. While fat loss is great, you want muscle structure and lean muscle to stay intact as well.
Fat Burner & Muscle Builder Combos
Let’s take a look at some of these combinations to use with a fat burner. For those wondering about safety, always read the labels and be sure to take note of concerns to consult an expert about. As you look to burn fat and build muscle, your body will start to undergo some changes so staying on top of your diet, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and supplementation is a must.
Fat Burner & Pre-Workout
A fat burner and pre-workout combo can work really well, for you give yourself a boost of energy while also working towards muscle growth (1). However, be careful with these two especially if both supplements you are using contain a high amount of stimulants. Since stimulants, like caffeine, are popular ingredients in fat burners and pre-workouts, you don’t want to suffer from any unwanted side effects.
All in all, this fat burner and muscle builder combo will allow for high intensity workouts while also giving you muscle pumps rom the pre-workouts to help build valuable muscle.
Fat Burner & Protein Powder
As you start to shred and lose fat, part of the problem, as mentioned above, is retaining muscle. We all know that a protein powder is perfect for building muscle and enhancing recovery for those post-workout needs (2), but as a valuable protein supplement, this can help keep you full and work in tandem with a fat burner to suppress your appetite. Less of an appetite means less snacking which means less unwanted calories.
This fat burner and muscle builder combo is great for those looking to ensure that muscle stays on while they lose fat. On top of that, you are optimizing your health and overall wellness as well.
Fat Burner & BCAAs
Fat burners work to give you energy, as they burn that stored fat, however, what you might find is a mid-workout drain. Enter BCAAs, which can help stimulate growth, prevent muscle wasting, but also decrease soreness and reduce fatigue (3). This is helpful for you as you power through your workouts with less desire to quit.
This fat burner and muscle builder combo works well for those who feel a drain mid-workout. Losing fat is hard, but working out is a necessary component. By keeping all of this in mind, you work to better power through workouts for increased physical gain.
Fat Burner & Testosterone Booster
If you are seeking a testosterone booster, then you are looking to optimize your T levels. But in tandem with a fat burner, what you will find is a real change in body composition, as this is a potential component to testosterone boosters (4). Here is where strict attention should be paid to following the labels for this can really affect your body as you undergo these changes.
What you may find from this fat burner and muscle builder combo is a change in body composition as you look to increase and keep on lean muscle. At the end of the day, that is what we want after all if we are someone seeking a shredded aesthetic.
Best Exercises To Burn Fat & Build Muscle
While supplements are great for working to burn fat and build muscle, especially with a fat burner and muscle builder combo, what you will find are exercises to enhance these gains. It is necessary to have a well-structured routine in order to capitalize on what supplements can do.
These exercises can combine high intensity to burn fat while also working those muscles to see the best gains possible. These can fit well into any training plan, it just depends on what exactly your goals are. Great fat burning and muscle building exercises include:
Burpees
Kettlebell Swings
Battle Ropes
Jump Rope
Wrap Up
The right fat burner and muscle builder combo is exactly what you need to see the best gains possible. Supplements can take us a long way and with the right approach you can better challenge yourself and see the best gains possible. By putting an emphasis on supplements, what you will find is you can better attack those muscle building goals while also burning fat in order to see that shredded physique you want most.
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 Envato
References
Ellerbroek, A.; et al. (2019). “Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Strength, Endurance, and Mood”. (source)
Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2014). “Effects of protein supplements on muscle damage, soreness and recovery of muscle function and physical performance: a systematic review”. (source)
Blomstrand, E. (2006). “A role for branched-chain amino acids in reducing central fatigue”. (source)
Corona, G.; et al. (2016). “Testosterone supplementation and body composition: results from a meta-analysis of observational studies”. (source)
Pre-Workouts Vs. Fat Burners: How Weight Loss Happens With Both
Whether you prefer pre-workout or a fat burner, weight loss can happen with both.
Some of us have debated on pre-workouts vs. fat burners before, however, we neglect that both are great for weight loss. We want to pick and choose and debate, but all that time could be spent in the gym and seeing gains.
Our gains are important and while supplements can get expensive, it is important to realize that it isn’t impossible to find great products. With ones like pre-workouts and fat burners, the choice to see great gains has never been easier.
Let’s take a look at pre-workouts vs. fat burners and see if one is better for weight loss. Since both have great properties, the results may be surprising.
Pre-Workouts: Benefits, Weight Loss & More
A pre-workout supplement, as most of us know, is a great way to boost energy and provide for muscle pumps for increased strength and size. We often find ourselves struggling to find the energy to get up and get moving and with a great supplement like pre-workout working for our benefit, it is entirely possible to really benefit from this supplement.
Some people often debate that pre-workouts are just loaded with caffeine and that you are better off drinking a cup of coffee before your workout. However, it is the other ingredients packed into a great formula that can make a pre-workout a worthwhile supplement.
Benefits
Benefits of pre-workout supplement include:
Better focus and energy: Offers more intense workouts while being locked into every exercise so nothing interferes with a good workout. Plus, it can offer that energy given our busy schedules (1).
Reduce fatigue: Allow for longer training sessions and the chance to burst through fatigue while reducing muscle soreness and unwanted pain for improved performance.
Muscle pumps: Allow blood to flow through your muscles and really increase strength and size for those muscles you wish to see grow (2).
Enhanced recovery: Bounce back faster and promote better growth while recovering more effectively for faster turn arounds.
When & Why Use Them
It is best to use a pre-workout around 30 minutes before your workout. This allows those ingredients to hit you and provide the best effect for your gains. Using pre-workout is worth it for those who want to boost energy, get the blood flowing, and work for the best muscle growth possible.
How They Affect Weight Loss
Pre-workouts can affect weight loss by getting your heart rate up and giving you the energy needed to perform a great workout. With a better mindset, more energy and focus, and the physical feeling of wanting to workout, you can work harder and burn more calories for that intended weight loss affect. Plus, by pushing through fatigue, you can workout longer for increased calorie burn.
Check out our list of the Best Pre-Workouts for more great pre-workout products!
Fat Burners: Benefits, Weight Loss & More
Fat burners are perfect for those who may struggle to lose fat and find that stubborn belly fat just doesn’t want to leave. A fat burner is great for it is packed with ingredients that have been studied for their affects on your metabolism, weight loss, and cravings all in efforts to help you see your desired physique unfold.
There is some debate about if fat burners actually work or not but with the right supplement produced by an honest company, it is entirely possible that these are effective. Like all supplements, it takes having the right ingredients to have the product work as intended.
Benefits
Boost your metabolism: Power your metabolism to burn that stubborn fat and extra calories, offering more energy for whatever workout comes your way and not allowing fat the chance to be stored (3).
Suppress appetite: Eliminate those hunger sensations that lead to cravings and snacking to rid your diet of unwanted and wasted calories.
Increase energy and focus: By burning more fat for fuel, you can increase those energy levels.
Maintain lean muscle: Work to keep on that lean muscle while shedding fat so you don’t lose your gains and start to see that desired physique actually come to life.
When & Why Use Them
It is best to follow the directions on the respective fat burner for when to use it. Some require it with food and others say without food. Plus, there are some that advise to take a certain amount of time before a meal so the ingredients can start working.
Using a fat burner is a great way to help lose fat for those struggling. When working in tandem with a good diet and training plan, these supplements can be highly effective.
How They Affect Weight Loss
Fat burners affect weight loss by working to suppress your appetite to eliminate cravings, boost your metabolism so it works for efficiently, and keep your body working to burn calories so you have a better chance at fat loss.
Check out our list of the Best Fat Burners for more great fat burning products!
Is One Better For Weight Loss?
When it comes down to it, this is a tough question to answer. Yes, a fat burner is literally designed to assist with weight loss, but this works better when paired with a healthy diet and training plan. On the other hand, a pre-workout is giving you that boost to have an effective and worthwhile workout, so considering this option isn’t a bad deal at all.
Is one better for weight loss? That is up to the individual. If you can afford to and you feel it is best for your body and your goals, consider a regimen that includes both so you can capitalize on those great gains and get the most out of your workouts and overall routine.
Wrap Up
When it comes to pre-workouts vs. fat burners and their intended goals for weight loss, you need to consider the fact that both are great for it. While fat burners are intended for weight loss, pre-workouts have the ability to work for our benefit in a number of other ways. When paired together, these supplements can create all the difference for your gains.
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 Envato
References
Ellerbroek, Anya C.; Antonio, Jose (2019). “Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Strength, Endurance, and Mood”. (source)
Kedia, A.; Hofheins, J.; Habowski, S.; Ferrando, Arny; et al. (2014). “Effects of a Pre workout Supplement on Lean Mass, Muscular Performance, Subjective Workout Experience and Biomarkers of Safety”. (source)
Jeukendrup, A.; et al. (2011). “Fat burners: nutrition supplements that increase fat metabolism”. (source)