Best Caffeine Free Pre Workout – Be Stimulant Free
With much of my research being about the benefits of Caffeine, this stimulant is not for everyone. There are a variety of reasons to be free of Caffeine. This article is written to help answer the question, what is the best Caffeine free pre workout.
I’ve had a few recurring issues with Caffeine myself over the years. At times it will give me anxiety, the jitters or sleepless nights. On top of that, my morning coffee has made me stressed and nervous half the day.
There are many reasons why some can’t have or prefer not to have Caffeine. Whatever your reason for avoiding this ingredient, this article will help educate you to choose the correct Caffeine Free supplements. We will research the different names of Caffeine so you can identify it on the “supplemental facts” label and avoid them.
When reading the ingredients, you will know which ones to look for in a Caffeine free pre workout that can substitute the effects lost from Caffeine. You may also be interested in the many positive and negative aspects that come from Caffeine, so we will discuss this briefly. I will also go over a few Caffeine alternatives which are more natural and a little less stimulating.
Because Caffeine Free pre workouts (sometimes called Stim-Free) are a more specialized category, it’s more difficult to find the right one and there are fewer options available. However, good stimulant free pre workouts do exist.
Why Stay Away From Caffeine
The most prominent reason for avoiding Caffeine is Caffeine sensitivity. This is usually determined by genetics or by the liver’s ability to process Caffeine. There are different levels of Caffeine sensitivity that can range from normal to hypersensitivity.
The side effects for someone that is Caffeine sensitive are nausea, racing heart, nervousness, jitters, and insomnia.
Some have what is called a “Caffeine allergy”. Basically, your body mistakes the Caffeine molecules for an “enemy” to your body’s immune system. Some people don’t even know that they are susceptible to this until later on in life.
Caffeine allergies can have even worse effects, with swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing and breaking out in hives.
There are those that don’t want to consume Caffeine because it is a highly addictive drug. For some, once you become accustomed, quitting can be next to impossible. The last reason for staying away from Caffeine is not liking how it feels. I can understand this feeling of anxiety and nervousness.
So you know where you stand with Caffeine, an average cup of coffee contains between 80-100mg. A person with a normal tolerance can safely average between 200 and 300mg per day, but that is quite high for some.
This happens to be the average range of Caffeine in one serving of a pre workout. Keep a sharp eye on the ingredients, because some pre workout supplements can have as much as 400mg per serving.
If you have a different reason for going Caffeine Free or have any questions or comments, please leave them at the bottom of the post and I will respond.
Don’t Be Fooled – Substituted Names For Caffeine
Be careful when choosing exercise supplements and always review the “Supplemental Facts” label. Caffeine may be disguised in the ingredients and come under different names, so beware of this. There are also brands that falsely advertise “stimulant free” pre workouts.
Here is the list of names to look out for: Caffeine Anhydrous, Caffeine Citrate, Trymethylpurine, Green Tea, Teacrine, Matcha, guaranine, green coffee bean, matein, and methyl theobromine. Some of these examples are chemical ingredients and others are naturally derived products, but all are forms of Caffeine.
The Positives of Caffeine
The most obvious benefit of Caffeine is how convenient it is when you need a quick energy boost. Caffeine pre workouts brings not only more energy, but increases motivation and focus.
Studies have also shown that a certain amount of Caffeine can be good for you. If you are up to it, Caffeine can help with performance and increase stamina during your workout.
Caffeine can also be beneficial for weight loss, since it naturally increases your metabolism and heats your body up to burn more calories. It is proven to work as a natural thermogenic.
The Negatives of Caffeine
Some studies suggest that Caffeine can be good for you in proper doses, but there are also many benefits to staying away from it in the first place. I mentioned earlier that that Caffeine is worse if you are Caffeine intolerant or have a Caffeine allergy. Some of our bodies simply metabolize it differently.
Even if you have a normal tolerance, Caffeine can increase your blood pressure, decrease sleep, dampen your mood, raise anxiety and cause stomach discomfort. Caffeine is defined as a drug, so most people that quit consuming it will go through Caffeine withdraws.
Women may have a lower tolerance to Caffeine due to their lighter weight and a different metabolism than men. Look out for this increased sensitivity. Most of us are familiar with restless nights because of the effects of Caffeine. Many don’t even realize that this is the reason. Sleep is so important because it plays a vital role in mental stability and muscle building.
Ingredients In The Best Caffeine Free Pre Workout
The fact that Caffeine Free pre workouts are missing this key ingredient, they need to contain other active ingredients to make up for these effects. You are going to need increased energy, endurance, and motivation.
Citrulline Malate and Nitric Oxide
A good pre workout will maximize your blood flow to keep your muscles from fatiguing. Citrulline Malate (an Amino Acid) synthesizes when you exercise into Nitric Oxide, thus creating an energy boost.
Nitric Oxide is what opens up your bloodstream to bring more oxygen, nutrients, Aminos, and hydration to the muscle tissue. The combination of this effect helps the body go stronger and harder for a longer period of time.
Beta Alanine
This is one of the most popular Amino Acids in pre workouts. It increases muscle Carnosine levels. This active peptide is the key critical muscle fatigue controlling factor. This process will benefit your workout in several ways.
Beta-Alanine is a critical Amino because it will increase athletic performance, improve exercise capacity, and build lean muscle mass. This is that Amino that sometimes gives you that tingling feeling.
BCAA’s – Branch Chain Amino Acids
These important Amino Acids include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Other Aminos to look for in a pre workout are N-acetyl, L-tyrosine, L-arginine, Taurine, Glutamine and Betaine. These play a role in improving strength and endurance. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein because they boost muscle protein synthesis.
Creatine
This is the most studied and believed to be one of the most effective ingredients for increased strength and muscle mass. This can be critical to being in a pre workout that doesn’t contain Caffeine.
Creatine is manufactured naturally in your body but works wonders when added as a supplement. If you would like to know more about the benefits of Creatine, check out What Is The Best Creatine For Muscle Growth – Increase Gains and Mass.
B Vitamins and Minerals
Most of us know that B vitamins are good for energy. A good pre workout will provide vitamins B1 – B12. Niacin, Riboflavin, and Theanine are some of the other names for B vitamins. Pre workouts provide other nutrients that will come into play to prevent fatigue mid-workout.
Minerals such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium function as electrolytes to help keep the body hydrated, therefore fighting off fatigue.
What Is The Best Caffeine Free Pre Workout
Product: N.O.-Xplode Caffeine Free Pre Workout
Price: $$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on N.O. Xplode
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: Bio Engineered Supplements at gobsn.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is designed to be a complete pre workout igniter. The Caffeine free N.O. Xplode version gets excellent reviews. If you like plenty of Caffeine, you can see my full review on the Caffeinated version of NO Xplode.
This formula will deliver increased endurance, energy, support mental focus, and increased muscular strength. It also contains DMAE which is naturally found in the body and positively affects mood and brain function. This naturally encourages natural energy, motivation, and focus.
The 5 gram serving of a Creatine endurance blend makes this a powerhouse. This makes it great for increased muscle mass and exercise performance. It contains several vitamins and minerals that will provide hydration and natural energy. The Citrulline Malate and Arginine are two Amino Acids that will give you incredible muscle pumps. See my NO Xplode pre workout review.
N.O.-Xplode Positives
- 5 grams of Creatine endurance blend
- 2.9 grams of Beta Alanine
- Packed with minerals and vitamin B
- 1 gram of Citrulline Malate blend
Potential Negatives
- Sweetened with Sucralose
- Has proprietary blends
- Contains milk products
Product: PumpSurge Pre Workout
Price: $
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on PumpSurge
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Manufacturer: Jacked Factory at shop.jackedfactory.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Pumpsurge is a down and dirty low prices and to the point pre workout designed for pump and endurance. It has a very simple ingredients matrix which includes 5 grams of Citrulline along with 150 mg of GPC. These Aminos provide increased vascularization and delay fatigue.
This pre workout promotes performance and muscle growth. It includes brain-enhancing nootropic ingredients and ergogenic boosters. Only thing is that Pumpsurge does not include all of the key Amino Acids.
Pumpsurge Positives
- 5 grams of Citrulline
- 150 mg of GPC
- Low price
- No fillers
- Transparent Label
Possible Negatives
- Contains artificial ingredients
- No vitamins or minerals
- Lacks some Aminos
Product: Genius Brand Pre Workout Powder
Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Genius Pre
Container size: 20 servings
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: The Genius Brand at thegeniusbrand.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
It provides Focus without Caffeine. Genius Pre is a Caffeine free, Nitric Oxide booster. This booster brings the muscles additional nutrients, oxygen, and hydration for better endurance and faster recovery time.
The 6 grams of Citrulline Malate is very high for most pre workouts. Genius Pre contains a synergistic matrix of proven nootropics that naturally boost energy levels.
This includes their signature, AlphaSize that delays fatigue and optimizes muscle energy. Genius Pre provides a great balance of essential Amino Acids necessary to make a great pre workout. It is an “all natural” pre workout, so it contains no artificial ingredients.
Genius Brand Positives
- 6 grams of Citrulline Malate
- Contains an energy support blend
- Great concentration of Aminos
- Sweetened with Stevia
- No artificial ingredients
Potential Negatives
- Possible root extract sensitivity
- Costs more than average
Product: Legion Pulse Natural Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Legion Pulse
Container size: 21 servings
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: Legion Athletics at legionathletics.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Another great “all natural”, Caffeine Free pre workout. There aren’t any artificial flavors, colors or sugars. Legion Pulse has a Nitric Oxide booster for muscle pump and increased vascularity. The ingredients are 100% pure and backed by scientific evidence.
It contains no extra filler ingredients. Legion Pulse comes with an insane 8 grams of Citrulline Malate that gives muscle pump and vascularity. The Alpha GPC is in this pre workout to fight fatigue and improve mental awareness. If you like a lot of Caffeine, I recommend the Caffeinated version of Legion Pulse.
Legion Pulse Positives
- 8 grams of Citrulline Malate
- An “all natural” pre workout
- 3.6 grams of Beta Alanine
- No proprietary blends
- Comes in several great flavors
Possible negatives
- Priced more than average
- Doesn’t contain Creatine
Product: NO3 Ultimate Nitric Oxide Supplement
Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on NO3 Ultimate
Container size: 20 servings
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Cellucor at cellucor.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
C4 is the most popular name in the supplement industry, so they know what they are doing. NO3 is technically not a pre workout, but a Nitric Oxide booster. But, the Nitric Oxide (Citrulline) is the main ingredient in a Caffeine free pre workout.
This contains 4 grams of Citrulline to give you lasting endurance. Nitrosigine, Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, and NO3-T help with your muscle pump as well as keeping your workout at a high intensity. NO3 has a small list of ingredients, but each one is found to be effective to enhance and extend workout.
NO3 Ultimate Positives
- 4 grams of Citrulline Malate
- 500mg Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T)
- For extreme, long lasting pumps
- Nitric Oxide Booster
Possible Negatives
- Contains artificial ingredients
- No Frills – basic ingredients
Product: Organic Muscle Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Organic Muscle
Container size: 20 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Organic Muscle at organicmuscle.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
I’m throwing this in here not because it’s Caffeine Free, but because it has a lower amount. The “Caffeine” energy from Organic Muscle comes from less potent, natural sources such as green tea extract and matcha. Just a clean, powerful energy boost with no crash.
It is lower in Amino Acid content because it is plant based, but still does the job. It’s 100% Organic, all natural, and without fillers. It provides energy, focus, endurance, and pump.
Organic Muscle Positives
- All Organic ingredients
- Naturally derived Caffeine
- No Caffeine crash
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Natural sweetener
- No Fillers
Potential Negatives
- Less concentrated in Aminos
- Cost a little more
The Caffeine Free Conclusion
Whatever your reason for avoiding Caffeine, now you know that there are some great Caffeine Free pre workout supplements available. Stimulant free pre workouts can offer a boost of energy, endurance, and performance similar to that of their Caffeinated cousins.
What is the best caffeine free pre workout? For this review, I’m going to go with the Legion Pulse Pre Workout because it has the highest amount of L-Citrulline. This Amino Acid is the key for muscle endurance.
Be sure to check the ingredients for the higher levels of the Amino Acids that we discussed. These will help you power through an intense workout. Remember to read the “supplemental facts” in case Caffeine is listed under a different name.
If you are looking for a little less Caffeine, “Organic” pre workouts contain naturally derived, lower levels. In case you don’t care for your Caffeine free choice, these supplements have a 30 satisfaction guarantee.
If you have anything to add regarding Caffeine or what is the best Caffeine Free pre workout powder, please leave a comment in the box below and I will respond.
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