Is A Pre Workout Safe – It Can Be Too Extreme For Some
A pre workout supplement is a strong energy and performance enhancing supplement, but is a pre workout safe? Pre workouts are designed for fitness minded, healthy individuals. It’s important that they know what they are putting in their bodies.
»Did you know that the exercise supplement category is a largely unregulated industry?
»Have you ever considered the safety of these products?
»Does your pre workout taste like chemicals or has ever given you a headache, dizziness or anxiety?
»Do you know what the ingredients on the label even mean?
I’m going to answer these questions by researching various sources and studies to give you the down and dirty to find out if pre workouts are safe.
Is A Pre Workout Safe
Research shows that nutritional supplements if taken correctly, are very safe.
The benefits of taking a pre workout far outweigh any possible negatives.
Most of the documented issues come from people taking more than the suggested serving amounts. It is also possible to have a temporary side effect caused by your body getting used to new ingredients.
There is no such thing as an FDA approved pre workout. This goes for most other supplements in the exercise nutrition category. However, the individual ingredients on their own are regulated and safe.
If there is ever a pre workout blend thought to be unsafe, the FDA will pull it from the shelves.
Because they are unregulated, you should know what you are buying. That’s why I’m going to go over the good and any possible bad ingredients on the nutritional facts label.
Keep in mind that the athletic performance and benefits from a pre workout, can affect each of us differently.
See the Benefits from a Pre Workout Supplement
Natural and Healthier Pre Workouts
There are several types of pre workouts available based on individual exercise and diet goals. Pre workouts come in many different qualities of ingredients, flavors, strengths, and price points.
There is a traditional, most popular pre workout which is the industry standard. However, this mainstream supplement contains artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
Fortunately, there are now other more health conscious pre workout categories to choose from.
All Natural Pre Workouts
An all natural pre workout is an excellent choice. They contain strong and effective ingredients. The key benefit to this category is that they don’t contain any artificial colors, flavors or sugars.
The price for all natural is also comparative to other pre workouts. If one of your goals is not having any artificial ingredients in your diet, this is a great alternative.
Organic Pre Workouts
Organic is another step up for its pure ingredients. This type of pre workout does not contain any artificial ingredients, but it doesn’t stop there.
The ingredients contained in Organic pre workouts cannot be grown or processed using any man-made chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides.
Any animal products that they contain must eat Organic feed. This category is known for having the best quality ingredients.
Vegan Pre Workouts
This vegetarian pre workout cannot contain any meat or dairy products. The ingredients must not even be processed using the same machinery as animal products. Even the Amino Acid proteins come from plants.
Plant based, Vegan pre workouts are considered by many to the healthiest type of supplement.
Here are the Best Organic Vegan Pre Workouts
Does Your Pre Workout Taste Like Chemicals?
To begin with, there is nothing wrong with your pre workout tasting bitter or with a little bite. However some taste better than others, therefore I would suggest reading online reviews before purchasing.
Or you can see my recommendations on the Best Tasting Pre Workout
After all, pre workouts do contain chemical compounds (most of these are produced naturally in your body). Some do contain artificial sugars or Sucralose that can make a pre workout too sweet if the manufacturer doesn’t get it just right.
Caffeine can be the primary culprit for the bitterness you are tasting because this is a natural stimulant. Pre workouts are highly concentrated and not like other foods. The individual ingredients can be noticed more prominently.
Coffee has a strong coffee bean taste, so the Caffeine flavor is undetectable. There is nothing harmful about this ingredient or this taste except for the fact that Caffeine is moderately addictive, and can cause side effects by taking too much.
If your pre workout has an odd taste, is too sweet or a little off, please let me know in the comment box below.
Possible Pre Workout Side Effects
Have you ever felt unwanted effects from your pre workout like tingling, dizzy headedness, anxiety or nausea?
The single reason for any discomfort from a pre workout is almost always caused by taking to much at one time. Those of us that exercise tend to overdue things, so be careful that this isn’t one of them.
The body may also sometimes need to get acclimated to a new pre workout blend. It will pass soon and may never happen again.
Caffeine is the number one offender. Over doing the recommended serving can give you the jitters, anxiety or headaches. Especially the first time you take a new pre workout, so take it slowly.
Some Amino Acids such as L-Citrulline work as a vasodilator, to bring more blood to your organs and muscles. This could possibly give you a headache, but unlikely.
Your pre workout powder may give you a small head tingle. This is merely an Amino Acid called Beta Alanine.
There is nothing wrong with this tingling. It’s a safe and natural reaction that occurs temporarily withing your nervous system. This is part of your pre workout experience, and many enjoy it because it shows that the Amino Acids are working.
Switching brands is a great idea if one is not working for you since we all process things differently. Nutritional supplements come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so try as many as you like until you find one ideal for your body.
I’m curious to know if you have had any side effects from your pre workout, please let me know more about it in the comment box below.
Don’t Overdo The Caffeine
Pre workouts are loaded with Caffeine giving you sufficient energy to power through a workout. Large amounts of Caffeine can some times give you a temporary headache.
This can happen the initial time you try a brand new supplement, so don’t simply take too much at first. Start out slowly and work your way up. More isn’t always better.
One serving of pre workouts usually contains between 100-400mg of caffeine. To put it into perspective, this is equivalent to 5 cups of coffee.
Caffeine can disturb your sleep also habits if you take too much. Adequate sleep is extremely important to muscle development and for your health.
Be sure not to take your pre workout to two early in the evening. Take it several hours before bed, and most of the caffeine will burn off during your workout.
If this continues to interrupt your sleep try a brand that has less Caffeine. Organic and Vegan pre workouts tend to have a smaller quantity from a more natural source.
If you are Caffeine intolerant, I suggest that you try a Caffeine Free Pre Workout. This variation of pre workouts substitute other ingredients for what you are missing with Caffeine.
What Is The Best Stimulant Free Pre Workout
The Safe Ingredients
The basic ingredients that are found in pre workout supplements are quite simple and are found naturally in your body or in nature.
Caffeine
This is a safe, heavily studied stimulant and is one of the most effective components in a pre workout. Caffeine is a regulated chemical that provides a clean source of energy.
Amino Acids
The other effective ingredients found in a pre workout are Amino Acids proteins. These are the building blocks of protein and are contained in our body and in everything we eat. They usually begin with the letter L.
L-Citrulline
This Amino provides you a muscle pump by attracting more blood to your muscle tissue, therefore increasing performance and endurance. It increases the amount of Nitric Oxide, bringing vascularity and additional muscle pump, helping you go longer and stronger.
L-Theanine
An important amino that helps the muscle tissue to break down energy. It also assists in maintaining the stimulant effects of Caffeine on a safe, manageable level.
Beta-Alanine
I’ve never seen a pre workout without this Amino. It increases the production of L-Carnitine that increases muscle endurance, improves calorie burning and helps with muscle repair.
Creatine
This substance is not one of the Amino Acid and isn’t found in all pre workouts. However, it is the most heavily studied ingredients to enhance performance and is proven to improve recovery time, increase mass, and provide power. I have more information on this at What Is The Best Creatine For Muscle Growth.
Vitamins and Minerals
Some pre workouts may contain other ingredients such as vitamins and minerals. You may also see some fillers and artificial ingredients, so be sure to check the nutritional facts label.
Potentially “Bad” Pre Workout Ingredients
The number one “bad” ingredient to look for is DMAA or Dimethylamylamine. That is an amphetamine sometimes found in weight loss products and exercise supplements. Luckily, it is not found as much as it used to be.
DMAA
This can boost blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems such as shortness of breath and tightening in the chest to coronary arrest.
Proprietary Blends
Some manufacturers will hide dosages of individual ingredients or to avoid listing the individual quantities on the label. This way, no one really knows what components are actually in it.
They also can fill the blend with cheaper ingredients that can result in symptoms and complications. Personally, I’ve purchased brands in the past with proprietary blends with no problems. However, you may want to be aware of this.
Yohimbe
It is in some pre workouts and can have a negative reaction in some, even though this is actually a healthy plant. I know a couple of people in my circle of friends that have had a reaction to Yohimbe.
Bad effects usually come from taking larger dosages of this. It is possible to have nausea and dizziness if you are sensitive.
Synthetic Sweeteners, Food Colors, and Flavors
It’s difficult to totally get away from these. Most pre workouts and post workout protein powders are flavored with Sucralose. This is a zero-calorie, sugar substitute made from processing sugar.
Most brands of pre workouts on the market contain food coloring as well. There is some proof that food coloring could affect your body in a negative way.
If you want to stay away from chemicals and artificial ingredients, try an Organic Vegan Pre Workout.
Is A Pre Workout Safe Conclusion
When it comes down to it, a pre workout supplement is meant to be a healthy and safe way to increase athletic performance. They are manufactured for those of us that take care of our bodies and watch our diets.
Oddly enough most supplements are not FDA approved, and they are not required to be. However, the individual ingredients that pre workouts are made up of are regulated.
Research shows that nutritional supplements, if taken correctly are very safe. The benefits of taking a pre workout far outweigh any possible negatives. A possible side effect from pre workouts can be caused by your body getting used to new ingredients.
Some pre workouts may contain a small amount of artificial ingredients. If you want to avoid these, there are some healthier categories of pre workouts available. They include All Natural, Organic and Vegan Pre Workouts. These types of pre workouts also contain a more natural source of Caffeine.
If you have any issues with a pre workout, nutritional supplements come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Simply return it and try another one that works better for you.
If you have any questions or comments on, Is A Pre Workout Safe or anything else regarding exercise supplements, please leave a comment below and I will respond.
See the Healthiest Pre Workout Supplements