What Is Pre Workout For – Its All About The Buzz
What is pre workout for? Pre workout supplements will energize your workout, giving motivation an extra focus to take your exercise to a whole new level. The ingredients in pre workouts actually make your muscles stronger for maximum performance and recharge them during your workout so you will fatigue less and lift more.
This will enable your workout to be easier and more streamlined to be able to accomplish bigger goals in the gym or in any other sport such as running, exercise classes and Crossfit.
In this post, we will talk about the different ways that pre workout supplements are used, the products contained in pre workouts, and how to take pre workout supplements properly. We are all designed differently and have different goals in mind. That being said, different products will not affect each of us the same since we don’t all process supplements alike.
We will of course, answer the question of what is pre workout for. Hopefully, you will have enough information to help you make an educated choice on whether or not you should be taking pre workout supplements for your exercise routine.
What is Pre Workout For
Pre workout is a supplement that boosts your workout performance, It is usually in powder form to be mixed with water but can be sold as a liquid or even in a capsule.
Pre workout supplements are generally used by athletes, from bodybuilders and weightlifters to gymnasts and runners. Even a college student cramming for an exam would benefit. Basically a pre workout gives you energy for anything you are doing physically.
So pre workout can benefit you when taken before any athletic event, class or workout. Depending on the person, the effects take anywhere for 15 to 30 minutes and can last a couple of hours. On gym days I usually take it right before I leave the house, and by the time I get to the gym, I am ready to go.
Pre workout can be used at any age. However, I highly recommend it more as you get older. Sometimes we just don’t have the same kick that we use to when we were young.
With age, we have to work out harder just to make “less” gains since our bodies metabolize differently. At the same time, we need it more to help battle the effects of aging and try to stay healthy.
There are pre workout supplements designed for both Men and Women.
If you have any questions about what is pre workout for, please leave a comment in the box at the bottom and I will respond.
How to take your pre workout
If you have never taken a pre workout supplement before, please take my caution. Start out slow, less than the serving size at first. These powders are very strong and your body and your brain is not used to the ingredients. If you take the full amount or more the first time, there is a very good chance that you could get a headache. One of those brain freeze type headaches that can last awhile.
Take your pre workout 15 to 30 minutes before you need it. You will eventually know exactly how long it takes to “kick” in. In time, you will also be able to adjust the amount that is necessary to get the energy that you require for your activity. One of my favorite high powered Pre Workouts is Mr Hyde, pictured to your right.
You can reach a limit to were you don’t get any better results by taking more. It is definitely not recommended to do this. After a time, you can also build up a resistance to your pre workout. If this happens, the best thing to do is to take a break for a while or change brands.
At 180lbs, my optimal serving is about 1 1/2 scoops or 1 1/2 servings. If you are a big guy, you may be at 2 scoops. If you are a small-framed female, it may be 3/4 scoops. Once again, don’t take too much. It can be unhealthy and you will build up your tolerance quicker.
Pre workout Benefits
- Improves time to failure and work capacity by giving you increased amounts of energy
- Draws fluid to muscles making them have a greater appearance
- Boosts adrenaline helping breakdown fat cells
- Enhances physical performance
- Enhances the blood flow and helps muscles have a quicker recovery
- Increased Oxygen to your muscles giving you a better pump and more strength
- Boost power for a longer and harder workout
- Improves focus and attention
- Uses energy to burn fat rather than carbohydrates
What is in Pre Workout – The Caffeinated Part
The key ingredient to most pre workout supplements is Caffeine. This provides most of the boost for your energy and endurance. This ingredient is found in your pre workout anywhere between 100mg per serving and 500mg per serving.
It is important that you get the correct amount for your body. There should be enough to provide you with the energy to power through your workout, but not so much that it keeps you up at night. Keep in mind that your body does become resistant to the amount you are taking.
You will eventually need a little more to keep the same effect, especially if you are trying to maintain a high amount. If you are Caffeine Intollant, they have some excellent Caffeine Free Pre Workout alternatives.
What Is in a Pre Workout – Other Active Ingredients
The next ingredient that most feel is very important is Nitric Oxide. This increases blood flow to your muscles which helps with your muscle pump and endurance. Nitric Oxide will cause you to look more “vascular” because of the added blood flow that will make your veins look more pronounced.
Many times Nitric Oxide is the ingredients that will give you a little head tingle. This invigorating effect can be very motivating for some, but if you are uncomfortable with it don’t worry because the feeling will not last long.
Most pre workout supplements also contain Creatine. Creatine helps your muscles to produce energy during heavy lifting. It also helps with muscle gain and strength enhancement. Many athletes also take Creatine supplement in addition afterward for post workout recovery.
One side effect is that Creatine can create weight gain because one of the processes that make it work, can retain water. So use this in moderation. You can also purchase a Creatine Free Pre Workout.
Pre workout supplements contain many different Amino Acids. Amino Acids are protein building blocks that help the body manufacture protein. One of the main Amino Acids found in pre workout supplements is L-Arginine which also helps in muscle recovery.
L-Tyrosine is another Amino Acid sometimes found in pre workout supplements. L-Tyrosine can mentally stimulate your brain by increasing dopamine and adrenaline. There are two many Aminos to talk about in this post since there are so many different processes going on in your body.
BCAA’s are sometimes found in pre workout supplements. These are a group of 3 Amino Acid chains. These BCAA’s increase muscle growth, decrease muscle soreness and reduce fatigue. Many serious lifters will drink BCAA’s by itself during their workouts.
A last key ingredient that can be found is Beta-Alanine. This is used to help remove lactic acid build up. Lactic acid is a by product that comes from using your muscles while exercising. By removing this, it increases your athletic performance.
Here is a detailed post on ingredients titled C4 Pre Workout Ingredients.
What Are The Best Tasting Pre Workouts
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Are you ready to get energized!
I hope this helps you in getting ready to enter the pre workout world successfully and that this will streamline you on this venture. You may need to try several brands to find the one that’s just right for you. You don’t want one that keeps you up all night.
Fortunately, Most Companies have a 30-day Policy, so you will be able to return anything that doesn’t work for you even if you have used it.
The pre workout supplement that you choose should energize and motivate you to go harder in your sport of choice. If you’re into
weightlifting like me, it will help you get a stronger, longer workout. If you are more into endurance, cardio based athletics, check out my post on Pre Workout for Cardio.
My pre workout pushes me from a 30 minute workout to sometimes 1 1/2 hours. Remember not to take the full amount on your first time and never take more than you need until you are comfortable with a new product.
If you have any questions or need any further information on what is pre workout for, please leave me a comment. I will respond as soon as possible.
My Recommendations for the Best Pre Workout Supplements