What Is The Best Pre Workout Energy Booster – Energize Your Workouts
Pre workout supplements are the most effective way to get increased performance, stamina, motivation, and focus. Out of all the products out there, what is the best pre workout energy booster for an intense workout?
One of the most critical factors for any exercise routine is having enough energy to power through. This research will break down some key ingredients, analyze pre workout benefits, and answer “are pre workouts safe”.
Pre Workout Benefits
This proven supplement has been shown to boost endurance and increase the length of time that one can train. It is also proven to be the best method of burning calories for effective, long term weight loss.
Pre workout supplements are made up of caffeine for amped-up energy and amino acid proteins that increase strength, muscle endurance, and fight fatigue.
⇒Blind studies have shown that when a group using a pre workout supplement is compared to a group taking a placebo, the ones using the pre workout improved their speed, reaction time, and their decision making time.
Here is a more complete list of possible benefits from a pre workout supplement.
Provides intense energy- Improved athletic performance
- Makes you feel stronger
- Less perceived physical effort
- More efficient workout routines
- Boosts motivation and focus
- Provides greater speed
- Jump starts adrenaline to increase athletic ability
- Longer muscle endurance
- Circulates more nutrients and oxygen to muscle
- Muscles recover faster between exercises
- Helps with muscle fatigue
- Torches calories at a much faster rate
- Thermogenic ingredients burn fat before energy stores
Is Pre Workout Safe
Pre workout supplement manufacturers provide a product aimed at a more health conscious community.
Although there is no such thing as an FDA approved pre workout, if there is ever a report of any unsafe supplements, this agency would quickly remove it from the shelves.
Reports of problems from taking a pre workout are rare. Any issues almost always come from taking more than the recommended dose.
More is not always better. This is a strong supplement that can cause temporary problems if overused. Start with one serving, and work your way up.
If you are Caffeine Intolerant or have a Caffeine allergy, it’s extremely important to watch how much you take. Too much can result in increased heart rate, the jitters, upset stomach, just to name the minor side effects.
If this is the case, there are some excellent Caffeine Free Pre Workout alternatives.
Although Creatine is a very effective muscle builder, there have been a few cased of bloating and discomfort from it. If so, look for a Creatine Free Pre Workout.
See the Best Stimulant Free Pre Workouts
Pre Workout Supplement Options
Since each one of us is built differently, there is not really a “one size fits all” brand. You may have to try a couple of different ones to find out which works best for your body.
Men’s Pre Workouts
Pre workout supplements are generally interchangeable between men and women. There are few that are marketed more from men.
The difference between pre workouts for men is that they tend to be a little stronger. Most men have a faster metabolism that will burn through the ingredients more quickly.
Women’s Pre Workouts
There are also pre workouts aimed at women. Besides the pink label, many women’s pre workouts contain extra nutrients that women need. This includes additional vitamins and minerals.
Women tend to have smaller frames and are lighter than men. This means that they require smaller quantities of caffeine and amino acids.
All Natural Pre Workouts
Since working out goes hand in hand with nutrition, I’ll introduce you to some healthier pre workout options. These are quickly becoming increasingly more popular within the nutritional supplement industry.
All Natural Pre Workout Supplements are a great alternative. As opposed to the traditional pre workout on the market, these do not contain any artificial flavors, colors of sugars.
Organic Pre Workouts
My personal favorite is the Organic Pre Workout Supplement category. Like the All Natural,
these do not contain any artificial ingredients. However, they are produced without pesticides, fertilizers, or any other man-chemicals.
Vegan Pre Workouts
Lastly, some companies make Vegan Pre Workout Supplements. Many of these Vegan options come with the same standards that go into All Natural and Organic. However, they don’t contain any animal or dairy products.
The traditional, most popular pre workouts tend to contain a bit more caffeine and amino acids in them. However, these healthier categories are made with better, more quality ingredients.
⇒ If you have any questions or comments about these natural alternatives for pre workouts, please leave a message below and I will respond.
What Is The Best Pre Workout Energy Booster
Product: Gorilla Mode Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on Gorilla Mode
Caffeine Per Serving: 350mg
Container size: 40 servings
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Manufacturer: Gorilla Mind at gorillamind.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This looks like the one. It has the highest amount of Creatine at 5 grams. Gorilla Mode has the highest amount of the Amino, Citrulline Malate I’ve seen.
The 3000mg of Glycerol is a pre workout bonus. It’s proven to support hydration, therefore enhancing performance. Be careful with the 350mg of Caffeine, this is among the highest you can get in a pre workout.
I’m impressed with this powerhouse. These are the specifications for the 2 scoop quantity on the label. Be sure to start out with one scoop in the beginning.
Gorilla Mode Positives
- Contains the best clinical dose of Creatine
- 350mg of Caffeine
- 9 grams of Citrulline Malate
- Contains thermogenics for fat burn
- 23,500 mg of total nitric oxide precursors
- Kanna to enhance mood and cognitive activity
Potential Negatives
- Good chance this is too strong for some
- Artificial flavors
See my Gorilla Mode Pre Workout Review
Product: C4 Ultimate Shred Pre Workout Powder
Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on C4 Ultimate Shred
Caffeine per serving: 300mg
Container size: 20 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Cellucor at cellucor.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
If you are looking for the “ultimate” pre workout energy, this is the one. C4 is the most recognized pre workout in the industry.
An added bonus is that it contains large amounts amount of thermogenic ingredients for fat burn. They will heat up your body internally to burn calories at a faster rate. It’s also loaded with amino acids for muscle endurance.
C4 Ultimate Positives:
- Contains the most thermogenic properties
- 300mg of Caffeine
- Explosive weight loss matrix
- High intensity endurance formula
- My favorite pick for fat burn
Possible Negatives:
- Very strong-start out slow
- Most expensive at $2.50 per serving
See My C4 Ultimate Shred Review
Product: B-NOX Ripped Pre-Workout Formula
Price: $$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on B-NOX Ripped
Caffeine per Serving: 197mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 3.9 out of 5
Manufacturer: Betancourt Nutrition at betancourtnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Ride the bull with this intense pre workout. This one also contains thermogenic ingredients for fat burn. It’s also high in amino acids such as Beta Alanine.
The quantity of caffeine is more for a pre workout. This will be a great supplement if excess caffeine gives you the jitters. B-NOX has been around for a long time and is a proven product.
B-NOX Positives:
- Thermogenic Fat Burning blend includes L-Carnitine and Capsimax
- Burns fat rather than carbohydrates
- Metabolism boosting ingredients
- Contains vitamins and minerals
- 1600 grams of Beta-Alanine for endurance
Possible Negatives:
- Makes you sweat a lot
- Very strong flavor
See my B-NOX Pre Workout Review
Product: Bucked Up Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Bucked Up
Caffeine Per Serving: 200mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Bucked Up at buckedup.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This pre workout has an average quantity of caffeine but contains plenty of amino acids. There are no filler ingredients; this is pure power.
It contains more Citrulline Malate than most pre workouts. This is necessary for vascularization and muscle endurance.
Although there are mixed reviews on this ingredient, one of the highlights is that it contains deer antler velvet. This ingredient is thought to provide many benefits including athletic performance.
Bucked Up Positives
- 200mg of Caffeine is just right
- Contains deer antler velvet for performance
- Extra L-Citrulline for increased endurance
- No filler ingredients
- Great tasting
Potential Negatives:
- Not the cheapest. Natural and artificial flavors.
- Doesn’t contain Creatine.
See my Bucked Up Pre Workout Review
Product: BSN Endorush Pre Workout Powder
Price: $
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on Endorush
Caffeine per Serving: 3oomg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 3.9 out of 5
Manufacturer: BSN at gobsn.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
BSN Endorush is a tamer yet higher Creatine version of N.O. Xplode pre workout. It provides plenty of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline for muscle pumps. The 300mg of Caffeine comes from natural sources but beware of taking this amount for your first time.
Endorush contains two closely related Creatines, Monohydrate and Nitrate. It also has one of the highest quantities of Creatine in a pre workout. Endorush is loaded with Aminos and other strong ingredients for energy and endurance and contains no fillers.
The Yohimibe root has several benefits in pre workouts. However, a few people may have small side effects from this natural product. This root extract, along with black pepper extract work as thermogenics for fat burn.
Endorush Pre Workout Positives:
- Among the highest amount of Creatine
- 300 grams of Caffeine
- 1600mg of Beta Alanine
- Additional minerals for hydration
- Contains thermogenic ingredients for fat burn
Potential Negatives:
- Yohimbe may give some people negative effects
- Natural and artificial colors
Product: Beyond Raw LIT Pre Workout Energy
Price: $$
Where to purchase:
Caffeine per Serving: 250mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Beyond Raw LIT at gnc.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
LIT is packed with fat burning and energy. It has a fairly average amount of caffeine as well as thermogenic ingredients. Where this one excels is its high quantity of creatine and amino acids.
This should be all you need for muscle endurance and growth. Its a great tasting pre workout and comes in 7 different flavors.
Beyond Raw Positives:
- 5 grams of Creatine for muscle endurance
- Contains powerful Amino Acids
- ATP to support improved strength and performance
- Fat burning formula
- Comes in 7 flavors
Possible Negatives:
- 250mg Caffeine on the low end – still strong
- Contains less thermogenic ingredients
Product: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout
Price: $
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on Gold Standard
Caffeine Per Serving: 175mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Optimum Nutrition at optimumnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This one may be the best bang for the buck for a pre workout with Creatine. The Caffeine quantity is a little lower, but this can be a good thing if you want to avoid the jitters and possible anxiety from high doses.
It’s loaded with Vitamin B for natural energy and Vitamin D for immune support. AstraGin is added to increase the absorption of peptides, Amino Acids, and vitamins.
Gold Standard does seem to have the most artificial additives of any in this review. However, a couple of small scoops a week won’t kill ya and Gold Standard is a trusted name in the industry.
Gold Standard Positives:
- 3 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- 175mg of naturally sourced Caffeine
- Full of Vitamin B, D, and minerals
- AstraGin for proper Amino Acid absorption
- Excellent reviews for a low priced pre workout
Potential Negatives:
- Artificial colors and flavors
- Low L-Citrulline
Product: Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre-Workout
Price: $$$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on ENGN
Caffeine per Serving: 300mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Evlution Nutrition at evlnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
ENGN has 2 grams of Creatine Monohydrate. It has a 2 stage extended sustained energy release for a longer, more intense workout. This pre workout also has a high Caffeine quantity of 300mg, so don’t take this too late in the evening.
There several added ingredients such as Huperzine A and L-Tyrosine that support focus, mood enhancing, mental focus, concentration. This works well to get a more efficient and faster workout.
Theobroma Cocoa extract is added for natural energy as well at plenty of vitamin B12. Betaine elevates exercise production and power with delayed muscle fatigue.
ENGN Pre Workout Positives:
- 2 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- 2 stage energy formula
- 300mg of Caffeine
- 1600mg of Beta Alanine
- Loaded with vitamin B12
- Comes in 6 flavors
Potential Negatives:
- Contains artificial ingredients
- Proprietary blends
Product: MusclePharm Assault Pre Workout
Price: $
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on MP Assault
Caffeine per Serving: 250mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Musclepharm at musclepharm.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Here is another good pre workout if you’re on a budget. It is disappointing not to see L-Arginine or L-Citrulline for endurance and muscle pump.
There is a sufficient amount of Creatine for a pre workout at 3 grams, and has a high amount of Beta Alanine. This Caffeine quantity works well for the average person. Pre workouts can range between a low 100mg and a crazy 400mg per serving.
Assault contains a lot of Vitamin B for natural energy. It contains natural coloring yet has artificial flavors.
MP Assault Pre Workout Positives:
- 3 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- 250mg of Caffeine is an average amount
- 1750mg of Beta Alanine
- Natural colors
- No proprietary blends
Potential Negatives:
- Artificial flavors
- Low in some Amino Acids
Pre Workout Energy in a Bind
Inexperienced weekend warriors sometimes use coffee or energy drinks for running, weight lifting or cardio. These options will work to some extent because they contain caffeine. They are excellent for waking us up and for a quick upper when necessary.
Although they will work in a bind, there are a few drawbacks to using coffee or an energy drink for exercise performance.
Energy from Coffee
One issue is that you would need to drink quite a few cups of coffee to get the caffeine in a pre workout drink. This could cost you up to $20 per day at Starbucks.
By the time that you slam more than one cup of coffee, you will most likely either have stomach discomfort or be running to the bathroom quite often.
A cup of coffee usually contains around 90mg of caffeine whereas an average pre workout supplement will contain between 150-400mg. This amount of coffee will take up to one hour whereas pre workouts are closer to 25-30 minutes.
Energy Drinks
With an energy drink, you will receive an initial rush of impressive energy. However, this will be short lived and is most times followed by a crash. This is far from ideal in the middle of your workout routine.
Another issue with energy drinks is that there are no ingredients to impact strength or muscle endurance. Pre workout supplements contain amino acids that provide that stamina, vascularity, and quick muscle recovery between sets.
These amino acids provide a much more intense workout than with caffeine alone.
Pre Workout “On the Go”
If you are looking for the convenience of a pre workout supplement in a crunch, there are better options than an energy drink.
One I’m particular is C4 Energy Drink. This comes in Original or Ultimate with 300mg of caffeine per can.
Pre workouts “on the go” include the same amino acids that are in traditional pre workouts. A set back to these is that you can’t adjust the strength like you can when mixing the powdered form.
If you have a favorite pre workout energy booster that you recommend, I would like to know what it is. Please let me know in the comment section at the bottom.
See My Review on C4 Energy “On the Go”
Best Pre Workout Energy Booster Wrap Up
Pre workout supplements are meant to provide intense energy, increase muscle endurance, and improve athletic performance.
This energy boost can be effective whether you are doing Cross-fit, cardio, running, or weightlifting. Pre workouts are even effective for weight loss and fat burn.
The clean energy from the caffeine not only gives you that get-up-and-go, but also increases motivation, focus, and stamina.
The amino acids in a pre workout increase power, muscle growth, and boost endurance.
A good pre workout provides you with multiple benefits that will help you to reach exercise goals quickly and more efficiently.
⇒ If you have any questions or comments on what is the best pre workout energy booster, please leave a message below and I will respond.
See the Best Supplements For Muscle Growth
