Pre-Workout Guide - StapleActive

Pre-Workout Guide

Pre-workouts are designed to give you an extra edge in the gym. They can help you push harder, lift heavier and last longer. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the best pre-workout for your needs. We'll review some of the top products on the market and assess their ingredients to help you make an informed decision. So whether you're looking for a little extra energy or wanting to take your workout to the next level, this guide will help you find the perfect pre-workout for you.

We cover pre’s for energy, pump, focus and provide a recommendation for allrounders

Pump, Pump, Pump It Up!

If you're into getting the fullest pump and endurance during your workout, look for these ingredients on the label; 

  • Beta Alanine
  • L-Citrulline

Beta-alanine supplements increase carnosine, which reduces the acidity in your muscles during high-intensity exercise and the standard dosage of beta-alanine is 2–5 grams daily (Healthline). Now if you aren't in for that skin tingling sensation then avoid doses above 800mg at a time (Pubmed).  

Recommendations for intensity based on Beta Alanine doses are; 

  1. Chaos Crew - Bring the Chaos 3200mg & $3.00 per serve 
  2. Redcon - Big Noise 2500mg & $2.33 per serve 

Vasodilators are compounds that widen your blood vessels, which means that ingredients like L-citrulline fall under this category. L-citrulline increases nitric oxide biosynthesis, which in turn may lead to improved vasodilator function (NLOM).

The top picks for blood flow based on L-Citrulline are; 

  1. Alien Supps UNO 6000mg & $2.80 per serve 
  2. BPM - the One 3000mg & $2.33 per serve 

More energy!

Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you a boost of energy before you hit the gym. They typically contain ingredients like caffeine, B-vitamins, and amino acids. Caffeine is the key ingredient here, and it can come from coffee or other sources. If you're looking for an energy boost, these are the ingredients to look out for. Just be sure to read the label carefully so you know exactly what you're taking. There is about 75mg of Caffeine per shot of coffee so these are the equivalent to having a four! 

Key ingredients for energy; 

  • Caffeine  
  • Green Tea Extract
  • Natural Bitter Orange Extract  
  • B Vitamins 


The big hitters in the caffeine front are;  

  1. Adonis - Power 350mg & $2.33 per serve 
  2. Redcon - Total War 320mg & $2.33 per serve 

Please note that if you are choosing some of these pre workouts you are likely to go over your daily recommended dose if you also love your morning expresso. 

Talk to the Hand - I am here on business 

When you want to get down to business at the gym, these are my picks for pre-workout supplements. They help to stay focused and energized to make the most of your workout.

You should be looking for these ingredients; 

  • Taurine
  • L-Tyrosine 
  • Guarana 
  • Theobromine
  • English Walnut

First on my list is taurine. An amino acid helps to improve focus and mental clarity, and it also gives an extra boost of energy. Taurine has the ability to enhance muscle contraction and delay muscle fatigue, taurine may also benefit athletic performance (NLOM). Tyrosine is thought to increase important brain chemicals, which affect your mood and stress response but can clash with certain medications.

    The best selection based on Taurine and L-Tyrosine are;  

    1. EHP Labs - Prime, 500mg L-Tyrosine & $1.75 per serve
    2. Adonis - Power, 2000mg Taurine & $2.33 per serve   

    The Allrounders 

    If you are new the the fitness game and world of pre workouts here we summarize the allrounders. These don't have too much of any one substance so your not going give you a caffeine triggered headache or push that Beta Alanine levels to cause skin sensations. 

    1. BPM - The One, $2.33 per serve 
    2. Optimum Nutrition - Gold Standard, $1.16 per serve 
    3. Faction Labs - Disorder, $1.40 per serve 
    4. Axe and Sledge - 7th Gear, $1.25 per serve 
    5. JDN - Altered State, $1.75 per serve 

    The Hard Core 

    These pre workouts are high in caffeine, beta alanine, and L-Citrulline and should be approached with caution if you are new to the pre workout game. Many of these crossed over in the pump and energy categories; 

      1. Chaos Crew - Bring the Chaos $3.00 per serve
      2. Redcon - Total War $2.33 per serve 
      3. Adonis - Power $2.33 per serve 
      4. Alien Supps - Uno $2.80 per serve

    Summary

    If you're looking for a pre workout that tastes great, I recommend checking out the samples at your local supplement store before committing to a purchase. Once you've found a pre workout that you enjoy drinking, make sure to follow the directions on the label in order to get the most out of it. With so many options available, there's no excuse not to find a pre workout that works for you!

      

    Sources 

    • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/beta-alanine-101#sources
    • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-taurine#benefits
    • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21847611/ 
    • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8515244/
    • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073798/
    • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8152067/
    Notes: 
    • Price per serve based on internet search of product cost divided by servings per container. 
    • Always read the label and follow instructions. 
    • This is an informative guide only. 
    • Always read the label to check ingredients as products will alter contents from time to time. 

     

     

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