Top Pick
- High dose of caffeine, creatine, and BCAAs.
- Full disclosure of ingredients.
- No proprietary blends.
Acquiring all the nutrients you need through food can be tricky and unpleasant, even more so if it’s in line with fitness. Supplements can make life easier, so why not give them a go?
Before I get to the best pre workout supplements for you, here’s a couple of things you should know about them.
First, here are the top picks for pre-workout supplements. Below, I’ll expand on the pros and cons of each one in detail.
The Best Pre Workout Supplements
So without further ado, here’s a look at what I think are the best pre workout supplements. They’re reviewed based on their effect, taste, and ingredients. Note that all of the following products contain creatine.
1. PRE JYM Pre Workout
JYM Supplement Science has done a fantastic job with this all-arounder pre workout. Its BCAA content helps your endurance, the creatine assists your muscles, and the stimulant—caffeine—helps you burn fat and stay focused.
Pre JYM also takes pride in its full disclosure of both its ingredients and their volumes, something not all brands put effort into. It’s not an all-natural supplement, though.
This is a great choice for all types of fitness, be it cardio, bodybuilding, or weight training. It’s high in caffeine, though, so perhaps you should save it for high-intensity workouts.
- Pros
- High dose of caffeine, creatine, and BCAAs.
- All-arounder supplement that can be used for various workouts.
- Full disclosure of ingredients.
- Effective, with no side effects.
- No proprietary blends.
- Cons
- Contains artificial sweeteners and flavors.
- Vitamin content could be higher.
- Not a budget option.
- Doesn’t taste good.
2.Gnarly Nutrition - Pre-workout
Gnarly Pre-Workout is a comprehensive pre-workout designed to deliver a natural energy boost while simultaneously increasing endurance and promoting recovery. All of our ingredients are included at effective doses, and with no proprietary blends.
- Pros
- High dose of citrulline malate (5 grams).
- 2.5 grams of beta-alanine.
- Comes with and without Caffeine.
- Contains 4 grams of Vegan BCAA blend.
- Not overpowering flavor (no bad breath).
- Full disclosure of ingredients.
- No proprietary blends.
- Cons
- No Vitamin content.
- No creatine.
3. PRE KAGED Pre Workout
Pre Kaged has an insanely long list of ingredients, something you don’t often see in pre workouts. It seems the focus here is on muscle building, but you get a significant energy spike from it too.
It contains an impressive 6 grams of L-Citrulline, an amino acid which improves circulation and promotes muscle growth. It also has BCAAs, Leucine for protein synthesis, and 1.5 grams of creatine. Definitely consider this one if you’re bodybuilding, but not if you’re a beginner!
- Pros
- Works as an all-around pre workout.
- It’s an excellent choice for muscle growth.
- Contains no artificial flavors or colors.
- Tastes great.
- Cons
- Could cause jitters or other side effects.
- Contains twice as many ingredients as other supplements.
- Contains sucralose.
- Not for beginners.
4. Optimum Nutrition GOLD STANDARD
Optimum Nutrition is a firm favorite in pre workouts because its products are high quality, effective, and reputable. As with the two listed above, this is a versatile supplement that you can use for both cardio and weight training.
It’s mild with its caffeine content, with a fair 175 milligrams per serving. To compensate, you get 3 grams of creatine and 1.5 grams each of citrulline and beta-alanine. However, Optimum Nutrition includes artificial flavors. It even contains FD&C #40—an artificial dye.
- Pros
- Effective for all workouts.
- Mild caffeine content to reduce side effects.
- Good dose of creatine.
- Popular and highly recommended brand.
- Tastes good.
- Cons
- Contains artificial flavors and colors.
- Could still produce side effects or jitters.
- Contains sucralose.
- Ingredients label leaves much to be desired.
5. N.O.-XPLODE Pre Workout
One of the more underrated pre workouts, N.O.-XPLODE is also an all-around pre workout, but the difference is that its focus is energy. Masses of energy. This supplement might not be for the faint-hearted.
Its caffeine content is nothing too out of the ordinary at 275 milligrams per serving, but it contains an emphasized energy blend, the combined values of which amount to 1.3 grams per serving. That is a lot of energy. Save this one for high-intensity workouts.
On the plus side, it’s high in vitamins and creatine, so if you don’t mind the extreme boost you’ll get from this, it’s worth looking into.
- Pros
- Gives you a significant energy boost.
- High in vitamins and minerals.
- Contains electrolytes.
- High creatine content.
- The taste is alright.
- Cons
- Energy levels are extreme, might not be suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine and other energizers.
- Side effects are likely.
- Proprietary blend.
6. The Curse Pre Workout
Depending on your body, this could either be a mild pre workout or a great energizer. All in all, I’d say that this pre workout is not a perfect product, but it’s a great compromise.
The caffeine content is low. At only 145 milligrams per serving, you’re not getting that much more than the average cup of coffee. This is great for reducing the risk of side effects, but the product itself doesn’t compensate with much else.
This pre workout has an “energizing muscle fuel blend” which contains creatine, but it’s proprietary, so I can’t tell you how much you’re getting. The ingredients seem a little too simple, but customer satisfaction is good enough.
- Pros
- Low caffeine content means reduced risk of side effects.
- Good for muscle growth and energy boosts.
- Inexpensive option.
- Cons
- Proprietary blends so ingredient values are a mystery.
- Taste could be better.
- May not be as effective as others.
Informational guide on Pre-Workout Supplements
What Are Pre-Workout supplements?
A pre workout is typically described as a supplement taken before exercise that enhances, intensifies, or boosts your workout performance. There’s a variety of types of pre workouts, but they’re usually taken as powder shakes.
The best pre workout supplements contain minerals, nutrients, and often stimulants that your body needs for endurance, energy, and muscle maintenance.
Don’t point your finger at the bodybuilders, though! While pre workouts are certainly a favorite in weight training, they’re used for all kinds of exercise, by all sorts of people.
Those who swear by them say that pre workouts allow you to push harder and endure more. This means that you can intensify your workout further than you would be able to without the supplements, and so you reap a greater fitness reward.
So… They’re Steroids?
Absolutely not.
Steroids are artificial hormones that your body won’t consume or produce naturally. Pre workout supplements are concentrated extracts of substances we consume through our food.
Steroids are mostly illegal and take a serious (and often damaging) toll on your chemistry. They change your physique and mood, and because the changes are so massive and rapid, they give you an unfair athletic advantage—hence their banishment from sports.
Pre workouts only supplement your pre-existing diet and regimen. They’re considered food because you can take in their nutrients naturally through your meals.
They are performance enhancers, yes, but natural ones. They do not add impossible hormones to your body, nor do they change your chemistry. Instead, they promote the production of healthy and necessary substances that your body could make on its own regardless.
Types of Pre Workouts Supplements
Pre workouts are not all the same and it’s a case of different strokes for different folks. Someone who hopes to improve their cardio shouldn’t use the same pre workout as a bodybuilder. There are four common types of pre workouts, each with different effects.
Thermogenic Pre Workouts
Thermogenic pre workouts are used for weight loss. They increase your body heat and speed up your metabolism so you burn more calories faster. They’re also said to suppress your appetite, boost your energy, and burn fat.
Pre Workouts with Creatine
Creatine is a compound that behaves similarly to protein. It assists with muscle growth and regeneration, so it’s all the rage in weight training. It won’t magically bulk you up, though. It may make it easier for you to build muscle, but you still have to put the effort in.
Stimulants
Pre workouts that include stimulants (usually caffeine) will spike your energy, increase your heart rate and enable you to go faster, longer and harder. They’re favored in cardio and endurance training because of the significant power boost they ignite.
Creatine/Stimulant Free
Those who aren’t looking to build muscle or who may be sensitive to stimulants might look for a pre workout that still provides the energy boost but without creatine or stimulants included.
You might like a pre workout that does more than one of the above, or you may prefer a supplement that excludes certain ingredients. The key, of course, is to pay attention to the ingredients and function of your chosen product.
Are Pre Workout Supplements Necessary?
No, but they’re effective, so does it matter?
Remember that pre workouts are supplements that are created from foods we already know are effective at giving us energy and minerals—they’re just powdered. That said, let science speak for them.
Creatine, for example, can’t be argued with. It’s proven as an effective supplement that has a great (and positive) effect on your muscles.
Caffeine has been scrutinized too, and the conclusion is that it benefits athletes, because it really does increase your energy, power, and endurance.
Other common ingredients in the best pre workout supplements have also shown positive effects.
Beta Alanine and betaine prevent fatigue, improve strength and maintain endurance. L-Theanine assists with stress relief, cognitive function and circulation. BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) are proteins, and they encourage muscle growth and prevent fatigue.
If you want these benefits or are just looking to intensify or enhance your workout, it doesn’t matter that pre workouts are not necessary. If you’d prefer to get these benefits through whole foods instead, that’s perfectly fine too.
Pre workouts are just a convenient alternative. Their advantages are what’s important.
Conclusion
These are just five of the best pre workout supplements available to you. There are dozens, maybe even hundreds of reputable brands that could offer you an enhanced workout, but this should suffice in getting you started.
I recommend Pre Jym as one of the best pre workout supplements. It’s the perfect choice for all types of exercise, and the brand is open and honest about what you’re putting into your body, which is much appreciated. It’s an effective product, with no ill effects.
If you’re looking something versatile, that’s not too intense or diluted, go for Pre Jym. It’s a great product that has everything you need for your workout.
