What is Pre Workout and Do You Need It?

By  //  July 25, 2022

Have you ever arrived at the gym for a workout but found yourself fatigued or unmotivated? It can be incredibly frustrating because it affects your workout, leading you to have a less-than-satisfying session. Luckily, there is a solution to keeping your mind and body motivated and ready to handle any exercise in your routine.

When you take a pre-workout before your gym session delivers the endurance you need to make your workout more impactful. Read on to learn more about pre-workout and how it can help you feel energized to crush your fitness goals.

What Does Pre-Workout Do?

Fitness lovers take pre-workout to deliver essential energy to take on an intense workout. The supplement provides endurance and motivation to tackle whatever routine you’re working toward for each session. You’ll feel a boost of energy and experience increased focus.

Pre-workout has other benefits to the body as well such as building muscle strength and reducing post-workout fatigue and muscle soreness to make recovery easier.

Pre-workout comes in a variety of formats but the most common form is in a powder. The powder can be added to water, shakes, and more. It is recommended that you take a pre-workout 30 minutes before you begin exercising. This gives the supplement time to work through your system and deliver the benefits you need for a more effective workout. 

Common Ingredients in Pre-Workout and Their Benefits

One of the main reasons fitness lovers reach for pre-workout is for increased energy. The ingredient that delivers that is caffeine. Caffeine is the most common ingredient in pre-workout and works to increase your focus, supply you with energy, and improve your performance overall.

Each pre-workout varies in how much caffeine is in it, but typically, one serving of pre-workout equals 3 cups of coffee. That can seem like a lot, so if you’re sensitive to caffeine, consider reducing the amount of pre-workout you use. Additionally, you may want to forgo coffee the day you plan to take pre-workout as the results could be adverse when consuming both.

Two other ingredients in pre-workout are beta-alanine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Beta-alanine is included to aid with high-intensity workouts by buffering your muscles, lower fatigue, and enhancing recovery. BCAA helps increase lean body mass, promotes muscle growth, and reduces damage to your muscles.

Some pre-workouts contain non-essential amino acids such as taurine, L-Theanine, and L-Citrulline. Taurine can help regulate blood pressure, improve heart function, and stimulate nerve growth. L-Theanine works to increase your focus while L-Citrulline can improve circulation. These ingredients can help the overall function of your body during your workout and post-workout.

Tips for Taking Pre-Workout 

Before you begin taking any pre-workout product, you will want to do two things: talk with your doctor and perform your research. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before adding new supplements to your diet. They can advise you on the risks associated with a pre-workout and speak to your specific health needs. 

There are lots of different pre-workout products to choose from. Aside from a powder form, you can also find pre-workouts in pills or pre-made meals. Conduct research on some of the options and look at the ingredients. Research some of the side effects.

Some of the common side effects include changes in digestion, irregular heartbeat, or an increase in blood pressure. If you have any health-related concerns such as a history of high blood pressure, consider that as you research the pre-workout that’s right for you. 

One challenge many people experience with a pre-workout is the taste, specifically powders. Some powders can have a plain taste and chalky texture and, no matter how well mixed, can still hinder the taste. There are plenty of pre-workout powders available that come in fun flavors that enhance whatever you mix it with and don’t leave you feeling nauseous by the taste.

When taking pre-workout, it’s also important to stick with the recommended dosage. Never take more than the recommended amount to reduce the risk of experiencing harmful side effects. To enjoy the continued benefits of a pre-workout, take it consistently instead of using it every once in a while. 

Conclusion

If you’re feeling less than enthused with your energy, focus, and recovery during your workouts, consider adding a pre-workout to your routine. You can enjoy more benefits that can help you improve your overall health and your body will d feel much stronger.