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The number one supplement I recommend to clients who have intense workouts and often get muscle fatigue is a pre-workout supplement.
You will quickly notice that you can lift more, do more reps, and feel less tired halfway through your routine. And getting the most out of every workout should be at the top of your list.
But in a market with so many low-grade products, it's best to choose pre-workouts carefully.
After years of consuming and testing some of the best pre-workout supplements for men, I've come to create this article, to help you make your informed decision.
Here are pre-workouts we reviewed to help you maximize your time at the gym.
Our Best Pre-Workout Supplements (March 2023)
1 - Gorilla Mode Pre-workout (Editor's Choice)
Consumers who have tried Gorilla Mode Pre-workout attest to the product's claims of leveling up physical and mental performance.
When taken 30 minutes before your workout, this supplement gives you the muscle strength and endurance you need to start and finish your routine without feeling fatigued.
Additionally, it provides such an intense pump that you'll be completely focused on finishing your workout in no time.
Due to the full clinically effective doses of each ingredient, Gorilla Mode is well worth the investment; therefore, purchase in bulk to save money.
- Increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscle to boost endurance
- Rehydrates your muscle cells, allowing you to perform better
- It contains powerful stimulants that will boost your energy, focus, and mood
- There are a wide variety of refreshing flavors to choose from
- It is a bit more expensive than other pre-workouts
Gorilla mode did not disappoint, as it provided me with unrivaled energy and a massive pump, allowing me to perform more reps with ease.
Get 10% off using coupon code: TOTALSHAPE
2 - Transparent Labs PreSeries Bulk Pre-Workout
If you're a coffee drinker and stimulants don't bother you, then a good dose of caffeine can make quite a difference to your mental performance and motivation.
What a lot of users highlight about PreSeries Bulk Pre-Workout is that you get a good dose of BCAAs and beta-alanine in each serving. These protein types play a role in reducing premature fatigue, as well as speeding up muscle recovery.
- Contains a lot of caffeine for effective motivation
- With 4 g of BCAAs, it can help combat fatigue and muscle soreness
- Has 4 g of beta-alanine that can increase muscular endurance and performance
- Available in a good selection of flavors
- Not the cheapest option but it does deliver
Of all the pre-workout supplements we tested, this one does come out as the most expensive one. But the choice of amino acids and performance nutrition has delivered a large number of positive reviews.
Get 10% off using coupon code: TOTALSHAPE
3 - 4 Gauge
I must say, I love the marketing that went into 4 Gauge Pre-Workout. I was hesitant because, more often than not, these aggressive marketing tactics indicate that a bit is lacking in what is delivered.
This one has been specifically designed for muscular endurance at the gym as far as pre-workout supplements go. Some users have also reported that it's an excellent pump supplement that can improve performance when running, among other benefits.
Athletes have commented in many reviews that creatine helps with providing more strength and performance under strenuous activities [2].
- 150 mg of caffeine can increase mental endurance
- Can boost athletic performance through creatine
- No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
- Doesn't use sugar or refined carbs for artificial performance boost
- May cause an upset stomach
What's also commendable is that you won't get any refined or empty carbs on this pre-workout. Thus, users experience no blood sugar spikes.
Another highlight is that this pre-workout is suitable for women.
This pre-workout supplement is easy to mix, tastes quite nice, and now comes in two additional flavors. Personally, I get bored of the same flavors, so it's refreshing to be able to choose between Frozen Lemonade, Pina Colada, and the classic Fruit Blast flavor. For more info, read our full 4 Gauge Pre-Workout review.
4 - Pre Lab Pro
Pre Lab Pro claims to have selected scientifically chosen ingredients like creatine and L-citrulline, which can help you power up your fitness and exercise routines [1].
Many bodybuilders that I work with have noted that it gives them a lot better pumps during weight training as well.
- A combination of creatine and L-citrulline can raise available energy in muscles
- Bodybuilders can gain from raised nitric oxide for better pumps
- Used by many athletes daily without adverse effects
- Caffeine-free and vegan-friendly ingredients
- Taking 4 pre-workout capsules in one go before exercise is not as convenient as a shake
For those that are sensitive to stimulants, having caffeine-free products like this is ideal. But keep in mind that you'll have to swallow 4 to 6 capsules of this pre-workout supplement to get the full dose.
5 - Nitrosurge Pre-Workout
If you're specifically after effectively maximizing your muscle pumps, then Nitrosurge may well be your top choice out of all the best pre-workout supplements on this list.
Studies have shown that 3 g of L-citrulline can increase blood flow to your muscles [3].
Although not the strongest pre-workout, it comes with a strong dose of caffeine and L-theanine, so make sure you avoid coffee around the same time as that could cause some jitters.
- With no added sugar or carbs, it won't mess with your diet efforts
- Claims to raise nitric oxide levels, so you get better pumps
- Strong stimulant effect from 180 mg of caffeine per serving
- Suitable for vegans with a plant-based formula
- Doesn't contain creatine but still increases endurance
The one thing I was missing on the ingredients label was some creatine. Despite this, many reviews still say that this pre-workout provided an excellent strength and performance boost in all types of sports.
6 - C4 Original by Cellucor
If you've been around sports nutrition long enough, you have most likely come across Cellucor in one form or another.
What I like about this best pre-workout is that you get an energy boost from stimulants. With 150 mg of caffeine, it is not too overpowering to cause jitters.
A lot of athletes say that it's effective enough to power up your fitness routine by providing some extra strength. There is a stronger version of it available, but you don't always need the maximum dose of active ingredients to see some benefits.
- Provides a notable increase in energy levels
- A balanced amount of ingredients including beta-alanine and modest caffeine content
- Good discounts available with subscription options
- An impressive selection of tasty flavors
- Some people found the consistency a bit chalky
One thing I would agree with some reviews is that it doesn't mix all that easily with water in a shaker.
7 - Pre-Kaged Premium Pre-Workout
Here is one of the most recommended pre-workout supplements in some bodybuilding forums that I regularly check. A lot of people said that it was pretty effective for weight training where you want to achieve maximum pumps.
It also provides a nice boost of protein that can help you prepare for the recovery phase. Essentially, you can have enough protein in your system to make sure your muscles can immediately start the recovery process.
- Many users highlight the better pumps they get
- Good selection of amino acids to increase muscle power and recovery
- Very low-calorie so it won't mess with your diet
- Third-party tested for banned substances
- The flavors are a bit sweet tasting so you may want to add more water
Quite a few people mentioned that with the sweeteners used, you may want to water it down just a little to reduce the sugary effects.
8 - EVL ENGN Shred Pre-Workout
One thing that stood out for us with this ENGN pre-workout was that quite a few people commented on how fast the absorption of the active ingredients seemed. I've seen people take it as short as 10 minutes before their warmup routine.
With my favorite ingredient, creatine, included, it can make quite a difference when it comes to providing benefits like strength and endurance.
Check out our full ENGN Shred review.
- Not overly reliant on stimulants
- Fast-acting
- A good dose of beta-alanine and creatine for better exercise routine performance
- You won't get bored of the flavor options too quickly
- Some of the nutrition facts are hidden behind a proprietary blend
I like that you have a load of flavors to choose from as I often get bored with the same taste.
One thing I need to mention, though, is that most of the amounts of ingredients are kept secret in a proprietary blend, which can make stacking a bit more difficult.
9 - Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy
The main goal that Optimum Nutrition had was to stand out from other pre-workout supplements by keeping it simple. Essentially, you get some targeted protein to help with muscle power and endurance and very little else.
They don't even go overboard when it comes to caffeine. Overall, you won't have to worry about messing with your diet due to the low-calorie content.
- Focuses on providing amino acids with no fillers or additives
- A modest 100 mg of caffeine won't make you too jittery
- Low in calories so it won't mess up your diet
- The company hides behind a proprietary blend
- Contains artificial flavors and some of them are a bit fake
However, it's not all good news. Some of the details on the active ingredients list are hidden behind proprietary information. And there are also some artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners added in as well.
10 - Pre JYM Pre-Workout Powder
I know a good few athletes who need a strong pre-workout with a maximum dose of stimulants to power through their exercise routines, but you're not going to take fewer cups of coffee to do that. Pre JYM has solved this with a pretty impressive 300 mg of caffeine.
This pump supplement is not going to be a solution for everyone, but if you don't suffer from jitters, then this might be one of the pre-workouts you need to try out.
- Protein sources provide a boost in essential amino acids
- Good selection of flavors
- A strong dose of stimulants with 300 mg of caffeine
- Added black pepper to help with absorption
- Has some artificial flavors and sweeteners
- Also contains sugar, which can impact specific diets
One thing to keep in mind is that from a content perspective, it's not all good news. You have to account for some added sugar as well as artificial flavors, which a lot of people try to avoid these days.
11 - Battle Ready Fuel Pre Workout
Another very well-marketed brand is Battle Ready Fuel, and they have managed to gain quite some following in the sports and fitness supplements industry. Many bodybuilders I work with make sure they add this to their stacks on their high-intensity days.
It comes with some added whey protein so that your body has some nutrition ready for the recovery phase. You also get some vitamins and minerals that your muscles will need for a healthy and fast recovery.
- It can aid in better strength and endurance during heavy weight training
- Added whey protein helps to protect muscle mass
- Contains added vitamins to support overall health and muscle recovery
- Mixes easily with water for a quick pre-workout drink
- Rather high caffeine dose of 250 mg
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you will get quite a high dose of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 2 to 3 cups of coffee. Make sure you avoid taking it later in the evening or opt for caffeine-free pre-workout supplements instead.
What Is Pre-workout?
A pre-workout is a supplement designed to amplify your exercise performance. It does so by boosting your energy levels and improving your focus. Athletes typically use it—particularly bodybuilders and runners—before doing high-intensity interval training or lifting weights.
The ingredients and benefits of pre-workout supplements vary by brand, but most use stimulants like caffeine to increase energy and improve focus. Some also have creatine to facilitate the growth of muscle mass.
A pre-workout is usually taken around 30 minutes to one hour before beginning a workout. This will give the ingredients ample time to hit your bloodstream and amp you up ahead of your training session.
This supplement can be taken in various forms—shakes, meals, pills, and more—but they’re all meant to deliver similar effects.
Who Should Use Pre-workouts?
People looking to supercharge their training sessions should use the best pre-workout for men.
If you lack energy or struggle with making it through your workouts, taking the best pre-workout for menmight help you.
However, before starting a pre-workout, ensure that you’ve got your basics covered. You must eat right to meet your body’s nutritional requirements, hydrate sufficiently, get adequate sleep, and take enough rest days.
Who Shouldn’t Use Pre-workouts?
Individuals with any medical conditions and those who are allergic to its common ingredients, such as creatine, beta-alanine, and niacin, shouldn’t use pre-workouts.
Some of the best pre-workout supplements for men with high caffeine content may cause potential side effects such as heart palpitations and shakiness, so people with any heart-related conditions like high blood pressure should avoid taking them as well.
4 Benefits of Pre-workouts
The main purpose of the best pre-workout for men is to give you the energy you need to finish your workouts without feeling too wiped out.
However, there are many other ways pre-workouts can help you achieve your fitness goals. Let’s break them down.
1. Muscle Gain
A pre-workout containing branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and citrulline can aid muscle protein synthesis and blood flow to the muscles.
These effects can help your muscles work longer and harder, allowing you to engage in more intense and productive workouts.
2. Enhanced Strength
The best pre-workout for men includes creatine in their formula to boost metabolism and increase strength as you work out.
The nitrate in pre-workout products also helps your body transport more amino acids and other nutrients to your muscles, which gives you more strength as you exert yourself during training.
3. Improved Endurance
Removing the mechanisms that induce fatigue is the primary way to boost endurance. And the best pre-workout for men achieves this using two ingredients: caffeine and beta-alanine.
Caffeine charges you up and gives you energy, while beta-alanine reduces the acid accumulation in your muscles that cause fatigue from soreness.
What Ingredients Should You Look For?
Here are the four critical ingredients you should look for in the best pre-workout for men.
Creatine
While your body can produce this amino acid, you won't always have the optimum amount readily available. With even a small boost before you hit the gym, you can enjoy effects that can improve your muscle growth and performance [4].
The best creatine supplement we've found is from a brand called Transparent Labs.
In its various forms, which over the years have become more and more advanced, creatine has been recognized by the scientific community and the hard-training athlete as a product that delivers on its promise of improved strength and enhanced muscle size.
- David Robson, Personal Trainer
Caffeine
Half the battle with high intensity and endurance training is staying focused and motivated. Caffeine can provide that boost, and even a relatively small amount of 150 mg per serving can be enough to stay sharp. However, the opposite applies when you're caffeine-sensitive since it might cause some jitters or sleeplessness.
The best caffeine supplement we've found is from a brand called Nutricost.
L-Citrulline Malate
My bodybuilder clients are always looking for the best pre-workout products to get better muscle pumps, and the only way to achieve that is through increased blood flow. Pre-workout supplements that contain L-citrulline malate have been clinically studied and proven that it does indeed enhance blood flow [5].
The best L-Citrulline Malate is from a brand called BulkSupplements.
Arginine
This amino acid has also been shown to increase blood flow and can help with sports performance [6]. It's not as common in the best pre-workout for men but can make a difference worth trying out.
The best Arginine supplement we've found is from a brand called Nutricost.
What Pre-workout Ingredients Should I Avoid?
You should avoid common pre-workout ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, Yohimbe, DMAA, and high-dose caffeine. Here's why.
Artificial Colors and Flavors - Synthetic ingredients may harm your health, especially artificial colors, which have a carcinogenic effect [1].
Artificial sweeteners - Artificial sweeteners may lead to high insulin levels and wreak havoc on your gut bacteria [2,3].
Yohimbe - Yohimbe has been found to cause stomach problems, tachycardia, high blood pressure, and anxiety [4]. It has also been associated with heart attacks and seizures.
DMAA - DMAA (aka 1,3-dimethylamylamine, methylhexanamine, or geranium extractis) is often marketed as a "natural" stimulant, but that is a baseless claim. This ingredient can raise blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems, including shortness of breath and tightening in the chest, which may lead to a heart attack [5].
High-dose caffeine - Some pre-workout for men exceed the maximum 500mg daily dosage recommendation for caffeine. Consuming too much of this stimulant in pre-workout may cause insomnia, jitters, upset stomach, and anxiety.
What Is the Difference Between Stim Pre vs. Stim-Free Pre-Workouts?
The main difference between stim pre-workouts and stim-free pre-workouts is the use of stimulants like caffeine. In some cases, the dose in these best pre-workout products can be equivalent to 3 cups of coffee all in one go.
If you're sensitive to caffeine or simply not a heavy coffee drinker, then stimulant-free pre-workout should be your choice. Also, keep in mind that you might struggle to get a healthy night's sleep, which will slow down your recovery phase and decrease your energy for intense workouts.
When Should I Take the Best Pre-workout?
You should aim to take your pre-workout supplement about 20 minutes before you start your warmup routine. The effects of these products usually take about 20 to 30 minutes to start working, so you may need to experiment a bit.
Is It Okay To Take the Best Pre-workout Supplement On An Empty Stomach?
Yes, it is generally okay to take the best pre-workouts on an empty stomach. But if you haven't tried a particular pre-workout for men before, then it may be best to at least have a small snack prior.
Related Article: How Long Does It Take for Pre-Workout to Kick In?
I often see people drinking their pre-workout as they're walking into the gym. Most of the active ingredients in your pre-workout drink take 30-60 minutes to reach peak levels in your blood. If you wait until you reach the gym to take it, you'll be well into your second or third exercise before the full effects kick in.
- Krissy Kendall, Ph.D
How Do I Take a Pre-Workout Supplement?
You take the best pre-workout supplement as a powder mixed into a sports drink to boost energy levels and blood flow. This is very similar to a regular protein shake, but you might also find popular pre-workout products that come in capsule form.
The advantage of high-quality pre-workout powder is that it gives you the flexibility to mix it with food or stack it with other protein products that you might be relying on.
I wasn't a huge fan of pre-workout capsules. These days, however, I find them a lot more convenient as I don't have to carry pouches or containers of different powders.
Can You Stack A Pre-Workout With Other Supplements?
Yes, you can stack pre-workouts with other supplements. Many performance athletes very much rely on carefully planned stacks.
The best thing might be to speak with a nutritionist to make sure you strike the right balance.
Also, keep in mind that different pre-workouts and other protein products contain caffeine. This means you could quickly end up with an unhealthy dose that can make you jittery and pretty much sleepless.
What Side Effects Should You Expect?
You should expect very few side effects from pre-workouts, which is why they have become so popular in all types of sports. From a health perspective, the most common negative effect is overstimulation from caffeine, which can leave you staring at the ceiling all night.
But, it's not that uncommon to suffer from an upset stomach and nausea if you take huge doses of natural pre-workout for men, especially when you haven't eaten much food.
Aim to start with a smaller dose and take it after a snack, just to make sure your digestive system gets used to it.
Other Resources You May Like:
FAQs
Is Pre-workout Dangerous?
No, pre-workout is not dangerous, but you want to ensure you don't take them higher than the recommended dose. This can lead to cramping and nausea, which won't help at the gym.
Is a Pre-workout Bad for the Kidneys?
No, a pre-workout is not bad for your kidneys. However, if you consistently take large doses that include caffeine and creatine, you can start to become dehydrated, leading to kidney problems. It's always advisable to hydrate as much as possible to avoid dehydration.
How Long Do Pre-workouts Last?
Some of the effects of pre-workouts can last for up to 5 hours. However, the peak performance boost that you get will usually last for about 60 to 90 minutes.
Do Pre-workout Supplements Make You Gain Weight?
No, the best pre-workout for men doesn't make you gain weight. On the contrary, they usually help you achieve the exact opposite. By allowing you to work out harder and longer, you can burn more calories, lose some extra pounds, and support muscle growth.
How Long Does Pre-workout Take to Kick In?
A pre-workout takes around 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. That's generally the time it takes for the active ingredients to reach a peak in your bloodstream, even in the strongest pre-workout.
Should I Take Pre-Workout Every Day?
No, you shouldn't take pre-workout every day. Doing so might cause your body to build a tolerance to its effects. It would be best to come off your pre-workout for six to eight weeks at a time to give your body a chance to reset.
Conclusion: Which Pre-Workout Supplement Should You Choose
Our entire team agreed Gorilla Mode pre-workout is one of the best pre-workout for men available, and it is also my favorite pre-workout supplement.
The potent stimulant complex, high-dosed nootropics, and amino acid L-Citrulline work together to deliver an intense pump and razor-sharp focus, putting you in the best mood for a more effective workout.
Also, the clever inclusion of glycerol powder helps retain water in muscle tissues, allowing creatine and caffeine to increase muscle strength without dehydrating the body.
Finally, because each ingredient is easily absorbed, you will be able to perform high-intensity workouts that will help in the development of leaner muscles and confidence building.
So, start leveling up your gym training today by checking out Gorilla Mode at their official website.
Our #1 Recommendation
Gorilla Mode Pre-workout
- Increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscle to boost endurance
- Rehydrates your muscle cells, allowing you to perform better
- It contains powerful stimulants that will boost your energy, focus, and mood
- There are a wide variety of refreshing flavors to choose from
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- It is a bit more expensive than other pre-workouts
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