After your typical post-workout recovery shake, the number one product all of us here at Total Shape recommend to clients is pre-workout supplements. If you value your time at the gym, then getting the most out of every single trip should be top of your list.
You can quickly notice that you can lift more, do more reps, and feel less tired halfway through your routine.
But in a market with so many crappy products, it's best to choose carefully. So, we set out to try out dozens of products and have them analyzed by our dietitian.
Here are the results.
Our Top Pre-Workout Supplements (2020)
Product | Supplement Facts | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
 #1 Performance Lab | ||
 #2 Transparent Labs | ||
 #3 4 Gauge | ||
 #4 Nitrosurge | ||
 #5 Battle Ready Fuel |
1 - Performance Lab Sport Pre Workout
At the top of our list of pre-workouts is a product that our entire team agrees on.
Performance Lab 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.
PROS
CONS
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 to get the full dose.
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 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.
PROS
CONS
Of all the products 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.
3 - 4 Gauge
I must say, I love the marketing that went into 4 Gauge. I was a bit hesitant, though, because more often than not, these aggressive marketing tactics indicate that a bit is lacking in what is delivered.
But surely not with 4 Gauge. As far as pre-workouts go, this one has been specifically designed for endurance at the gym.
Athletes have commented in many reviews that the creatine helps with providing more strength and performance under strenuous activities [2].
PROS
CONS
What's also commendable is that you won't get any refined or empty carbs on this one. Thus, users experience no blood sugar spikes. While it mixes easily and tastes quite nice, a few extra flavors would be a bonus; personally, I tend to get bored of the same flavors, you can click here for our full review.
4 - Nitrosurge
If you're specifically after effectively maximizing your muscle pumps, then Nitrosurge may well be your best choice out of all the pre-workouts. With 3 g of the amino acid L-citrulline, studies have shown that it can increase blood flow to your muscles [3].
It also comes with a strong dose of caffeine, so make sure you avoid coffee around the same time as that could cause some jitters.
PROS
CONS
The one thing I was missing on the ingredients label was some added creatine. Despite this, many reviews still say that it provided an excellent strength and performance boost in all types of sports.
5 - Battle Ready Fuel Pre Workout
Another very well marketed brand is Battle Ready Fuels, 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.
PROS
CONS
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.
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 it is that you get a boost from stimulants, but the 150 mg of caffeine 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.
PROS
CONS
One thing I would agree with some reviews is that it doesn't mix all that easy with water in a shaker.
7 - Pre-Kaged Pre Workout Primer
Here is another one of the pre-workouts that I saw recommended in a few 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.
PROS
CONS
Quite a few people mentioned that the sweeteners used mean that you may want to water it down just a little to reduce the sugary effects.
8 - EVL ENGN
One thing that stood out for us with this ENGN product was that quite a few people commented on how fast it seemed that the active ingredients were absorbed. 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.
PROS
CONS
I personally like that you have a load of flavors to choose from as I often get bored with the same products.
One thing I need to mention, though, is that some of the amounts of ingredients are kept a secret, 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-workouts by keeping it really 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.
PROS
CONS
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 and sweeteners added in as well.
10 - Pre JYM Pre Workout Powder
I know a good few athletes who need a maximum dose of stimulants to power through their exercise routines, but you're not going to down a few cups of coffee to do that. Pre JYM has solved this with a pretty impressive 300 mg of caffeine.
This 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.
PROS
CONS
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.
What Ingredients Should You Look Out For?
You could probably argue with personal trainers and dietitians for the rest of eternity, but here in our team, we were able to agree on 4 critical ingredients to look out for.
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 performance [4].
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.
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.
L-Citrulline
My bodybuilder clients are always looking for pre-workouts to get better pumps, and the only way to achieve that is through increased blood flow. Supplements that contain L-citrulline have been clinically studied and shown to achieve just that [5].
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 sports supplements but can make a difference that is worth trying out.
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 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 this may not be the best idea. Also, keep in mind that you might struggle to get a healthy night's sleep, which will slow down your recovery phase.
When Should You Take Your Pre-Workout Supplement?
You should aim to take your pre-workout supplements 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 Pre-workout Supplements On An Empty Stomach?
Yes, it is generally okay to take pre-workout supplements on an empty stomach. But if you haven't tried a particular product before, then it may be best to at least have a small snack prior.
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.
How Do I Take a Pre-Workout Supplement?
You generally take a pre-workout supplement as a powder mixed into a sports drink. This is very similar to a regular protein shake, but you might also find popular products that come in capsule form.
The advantage with a 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 personally wasn't a huge fan of 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 absolutely can stack pre-workouts with other supplements, and 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?
Pre-workouts generally have very few side effects associated with them, 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, 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.
FAQ
Are pre-workout supplements safe?
Is pre workout bad for kidneys?
How long do pre-workouts last?
Do pre-workout supplements make you gain weight?
Which Pre-Workout Supplement Should You Choose?
Fortunately, our entire team was able to agree on this, and we all voted for Performance Lab as the best product available right now.
The quality is excellent, and while it doesn't contain any stimulants, you can get those by stacking some other products.
We've all seen great results from personal testing and with clients, so make sure you give it a try for yourself. And once you've seen some of the results, make sure you report back to us on one of our social media pages.
Performance Lab
Our #1 Pre-Workout Supplement
