Can I Take Pre-Workout Before Work? (Will You Be Energized)

Based on the pre-workout supplement and the nature of the job, there are several compelling reasons to take supplements before going to work.

Just because some supplements' formulae are labeled as pre-workout, it doesn't imply that the substances they contain may or should be taken just to boost athletic performance.

For example, in some cases, the natural adaptogen Rhodiola Rosea may be an effective ergogenic supplement for powerlifters and bodybuilders since it increases endurance and strength [1].

In other circumstances, such as the workplace, Rhodiola Rosea may function as a potent, fast-acting nootropic, clearing away mental stress and confusion halfway through your shift at work [2].

So, generally, it is okay to use pre-workout supplements before going to work.

However, there are some caveats to consider:

• You should not use every pre-workout supplement without exercising.
• Supplements that do not include training do not benefit exercise performance (obviously).
• What you engage in rather than exercising matters.

I find this latter point to be particularly important.

Just because you can take some supplements without hitting the gym, it doesn't mean you should — at least not unless you're looking to improve several other non-athletic performance facets.

If you need to maintain a razor-sharp focus on your entire work session, taking a supplement, either before work or midway, may make your grind much easier.

The mental focus from it is strong, clean, and lasts a long time [8].

Now, there're a bunch of ingredients that help with improved focus, but caffeine is one of the more researched drugs on the mental and focus aspects.

It works wonders, especially in combination with the L-theanine. It rids you of the jittery and anxious feelings while letting you focus without drowsiness [9].

“Most pre-workout drinks are just caffeine-based. They may have other ingredients that claim to “increase pumps” or “better utilize ATP' ' but it's basically the same as drinking Starbucks on your way to work. I recommend combining Caffeine and Theanine as studies show they are synergistic in terms of Theanine taking the edge off and preventing ‘the crash’.”

- Matt Theis, CEO of Momentum Nutrition

3. Competitive Cognitive Demands

If you're a brain worker and the kind of guy or girl that gets paid to sit and think, popping a few supplement pills can be a game-changer.

Today, most brands are adding nootropics to their collections. What was initially considered the limits of academic space is slowly gaining momentum in the workout and professional labor [12].

Many workers are now taking supplements to help with their thinking abilities, improve mental performance, and increase creativity & intelligence.

You shouldn't take a supplement if your work isn't physically demanding. Otherwise, you should take it with a lot of caution.

Most of them are training-based, which comes in handy when lifting heavy weights and doing lots of muscle-strengthening activities.

Even when you're performing muscle-building exercises, it would be best to you avoid many pre-workout formulas that are hyper-caffeinated.

Instead, if you're only looking to add hype to your work environment and gentle stimulation to keep you going, I'd recommend the stim-free options or a nootropic.

What's the Best Time to Take a Pre-workout?

The best time to take a pre-workout is 20 to 30 minutes before you start the actual work. It's during this time that caffeine reaches its peak effectiveness [13].

Timing your intake is necessary to avoid a crash while benefiting from maximum energy potential and avoiding complications, such as sleep problems.

I usually take mine 20 minutes before work and don't overthink it.

However, the trick is experimenting with timing by yourself.

Understand that our bodies metabolize things at varying rates based on a whole host of factors, including age, diet, and body fat percentage [14].

So, what works for me, may not be an option for you.

You should take around 400 mg per day [15].

But it's always important to read the label and follow instructions. Don't take more than they recommend.

Usually, most of the brands recommend taking two scoops per drink.

Even then, it's a good idea to consider the actual caffeine content per scoop.

The higher-dosed pre-supplements contain 200 mg of caffeine for each scoop and will deliver a single-day serving of 400 mg of caffeine [16].

For reference, a regular cup of coffee contains roughly 100 mg of caffeine.

But because your body can tolerate that amount doesn't mean you have to consume all of it to feel energized.

If you're starting out on pre-supplements, I'd recommend you start slow and on a smaller dose before working your way up.

How Long Does a Pre-Workout Last?

Effects can last for four to six hours, depending on the product [17].

In short, it lasts long enough for you to complete and get a serious gym workout.

The longer half-life means you must time your consumption well enough so that you don't take it late in the day.

Otherwise, it may affect your sleep pattern.

But as I mentioned, our bodies metabolize differently, so some users won't have any issues taking caffeine later in the day.