Pre-Workout supplements help to enhance performance, increase endurance, and generally make your workouts more effective. However, not all supplements are created equal.
Depending on ingredients, dosages, and other factors some pre-workout supplements will be better for you than others.
This means it is important to know just what makes the best pre-workout supplement and how they work. Let’s jump right into this.
Our Top Rated 3 Pre-workouts
Our top three recommendations based on overall effectiveness, user feedback, and ingredient profiles are as follows.
1. No2 Max by Crazy Bulk
Great For:
- Extreme Energy Boost
- Helps Workout Performance
- Improved Strength
- Our Top Rated Pre-Workout
- Special Discount for Bulk Orders
When it comes to performance enhancement the No2 Max ticks all the right boxes. This scientifically formulated nitric oxide booster enhances blood circulation providing you with the energy boost you need for your workouts from the company Crazy Bulk.
No2 Max enhances performance by boosting the amount of blood, oxygen, and nutrients that reach your muscles. This results in increased stamina, enhanced strength, and a lot more endurance. This supplement is therefore ideal if you want a supplement that will help boost your performance and give you the extra stamina you need.
No 2 Max Pre-workout Ingredients
No2 Max is formulated with safe natural ingredients including:
- Calcium (from Dicalcium Phosphate) 80mg
- L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 1,800mg
- Others: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Crospovidone, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Silica, Hydroxypropyl, Methylcellulose, Propylene Glycol, Triacetin
Best For
- Increasing strength
- Energy boost
- Endurance,
- Fast recovery
- Enhanced performance
Recommended Dosage
- 2 tablets per day. Take 2 tablets with water approximately 20 minutes before your workout.
- Each bottle contains: 60 tablets
- Recommended workout period: 2 months
Pros
- Improves strength and stamina.
- Fast results (within 2 -3 weeks)
- Improves recovery time during and after the workout
- You don’t need a prescription to buy this product.
Cons
The only issue we see is this does not contain muscle-building agents, however, you will see an immediate impact in your workout performance.
2. Blackwolf
Great For:
- Improving Focus
- Longer Lasting and Stronger Workout Sessions
- Improved recovery
Blackwolf is a powerful proven formulation that is designed to increase focus, improve endurance and deliver long-lasting energy for your workouts.
This powerful performance enhancer is available in a variety of flavors to suit different tastes. This pre-workout supplement also comes in a caffeine-free option for people who are caffeine sensitive.
Ingredients
Blackwolf is formulated with safe, scientifically formulated ingredients including:
- L-citrulline malate 6000mg
- Beta-Alanine 3200mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous 200mg
- Creatine Monohydrate 3000mg
- Others: Betaine Anhydrous 2000mg, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Taurine 1000mg, Dynamine 125mg
Best For
- Prolonged energy boost
- Improving focus
- Enhancing endurance
- Fast recovery
Recommended Dosage
- Mix one scoop of Blackwolf with water and drink 15-30 minutes before your workout.
- Each tub contains 22 servings
Pros
- Comes in 3 delicious flavors
- Vegan-friendly
- Has a caffeine-free option
- Fast-acting
Cons
Blackwolf pre-workout only has 3 flavor choices however reviews show users are happy with the taste. In addition, Blackwolf is not the cheapest preworkout you’ll find, however it’s highly effective for taking your workout to the next level.
3. Purge Sports Pre V2
Pre V2 is Great For…
- Faster recovery after workouts
- Increased energy and strength
- Lasting endurance without crashing
- Better focus
Pre V2 is packed with powerful ingredients to ensure you get the best out of your workout.
This pre-workout supplement is designed to enhance athletic performance, strength and give you that extra burst of energy.
Ingredients:
Purge Sports contains scientifically effective ingredients including:
- Beta-Alanine
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- Citrulline Malate
- Betaine Anhydrous
- Hydromax Glycerol
Best For
- Enhanced strength and athletic performance
- Increased energy
- Endurance
- Stimulating muscle growth
- Faster recovery during and after workout
Recommended Dosage
- Mix 1 scoop in 8-16oz of water and consume 20-30 minutes before your workout.
Pros
- Combats the post-workout crash
- Enhances focus
- Great for muscle pumps
- Increases strength and power
- Clinically dosed for maximum effectiveness
Cons:
- High in caffeine
What Is A Pre-Workout Supplement?
Pre-workout supplements are formulas that help to boost energy and enhance athletic performance.
These dietary supplements are typically taken before a workout. Pre-workouts are typically in powdered form or in the form of tablets. Powdered pre-workouts are usually mixed with water.
The ingredients in these supplements are formulated to enhance performance by giving you an energy boost.
This helps in increasing endurance during the workout meaning that you can get in as much exercise as you need to.
What’s the Common Ingredient?
Pre-workout formulations vary widely from brand to brand. However, there are some common ingredients that you can expect to find in a pre-workout supplement.
Caffeine
That energy boost you get from your morning coffee comes from caffeine. That is why caffeine is a common ingredient in pre-workouts. This ingredient serves as an energy booster that helps you power through your workout.
In most cases, pre-workouts will contain anywhere between 100-300 mg of caffeine which is sufficient to make you more alert, energized, and focused. However, if you are not a big fan of caffeine, most brands will also have caffeine-free options.
Creatinine
Creatinine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the body. the creatinine in your pre-workout serves as a performance enhance by increasing muscle strength.
Creatinine helps muscles create and circulate energy faster giving you the extra power boost you need for your workouts.
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Most pre-workout supplements will contain BCAAs like l-leucine and l-isoleucine. These amino acids help in promoting bulking up by inhibiting protein breakdown during workouts.
BCAAs also enhance energy production making your muscles more efficient.
Nitric Oxide Precursors
Nitric acid helps to boost blood circulation which is essential during workouts. Most pre-workouts will contain compounds that stimulate the production of nitric oxide. Some examples of nitric oxide precursors found in pre-workouts include beet juice, amino acids such as L-arginine, L-citrulline, and other dietary nitrates.
Electrolytes
When you work out your body loses electrolytes. This is why most pre-workout supplements contain magnesium, sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes.
The electrolytes ensure that any electrolytes lost during the workout are replenished helping you to stay energized.
Protein
Protein is a great source of amino acids which act as energy boosters and increase muscle efficiency. Protein also helps in muscle growth so it is a common ingredient in most pre-workouts.
B Vitamins
Most pre-workout supplements will contain B Vitamins such as B12. These vitamins help to boost metabolism, boost red cell production and also keep your nervous system in good shape.
Should You Take a Pre-workout?
As you can see from the ingredients, most pre-workouts contain safe natural ingredients. This means that for most people taking a pre-workout is completely safe and will help you achieve better results from your workouts.
However, it is important to check out labels to see if the pre-workout contains any possible allergens. You may also want to check the caffeine content in your pre-workout especially if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Pre-workout supplements are just like any other dietary supplement. They are safe for most people when taken as per the recommended dosage and frequency. Always listen to your body for any adverse reactions to your pre-workout. Also, ensure that you stick with the recommended dosages to minimize the risk of side effects.
How to choose the best option for me?
The best pre-workout supplements are the ones that help you reach your fitness goals. So if you are looking to bulk up, lose weight, or simply for an energy boost look for a pre-workout that does just that.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when choosing your pre-workout.
- Check for Carbs and Sugar
Taking a pre-workout that is packed with loads of sugars and carbs can set your fitness goals back significantly. If you are looking to cut weight avoid supplements that are laden with sugar and extra carbs.
Always read labels to ensure that your pre-workout supplement has the appropriate calories for your fitness goals.
- Check the Caffeine Levels
Caffeine is a great ingredient for providing that extra boost of energy and focus. However, too much caffeine can have serious side effects such as jitters, increased blood pressure, and even anxiety.
The recommended daily dose of caffeine is 400mg per day for adults. Make sure your supplement does not contain excessive caffeine.
- Look for Natural Ingredients
Go for pre-workouts made of simple natural ingredients that you understand. If your pre-workout is packed with loads of chemical compounds on the label, it may not be the healthiest option. You want to know what you are putting in your body and that it is safe.
Conclusion
You work hard to reach your fitness goals and it’s only natural that you want the best pre-workout supplements.
The right supplement can make it possible to get the body you want in a fast efficient and safe way. All of our recommendations make excellent choices, however, our top pick is No2Max and you can find the best pricing option by going here.
In addition to the top ingredients and great pricing, they have bulk pricing options that will help you save.