The Top 5 Pre-Workout Supplements

With so many  Pre-Workout supplements out there, it can be quite overwhelming.  Sometimes the only way to really find out if it’s a good one is to buy it.  Then you realize you just wasted your money because the Pre-Workout does nothing. So how do you choose a good one and not waste the money? I have put together The Top 5 Pre-Workout Supplements for you.

These five are mostly based on the four most popular and effective ingredients you can find in a Pre-Workout supplement.

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THE 4 MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS IN A PRE WORKOUT POWDER

When it comes to buying a Pre-Workout, you really do get what you pay for.  For example, Citrulline Malate costs a little more than the other ingredients. Therefore you MUST always look on the ingredients label to see how much is included. Some supplement companies will still charge a hefty price and not include much Citrulline Malate.

Why is This? PROFIT!

Since this is most likely the highest cost for a supplement company, some will not put enough into the pre-workouts to actually benefit you. I would recommend looking for around AT LEAST 4 grams in your Pre-Workout supplements.

I personally only buy a Pre-Workout with at least 6 grams.  You may want to start with 4 grams and then move up to one with 6 grams based on how you felt with lower doses.

1. Citrulline Malate

   Delays your fatigue which can help increase your training volume. Reduces muscle soreness, boosts immune function, increases growth hormone production, and improves endurance. (1)

2. Creatine

   Improves strength, increases lean muscle mass, and helps the muscles recover more quickly during exercise. (2)

3. Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

   Decreases muscle soreness and decreases muscle damage. Reduces exercise fatigue, increases muscle growth, and prevents muscle wasting. (3)

4. Betaine

   Studies have shown that Betaine increases your reps by 10% and boosts your muscle strength by up to 25%. It also increases your muscle hydration. (4)

There are many other ingredients you will see in a pre-workout. You most likely will see Caffeine which is also found in your morning cup of coffee to give your energy levels a boost. Be careful with this if you have a low tolerance for caffeine because I have seen some with the equivalent of 6 cups of coffee in pre-workouts!

You may see a few other common ones: electrolytes, Taurine, Vitamin B 12, and even Protein.

L-Citrulline vs Citrulline Malate Debate

In simple terms, the only difference is one has Malic Acid added to it. I’m making a separate paragraph about this because you will see this is not all the same on Pre Workouts. Some have only L-Citrulline, and some have Citrulline Malate.

So, which is better?

I guess that can depend on who you ask. I’ve seen some companies try to advertise L-Citrulline as better and vice versa as far as the price goes if you were to buy them separately.  Citrulline Malate is more expensive. This is one of the reasons I think you will not see Citrulline Malate in many Pre-Workouts because it costs more and less profit for the manufacturer.

I have done a lot of research and will tell you that I found Citrulline Malate to be more beneficial in the end. If you have the time, I highly recommend you watch this video below.

In the video, Dr. Jim Stoppani from Yale University will explain why Citrulline Malate is the better choice.

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THE TOP 5 PRE-WORKOUTS

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#1 PRE JYM

This is my OVERALL WINNER FOR BEST PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT. I started taking Pre Jym after trying about 20 different Pre-Workout supplements and have never looked back.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 grams of Citrulline Malate
• 6 grams of BCAAs in the 2:1:1 ratio
• 2 grams of Con-Cret® Patented Creatine HCl
• 2 grams of Beta-Alanine
• 1.5 grams of Betaine
• 600 milligrams of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine
• 500 milligrams of Beet Root Extract
• 300 milligrams of Caffeine
• 150 milligrams of alpha-GPC(from 300mg of AlphaSize®)
• 50 micrograms of Huperzine A
• 5 milligrams of BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract

As you can see in the ingredients list above.  My top 4 most important ingredients are all found in Pre Jym.

HIGHLIGHTS

• No Proprietary blends
• 13 hand-picked ingredients
• Taste amazing
• The owner is a supplement guru
• Uses Citrulline Malate instead of just L-Citrulline

CONS

• A little pricey
• Only 1.5 grams of Betaine
• Caffeine may be too high if you have a low tolerance

THE COMPANY AND CREATOR

A man named Jim Stoppani. Dr. Stoppani received his doctorate in exercise physiology with a minor in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut.

After he graduated, he served as a postdoctoral research fellow in the prestigious John B. Pierce Laboratory and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Yale University School of Medicine. While there, he investigated the effects of exercise and diet on gene regulation in muscle tissue

THE PRICE

When writing this, you can get  30 servings for $48.99 ($1.63 per serving) or 20 servings for $37.99 ($1.89 per serving). A little on the pricier side when it comes to Pre Workout supplements but worth it for what you’re getting.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Suppose you’re looking for a Pre-Workout that actually works and has no junk mixed in. Then this is a must-try. You may find this is a little pricer than some other Pre-workout supplements but trust me; you get what you pay for in this case.  There is no need to buy a separate Creatine, BCAA, or Citrulline Malate supplement.

This one has it all!

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#2 PRE-KAGED

This was a close call between my 1st pre-workout choice Pre Jym.  I really like PRE-KAGED and have had explosive workouts taking it. One of the reasons Pre-Kaged is 2nd place is because of the price. I really wish they had a larger serving size option like Pre Jym.

INGREDIENTS

• 6.5 grams of Pure L-Citrulline
  
• 6.5 grams of BCAA’s Fermented
• 1.5 grams of Patented Creatine HCl
• 1.6 grams of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine
• 1.6 grams of BetaPower Betaine
• 2.0 grams of Taurine
• 1.0 grams of N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
• 500 milligrams of Coconut Water Powder
  
• 100 milligrams of Spectra Total ORAC Blend
  
• 274 milligrams of Organic Caffeine
• 850 milligrams of L-Tyrosine

 

HIGHLIGHTS

• High doses of all the most important ingredients
• Patented Ingredients
• The Coconut water powder is a new twist I would like to see in more Pre-Workouts

CONS

• The Beta-Alanine is a little low from the 2 grams I recommend
• Has Sucralose as an artificial sweetener
• More on the pricier side

THE COMPANY

Kaged Muscle has been around since 2014.  The company is owned by a man named Kris Gethin. Kris established himself as one of the most well-known fitness entrepreneurs in the industry. He finished as high as 2nd place in the Natural World Championships as a natural bodybuilder. 

THE PRICE

When writing this, you can get  20 servings for $39.99 ($1.99 per serving). This is the only size option they have at the moment. As you can see, it is pricier than Pre Jym’s larger pre-workout option size.

THE BOTTOM LINE

You really can’t go wrong with Pre-Kaged if it’s in your budget. If I were you, I would try it, and then next time, try Pre-Jym and see how they affect your workouts. Also, you may find one tastes better in your opinion. I personally love the taste of both.  Pre-Kaged has a little bit less Caffeine vs. Pre-Jym. So if you have an extremely low tolerance to Caffeine, this may be a better choice.

 

#3 OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD

This is one of the first Pre Workouts I have ever tried, and I recommend it for beginners. This is from an amazing company that has been around for a long time. I moved on because my tolerance for certain ingredients when up in time. This is why I recommend if you’re just starting with a Pre-Workout, you should try Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard.

The ingredients that give you that PUMP is not overwhelming, and the Caffeine level is lower in this pre-workout.

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 grams of Carnosyn® Beta-Alanine
• 3.0 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
• 750 milligrams of Micronized L-Citrulline
• 375 milligrams of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride
• 250 milligrams of N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
• 175 milligrams of Caffeine
• 100 milligrams of Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex

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HIGHLIGHTS

• High dose of Creatine
• Very affordable price
• Lower Caffeine dose

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CONS

• Low or no doses of my four most important ingredients
• Artificial flavors and sweeteners
• Not many flavor options (3)

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THE COMPANY

One of my favorite companies that have been around for over 30 years.  They are the creators of the world’s number 1 selling Protein Powder GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY. Optimum Nutrition products can be found throughout the United States in almost 10,000  retail specialty stores, Fitness centers, and gyms. Even in major grocery chains and drug stores. They distribute to over 70 countries worldwide.

 

THE PRICE

When writing this, you can get 30 servings for $24.99 ($.83 per serving). This is the only pre-workout size option they have at the moment with 3 different flavors.  One of the cheaper Pre-Workout supplements you can find while still having outstanding quality.

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THE BOTTOM LINE

If this is your first time trying a Pre-Workout, you should try this one.  The doses are not too much, and the price is very affordable.  Optimum Nutrition is one of the best companies in the supplement industry. The Caffeine levels are half of my top recommend Pre-Workouts.  This is perfect if you have a low tolerance or are not sure how Caffeine affects you.

 

#4 MUSCLETECH VAPOR ONE

I was a big fan of Vapor One and had great results. The only reason I switched was that I wanted to up my dose of L-Citrulline.  After researching, I found I could go up in my dose and pay less by switching to Pre Jym. So I have nothing bad to say about Vapor One and really enjoyed it.

INGREDIENTS

• 4.0 grams of L-Citrulline
• 3.2 grams of Carnosyn® Beta-Alanine
• 3.0 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
• 2.5 grams of Betaine anhydrous
• 1.0 grams of Taurine
• 1.5 grams of Nitrosigine® Arginine inositol silicate
• 350 milligrams of Caffeine
• 200 milligrams of Hawthorn extract
• 200 milligrams of Choline
• 150 milligrams of VasoDrive-AP(casein hydrolysate)
• 125 milligrams of L-theanine
• 100 milligrams of Japanese raisin tree extract
• 30  milligrams of Yohimbe Extract

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HIGHLIGHTS

• A decent amount of L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, and Creatine.
• A high amount of Caffeine for people with greater tolerance.
• Produced by one of the most well-known companies in the Fitness industry

CONS

• On the pricier side
• A little low with L-Citrulline compared to the current ones I use
• Uses L-Citrulline instead of  Citrulline Malate

THE COMPANY

They are extremely committed to science and research. MuscleTech produces some of the best supplements in the world. They have been the #1 Selling Bodybuilding Supplement Brand in America since they started making supplements back in 1995.

The MuscleTech mission statement is to continuously research, develop, patent, produce and market the most effective diet and sports supplements globally.

THE PRICE

When writing this, you can get 20 servings for $39.99 ($1.99 per serving). This is the only size option they have at the moment with two different flavors.  One of the more expensive Pre-Workout supplements you will find.

THE BOTTOM LINE

I would recommend this one to someone who has tried a few different Pre-Workouts and has built up some tolerance. The 4 grams of L-Citrulline would be a good starting point to see how your body reacts. Although, as I mentioned above, there is a good amount of caffeine in this pre-workout. For example, one 8-ounce cup of coffee has, on average, about 90 grams of Caffeine.

So with MuscleTech Vapor One, you’re getting around 4 cups of coffee per serving.

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#5 BSN N.O.- XPLODE

N.O.-Xplode was the original OG and most popular Pre-Workout back in the day. This Pre-Workout was the talk of the town for a while.  This was one of the first Pre-Workouts I ever tried. So if you can imagine, I was pretty energetic, being I had not built up any tolerance at all.

The ingredients get a little tricky when you look at the product label. They are proprietary blends.  A “proprietary blend” is a group of ingredients that may disclose every ingredient but not the exact amount.

Why would a company use a Proprietary blend in a pre-workout?

This could be a marketing tactic by using very catchy words on their label to draw you in. Another reason is to increase the value you perceive of the supplement. The blend may contain a much higher amount of the cheaper ingredients, and you wouldn’t know.

Occasionally this could also be because they don’t want any competitors copying their formula. Either way, I prefer NON-PROPRIETARY products where every single ingredient shows the exact amount.

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INGREDIENTS

Instead of writing them all out, I want you to see what I mean by Proprietary Blend.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

• A good amount of Caffeine
• Not too pricey
• Fast kick-in time

CONS

• Proprietary blend
• No Betaine
• Low doses of L-Citrulline Malate

THE COMPANY

BSN, which stands for Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, Inc. (BSN®), was founded in 2001. BSN’s products are shipped to over 40,000 retailers nationally and distributed in over 90 countries worldwide. BSN products and the brand itself have won more than 35 sports nutrition awards. That’s more than any other company in the industry.

THE PRICE

When writing this, you can get 30 servings for $34.99 ($1.17 per serving) or 60 servings for $49.99 ($0.83). The 30-serving pre-workout size has three flavors, while the 60-serving pre-workout option has 6.

THE BOTTOM LINE

N.O.-Xplode has a good amount of useful ingredients you want in a Pre-Workout.  Creatine, Beta-Alanine, Taurine, Tyrosine, Caffeine, and electrolytes. The big unfortunate part is you don’t know how much of the exact ingredient since it is a Proprietary blend.  I have no doubt you will have explosive workouts if you are a beginner at Pre-Workouts.

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DOES A PRE-WORKOUT HELP YOU GAIN MUSCLE

Pre-workout supplements are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to give their workouts an edge. And there is some evidence that these supplements can indeed help with muscle growth.

One study, for example, found that pre-workout supplements containing caffeine, arginine, and BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) helped participants gain more muscle mass than those who didn’t take a supplement.

So how do these pre-workout supplements help?

Caffeine, for one, helps increase energy and focus, which can help you work out harder and longer. Arginine is an amino acid that has been shown to improve blood flow and help promote muscle growth. And BCAAs are essential nutrients that play a role in building muscle.

So if you’re looking to gain muscle mass, a pre-workout supplement could be a good option for you. Just make sure to choose a pre-workouts that contains all three of these ingredients.

SIDE EFFECTS OF A PRE-WORKOUT

When it comes to pre-workout supplements, there can be a lot of variation in terms of the ingredients used. While many people believe that these supplements can help them achieve better results at the gym, others experience a range of side effects as a result of taking them.

Headaches, skin conditions, tingling, and stomach upset are some of the most common side effects associated with pre-workout supplements. It’s important to be aware of these potential issues before you begin taking a supplement, especially if you have any existing health conditions.

If you do decide to take a pre-workout supplement, start off by using a small dose and gradually increase the amount you take as you become more familiar with how your body reacts. Be sure to drink plenty of water when taking these supplements, as they can often cause dehydration. And finally, consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about whether or not a pre-workout supplement is right for you.

If you’re experiencing any of these side effects from pre-workouts, it’s best to stop taking the supplement and consult with a doctor. Pre-workout supplements can be dangerous if not taken correctly, so it’s important to be aware of the risks before starting to take them.

CAN YOU TAKE A PRE-WORKOUT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

Many people wonder if they can take pre-workout supplements on an empty stomach. The answer is usually yes, as long as the supplement doesn’t contain any ingredients that would cause problems if taken on an empty stomach. For example, caffeine can cause some people to feel jittery or nauseous if they take it on an empty stomach. So if your pre-workout supplement contains caffeine, it’s best to take it with a meal or snack.

But if your pre-workout supplement doesn’t contain caffeine or other ingredients that might cause problems when taken on an empty stomach, you can take it without any issues. In fact, taking it on an empty stomach can help you get the most out of its stimulatory effects. And since you’ll be more alert and energized, you’ll be able to start your workout sooner and get going more quickly.

Me personally when I take pre-workouts on an empty stomach, I get a bit of anxiety, but I have friends who love to take pre-workouts on an empty stomach and feel fine.

THE FINAL TAKEAWAY

There you have it, my Top 5 Pre-Workout Supplements. Now please keep in mind everyone’s results will be different depending on your tolerance.  This is why I recommend maybe starting with one of the cheaper and lower-dose ones. Some of these have worked amazingly for me at different times in my life.

Although now I’m sold on Pre Jym and haven’t used anything else in a few years. I do not plan on switching my pre-workout either.

There is also an option of making your own Pre-workout from scratch. If this is something you’re interested in, please leave a comment below.  I have a great company I buy ingredients like Citrulline Malate by itself for very cheap.

Now that you have the best Pre Workout Supplements, if you are interested in an amazing Post Workout Supplement, you can read my review Post Workout Supplement.

If you have any you feel should be added to the best pre-workout supplements list I have above, please leave the supplement name in the comments below.

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“The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides a champion from someone who is not a champion.”- Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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PRE-WORKOUT REFERENCES AND STUDIES

1. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research; Effects of Supplemental Citrulline Malate Ingestion During Repeated Bouts of Lower-Body Exercise in Advanced Weightlifters. March 2015- Volume 29 – Issue 3 – p 786-792 Wax, Benjamin¹; Kavazis, Andreas N.²; Weldon, Kevin¹; Sperlak, Joseph^1. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000670.
2. National Library of Medicine; Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations. Richard B. Kreider. Mol Cell Biochem 2003 Feb;244(1-2):89-94.
3. National Libray of Medicine; Effect of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Recovery Following Acute Eccentric Exercise. 2018 Oct; 10(10): 1389; PMCID: PMC6212987 PMID 30275356
4. National Library Of Medicine; Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. Published online 2013 Aug 22: PMCID: PMC3844502; PMID23967897: