You can find supplements for next to everything in the market today. They range from energy boosters to sleep boosters to joint-pain elevators. Yesterday it was Biotin. Lately, though, it has been pre-workout supplements that are attracting attention.
Users have dubbed them as necessary as a perfectly fitting sports bra, sneakers, and workout music. It helps that they are available as capsules, chews, canned drinks, pop-colored liquids, and powders. These supplements come with the sweet promise of an extraordinary workout experience.
What Are Pre-workout Supplements?
Pre-workout supplements or simply pre-workouts are a dose of a powder drink mix that is taken before a workout. These supplements contain a variety of ingredients.
However, most companies manufacturing pre-workout supplements never reveal the real ingredients and simply label them to be a ‘proprietary blend.’ This makes one wonder if pre-workout supplements are worth the risk? Are they even safe to use? But before we go into the details we find these tested and safe best pre-workout supplement options for you, check them out.
Why Do People Take Pre-workout Supplements?
Pre-workout supplements boost energy levels and increase focus. So most people taking them want to enhance their workout experience and to feel less dizzy afterward.
Typically, people prefer taking pre-workout supplements before a tough workout session. This includes exercises like back-squat, etc.
Benefits of Taking Pre-Workout Supplements:
Pre-workout supplements typically contain carbohydrates, caffeine, creatine monohydrate beetroot juice, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate (HMB). These ingredients provide a plethora of benefits during a workout.
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are our body’s go-to source of energy. Experts recommend taking in thirty to sixty grams of carbohydrates per hour during endurance events. However, for sprint events, simply rinsing the mouth with a carbohydrate solution is enough.
This is because high-intensity exercises such as indoor cycling, weight lifting, and boot camp sessions mainly use blood glucose or stored carbs. Stored carbs are also known as glycogen.
Caffeine:
We have all gulped black coffee at night to prepare for an assignment or a presentation that should have been done days ago. Therefore, it will not come as a surprise that caffeine is stimulant to boost energy and the presence of the mind. However, recent studies have proved that it can boost physical performance too.
Although, most of the studies were rather small scale. Caffeine’s effect on boosting aerobic endurance, muscle strength, speed, and muscle endurance is undeniable. The exact amount of caffeine dose varies. However, you need to take a minimum of three to six mg of caffeine per kilogram of your total body weight. Caffeine has been long viewed as a performance aid by professionals.
Creatine Monohydrate:
Creatine monohydrate is derived from three amino acids. It occurs naturally in the brain and muscle tissue. Creatine monohydrate is a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements.
When used regularly, creatine helps build strength and endurance over time. Moreover, there is no specific time to take it. Since it works overtime, you may take them pre-workout, post-workout, and even with your breakfast.
An average adult can safely take three to five grams of creatine monohydrate daily. However, consult a professional if you notice weight gain, gastrointestinal distress, or muscle cramps – its three most common side effects.
Beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate (HMB):
Our body naturally makes HMB through the amino acid leucine. However, only five percent leucine is used to make HMB. Therefore, the best way to get an adequate amount of HMB is through dietary supplements.
HMB is a significant ingredient of pre-workout supplements. However, it is best known for its workout recovery effect. HMB helps our body heal from muscle damage and boosts muscle repair.
The Verdict
Pre-workout supplements are the next big thing in the fitness world. People are looking for ways to enhance their workout performance, and pre-workouts promise just that. Studies indicate a plethora of benefits of using pre-workout. First, they help boost endurance and performance levels.
Published by: Redwood stain