For avid gym goers and fitness buffs, the right pre-workout supplement can make the difference between a good session and a great one. But when shelves are packed with various supplement products, how do you know which pre-workout is best for you? Look beyond the eye-catching packaging and focus on the ingredients label to find the answer. Here are some of the best ingredients to look for when selecting your next pre-workout supplement.
Energy-Boosting Ingredients
Caffeine is a classic pre-workout ingredient with the potential to provide energy and focus benefits. Look for caffeine like anhydrous, which is a unique form of caffeine due to its potency and the benefits it provides for supplements. However, look for just the right amount. Too little won’t provide the energy you’re looking for and too much could leave you jittery and anxious, harming your workout in the end. Try starting with 100mg, about a cup of coffee’s worth, and work up to the dosage that works best for you.
Creatine is well-respected for its ability to rapidly produce energy, which can lead to increased strength and muscle gains, along with a little extra oomph in the stamina department.
Endurance-Boosting Ingredients
Beta-alanine is a solid endurance addition that reduces the impact of lactic acid build-up in your muscles, delaying fatigue. This is the cause of the tingling sensation many people experience after consuming pre-workouts. While this ingredient has its benefits, consider finding a pre-workout free of it if this feeling distracts you from your gains.
Another great ingredient to fight fatigue is L-citrulline, a precursor to arginine that supports nitric oxide production. This vasodilator helps deliver greater blood and nutrient flow to muscles, which is an essential step for both power and endurance.
Focus-Boosting Ingredients for Pre-Workout Supplements
A crowded, noisy environment or stressful topics on your mind can sap your workout motivation and success in the gym. That’s where focus-enhancing ingredients like L-tyrosine and theanine become invaluable. When combined with other pre-workout ingredients, they can help boost your performance and cognition as well.
Be Wary of Proprietary Blends
While these are some of the best ingredients to look for in your pre-workout, be vigilant of proprietary blends that fail to list the exact dosage of each component on labels. These can be a red flag for potential under-dosing or over-dosing, and their quality can vary wildly.
When selecting a pre-workout, consider your personal goals, workout time, and routine. You may need to fine-tune your pre-workout intake depending on how you respond to each ingredient and how intense your workout routine is. Always start with the lowest recommended dosage to assess your tolerance and gradually work your way up.
The right pre-workout can be key in your fitness regimen, giving you a boost in power that will take you through your toughest workouts. When you consider these key ingredients and take a personalized approach, you can tailor your supplement to match your needs, maximizing the benefits of your hard work and discipline.
