Of all the different supplements on the market today, pre workout is arguably and understandably one of the most popular. Not only does it boost your energy and get you fired up for your training sessions, but it can also provide additional benefits, such as improved muscle endurance and faster weight loss.
There are plenty of reasons to consider using a pre workout drink. However, it’s not a good idea to just grab the first product you see at your local supplement store and hope for the best.
Outlined below are six tips that can help you choose a great pre workout product and use it in a way that helps you see the best results.
Tip #1: Read the Ingredient List
When shopping for pre workout supplements (or any type of supplement, for that matter), start by reading the ingredient list. The following are some of the most effective ingredients your pre workout drink ought to contain:
- Creatine Monohydrate: A naturally occurring compound that’s best-known for its strength-inducing and endurance-boosting qualities
- Branch Chain Amino Acids (or BCAAs): Essential amino acids that increase endurance, support muscle protein synthesis, and prevent muscle breakdown
- Taurine: A sulfonic acid that supports the breakdown of fat and helps to minimize oxidative stress during exercise
- B Vitamins: Vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B6 support energy production; B12 plays a key role in blood regeneration and a healthy metabolism; B3 is necessary for DNA reconstruction
- Nitric Oxide Boosters: Amino acids like Arginine and L-Citrulline increase nitric oxide levels; this dilates the blood vessels for better blood circulation, which leads to more noticeable pumps and more efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery
Tip #2: Check the Caffeine Content
Caffeine is another common (and beneficial) ingredient found in pre workout supplements. Most supplements, unless they’re specifically labeled “stimulant-free,” will contain caffeine.
There’s nothing wrong with taking some caffeine before a workout. The key, though, is to consider how much you get in each scoop of pre workout powder.
Research shows that the safe daily caffeine limit for an average adult is 400mg (or 0.014 ounces). For reference, a regular cup of instant coffee roughly contains 60–80mg (or 0.0021–0.0028 ounces) of caffeine.
When taking pre workout supplements, it’s important to take note of their caffeine content. This helps you to ensure you’re not exceeding the safe daily limit, which could cause issues like poor sleep or increased anxiety.
If you’re particularly worried about your daily caffeine consumption, keep in mind that you can also buy stimulant free pre workouts. These are designed to give you the full effect of traditional pre workout drinks without any caffeine.
Tip #3: Time Your Pre Workout Right
Pre workout supplements are meant to maximize your training experience. If you want to utilize them to their fullest potential, though, you need to make sure you’re taking them at the right time.
As the name suggests, pre workout supplements should be taken before your exercise. If you take them too early, though, you might run out of steam before the workout is over. Taking them too late, on the other hand, may cause you to not feel the supplement’s effects while you’re training.
Most people see the best results when they take them between 15 and 30 minutes prior to starting their workout.
What about longer or more intense workouts?
If you have a long training session scheduled, you can also take your pre workout supplement about one hour into the workout. This can help to prolong your endurance, but it’s still a good idea to check the directions on the packaging to ensure you’re not overdoing it.
Keep in mind, it’s also beneficial to alternate the days on which you take pre workout. You can also create a fixed schedule, so you take it before some workouts and not before others. This helps you to avoid building up a tolerance to the stimulants in your pre workout supplement. On days when you’re not using a stimulant-containing pre workout, you can use a stimulant-free product instead to enjoy an energy boost without any caffeine.
Gymgum | Pre-Workout Gum
World’s First Pre-Workout Chewing Gum
1 Gum = 1 Energy Drink | #TeamGymgum
Worldwide Shipping
Credit & Source — https://www.prosupps.com/blog/six-tips-for-using-pre-workout-supplements/