Pre-workout supplements, commonly referred to as pre-workouts, are meant to supply energy to your body when you work out.
These substances are pretty helpful on days when you’re tired and unmotivated but still need to hit the gym. The supplements can provide some much-needed fuel to your body.
According to a study, consuming pre-workout alongside high-intensity interval training (HIIT) resulted in better results.
Before you start looking for the best pre-workout, here’s a little peek into the world of pre-workout supplements.
How Does Pre Workout Help You?
Pre-workouts are created to give users an energy spike and boost their athletic performance. These supplements are typically powdered, and you need to mix them with water and gulp them down before exercising.
While all brands use different formulas to create their products, there are some common ingredients that most supplements contain.
Let’s look at some of the most popular ingredients and how they help your body as pre-workout supplements.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is a pretty popular stimulant known for enhancing energy and promoting alertness. It is also said to improve workout performance.
It is often added to pre-workout supplements since it improves focus and energy and stimulates fat burning.
2. Nitric Oxide
Our bodies naturally produce nitric oxide to relax blood vessels and enhance blood flow. Pre-workouts contain the elements that the body needs to make the oxide, namely, L-arginine and L-citrulline.
Supplements that contain these compounds boost the transport of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, thereby improving athletic performance.
3. Creatine
Creatine is a compound that our bodies naturally produce and store in the skeletal muscle. It plays a significant role in producing energy and muscular strength. As a result, it is pretty popular among bodybuilders, weightlifters, and other athletes.
Pre-workouts use creatine to increase your body’s existing reserves. It boosts the recovery time, increases muscle mass and strength, and enhances exercise performance.
4. Vitamins
Pre-workout supplements contain ample B-vitamins. Vitamin B1, B2, B5, and B6 are significant contributors to energy production and efficiency.
Meanwhile, Vitamin B3 promotes healthy skin and DNA repair, and Vitamin B12 improves blood production.
5. Carbohydrates
Carbs are your body’s preferred source of energy, making them a practical component of pre-workouts.
When you consume these supplements, your carb levels go up, and your body has more energy for better performance.
Tips For Consuming Pre Workout
As a rule of thumb, you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements, such as pre-workouts. Once they say it’s safe for you, follow these tips to ensure safe and effective results.
- Have the supplement 20 minutes before you start exercising.
- Avoid excessive consumption as it could cause irregular heartbeat, fluctuations in blood sugar, increase in blood pressure, or digestive issues.
- Take the supplements consistently and watch their efficiency increase.
Pre-workouts are a great option, as long as you take them in moderation. They are usually made with substances that boost overall energy and enable you to perform better while exercising.
Even if you take the best pre-workout, do not expect any changes overnight. Having the supplement regularly for about six months will lead to noticeable changes.
In case the supplements do not suit your body, you should immediately contact a doctor. Do not put your body at risk just to shed a few inches!
