BUYING GUIDE: PRE-WORKOUT

Whether you're struggling with motivation or need an extra boost to power through your morning workout, a pre-workout supplement could be just what you need to fuel your session and maximise your performance. But with so many options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pre-workout supplements, including how to choose the best one for your fitness goals.

A pre-workout supplement contains an elixir of ingredients carefully chosen to help enhance your mental energy levels, focus, and mood, to improve your endurance and workout performance. Whether you want to train harder and longer in the gym or simply enjoy the endurance to run further before fatigue sets in, a pre-workout supplement can source the additional mental energy your body requires to outperform your last workout.

While the instructions may differ slightly from product to product, as a general rule of thumb, most pre-workouts are mixed with water and consumed roughly 30 minutes before a workout to maximise the effects. However, if you're trying a new pre-workout for the first time, we highly recommend only using half a scoop to assess your tolerance before diving straight in.

Pre-workouts come in three different options - ranging from high-stimulant, low-stimulant, or non-stimulant - to suit all preferences and dietary requirements. Keep reading to find out which option is most suitable for your needs and goals:

Best for: Experienced fitness enthusiasts looking to ramp up their performance and results.

A high-stimulant pre-workout is packed with potent ingredients designed to give you an intense energy boost, mental focus, and endurance. Ideal for those who've outgrown their regular pre-workout or are looking to tackle more intense workout regimens, this option delivers the fuel needed to push through fatigue and reach new performance levels.

Key Benefits:

• Increases mental focus and energy

• Reduces fatigue and boosts endurance

• Delivers hard-hitting results for high-intensity workouts

Best for: Recreational gym-goers or those with sensitivity to high levels of caffeine.

A low-stimulant pre-workout offers a more moderate energy boost, providing enough focus and mental clarity without the risk of overstimulation. This option is perfect if you're looking for a mild performance enhancer that won't interfere with your sleep or cause jitters.

Key Benefits:

• Provides a moderate energy boost

• Supports mental focus and clarity

• Less risk of disrupting sleep cycles

Best for: Athletes who are sensitive to caffeine or those looking for a stimulant-free option.

A non-stimulant pre-workout offers the same benefits of enhanced endurance and mental focus without the added stimulants like caffeine. This type allows you to train any time of day without worrying about disrupting your sleep or experiencing the jittery side effects often associated with stimulants.

Key Benefits:

• Supports cognitive function and focus

• Enhances performance without stimulants

• Allows for training at any hour without sleep disruption

Like any performance-enhancing supplement, there's no 'one size fits all' approach to pre-workout formulas, which means what you find in one product, may vary in another. However, there are many popular ingredients used in pre-workouts, including the following:

• Caffeine: Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that increases energy, focus, and performance. By stimulating the central nervous system, it helps enhance alertness and delay fatigue, making it a key ingredient in most pre-workouts.
• Best For: Boosting energy and mental focus during intense workouts.

• Beta-Alanine: Beta-alanine helps reduce muscle fatigue by buffering acid build-up in the muscles. This allows you to work harder for longer, especially during high-intensity exercise.
• Best For: Enhancing endurance and reducing muscle fatigue.

• L-Citrulline Malate: L-citrulline boosts nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. This leads to enhanced muscle pumps and reduced muscle soreness post-exercise.
• Best For: Enhancing blood flow, muscle pumps, and reducing soreness.

• Taurine: Taurine supports hydration and muscle function, helping prevent cramping during exercise. It also protects muscles from oxidative stress, making it useful for endurance athletes.
• Best For: Supporting hydration and reducing muscle cramps.

• Creatine Monohydrate: Creatine increases the availability of ATP, the main energy source for muscles, leading to improved strength, power, and muscle growth during short, intense bursts of activity. 
• Best For: Enhancing strength and power in high-intensity workouts.

• Tyrosine:Tyrosine improves mental focus and clarity under stress. It’s commonly included in pre-workouts to keep you sharp and motivated during challenging workouts.
• Best For: Improving focus and reducing stress during training.

These ingredients work together to maximise your workout potential, helping you power through tough sessions while supporting better recovery. Whether you're looking to increase endurance, strength, or mental focus, choosing a pre-workout with the right blend of ingredients is key to achieving your fitness goals.

Whether you're new to the gym, an avid CrossFitter, or a seasoned athlete, a pre-workout supplement can enhance your performance and help you reach your fitness goals. Pre-workouts are especially useful if you’re looking to improve focus, boost energy levels, or increase endurance during training.

If you're unsure which pre-workout is right for you, consider consulting with a fitness expert or nutritionist to discuss the best option for your body and workout routine.