I thought there was already a thread going on this but I can’t seem to find it. Curious what thoughts are on pre-workout powders. I’ve never used (until now). Lifelong athlete/active but the only supp I’ve ever consumed is whey protein.
Recently bought a new home gym smith. To celebrate I started a new 12wk workout, which is my first time with a truly weight-lifting centric plan (as opposed to sport specific or running). Ordered some accessories for the cables and bar from BB.com and inside the box were samples. I tried the 1MR Vortex last week. Holy moly, I was a squirrel on crack, and I liked it. Today I just took a dose of NO-Xplode which my husband has used for a while. I figured I’d compare.
I’ve never been one for supplements. I’m traditional and I like natural in my body. But after trying the sampler, I admit, I’m curious (is this a “gateway drug”? haha j/k). At this point I don’t know if I want to use a pre-workout for every workout (based on intensity & duration to get it all out of my system). But I can see it for the crushing leg days, maybe plyo.
I love them. I took NO-Explode for a couple of years and always felt like I could run through a wall. I gave Assault a try for the past year or so and like that too. I’m giving C4 a shot now. I cycle off after about 6-8 weeks and stay clean for 4 or so. I absolutely love drinking one before training but I only take it before weight training. I just don’t feel like I need one before I go on a short run.
I used to use various pre-workout supplements. I’ve tried Superpump, NO, C4, Assault, and others. I think that they work great for a while but I always seemed to get used to them. After a few weeks, the effect wasn’t as great. I now use the money saved from not buying pre-workout supplements to buy protein sources (food). YMMV.
As there’s a wide range of ingredients used in this new “pre workout drink” craze, each product and its ingredients needs to be examined for it’s science support (or lack there of…), safety profile, etc. etc. A strong cup of black coffee going into the gym is technically a “pre workout” drink so no generalizations can be made. As a rule, they are stimulant focused which has the potential to be problematic for some, but again, depends on dose, drug, etc.
Just finished up Legs & Abs today. I felt good throughout, my muscles are spent. Except I had to pee three times, geeze alou. THe NO-Explod tastes nasty. I initially only put 8oz water to mix but it was real strong so I filled it up some more to dilute the taste. I must say the 1MR Blueberry Lemon Ice from last week tasted much better with 8oz water. But I also felt a little nauseous in the first20 min after drinking it until I burped it all out ( I know, gross, sorry. But hey, it’s a review).
No, you’re right on about good food. We renewed our Costco membership specifically because we are going through chicken and veggies like mad.
ETA: I cleaned up my diet back in mid February and since then, with just clean eating I dropped 5lbs or so (which is a lot for a lightweight like me, 112lbs). I did zero workouts in that time. I just got my eating straight (good thing to because I was a moody monster). But the affect that a diet has on a body is simply amazing.
My new workouts started in April once I got the food/cal intake sorted. Messing with as little variables as possible simplified the transitions.
I figured it is a matter of time before a person builds up tolerance to the pre-workout. Which defeats the entire purpose.
Thanks for the suggestion.
This is my ultimate concern. There’s all kinds of “proprietary ingredients” that give me pause. That leaves the user up to the mercy of the manf.
For the last since I can remember my pre-workout is a cup of coffee and oatmeal mixed with protein powder. The “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” usually applies well with me, but curiosity caught the cat this time. I hope it doesn’t kill it.
Anyway caffeine isn’t the only thing to look for like you said, Will, just mentioned it because that stuck out in my head from reading the label earlier. I’ll have a look at the rest of the ingredients. Those do concern me. Thanks Will.
Oh, also I know there’s the Caffeine thread going. I haven’t looked at that yet but I’ll go through it. Again, thanks.
As far as taste- the C4 Extreme Icy Blue Razz is pretty good, that’s what I’m taking. I haven’t upped it to 2 scoops yet since I normally have coffee in the morning.
Not that I think this is common, but pre workouts are all about who’s is stronger than the other (“like drinking jet fuel on steroids” blah blah) and that’s ended with mixtures of stimulants not recommended/potentially problematic, and in some cases far worse: ‘Craze’ Workout Supplement Contains Meth-Like Stimulant ‘Never Studied In Humans’
My advice = Just say no to pre workout formulas. You can make your own by simply buying a few key ingredients and making your own.
I Generally use Super Pump Max. There is no caffeine and you don’t get that meth addict scratch your eyes out feeling. I have been using this with great results for about a year but I am definitely going to try Will’s recipe.
Thanks for the link. Watched it and read the Caffeine article (very interesting btw). I’m going to give the recipe a go. I will update with my thoughts after I give it a try. I have a little more reading to do but I’m glad to have the info to read.
You know, I never even noticed that there was caffeine in that . I was even told that there wasn’t. I will say that out of the three pre workouts that I use, Super Pump, Cardio Cuts and Pump Fuel Insanity, the Super Pump has no jittery effects and I can lift much heavier when using it. The other two, I can get more reps and less time between sets but I can’t lift as heavy. Obviously there is a trade off between speed and heavier weight but I get the best result from the Super Pump. I used to use C4 and didn’t like the top of my ears itching. With the Super Pump, I could feel it working but couldn’t feel the bugs.
So now I am completely finished sayin Super Pump!
YMMV.