This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Getting the most out of your fitness routine can be a challenge. However, an energizing pre-workout drink can help put some pep back in your step. Pre-workout supplements can provide compounds to help support energy levels and focus to help you receive the most benefit from your workout. Registered dietitian Brittany Werner, MS, RDN, NASM-CPT, who has experience working with CrossFit and Olympic athletes, provides valuable advice on pre-workout supplements.
She says, "Begin gradually, considering potential caffeine sensitivity, and maintain hydration. Seek ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine and nitric oxide boosters for optimal results. Be cautious of proprietary blends and excessive sugar." Research supports the use of such ingredients to be effective in helping support the access of nutrients to not only stimulate protein synthesis but also to help reduce fatigue, increase blood flow and support hydration (1).
Read below to learn about the best pre-workout supplements you can purchase today to help boost your workout game.
The following pre-workout supplements made the list of best pre-workout supplements since they contained one or all of the previously mentioned ingredients, which research has shown to be effective in supporting workout energy and performance, among other things. Each product was also reviewed to make sure it was third-party tested and/or manufactured in a facility that was Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified or National Sport Foundation (NSF) certified to ensure potency and/or safety. Finally, each product was researched to check customer reviews to see if there were any qualities that stood out, as well as any potential concerns.
As a trusted brand, Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Pre-Workout provides just about every evidence-based ingredient to support your workout routine. From creatine and beta-alanine for exercise performance support to caffeine for energy support and citrulline for increased blood flow to the muscle, this pre-workout supplement has everything you need to stay alert and focused.
As an added bonus, this product has been tested for banned substances, so athletes can feel safe using it during their athletic season. With four delicious flavors to choose from, your pre-workout routine will never get boring. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout is a complete pre-workout supplement that is healthy for both your workout and your wallet.
As an NSF-certified for Sport product that has undergone third-party testing, C4 Sport® Pre-workout is perfect for athletes and average fitness enthusiasts alike. This supplement contains both a performance blend and an energy blend to help you stay focused and alert during your exercise routine while helping you maintain good energy levels from start to finish.
With three delicious flavors, blue raspberry, fruit punch and watermelon, this pre-workout supplement is easy to consume any time of day. At less than $1 per serving, C4 Sport® can also fit within just about any budget. Add C4 Sport® Pre-workout supplement to your daily routine for ultimate energy and performance support you can trust.
For an added energy boost during your exercise, you should give Prolific Pre-Workout Supplement a look. This third-party tested pre-workout supplement contains a higher amount of caffeine without the jitters. This provides added alertness during your workouts.
You can choose from eight delicious flavors, including Guava Pineapple Punch and Raspberry Lemonade, you’ll be sure to find a flavor to please your palate. With a boost of pure L-citrulline for performance support, Prolific Pre-Workout is good for more than just providing extra energy (7).
Alani Nu Pre-Workout is a third-party tested brand that is both fun and a fantastic pre-workout supplement. Besides a good boost of caffeine, sourced naturally from coffee bean extract, it also contains L-citrulline, L-theanine and beta-alanine for ultimate workout support.
In 11 delicious flavors like Mimosa and Rainbow Candy, Alani Nu Pre-Workout supplement is sure to make your pre-workout routine tasty and interesting. This gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free pre-workout supplement fits just about any pre-workout routine from amateur to athlete.
Xeela Clean Pre-Workout is a perfect pre-workout supplement whose formula is free of gluten, soy and dairy. Additionally, its vegan-friendly and free of GMOs. The formula is third-party tested and BSCG Certified Drug-Free, so athletes can ensure this product contains no ingredients that are prohibited by sports organizations.
In four flavors, including blue raspberry and tropical punch, this pre-workout provides a potent boost of creatine for performance support. This cGMP-certified product is sugar-free and free of sweeteners from synthetic sources, which helps reduce any aftertaste that can ruin your pre-workout.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing a pre-workout. Let’s get into them!
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top pre-workouts. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best pre-workouts for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
The most effective pre-workout supplements will include caffeine, beta-alanine and nitric oxide boosters. These ingredients have been proven to help boost energy and focus, aiding in more productive workout sessions.
Pre-workout supplements can help improve performance and focus if taken before you start exercising. When proven ingredients like caffeine and beta-alanine are utilized in a pre-workout formula, you'll notice the power of your workout reach heights you may not have seen before.
Some people report increased anxiety, heart rate and jitters when using a pre-workout supplement. Additionally, it's common for people using a pre-workout to experience stomach problems, including cramps, diarrhea and nausea. There is also an increased risk of dehydration, headaches, kidney stones and sleep disruption.