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Best non-stim pre-workout supplements of 2024
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.
Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you the energy and the hyped feeling you want and need for an intense workout. They can also help you stay focused, ease fatigue, and support faster recovery. Many supplements contain caffeine or other stimulants in order to facilitate that high-energy feeling. However, stimulants can have unwanted side effects.
Some supplements can contain enough caffeine to equal three cups of coffee. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, this can make you feel jittery or shaky. Not a good thing for a workout. Non-stimulant pre-workout supplements can be a good alternative. You’ll still get the benefits of a supplement but without the shakes.
Non-stim pre-workout supplement overview
Studies indicate that muscular force can be improved with non-stim pre-workout supplements. This is good news if you’re caffeine-sensitive or if you want to avoid caffeine during an evening workout. When you take the caffeine out of a pre-workout supplement, the product still needs to work which puts added emphasis on the other ingredients. So it’s important to have quality ingredients that are third-party tested for safety and effectiveness.
Common ingredients in non-stim pre-workout supplements are creatine, amino acids, beetroot, and BCAAs. Non-stim supplements can benefit anyone who exercises intensely and wants a boost to aid their training and performance. A supplement without stimulants can minimize side effects like rapid heart rate, gastrointestinal distress, and the dreaded crash as the caffeine wears off.
How we chose the best supplements
- Intended Use: Products for this list are selected to fill specific needs such as muscle recovery, fat burning, or endurance support.
- Brand: Where possible, products for each category are chosen from top-rated and popular brands and companies with a trusted reputation.
- Ingredients: Supplements can contain a variety of different ingredients depending on what the supplement is supposed to do. Look for complete ingredient lists and avoid unproven ingredients or “proprietary blends” whenever possible.
Top non-stim pre-workout supplements
- Best fat burner: OxyShred Non-Stim
- Best for muscle recovery: Gainful Pre-Workout
- Best for muscle gain: Transparent Labs Stim Free Pre-Workout
- Best for mental focus: Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train
- Best natural: Legion Pulse Caffeine Free
- Best for endurance: 1st Phorm Endura-Formance
- Best with creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim Free
Best fat burner non-stim pre-workout: OxyShred Non-Stim
About OxyShred Non-Stim
If you’re looking to maximize your fat burning without the jittery feeling you get with most pre-workout supplements, OxyShred is a great choice. It targets subcutaneous fat which is the kind of fat you want to lose. This supplement is thermogenic so it increases your body temperature which helps you burn more calories. And it slows down your metabolism to keep cortisol (the stress hormone) under control.
The caffeine in most pre-workout supplements is replaced with Theacrine, a natural chemical that delivers consistent energy without the stress that caffeine can cause on your heart rate and blood pressure. The formulation also includes chromium, which helps regulate blood glucose. This promotes good blood sugar balance that helps fight cravings. It’s recommended to take it twice a day to boost fat loss, and there are five available flavors to choose from.
Why we like it
- Inexpensive compared to other non-stim supplements
- Subscription delivery option available
- Promotes blood sugar balance
What to consider
- Is sometimes clumpy and difficult to mix
- May not work as effectively as the stimulant version
Best non-stim pre-workout for muscle recovery: Gainful Pre-Workout Non-Caffeinated
About Gainful Pre-Workout
Recovering after a tough workout is essential to staying on track and being ready to go for the next workout. This non-GMO, 100% plant-based pre-workout from Gainful will set you up for effective recovery. It has no artificial ingredients or fillers and is low in sugar so you can be sure you’re getting a quality supplement.
It includes BCAAs that have been shown to help aid muscle recovery. It includes creatine to help with muscle gain. The company provides free access to registered dieticians with a subscription purchase to help guide you in making the best product choices for your goals. They also offer a caffeinated version if you need that for your morning workouts.
Why we like it
- Formulation includes creatine
- Free access to registered dietitians
- Plant-based
What to consider
- There are only 14 servings per package
- There are only two flavor choices
Best non-stim pre-workout for muscle gain: Transparent Labs Stim Free Pre-Workout
About Transparent Labs Stim Free Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Stim Free Pre-Workouts is gluten-free and non-GMO with no artificial sweeteners, colorings or preservatives. When you’re trying to gain muscle, a pre-workout can give you just the boost you need to increase blood flow. This supplement is made with all-natural ingredients and is offered as a subscription delivery at a reasonable price point so you never run out.
It contains citrulline malate that can improve muscle function which in turn enhances your workout. Another ingredient, beetroot powder has been shown to improve overall exercise performance. Beta-alanine, also in this supplement, helps with muscle endurance but can cause an intense tingling sensation that may be off-putting for some people.
Why we like it
- 30 servings per container
- Reasonably priced
- All natural ingredients
What to consider
- Does not contain creatine
- Beta-alanine can cause intense tingling sensations
Best non-stim pre-workout for mental focus: Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train Green Apple Flavor
About Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train
Having a strong mental focus during your workouts can help reduce the chance of injuries and increase the effectiveness of your workout. A pre-workout supplement that gives you laser focus and energy without the stimulant sensitivity is ideal. Crazy Nutrition’s Intensive Pre-Train in Green Apple flavor absorbs quickly and won’t give you stomach issues.
It’s on the expensive side for pre-workout supplements, but it includes a B vitamin complex and ashwagandha that helps reduce fatigue and increase mental focus. There are also several amino acids included in the formulation that is proven to help aid mental focus. Green apple is the only caffeine-free flavor, but there are two other flavors offered if you don’t mind the caffeine.
Why we like it
- Absorbs quickly
- Includes B vitamins to help with energy production
- Ashwagandha supports lower stress levels
What to consider
- This supplement is pricey
- Only one flavor option in the caffeine-free version
- There are only 20 servings per package
Best natural non-stim supplement: Legion Pulse Caffeine Free
About Legion Pulse Caffeine Free
If completely natural products are important to you, Legion’s Pulse Caffeine Free pre-workout is a top choice. It will boost focus and strength with all-natural ingredients that don’t cause a post-workout crash or nausea. It contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes and is certified by Labdoor to contain no banned substances.
This supplement is good for all types of workouts—not just strength training. It contains citrulline malate and beta-alanine which work to increase muscle power so you can lift more and go harder in your workouts. And Legion offers a no-return necessary money-back guarantee. So if you don’t like it for any reason, you can get a refund without worrying about sending it back.
Why we like it
- Eight flavor choices
- Contains no banned substances
- No return money back guarantee
What to consider
- Pricier compared to other supplements on this list
- Only 20 servings per container
Best non-stim supplement for endurance: 1st Phorm Endura Formance
About 1st Phorm Endura Formance
1st Phorm’s Endura Formance pre-workout supplement combines creatine and beta-alanine to reduce lactic acid buildup and improve muscle endurance. Reduced lactic acid minimizes muscular fatigue. This allows you to work out harder and longer to continue making gains.
A combination of adaptogens and antioxidant extracts in the formulation also helps fight muscle fatigue. This product is third-party tested for safety. It’s worth noting that it does contain artificial flavors and sweeteners that may irritate the stomach.
Why we like it
- Contains creatine
- Third-party tested
- 30 servings in the container
What to consider
- Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
- May irritate your stomach
Best non-stim supplement with creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim Free
About Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim Free
Creatine is a popular workout supplement for improving workout performance. A pre-workout supplement with creatine can boost power and strength. The Pre-Kaged Stim Free supplement is third-party tested, banned substance-free, and vegan friendly. Key ingredients like creatine, citrulline, and beta-alanine provide focus, increased blood flow, and fatigue reduction.
The supplement also includes coconut water to help boost hydration. There is only 1 gram of sugar per serving and no artificial flavors. The product comes with a scoop that is larger than the average supplement so you’ll get a large dose. But it may be difficult to mix up and eliminate grittiness.
Why we like it
- Vegan friendly
- Third-party tested
- Only 1 gram of sugar per serving
What to consider
- Fewer servings per container than many other supplements
- Only two flavor options
- May be difficult to mix up
How to choose a non-stim pre-workout supplement
Choosing a non-stim pre-workout supplement will primarily depend on personal preference and need. You’ll want to consider your budget as well as the specific effect you’re looking for.
- Formulation/Ingredients: Choose a product that contains science-backed ingredients that are listed clearly on the label. Supplements are not tightly regulated, so products with third-party testing or certifications will help verify the products' claims.
- Cost per serving: Depending on how often you work out and plan to use the product, your budget and the cost per serving should factor into your choice.
- Available flavors: If your pre-workout tastes terrible, you won’t use it, no matter how effective it claims to be. Product lines that offer several flavors are a good starting point.
Methodology
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-workout supplements. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best supplements for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
What is the safest pre-workout?
A safe pre-workout supplement includes only ingredients that are tested and FDA-approved for human consumption. Look for pre-workouts that have been third-party tested or certified and that have a transparent ingredient list. Products with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners will minimize stomach irritation.
Is pre-workout OK for your heart?
When pre-workout supplements contain caffeine or other stimulants, they can increase the risk of high blood pressure and arrhythmias. Stimulant-free products, like the ones on this list, are a better option if you’re concerned about your heart health. And consulting your doctor is an important first step.
How often should you take pre-workout?
If you’re taking a supplement that contains caffeine, it can start to cause dependency or nervous system issues if taken every day. A stim-free supplement is a better choice if you want to consume it daily. That being said, moderation is key and a pre-workout supplement will be most effective if it’s used only on days when you plan to go really hard or have a long workout planned.
References
- Stratton MT, Siedler MR, Harty PS, Rodriguez C, Boykin JR, Green JJ, Keith DS, White SJ, DeHaven B, Williams AD, Tinsley GM. The influence of caffeinated and non-caffeinated multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements on resistance exercise performance and subjective outcomes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2022 Apr 4;19(1):126-149. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2022.2060048. PMID: 35599920; PMCID: PMC9116396. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9116396/
- Glyn Howatson, Michael Hoad, Stuart Goodall, Jamie Tallent, Phillip G Bell & Duncan NFrench (2012) Exercise-induced muscle damage is reduced in resistance-trained males by branched chain amino acids: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9:1, DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-20. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1186/1550-2783-9-20
- Rodriguez Guerra MA, Urena Neme AP, Shaban M, Matos Noboa C, Trinh T. Pre-workout Induced Demand Ischemia. Cureus. 2023 Jan 12;15(1):e33694. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33694. PMID: 36793833; PMCID: PMC9925028. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9925028/#:~:text=Multiple%20products%20included%20in%20pre,represented%20numerous%20complications%2C%20including%20death.
