It is impossible for us to wake up with the same feeling of energy every day. It is normal to feel lethargic, weak, unmotivated, and tired after a long exhausting day.
But if this happens frequently then you need to make some changes in your dietary and lifestyle habits.
This is where pre-workout supplements kick in. These supplements provide you with that extra bit of energy that you need for your workout and the rest of the day without feeling exhausted.
This blog extensively deals with the understanding of what are pre-workout supplements, and do we need them?
Let’s first begin with the basic understanding of what Pre-workout drink is.
What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?
Since the concept of pre workout supplements is relatively new, there is no good definition of a pre-workout supplement.
In general, pre workout supplements are dietary products that aim to boost energy levels through a combination of B-Vitamins, carbs, and Antioxidants.
It is sometimes referred to as “pre-workouts” which consists of multi-ingredient formulas to boost our athletic performance and energy.
It can come in various forms and shape varying from pre workout drinks to pills. But the most common form of workout supplements is in powder form consumed with water.
Since we now are aware of what pre workout supplements are and why we need them. Let’s find out some ingredients to look for and some to ignore while buying the best pre workout drink for us.
What Are the Pre-Workout Ingredients To Look Out For?
Different company manufactures different pre workout supplements with different parameters set for their ingredients.
Some may have a low or very high level of ingredients present in their product. It is always worth looking at the labels of the product before buying a pre workout drink.
Some of the ingredients to look out for are as follows:
#1. Nitric Oxide: It is a compound that exists naturally in our bodies. It relaxes our blood vessels and improves our blood flow.
Pre workout supplements use some compounds essential for metric oxide production like L-arginine, L-citrulline, and beetroot juice.
Researchers have conclusively stated that getting these compounds boosts oxygen and nutrient transport to our muscles, thus enhancing our athletic abilities.
#2. Caffeine: Caffeine is the best natural pre workout ingredient present in almost all the products of similar categories in the market. Caffeine improves energy, and focus.
This ingredient improves our mental alertness, memory, and exercise performance and also helps us to reduce body fat.
#3. Creatine: It is a chemical compound naturally produced in our body and is stored in skeletal muscles. It provides muscular strength and energy production.
Although they are the common ingredient present in pre workout drinks, they are also sold as individual supplements.
Studies have suggested that the regular use of creatine improves the strength, exercise performance, muscles mass, and recovery time of a person.
#4. Beta-alanine: It is an amino acid that is present in many pre workout formulas because they contain acid build-up in our muscles tissue, thus allowing our muscles to work harder and longer.
Although researchers have vouched for its effectiveness, it may taste unpleasant and leave a tingling sensation over our bodies.
#5. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): This ingredient helps muscle growth and decrease muscle soreness if taken before a workout session.
These ingredients are naturally found in the dietary sources of protein and hence need not be taken alone as you may already be consuming it in an adequate amount through your meals.
We are now aware of what ingredients to look out for while selecting the best pre workout supplements in 2022 for ourselves.
It is equally important to know what ingredients to avoid in a pre-workout drink to be safe from pre workout side effects.
What Are the Food Items to Avoid Eating?
Although pre workout supplements are safe on the body yet they are not 100% risk- free.
If you are thinking to include a pre workout drink in your daily workout routine, you must avoid the following ingredients:
#1. Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols: In order to enhance the flavor without adding calories, pre workout supplements frequently contains artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
These artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause intestinal discomfort; particularly high intake of sugar alcohols can trigger symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
It is advisable to avoid these ingredients if possible if not try having it in small proportion just to see how your body reacts to it.
#2. Excess Caffeine: Caffeine is the major energy booster element present in most pre workout supplements.
While caffeine’s moderate consumption can help in improving your focus and energy, excessive use of caffeine can lead to side effects.
Some serious side effects can lead to high blood pressure, sleep disorder, and stress. So avoid excess intake of caffeine.
#3. Avoid supplements that haven’t been third-party tested: Pre workout supplements get regulated by FDA as foods and not drugs in the USA.
Because of this many banned substances can land on the ingredient list of the product and can be fatal.
Look for NSF International or U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) third-party certified supplements while going for a purchase.
Now the big question is whether we should take a pre-workout supplement or not. Let’s briefly talk about this in the next section.
Should You Take a Pre-Workout Supplement?
Pre workout supplements are not meant for everyone.
However, if you frequently lack energy or find difficulty in carrying out your workout try hydrating yourself, sleeping, or changing your diet before choosing a pre workout drink.
Apart from this, it can be expensive and research has not proven that they are more effective than whole foods with the same nutrients in them. A cup of coffee or a banana can be a cheap alternative to a pre workout supplement.
But if pre workout drink works for you then there should be nothing to stop you from having it. Similarly, we have got a short brief on super energetic 4 Gauge before and after Pre-Workout Supplement Results.
Is 4 Gauge Pre-Workout Supplement Effective?
4 Gauge is a pre workout booster for both men and women. It helps them optimize their workouts and get the most out of them. If you are working out for muscle gains, then 4 Gauge Pre-Workout can do wonders for you.
It is a 4-in-one formula that helps in pushing you harder in the gym. Moreover, it is the safest and the strongest pre workout supplement in the market. If you are an avid gym-goer, you will be thrilled with its results.
However, strictly following the instruction on how to take these pre-workouts is equally important to get the effective results.
How To Take Pre-Workout Supplements?
Pre-workout products come with a set of instructions about how to use them. Apart from following these instructions, it is always a good idea to start with a small dose to check your tolerance.
Remember that ingredient beta-alanine?
Well, don’t be surprised if you get some harmless tingling sensation but can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
It is advisable to take these supplements at least 30-60 minutes prior to your workout.
That way these ingredients reach your bloodstream and provide the necessary kick in so that you can reap all of the pre workout supplement benefits.
At last but not at least if your supplement is heavily loaded with caffeine, try having it during your workout day schedule as this can hamper your ability to fall asleep.
Conclusion
By now we have learned all about what are Best Pre-Workout Supplements and do we need them?
Therefore to recapitulate what has been discussed above, pre-workout is a product to enhance physical performance but there is not enough scientific conclusive evidence to support this claim.
However, it does not have any serious side effects and is safe, yet is not essential for health or performance.
They are neither good nor bad for you, but if you have a pre-existing medical condition please consult a doctor before having a pre workout drink.
Finally, whether you take the pre workout supplement or not, make sure to have proper sleep and a balanced diet along with plenty of water to feel energetic and hydrated all the time.