PRE WORKOUTS. WHAT? WHEN? WHY?
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO??
It's evening, and you just got off of work. You change into your gym clothes and open your preworkout container. Immediately, you notice something's wrong. It's empty and you're out of pre-workout. It's the end of the week and you need a little extra boost to help you push through your grueling workout. What are you going to do? Naturally, you decide to stop by the supplement store on your way to the gym and grab some more. But when you get there, you're confronted by a wall of shelves upon shelves of different products that honestly look all the same to you. Beta-Alanine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Phenythalamine, something that resembles the inside of what you imagine a nuclear reactor would look like. It's all just too overwhelming and you have no idea what you're looking at. For many of us, our choice in pre-workout is largely influenced by the recommendations of the individual working at the shop. BUT, what should you know before buying a pre-workout is what exactly you, the customer, are looking for in your ideal pre-workout.
WHERE IT ALL BEGINS.
For starters, "Pre-Workout" is a broad term, referring to any supplement intended to be taken right before the gym. Generally, this is a stimulant based product often with a few ingredients designed to give you that ever sought after "pump". However, there's so many different options to choose from whether you’re wanting weight loss, strength, size, high stimulants, thermogenics, etc.
WHAT CAN YOU HANDLE?
Tolerance plays a large role in product choice as well. The standard caffeine dosage for the majority of pre-workouts is 300mg. Asking for a sample at A&D Nutrition and Vitamins of a standard dosed pre-workout is a great starting point to figure out your tolerance to stimulants. From there you get to gauge whether you need something higher dosed, lower dosed or no caffeine at all.
TO JITTER OR NOT TO JITTER? THAT IS THE QUESTION:
Products that contain nootropics (for focus) and/or vasodilators (for the pump) are typically preferred for people who don’t want the jittery or itchy feeling. BUT if you prefer the itch and jitters. We don’t judge.. You need a pre workout with Beta-Alanine or Niacin.
WANT TO PUT ON SIZE?
Some products contain ingredients specifically made to target people who want to bulk. Ingredients like test boosters, arachidonic acid, etc that allow for more growth and strength. Something as simple as a creatine can help during a particularly intense workout routine. Creatine provides you "explosive strength" to get over plateaus and to get those extra reps in. Amino Acids, commonly known as BCAA'S and EAA's are also taken either before or during a workout to aid in recovery and to prevent the loss of muscle mass during a workout.
MAKE PUMPS GREAT AGAIN.
Vasodilators are by far one of the most popular forms of pre-workouts. A “pump” is one of the biggest motivators for people regardless of how long they've been in the gym. The feeling of your muscles being swollen, looking huge and vascular is enough for some people to base their product choice around whichever gives them the best pump. While many typical pre workouts carry some amount of vaso's such as citrulline, the most effective dose is always found in a standalone pump product.
WHAT’S YOUR PRE-WORKOUT CHOICE?
So what pre-workout should you take specifically? Well, if you prefer pre-workouts that give you a lot of energy, look for products with ingredients such as Caffeine, Toothed Clubmoss, Theobromine, or Yohimbine. If you prefer a pre workout that helps you focus while in the gym. Look for ingredients such as Lion's Mane, Velvet Bean Extract, L-Tyrosine or Alpha-GPC. For guidance on what direction you should take. Stop by and talk to us at A&D Nutrition and Vitamins. We have plenty of experience when it comes to supplement knowledge and will make sure you walk out satisfied and happy with your product selection.
OUR TAKEAWAY
In conclusion, make your decision based on both your goals and what you like about your pre-workout. Whether it be an “all in one” product or purchasing what you need in variants.