You know that feeling before a workout when you’re unmotivated and would rather binge-watch Netflix than break a sweat? Maybe it’s time to try a pre-workout supplement! 

Let’s review the basics of pre-workout supplements, and highlight some of our favorite products for getting pumped up. 

🤔 So, what is pre-workout and how does it work?

Pre-workout supplements, or “pre-workouts,” are usually taken in pill form, or as a powder that you mix with water before exercising. It’s mostly meant to give you extra energy so you can get the most out of your workout, but can also help with recovery and promote muscle growth.

While most pre-workout mixes have different formulas, most pre-workout supplements contain a few key ingredients:

• Caffeine (for a serious energy boost)
• Beta-Alanine (to improve muscle endurance and delay fatigue)
• Creatine & Amino Acids (to support muscle strength and recovery).

Together, they work to enhance your workout by increasing strength, endurance, and focus. If you’re looking for a pre-workout that delivers all this, we’ve got you!

⏳ When should I use pre-workout?

It’s crucial to time your pre-workout correctly—taking it before bed probably won’t have the energizing effect you want. Aim to take it 30-60 minutes before your workout. This gives your body enough time to absorb the ingredients and get you fired up for your training session. 

❤️ Is pre-workout okay for beginners to use?

Yes, pre-workout is totally safe for beginners! Just be sure to start with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts. Since many pre-workouts contain caffeine, some people experience jitters or energy crashes. If you’re new to supplements, it’s a good idea to ease into it—no need to dive in headfirst!

🔢 What should I look for in a pre-workout supplement?

When choosing a pre-workout, look for these features:

• Natural Ingredients: You want a formula that enhances energy without the excessive stimulants or artificial additives.
• Focus on Quality: Avoid supplements with artificial sweeteners or fillers.
• Caffeine Levels: Make sure it doesn’t exceed the daily caffeine limit (about 400 mg for most adults).

💪 What are the best available pre-workouts?

When you need a little extra fire to fuel your fitness, a quality pre-workout can make all the difference. Whether you're looking to power through a long run, crush a heavy lift session, or just shake off the afternoon slump, these pre-workouts bring the energy—each in their own unique way.

❤️ Our Top Pick ❤️

🧠 Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

Focus without the frenzy

• Looking for focus without the frenzy? Alpha Brain Pre-Workout gives you a clean mental and physical lift without the crash. With 200mg of caffeine from green tea and green coffee beans for smooth, steady energy, this powder-based supplement keeps you in the zone – minus the jitters.
• Best for: Busy professionals, ADHDers, or anyone wanting mental clarity and steady energy
• Caffeine: 200 mg (from green tea, and green coffee)
• Key ingredients: L-theanine, Alpha-GPC, and green tea extract
• Clean or natural? Yes, no synthetic stimulants
• Why we love it: It boosts focus and flow without giving you the heart-racey vibe some pre-workouts do

💡 Some of our other favorites:

🏃 Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre-Workout

Your daily driver

• Need a quick boost that’s as flexible as your workout schedule? Amino Energy doubles as a pre-workout and anytime pick-me-up. With 100mg of caffeine per serving from green tea and green coffee, plus 5g of amino acids to support muscle endurance, it’s a great option for everything from cardio days to lifting sessions.
• Best for: Beginners, light workouts, or mid-day pick-me-ups
• Caffeine: 100 mg (from natural sources)
• Key ingredients: Amino Acids, green tea, and green coffee extract
• Clean or natural? Partially – does contain some artificial flavors
• Why we love it: Incredibly flexible. Double a dose for HIIT, or sip half before a walk

🫶 Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout

The muscle-builder’s pick

• For those chasing serious muscle gains, BULK brings the heat with 200mg of caffeine from caffeine anhydrous, plus beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and vitamin D3 to support strength, endurance, and hormone health. No artificial sweeteners or any other junk – just clean performance.
• Best for: Strength athletes, gym-goers, or those in a bulking phase
• Caffeine: 200 mg (from caffeine anhydrous)
• Key ingredients: Beta-alanine, citrulline malate, D3, taurine
• Clean or natural? Yes – no artificial sweeteners or coloring
• Why we love it: It’s research-backed and targets performance and hormone health

🏋 PurePump Pre-Workout‍

Minimal ingredients, max output

• If you're all about clean ingredients and hardcore energy, PurePump delivers the goods. With 200mg of caffeine per serving and no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors, this formula is packed with performance-focused ingredients like beta-alanine and creatine.
• Best for: Clean-eating purists, caffeine veterans, or endurance athletes
• Caffeine: 200 mg
• Key ingredients: Creatine, beta-alanine, tyrosine
• Clean or natural? Yes – one of the cleanest formulas on the market‍
• Why we love it: No BS. It’s third-party tested and WADA-compliant for athletes

🔍 Final Thoughts

In conclusion, pre-workout can be a game changer if you’re looking to elevate your workouts. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, there’s a formula out there that works for you. Ready to level up your workouts? Try one of our top picks and get ready to crush it! 💪