Sometimes, a cup of coffee before a hard lifting session at the gym isn’t enough for bodybuilders. The best pre-workout supplements for bodybuilders help you gain that elusive anabolic edge. do just that – they help pump you up physically and mentally. Today’s pre-workouts go the extra mile – they also increase nitric oxide levels, muscle pumps, and shorten recovery time, just to name a few. When you continue pumping iron like a beast, paying attention to your nutrition, getting enough sleep, and supplementing with the best pre-workouts on the market, you will be in the best shape of your life.
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Quick List: Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Bodybuilders
The best pre-workout supplements for bodybuilders skillfully combine key components into formulations that give you the best return on your hard-earned investment. More on these later, but for now here is a quick list of top-rated bodybuilders’ pre-workout formulas:
#1. Peformance Lab SPORT Pre-Workout – This is a clean and clinically-dosed pre-workout supplement which help you crank out more reps at the gym. Performance Lab SPORT Pre-Workout website |
#2. 4 Gauge – This unique shell-shaped pre-workout supplement with strong but safe ingredients packs a serious wallop. 4 Gauge website |
#3. ALTIUS – The so-called “Clinically-Dosed Pre-Workout Fuel” lives up the hype: it helps increase strength, focus, energy, muscle pumps, and endurance. ALTIUS website |
#4. LEGION PULSE – This product “is a 100 percent natural pre-workout that increases energy levels, improves mood, sharpens mental focus, boosts strength and endurance, and reduces fatigue its official webpage. LEGION PULSE website |
#5. GNC BEYOND RAW LIT – A pre-workout supplement which helps “target extreme energy, mental alertness, and nitric oxide production to maximize subjects’ ability to manifest the results over which they obsess,” per the company’s official website. GNC BEYOND RAW LIT website |
Or, read on to learn about what bodybuilders need to get the most out of their workouts – more specifically, the formulations which help them start strong and finish stronger.
Bodybuilders’ Pre-Workout Supplements Guide
Before we discuss the best-pre workout supplements for bodybuilders in greater detail, we must first understand the challenges these hard-training athletes face in the gym day in and day out.
10 Reasons Why Pre-Workout Supplements Can Make A Difference for Bodybuilders
1.The fatigue factor: Whether you’re a professional or recreational bodybuilder, the rigors of the sport can take a toll on you. Lifting weights regularly for years can tax the mind and body. Pre-workout supplements help you gain the edge you need. In fact, the March 2012 issue of Nutrition & Metabolism (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov) says supplementation “may reduce both feelings of fatigue and actual fatigue, which can result in performance increases in both muscular endurance and reaction time.”
2. The mind and body connection: Sometimes when you’re working out, the body is willing, but the mind isn’t. You’re able to push yourself physically, but not mentally. Fortunately, today’s pre-workouts contain key nootropics and cognitive enhancers such as l-tyrosine which helps you stay at the top of your mental game at the gym. “Tyrosine supplementation does appear to consistently attenuate losses in cognitive function when individuals are exposed to challenging environments,” per the Gatorade Sports Science Institute’s official website.
3. Increase in muscle mass and strength: Ramping up muscle mass and strength are two goals of many bodybuilders. Pre-workout supplements can help them achieve these. “It seems likely, based on the available research, that taking the pre-workout supplement for an extended period of time in combination with exercise is safe and can lead to beneficial changes in strength and body composition,” per the August 15, 2014 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
4. More fat loss: Many bodybuilders want to muscle up and torch fat. Today’s pre-workout supplements contain components such as caffeine (which is in Redcon1 Total War and Controlled Labs White Flash) which ramp up thermogenesis and keep one’s appetite in check.
5. Shorter recovery time: Make no mistake about it: bodybuilding can take a toll on your body. It’s an extremely demanding sport. Long-term involvement may result in inflammation and joint discomfort (an issue which bone and joint supplements can also help resolve), among other things. Fortunately, top-notch pre-workout supplements contain ingredients such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which help shorten recovery time and enable you to crank out more reps over the long haul.
6. The demands of life: You may be up to it at the gym, but sometimes personal and family demands sap your energy as well. Working out, running errands, and fulfilling personal obligations on a non-stop basis can take a toll on your body. When you go back to the gym, you may not feel up to it. Taking a pre-workout supplement helps you stay on track.
7. Insufficient sleep: Let’s keep it real: not all bodybuilders sleep eight hours nightly (although it’s best if you do). Some can get by with fewer than eight hours. On the other hand, some tend to toss and turn at night (a sleep supplement can help in that regard). To no one’s surprise, they feel lethargic at the gym. Pre-workouts’ key ingredients such as beta-alanine and caffeine will perk you up, for sure.
8. Lack of motivation: You may have done everything you could to achieve your bodybuilding goals (regular training, sound nutrition, and enough sleep), but somehow you lack the proper motivation because of personal issues and the like. Sometimes, even your trainers at the gym can do so much to stoke your fire, to no avail. Try complementing these with a pre-workout supplement and watch your results soar in due time.
9. Competitive edge: Bodybuilding is a demanding and competitive sport. If you find yourself feeling worn out more often than not, the competition will leave you in its dust. Pre-workout supplements have the ability to fire you up physically and mentally. When that happens, expect to gain a serious edge over your competitors.
10. Long-term health: Regular exercise is one of the keys to long-term health. Because bodybuilding is one of the most demanding sports, pre-workout supplementation allows you to remain consistent over a long period of time. There will be times when you feel like quitting, but pre-workouts and sheer determination will help you overcome this hurdle. Make sure to choose clean pre-workout formulations which don’t compromise your health.
To achieve the best results, people in this group should look for supplements that provide extra support for:
- Mental and physical energy
- Strength
- Exercise performance
- Fat loss/thermogenesis
- Focus and concentration
- Recovery time
What Ingredients Should Bodybuilders Look for in a Pre-Workout Supplement?
Do the best pre-workout supplements cover the bases for bodybuilders? On that note, let’s zero in on the most ideal components for bodybuilders’ pre-workout supplementation.
L-Citrulline
L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, precursor to l-arginine, and natural ingredient of watermelon which helps ramp up nitric oxide (N.O.) levels. Long story short, it acts as a powerful vasodilator which helps increase muscle pumps and blood flow, improve nutrient uptake, and promote healthy blood pressure levels – all impressive benefits for bodybuilders.
Citrulline malate is a popular variation of this pre-workout component. It’s a combination of l-citrulline and malic acid (which experts believe helps increase endurance) which should make a difference in your workouts. As hard evidence, the May 12, 2014 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov) says, “Supplementation with CM (citrulline malate) for 15 days has been shown to increase ATP production by 34 percent during exercise, increase the rate of phosphocreatine recovery after exercise by 20 percent, and reduce perceptions of fatigue. Moreover, ingestion of 8 g of CitM prior to a chest workout significantly increased repetitions performed by approximately 15 percent and decreased soreness by 40 percent at 24 and 48 hours post-workout.”
There’s no question l-citrulline and citrulline malate are bona fide pre-workout supplements for bodybuilders. Try a pre-workout with at least five grams of either ingredient (which you can find in pre-workouts such as MusclePharm Wreckage, iSatori MORPH XTREME, and Dymatize Pre W.O.) to reap the most benefits.
Creatine
Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid which exists naturally in the human body. It’s also a combination of the amino acids l-glycine, l-arginine, and l-methionine. Creatine supplementation helps the body produce ATP (the body’s source of energy) and may increase overall strength. It also helps increase exercise intensity, especially exercises involving short and quick bursts of movement. Moreover, creatine helps increase muscle mass by pulling more water into the muscles. This gives the muscles a bigger and fuller appearance.
To substantiate our claim, the aforementioned Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition study says, “Numerous studies have found significantly increased muscle size and strength when CM was added to a strength training program.” Creatine is indeed a superior muscle builder in every sense of the word.
To increase creatine’s efficiency, one must take it consistently over a long period of time. Once you saturate your muscle cells with it after several weeks, you will reap its full spectrum of benefits. In short, creatine, like most bodybuilding supplements, is not a magic pill – you need patience and consistency in order to get results.
- Creatine monohydrate is the most effective and cheapest form of creatine on the market. It’s also the safest. “Creatine monohydrate (CM) has been called the most ergogenic and safe supplement that is legally available. Supplementation of healthy adults has not resulted in any reported adverse effects or changes in liver or kidney function,” per the aforementioned Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition study. Although there has been conflicting evidence in terms of its bioavailability, experts say creatine monohydrate can fully saturate the muscles after two to three weeks of consistent use.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are non-essential amino acids. This means the body doesn’t synthesize them. Hence, one must obtain them from either whole foods or supplements (such as Performance Lab SPORT BCAA or GAT Sport FLEXX BCAAs). Perhaps the biggest benefit of BCAAs for bodybuilders is their ability to increase muscle protein synthesis (MPS), particularly l-leucine (which experts regard as the most anabolic amino acid).
According to the Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BJPS)(via Scielo.br), “Leucine regulates gene expression through multiple mechanisms including modulation of mTOR activation, formulation of the eIF4F complex, and phosphorylation of S6K1, consequently favoring protein synthesis. Moreover, some studies have indicated that the anabolic effect of leucine is more evident in catabolic situations when leucine plasma and intracellular concentrations are low.” Not all pre-workout supplements have BCAAs (one top-notch pre-workout which has two grams of l-leucine per serving is Optimum Nutrition PRO PRE). Consider it a major bonus if yours has these three essential amino acids.
BCAAs also help bodybuilders torch fat, increase strength and endurance, keep muscle soreness at bay, and improve insulin sensitivity. The key takeaway: BCAAs are versatile components which help you remain in an anabolic state anytime and anywhere.
- Fermented BCAAs give you the fastest return on your investment without the impurities (such as duck feathers and human hair) sub-par BCAA supplements have. Simply put, fermented BCAAs help increase anabolism (muscle growth) and ward off catabolism (muscle breakdown). Vegans and vegetarians also consider them a great alternative.
Beta-Alanine
If you constantly find yourself running out of gas every time you work out, beta-alanine should help. This is a naturally-occurring beta amino acid which helps buffer muscle carnosine levels for increased work capacity and endurance against fatigue. Long story short, you will be able to work out longer and harder.
According to the July 2016 issue of The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (via ResearchGate.net), “BA (beta-alanine) supplementation seems to improve perceived exertion and biochemical parameters related to muscle fatigue and less evidence was found for improvement in performance.” It’s clear beta-alanine will help you push yourself harder in the gym. However, it still has a few question marks in terms of its benefits pertaining to athletic performance. Nonetheless, beta-alanine supplementation should help you prepare for your daily grind at the gym week in and week out.
Bear in mind supplementing with beta-alanine may produce a harmless tingling and flushing sensation in the neck, arms, and shoulders known as the “beta-alanine itch.” This usually goes away after 15 minutes or so.
- CarnoSyn® is by far the most effective brand of beta-alanine on the market today. Try scouring your bodybuilding supplement store shelves. Whenever a pre-workout has beta-alanine, chances are, it’s CarnoSyn®. Many manufacturers put their trust in this brand because it works. Try it for yourself and feel the difference.
Betaine
Betaine is an amino acid, methyl donor, and osmolyte which one can find in whole foods such as sugar beets, quinoa, and spinach. It also goes by the name trimethylglycine (TMG) because it has one part l-glycine and three methyl groups. Betaine benefits bodybuilders primarily in two ways: it helps improve muscle performance and cardiovascular function.
More specifically, betaine helps convert the amino acid homocysteine (which is detrimental to heart health) to methionine (which plays a key role in synthesizing creatine in the body). In other words, betaine helps ramp up creatine production in the body. By also keeping homocysteine levels in check, betaine helps promote better cardiovascular health.
To substantiate our claims about betaine, the August 22, 2013 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov) says, “Six weeks of betaine supplementation improved body composition, arm size, bench press work capacity, attenuated the rise in urinary HCTL, and tended to improve power (p=.07) but not strength.”
Plus, betaine also ramps up S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) levels. This, in turn, enhances mood, boosts liver function, and facilitate joint recovery. Bodybuilders will surely enjoy these important benefits. Betaine is one pre-workout supplement ingredient which is a bona fide Jack of all trades.
Caffeine
Some bodybuilders from the Golden Era consumed a cup of brewed coffee prior to their workouts. Caffeine helped jack them up for their intense training sessions. That trend continues to the present day. Whether you prefer the traditional cup of brewed coffee or a pre-workout supplement with caffeine, this stimulant is arguably the world’s most popular way of revving up one’s engine for a hard workout.
The body absorbs caffeine rapidly. Once it kicks in, it helps promote spinal cord excitability and muscle fiber recruitment. It also helps keep fatigue (physical and mental) and muscle discomfort at bay and improve exercise performance.
“Caffeine is perhaps the most common pre-workout stimulant consumed by bodybuilders. Numerous studies support the use of caffeine to improve performance during endurance training, sprinting, and strength training. However, not all studies support use of caffeine to improve performance in strength training. It should be noted that many of the studies that found increases in strength training performance supplemented with larger (5-6 mg/kg) dosages of caffeine. However, this dosage of caffeine is at the end of dosages that are considered safe,” per the aforementioned International Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov) study.
It’s clear caffeine is a double-edged sword. Overconsumption may result in a spike-crash effect, nervousness, jitters, and sleeplessness. Fitness aficionados believe consuming between three to six grams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight helps reduce perceived exertion. For example, if you’re a 90-kilogram bodybuilder, consuming between 270-540 grams of caffeine before lifting should help you crank out more reps. Bear in mind this is like drinking three to five cups of brewed coffee in one sitting. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, skip it.
- Caffeine anhydrous is the pure, powdered form of caffeine which you can find in most pre-workout supplements. Because of its top-notch caffeine content it helps you not only in the weight room, but also your long-term health (increased fat loss and energy levels and antioxidant protection, improved liver health and blood sugar levels, and enhanced cognitive function). When it comes to caffeine, know your limits.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is a naturally-occurring amino acid and natural ingredient of green tea (Camelia sinensis) which helps neutralize the stimulatory effects of caffeine and boost brain function. A caffeine and l-theanine combination does wonders for you mentally.
“Caffeine and l-theanine, at doses equivalent to one or two cups of tea, are capable of modulating cerebral haemodynamics, cognitive performance, mood, and autonomic measures. When combined with 75 mg of caffeine, 50 mg l-theanine abolished a reduction in oxy-Hb (oxygenated hemoglobin) observed following 75 mg caffeine in isolation, with this effect still apparent at the end of the assessment period,” per the March 13, 2015 issue of Psychopharmacology (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov).
In other words, if your mind is not up to it and you’re wary of caffeine’s side effects, including l-theanine in your pre-workout should make a world of difference (you can find this smart caffeine combo in pre-workouts such as Controlled Labs White Flash and MuscleTech VITALIGENIX NEURO). Say goodbye to those unwanted jitters and spike-crash effect with l-theanine around.
What to Avoid in Bodybuilders’ Pre-Workout Supplements
A word of caution: many pre-workout supplements contain fillers which may compromise not only performance, but also long-term health. Here are some ingredients which you should steer clear of:
- Aspartame: An artificial sweetener which may cause headaches, obesity, and memory loss. Stevia, a natural sweetener which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, is the better alternative.
- Artificial food colorings: Many bodybuilding supplement manufacturers include artificial food colorings such as FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Yellow No. 6. These may produce a host of side effects. Pre-workouts which use natural food colorings such as beetroot powder (which helps keep inflammation at bay and promote healthy blood pressure levels) are the healthier options.
- DMAA: Skip pre-workout supplements which include methylhexanamine or dimethylamylamine. DMAA may have detrimental effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular function.
- Excessive caffeine: It bears repeating: caffeine is a double-edged sword. While it has impressive ergogenic effects, it can also cause a spike-crash effect, jitters, nervousness, and sleeplessness. Try to determine your threshold for caffeine before buying any pre-workout supplement. Better yet, consult with your doctor first if you aren’t sure.
- Synephrine: This an herbal ingredient which manufacturers derive from the citrus plant. However, going overboard may result in nausea and elevated blood pressure levels.
- Yohimbe: Another herbal ingredient which bodybuilding supplement manufacturers derive from a West African tree (Pausinystalia joimbe). Although experts say yohimbe helps boost sexual function and potentially increase nitric oxide levels and vasodilation, it may cause gastrointestinal distress, a rapid heart rate, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure levels.
How Best 5 Supplements Rates and Ranks the Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Bodybuilders
To get the lowdown on how to purchase high-quality supplements, please check out the Best 5 How to Buy a Good Supplement guide. When it came to the best pre-workout supplements for bodybuilders, we used the following criteria:
- Combinations: The supplement’s ingredients should work synergistically to produce the best possible results.
- Healthy: The best pre-workout supplements don’t just fire you up for your workouts. They also help improve long-term health.
- Quality: Premium ingredient and delivery forms always take precedence over inferior ones.
- Research: Bodybuilding supplements which have the backing of science and with clinically-dosed ingredients get the nod.
- Service: A good product is merely the proverbial tip of the iceberg. A great manufacturer backs it up with impressive customer service.
- Value: We can never pass up on pre-workout formulations which give you the best value for money.
- Cleanliness: Synthetic ingredients and fillers pull any bodybuilding supplement’s value down. We love those which are clean from top to bottom.
We also take into account which companies have a strong online presence and good reputation. These manufacturers stand behind their products.
Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Bodybuilders
#1: Performance Lab SPORT Pre-Workout
This pre-workout supplement is also one of the most versatile for bodybuilders: it helps increase muscle pumps, nitric oxide levels, exercise performance, and strength. Plus, it helps ramp up muscle hydration. More importantly, it helps you achieve great long-term results with its clean formulation.
Full ingredient list: creatine (as Creapure® pH10) 1000 mg, Cordyceps sinensis as Cordyceps Super™ (50 percent total polysaccharides, 15 percent 1,3-1,6 beta glucan, five percent alpha glucan) 750 mg, l-citrulline 500 mg, l-glutamine (from Ajinomoto®) 250 mg, L-carnosine (N-beta-alanyl-histidine) 300 mg, Himalayan pink salt 350 mg, maritine pine bark extract (95 percent proanthocyanidins) 100 mg
Performance Lab SPORT Pre-Workout Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: creatine (as Creapure® pH10), Cordyceps sinensis as Cordyceps Super™ (50 percent total polysaccharides, 15 percent 1,3-1,6 beta glucan, five percent alpha glucan), l-glutamine (from Ajinomoto®), maritime pine bark extract (95 percent proanthocyanidins) | ||
Clean Label: Yes. One of Performance Lab SPORT Pre-Workout’s main selling points is its clean formulation. | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. One serving gives you four Plantcaps®, vegetarian capsules made from pullulan (a by-product of tapioca). | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. Aside from its clean formulation, Performance Lab SPORT Pre-Workout has no stimulants. Instead, it jacks you up via non-stimulatory pathways. | ||
Price: $45 for one box (120 capsules; 30 servings) | ||
Any Deals? Yes. $85.50 for two boxes (five percent savings) and $121.50 for three boxes (10 percent savings) | ||
Service: 24/7 customer support, receive a reply in 30 minutes, 30-day money-back guarantee | ||
Official Website: https://www.performancelab.com/supplements/pre-workout | ||
Read our in-depth Performance Lab SPORT Pre-Workout review | ||
#2: 4 Gauge
This is the only shotgun-shell-shaped pre-workout supplement on the market today. Its shape is indicative of its potency. It’s one pre-workout which packs a serious wallop without the unwanted side effects. Try its smart caffeine combo of 150 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous and 200 milligrams of l-theanine per two-scoop serving. 4 Gauge is one bodybuilding supplement which should take your workouts to the next level.
Full ingredient list: l-citrulline dl malate 6000 mg, creatine monohydrate 1000 mg, acetyl l-carnitine (as acetyl l-carnitine HCl) 500 mg, red beet (Beta vulgaris) root extract 300 mg, coconut water powder 300 mg, l-theanine 200 mg, caffeine anhydrous 150 mg, Rhodiola rosea (root) powder 100 mg
4 Gauge Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: Monk fruit extract (standardized to mognosideds) and Swerve® (erythritol, oligosaccharides, natural flavors) | ||
Clean Label: Yes. 4 Gauge is another pre-workout which is clean from top to bottom. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. The manufacturer utilizes regular pre-workout powder. | ||
Stimulant Free: No. 150 mg caffeine anhydrous | ||
Price: $45 for one 4 Gauge shell (280 grams; 20 servings) | ||
Any Deals? Yes. $90 for two 4 Gauge shells (plus free U.K. and U.S. shipping) and $135 for three 4 Gauge shells (plus a free fourth 4 Gauge shell and free U.K. and U.S. shipping) | ||
Service: Online customer service inquiry form and returns | ||
Official Website: https://www.4gauge.com | ||
Read our in-depth 4 Gauge review | ||
#3: ALTIUS
Meet the so-called “Clinically Dosed Pre-Workout Fuel” which helps increase energy levels, strength, and muscle pumps thanks to its potent formulation. The manufacturer claims consistent use “will lead to greater muscle growth and fat loss” over time. When you consume a powerful combo of 2:1 citrulline malate, betaine anhydrous, creatine monohydrate, and beta-alanine, prepare for insane gains in the gym.
Full ingredient list: vitamin B12 500 mcg, l-citrulline malate 2:1 8000 mg, beta-alanine 3200 mg, creatine monohydrate 3000 mg, betaine anhydrous 2500 mg, caffeine anhydrous 325 mg, alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) 15o mg, BioPerine 5 mg
ALTIUS Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: BioPerine 5 mg | ||
Clean Label: Yes. ALTIUS is one pre-workout supplement which doesn’t contain any dirty ingredients. | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. One 20.33-gram scoop contains five milligrams of black pepper fruit extract (BioPerine) for improved bioavailability. | ||
Stimulant Free: No. 325 mg caffeine anhydrous | ||
Price: $35.99 for a one container (406.6 grams; 20 servings) | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Get a 10 percent discount from your order when you subscribe to Jacked Factory’s messenger list. | ||
Service: Online customer service form | ||
Official Website: https://shop.jackedfactory.com/products/altius | ||
Read our in-depth ALTIUS review | ||
#4: LEGION PULSE
LEGION PULSE has a “unique combination of natural substances scientifically proven to increase strength, endurance, focus, and mood,” per its official website. It harnesses the powers of caffeine anhydrous, l-theanine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and l-ornithine to help you get the most out of your workouts. LEGION PULSE is one pre-workout which should crank you up without the unwanted side effects.
Full ingredient list: l-citrulline dl malate 8 g, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine 4.8 g, betaine anhydrous 2.5 g, l-ornithine HCl 2.2 g, caffeine anhydrous 350 mg, l-theanine 350 mg
LEGION PULSE Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine | ||
Clean Label: No. Has maltodextrin, a highly-processed polysaccharide and preservative which may increase blood sugar levels, suppress probiotic growth, and cause allergies. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. Manufacturer utilizes regular pre-workout powder. | ||
Stimulant Free: No. 350 mg caffeine anhydrous | ||
Price: $40 for one container (522.5 grams; 21 servings) | ||
Any Deals? No. | ||
Service: 100 percent money-back guarantee, free shipping, customer hotline (Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm EST) | ||
Official Website: https://legionathletics.com/products/supplements/pulse | ||
Read our in-depth LEGION PULSE review | ||
#5: BEYOND RAW LIT
The manufacturer says its so-called “Clinically-Dosed Pre-Workout” which is “designed to support consistently better workouts,” per its official website. It has three blends geared toward increased physical and mental energy and nitric oxide levels. These “maximize subjects’ ability to manifest the results over which they obsess,” per the same source.
Full ingredient list: CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine 3.2 g, micronized creatine (as creatine monohydrate) 1.5 g, caffeine anhydrous 250 mg, elevATP® (ancient peat & apple extract) 150 mg, NeuroFactor™ Coffee Fruit Extract 100 mg, l-citrulline 3 g, Nitrosigine® (arginine silicate inositol) 1.5 g
BEYOND RAW LIT Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, micronized creatine (as creatine monohydrate), elevATP® (ancient peat & apple extract), NeuroFactor™ Coffee Fruit Extract, Nitrosigine® (arginine silicate inositol) | ||
Clean Label: No. Contains sucralose, FD&C Red No. 40, and potassium sorbate. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. Manufacturer utilizes regular pre-workout powder. | ||
Stimulant Free: No. 250 mg caffeine anhydrous and 100 mg NeuroFactor™ Coffee Fruit Extract | ||
Price: $39.99 for one container (412.8 grams; 30 servings) | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Ten percent discount for every order under the auto-deliver promotion | ||
Service: live online chat with customer service agent (Mon-Fri 12:01 a.m.- 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Saturdays 12:01 a.m.-6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sundays 12:01 a.m.-4:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.-12 a.m.), 24-hour customer service hotline, free shipping site-wide, 30-day money-back guarantee | ||
Official Website: www.gnc.com/beyond_raw_lit/BeyondRawLit.html?cgid=beyond_raw_lit#start=1 | ||
Read our in-depth BEYOND RAW LIT review | ||
Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Bodybuilders Conclusion
Pre-workout supplements for bodybuilders have evolved dramatically over the years. More than 50 years ago, the Golden Era icons relied mainly on a cup or two of brewed coffee to help them conquer their workouts. Today, you will see thousands of pre-workouts lined up on bodybuilding supplement store shelves.
We have singled out the best components for pre-workout supplements for bodybuilders. We hope they’ll help you become a more savvy consumer. More importantly, we hope five of the best pre-workout supplements we highlighted will help not only fire you up for your workouts, but improve your overall quality of life for years to come.
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