Should I Take Pre-Workout?

No one shows up at the gym feeling 100% charged and ready to go every time. 

Sometimes you’ll be tired, not feeling great or you’d just rather go home and put your feet up instead. If that sounds familiar, a pre-workout may be the nudge you need to get you racing back to the gym and give you the motivation you need to get a good workout in. 

Pre-workout products have become increasingly popular among gym-goers in recent years, with many claiming that they have a host of benefits to help you train harder and for longer. Although this may be the case, it is important to take the time to decide if pre-workout would be good for you, and which pre-workout would be best for you to take.

The amount of pre-workouts out there are daunting and you may not know which pre-workout to choose, but lucky for you, we’re here to help you! If you are unfamiliar with pre-workouts and are wondering what they are and which would be best for you, read on to find out more. 

What is a Pre-Workout?

A pre-workout is a supplement that is taken around 30 minutes before exercising to boost your energy levels, enhance endurance and improve focus during a workout. The slight delay allows for the ingredients to be absorbed by the body and to start working. However, the amount of time to wait differs between brands, so you should make sure to check the label to make sure you’re making the most of your pre-workout. 

Pre-workout comes in many forms, including gels, powders, shots and cans. ABE’s range comes in two forms: Energy Drink cans including the popular Baddy Berry flavor, and Ultimate Pre-Workout powder, which comes in 10 delicious flavors:

• Baddy Berry
• Blue Razz
• Bubblegum Crush
• Candy Ice Blast
• Cherry Cola
• Energy
• Red Hawaiian
• Sour Apple
• Sour Gummy Bear
• Tropical Vibes

Types of Pre-Workout

There are two key types of pre-workout supplements:

• Stimulant-Based Pre-Workouts

These supplements contain ingredients like caffeine, guarana, or green tea extract that provide an immediate energy boost and increase alertness. ABE's stimulant-based pre-workouts are designed to kickstart your workout with a burst of energy.

• Non-Stimulant Pre-Workouts 

These formulations focus on improving endurance, blood flow, and muscle pumps without relying on stimulants. Non-stimulant pre-workouts are a great option for those sensitive to caffeine or looking for a more sustained energy release. ABE PUMP provides all the benefits of a pre-workout, but is stimulant-free! 

Ingredients in Pre-Workout

ABE's pre-workout products are carefully crafted to deliver a unique blend of the most vital and researched active ingredients known to help increase physical performance, reduce tiredness and fatigue, and provide continuous focus throughout your training, maximizing your body’s potential. Here are some common components found in ABE pre-workouts:

Caffeine 

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that is often a staple ingredient in pre-workout supplements. Its primary role is to enhance alertness and provide an immediate surge of energy. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. This leads to increased neural activity, improved focus, and reduced perceived fatigue during workouts.

Additionally, caffeine has been shown to improve endurance and contribute to enhanced athletic performance. 

Citrulline Malate/L-Citrulline

Citrulline Malate, or L-Citrulline, is a compound formed by combining the amino acid citrulline with malic acid. It's known for its ability to increase nitric oxide production, which in turn promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This improved blood flow can result in better muscle pumps, increased nutrient and oxygen delivery to muscles, and potentially enhanced exercise performance.

Citrulline Malate may also help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, allowing you to train more intensely and recover more effectively.

Beta-Alanine 

During high-intensity exercises, lactic acid accumulates and contributes to muscle fatigue. Beta-alanine is an amino acid that plays a role in buffering lactic acid buildup in muscles. This allows you to push harder and perform more reps before experiencing muscle exhaustion. Beta-alanine is known for causing a temporary tingling sensation (paresthesia), which is harmless but can be surprising if you're not accustomed to it.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that has been associated with various physiological functions, including its role as an osmolyte (a substance that helps balance cellular fluid levels). In pre-workout supplements, taurine is often included for its potential to enhance hydration and improve muscle function. It may also have antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress during exercise. 

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is included for its potential to support mental focus, mood, and cognitive performance. During intense workouts, the demands on the central nervous system can be high, and L-tyrosine is thought to help maintain mental clarity and combat the effects of stress and fatigue.

When these ingredients are combined in a well-formulated pre-workout supplement like those offered by ABE, they work synergistically to provide an energy boost, enhance focus, improve endurance, and optimize overall workout performance. 

Benefits of Taking Pre-Workout

• Elevated Energy Levels: Pre-workouts provide an immediate energy boost, ensuring you have the stamina to power through demanding workouts.

• Enhanced Mental Focus: The focus-enhancing ingredients in pre-workouts help keep distractions at bay, allowing you to concentrate on your exercises.

• Improved Performance: Ingredients like creatine and beta-alanine contribute to improved muscle strength and endurance, leading to better workout results.

• Impressive Muscle Pumps: Pre-workouts containing ingredients like L-Citrulline lead to enhanced blood flow, resulting in satisfying muscle pumps and improved nutrient delivery.

• Motivation and Consistency: The motivation induced by pre-workouts can inspire you to stay consistent with your training regimen, bringing you closer to your fitness goals.

Which Pre-Workout is Right for Me?

Both pre-workout powders and drinks can be effective tools for improving your workout performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences and needs. 

If you value customisation, want to experiment with different dosages and are willing to take the time to mix your supplements, a pre-workout powder may be the way to go. If you prefer the convenience and flavors of a functional pre-mixed energy drink, a pre-workout functional energy drink may be the better option. 

However, it's important to note that individual responses can vary, and it's advisable to start with a smaller dose and pay attention to how your body reacts. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements into your routine.

To view our entire range of supplements, CLICK HERE.

Written by Shannon Gaskell