Pre-workout supplements are a way to boost energy, endurance, and performance in the gym. They typically contain a combination of ingredients that are designed to enhance various aspects of physical performance, such as increased blood flow, better muscle endurance, and improved focus and motivation.

 

However, with so many pre-workout supplements on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which ingredients to look for and why. In this post, we'll break down the most common ingredients found in pre-workout supplements and explain their benefits.

1. Caffeine: Caffeine is one of the most popular ingredients in pre-workout supplements. As a stimulant, it can increase energy and focus, enhance endurance and muscle strength, reduce fatigue, and improve mental alertness. A general rule of thumb is that 100mg of caffeine is equivalent to a cup of coffee in terms of strength. Some pre-workouts may contain high levels of caffeine, with upwards of 350mg per serving.

• Additionally, there are various forms of caffeine found in pre-workouts. The most common form is caffeine anhydrous, which typically takes effect within 20 to 30 minutes.

• Another form is Dicaffeine Malate, known as delayed-release caffeine, which helps to maintain energy levels throughout the later portions of a workout. Dicaffeine Malate is a combination of approximately 75% caffeine and 25% malic acid. The patented version, Infinergy™ Dicaffeine Malate, contains a specific ratio of caffeine to malic acid. When a supplement formula contains a patented ingredient, the consumer can be assured that they are getting the highest-quality version that has been rigorously tested to support its performance claims.

 

3. Nitric Oxide (NO) Boosters: Ingredients like L-arginine and L-citrulline are often included in pre-workout supplements to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles. L-arginine is not easily absorbed by the body when consumed alone, so it is often replaced with the more bioavailable, L-Citrulline. However, L-Arginine can still provide benefits when consumed in the form of N03-T (Arginine Nitrate)  or Nitrosigine^®. Nitrosigine^® is a patented complex of Bonded Arginine Silicate, scientifically engineered to deliver essential benefits for peak sports performance. It is one of our favorite pump ingredients.

• Studies have shown that Nitrosigine^®, at a dosage of 1.5 grams, can deliver the same nitric oxide benefits as 6 grams of L-Citrulline, as well as having some nootropic (focus-enhancing) effects. To receive nitric oxide benefits, a minimum of 3 grams of L-Citrulline is recommended.

 

4. Nootropics: Also known as cognitive enhancers or brain boosters, are a class of supplements that are designed to improve cognitive function, including focus, memory, and overall brain health. In recent years, nootropics have become increasingly popular as an addition to pre-workout supplements.

• Common nootropic ingredients found in pre-workouts include Alpha GPC, Huperzine A, and Bacopa Monnieri. 

• Alpha GPC is a form of choline, an essential nutrient that is important for healthy brain function. It has been shown to help improve memory and cognitive function, making it a popular choice for pre-workout supplements.

• Huperzine A, an extract from the Chinese club moss plant that can help to improve memory and cognitive function.

• Studies have shown that this extract can help to improve memory retention and recall, as well as overall cognitive performance. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in memory and cognitive function.

• Bacopa Monnieri, an herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve cognitive function and memory.

• The herb contains compounds called bacosides that are believed to support the growth and repair of nerve cells in the brain. These compounds also seem to help in the formation of new connections between nerve cells, which is thought to be beneficial for memory and cognitive function.

5. AstraGin^® and BioPerine^®:  Two natural compounds that are often included in pre-workout supplements for their benefits in nutrient absorption.

• AstraGin^® is a patented complex of two natural compounds, Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng. It helps to increase the absorption of various nutrients including amino acids, glucose, and creatine, which can help to improve overall exercise performance AstraGin^® also promotes a healthy gut lining and tight junction functioning, ultimately leading to associated effects like reduced inflammation in the intestinal lining.

• BioPerine^® is a patented form of black pepper extract. It contains a compound called piperine, which has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of various nutrients. Bioperine helps to increase the absorption of nutrients and supplements, making them more effective.

•  Both AstraGin^® and BioPerine^® work to enhance the absorption of pre-workout ingredients, making them more effective and providing better results. 

6. High Level Stimulants: Some pre-workout supplements contain high-level stimulants like DMHA (Juglans Regia) to provide an extra boost of energy and focus during a workout. These stimulants work by increasing the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This can lead to improved focus and motivation, as well as increased energy levels.

• It's important to note that high-level stimulants can have a wide range of effects on individuals, and may not be suitable for everyone. It's also important to be mindful of the dosage when consuming these types of stimulants, as they can be quite potent. Some users may experience side effects such as jitteriness, increased heart rate, or difficulty sleeping. It's always recommended to start with a low dosage and gradually increase to find the right level for you. 

In conclusion, by understanding the ingredients found in pre-workout supplements and their benefits, you can make an informed decision when choosing a product that's right for you. Whether your goal is to increase energy, endurance, or muscle strength, there's a pre-workout supplement out there that can help you achieve it.