Whether you’re a gym junkie or workout from home, you might have heard about the benefits of pre-workout supplements from stores like supplementfirst.com offer. Many advocates, from athletes to trainers, claim that pre-workouts can improve your fitness by giving you the necessary energy to power through high-intensity workouts. But is that really true and do you absolutely need them?
Read on to learn more about what pre-workout supplements are and their benefits to find out if you really need them.
What are Pre-Workout Supplements?
Pre-workout supplements also called “pre-workouts,” are multi-ingredient formulas made to boost one’s energy and athletic performance. They usually come in powder form that is mixed into water for drinking right before a workout.
Usually, pre-workouts consist of amino acids, caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and artificial sweeteners for flavor. It’s important to note that every pre-workout brand like Pure Encapsulations at Supplement First would have its own formula. This also means that no two tubs would contain the same quantity of ingredients or even the same ingredients.
A 2019 study showed that among the top 100 commercially available pre-workouts, almost half of the ingredients were claimed as a “proprietary blend,” with the amounts of ingredients not disclosed.
Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements
Many people take pre-workouts to energize themselves for a high-intensity workout. Some take it to exercise harder or to just feel better with more focus. The hope is that pre-workouts can enhance athletic performance by boosting energy and mental focus.
Here are a few benefits pre-workout provides thanks to the ingredients it’s made of.
- Carbs – These are our main source of energy and help keep our levels up for a great workout.
- Caffeine – Like carbs, these are known to help raise our energy and even improve our sports performance.
- Beetroot Juice – There is less research on beetroot juice as a pre-workout ingredient, but there is a 2017 review that showed how it can increase our body’s level of nitric oxide to improve cardiovascular performance.
- Creatine – This is usually part of pre-workouts because of its presence of amino acids for muscle growth. It can also help one exert more effort as they exercise.
- Beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate – This helps with workout recovery and may even help increase aerobic performance and muscle power.
Should You Take Pre-Workouts?
Pre-workouts seem very beneficial but before you purchase a container, make sure that you also conduct research about the brand you’re buying from. Remember, pre-workouts aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. That’s why it’s best to opt for products that were certified through a third-party regulatory body.
Moreover, be aware of the side effects, which can be diarrhea, nausea, increased heart rate, and pressure. This is more likely due to the caffeine levels.
As long as you take pre-workout at appropriate amounts and invest in one from reputable brands, then you can likely benefit from it and get a good workout.
Wrapping It Up
Make sure that you also speak with your doctor regarding the supplements you plan to take!
