A clear understanding of pre-workout, intra-workout, and post-workout supplements can help you make informed decisions when selecting products that best suit your fitness goals.
Pre-workout supplements commonly include stimulants like caffeine, known for boosting alertness and energy, and beta-alanine, which helps reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance in endurance activities like weightlifting and long-distance running. Creatine is known to improve physical performance and can lead to increases in muscle mass and strength.
Intra-workout supplements contain carbohydrates or electrolytes to help you stay hydrated and energized during workouts. Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, replace essential minerals lost through sweat, supporting hydration and muscle contractions.
Post-workout supplements support muscle repair and reduce soreness after exercise. The most effective supplements for muscle gain typically contain protein powder, BCAAs, glutamine, and creatine, which support recovery, strength, and overall performance.
Stimulant-free pre-workouts, ideal for those sensitive to stimulants, deliver a steady, sustained energy supply, avoiding the sudden spikes and crashes commonly linked to stimulant-based options. They contain non-stimulating ingredients such as creatine, L-theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, L-tyrosine, and adaptogens like ashwagandha, American ginseng and cordyceps which promote alertness and focus during your workout.
Additionally, taurine and GABA are known for their stress-reducing properties and ability to improve mental clarity, creating a balanced and focused mindset. Taurine may also reduce muscle fatigue while supporting strength and focus, while theobromine, which may increase airway diameter, further contributingcontributes to improved performance.
Whether you're a bodybuilder, athlete, endurance sports enthusiast, or a regular gym-goer, explore our range of high-quality workout supplements from trusted brands to elevate your workout regimen. To achieve the best results, always follow the recommended dosages to avoid potential side effects of overuse, such as anxiety or sleep disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What supplement is best before a workout?
The best pre-workout supplements typically include caffeine for energy and focus, beta-alanine to reduce muscle fatigue, and citrulline for improved blood flow. Regular intake of creatine is also beneficial for muscle gain and recovery. A pre-workout powder or a drink with caffeine can be an ideal choice to kick-start your workout, providing energy and focus. - Is a pre-workout supplement good for you?
Pre-workout supplements help enhance energy, focus, and performance if used as per the recommended dose and instructions. However, excessive use or sensitivity to stimulants like caffeine may lead to side effects such as anxiety or sleep disturbances. If you have any specific health concerns, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, or caffeine sensitivity, consult a healthcare professional before using any pre-workout supplements. - Should I take pre-workout or creatine?
You should consider your fitness goals first and the timing of ingestion during the day matters. Pre-workout supplements can be taken 30-60 minutes before training for energy and focus and is ideal if you’re into short bursts of heavy lifting. If you are taking a stim based pre-workout, it likely includes caffeine and is optimal for morning or early workouts. Research shows creatine helps improve post exercise recovery. Exercise depletes your glycogen stores for energy and creatine can help to replenish them as you recover. Creatine has also been shown to potentially decrease soreness and inflammation. Creatine can function as an antioxidant as it has the ability to fight free radicals.
- What is the best thing to drink pre-workout?
We recommend pre-workout drinks from our selection that suit your taste and preference. Alternatively, black coffee or a smoothie rich in carbs and protein can also provide natural energy for sustained performance.