An Introductory Guide to Pre-Workout Supplements
Pre-workout supplements are a relatively new trend that have taken the internet and the fitness community by storm. These supplements, which are mainly distributed as a powder you then mix into water, are taken to improve one’s physique and increase muscle mass. They are dietary supplements meant to be consumed before your workout to give you an energy boost, increase athletic performance, and improve your workout’s effectiveness.
In this article, we will be covering all that you need to know about pre-workout supplements and how they can contribute to your personal training regimen.
Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements
Like any supplement, some people need them and others don’t. Here are some of the reasons why you may want to start taking pre-workout supplements.
1. Increase Athletic Performance
Pre-workouts give you that extra energy to crush your workouts and fuel your body so you can exercise at your highest capacity.
2. Energize your Body & Mind
If you find that you are tired and sluggish during your workouts, pre-workouts can be a powerful tool. They provide the boost you need to get through your training, even if you feel drained after a full day of work.
3. Adopt the Right Mindset
Additionally, drinking a pre-workout can put you in the mood to work out. It can act as a sort of motivation to hit the mat or drive to the gym, even if you’re the kind of person who dreads exercising.
4. Optimize your Fitness Results
There are also those who want to get the most out of their workouts. For the sweat they put in, they want real, visible results. Drinking a pre-workout may be the way to ensure that your gains are maintained.
Key Ingredients & Their Effects
Let’s explore some of the most popular ingredients that are used in pre-workout supplements and how they affect the human body.
Caffeine
Caffeine increases your energy and focus, helping you get into the zone and power through your workout no matter the hour.
Creatine
Creatine has a host of benefits and is popular among athletes for its muscular effectiveness. It can help improve recovery time, increase muscle mass and strength, and enhance overall performance.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice contains nitric oxide, a chemical that expands your blood vessels and increases blood flow in the body. Increased blood flow gets the heart racing and improves cardiovascular performance.
Carbohydrates
Typically, those who don’t take pre-workouts simply stock up on carbs. That’s why people will often eat bananas or other fruits before working out. Pre-workouts incorporate carbohydrates with other ingredients to provide you with the energy and calories you need to give it your all.
Are Pre-Workout Supplements Safe?
Pre-workout supplements are generally safe. Nonetheless, it’s essential to read the ingredients to see if your pre-workout contains any ingredients with potential downsides.
Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
Pre-workouts are often touted as being extremely tasty, healthy, or both at the same time. If your pre-workout tastes especially good, like your favorite dessert, then you might want to take a look at how many grams of sugar it contains.
As an alternative, some pre-workouts avoid the sugar by adding artificial sweeteners instead. Depending on the person, these may cause bloating or other discomforts.
High Caffeine Content
Albeit relatively harmless, some people find that they don’t want to consume too much caffeine for fear of addiction or eventual withdrawal. Additionally, if you take your pre-workout in the evening, it may impair your sleep if you are especially sensitive to caffeine.
Pre-Workouts aren’t Magic
Pre-workout supplements are supplements. If you don’t live a healthy lifestyle— getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, and eating well— then pre-workouts probably won’t help you. Pre-workouts only optimize your workout if you put in the work and take care of yourself.
Post Workout Care
What you do post workout also drastically affects your performance and health. Recovery is a big component of training that many people overlook. Investing in better recovery allows your body to grow stronger, prevent overuse injuries, and feel good for every workout. Tools like the Marc Pro are proven to speed your post-workout recovery and keep your body healthy.
You may also be interested in:
4 Rules for Faster Muscle Recovery
Tight Hips Affecting your Performance? 3 Ways to Loosen Up & Recover