Best sports nutrition pre-workout powders according to redditors
We found 127 Reddit comments discussing the best sports nutrition pre-workout powders. We ranked the 67 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
This is actually something I wish I'd thought about more when I marched. I got really into working out, nutrition and supplements a few years after marching. The three I'd consider bringing/taking would be creatine, protein powder and a preworkout.
The creatine will help water retain in your muscles, which will give them more mass. Be careful with this though, because that means you'll need to increase the amount of water you drink, which is already at a high amount during the drum corps summer. It'd be super easy to become dehydrated while taking creatine, even if you are drinking a gallon or more per day.
The protein will help you build muscle. In general, it doesn't take a ton of protein to build muscle, not nearly as much as we've been led to believe, but I really don't think drum corps provided enough food in general to really build muscle. You'll want to balance this with a little bit of carbohydrates (which won't be a big deal, drum corps nutritionists predominantly keep members on a glycogen-based nutrition plan, so you should be fine) which helps with the protein synthases. I wouldn't go with a whey though, they don't digest as easy. Look for a hemp protein powder, you'll have better luck with protein absorption.
Preworkouts, honestly, are a lie. Don't get me wrong, they help you workout and I take one every morning, but purely because they have caffeine. I've been hooked on caffeine since high school and majorly missed it when I marched. I take Six Star because it's high in caffeine and zero carbs, but any cheap one will work. You can even do instant coffee. But being able to start your day with the ground running will just lead to more results.
If you're thinking about a fat burner, you don't need it. Drum corps in general will take care of that for you, and most add in a level of (slight) risk to the heart, which you want to keep as healthy clean as possible during the summer. The best thing you can do to burn fat is increase muscle mass, which creatine and protein will do. Caloric burn rate is a formula that's predominantly impacted by the amount of lean muscle, so increasing that muscle amount will increase your daily burn and your elevated-cardio burn rates automatically.
Note: pay super close attention to your health the whole time. I'm no doctor, I'm no expert, just a fitness enthusiast who also marched. And make sure at least one staff member knows exactly what you're taking (don't ask their permission, it's your life and health fitness plan, but if anything ever goes wrong it's important for at least some authoritative figure to know what you've been putting in your body).
Now if you REALLY want to burn some fat and try out an experiment I wish I'd known about when I marched, look up ketogenic-based diets v. glycogenic-based diets. The latter is what drum corps traditionally use, but my own personal research makes me believe that every drum corps and member would benefit from operating all summer on the former. You'd look better and have significantly more energy with a lot less crashing. But if a corps as a whole didn't adopt it, you'd need to supplement your meals with some additional supplements.
Anyways, this was a long answer, so sorry about that. Whatever you decide, be safe and let us know your results!
Any supplement, and in this case, pre-workout needs a purpose and correct dose.
Don’t take something just because someone “likes it” or “it works for me” - that usually means they don’t have a real idea.
Lit is uderdosed in many, many of the ingredients and you can get much better value from other brands, such as Amazon’s Own Pre-Workout.
Compare all the ingredients:
OWN PWR Elite Series Pre Workout Powder, Blue Raspberry, 25 Servings, Keto Friendly, 5G Creatine, 2G Beta Alanine (as CarnoSyn), 300mg Caffeine & more https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQ6C75R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_97lkDb1CX42G8
We have a very thorough guide with suggested compounds and proven ingredients: you can make your own or choose a pre-made formula that meets our suggestions.
Check the guide here:
https://www.ketogains.com/2015/09/supplements-and-ketogenic-diets-facts-and-myths/
I’m taking 750 mg 3 days on, 1 day off according to the directions on the brand I bought which is this one: BulkSupplements Agmatine Sulfate Powder (250 Grams) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZ5WY1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jFwODbTE7Y4Z7.
Honestly, I’ve tried 4 or 5 prescription anti-depressants with mixed results and a number of nootropic supplements. For me the most effective for me would probably be Effexor, magnesium citrate, cbd oil, NAC, inositol and now agmatine. The Effexor felt really positive in the beginning but I felt like it diminished somewhat over time. My integrative doctor recommended inositol to help sustain the positive benefits of the Effexor and I read about agmatine on here so I gave it a try. Apparently agmatine can “potentiate” and regulate other things you take so maybe that has contributed to the positive effects I’ve received. One thing that made me especially interested is that I’ve always had a positive response to ibuprofen and would take it morning and night if it wasn’t for the side effects and agmatine provides the same anti-depressant effects of ibuprofen supposedly without the long term side effects. For me the first time I had agmatine I felt really good almost immediately. It was almost like a body high. Now that I’ve been taking it for a few weeks, I generally just feel good overall. We’ll see if that continues.
Hope that helps.
No the supplements listed in his program are all safe and (in my opinion) largely unnecessary.
I changed the supplements that I started taking my 2nd time through his program because I thought that the ones he recommends are expensive and I didn't notice any benefit to be honest.
Here is what I would suggest (and bear in mind that everyone's body is different so for some guys, they may feel more or less effectiveness out of various supplements)
Or
That really should be it. There are numerous other similar products from other companies that are probably just as good but those are the ones I have been using for quite a while now.
The only other thing that you may benefit from would be a fatburner/thermogenic like BPI's roxylean or MTS Drop Factor. Both are essentially glorified caffeine's with a few other things but assuming your diet is in check and you're lifting 5 days a week, your body will be burning calories naturally without having to use that stuff. Basic old caffeine pills are DIRT cheap and work just as effective too.. basically like downing a cup of coffee.
Thermogenic fatburning supplements DO work to a degree but how well they will actually work kinda depends on the individual's body and how well it responds and it's meant to essentially elevate your heart rate and metabolism so if you have heart issues or adverse reactions to caffeine, I would stay away.
I don't really feel like my body reacts that well in terms of actually burning fat (hard to quantify actual fat loss results from JUST the pills since I'm eating at a caloric deficit - which will yield weight loss in an of itself) but I do feel like the caffeine boost gives me a nice mental pick me up in the afternoon whereas coffee has largely proven ineffective.
The main thing you need to take away from this is that supplements should never make or break your weight loss success.
If your results hinge on supps, you are doing something wrong in the kitchen. Countless guys and girls have gotten great results without the need of supplements. Good supplements though, simply make hitting your goals a bit easier.
I was in the same boat. Try this stuff. Its effective, and I can use it before going to the gym at night and still have no problem falling asleep :) plus, it's not very expensive! The fruit punch is super yummy
Six Star Explosion Pre Workout, Powerful Pre Workout Powder with Extreme Energy, Focus and Intensity, Fruit Punch, 30 Servings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXLP6H4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kznvCbD8HEPB1
Lately I've been trying to lift without any preworkout, but I use six star. It's generic brand, available at wal-mart, cheap, and I find it works just as well as C4
I get it from Bulk Supplements on Amazon. It's the most inexpensive source I've found. I'd start out with a smaller package to see if it works for you. 100g is around $14.
If it is something you are going to continue, a kilo of agmatine is around $44 and will last over a year.
BulkSupplements Agmatine Sulfate Powder (100 grams) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZ5WXWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_duHiDbH18C6H9
https://www.amazon.com/Tier-Preworkout-Performance-Supplement-376g/dp/B00EDTJW3U
Just bought 60 servings of C4 orange burst flavor for around $27. By far the cheapest I've ever seen for that many servings.
​
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MSDJ8IP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Best place would be one of these 3.
https://www.amazon.com/BulkSupplements-Agmatine-Sulfate-Powder-grams/dp/B00PZ5WXWI/
https://www.amazon.com/Nutricost-Agmatine-100-Grams-Servings/dp/B00MY9BZHC/
https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Ingredients-Agmatine-Sulfate-Powder/dp/B01MSJZ823/
Re: dose:
https://www.reddit.com/r/kratom/comments/6gevvs/agmatine_same_time_as_kratom_dose_or_night_before/
I don't hate the taste of this, but hot black coffee is my go to, especially since it became a bit chilly in the mornings.
Don't listen to the haters, pre-workouts are fine. I'd recommend https://www.amazon.com/Naked-Energy-Unflavored-Supplement-Sweeteners/dp/B071ZDD3HL
I use this, and it works really well! Nice also that, since it’s unflavored, you can control the “dose” without worrying about if it will be too weak or strong in the flavortown department. Most preworkouts are way too sweet for me, so I premix it in a 1:1 ratio with Ultimate electrolyte powder, and it’s perfect.
Here ya go! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HI8KPOM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Zb4NDbN4K4QSW
This!!
Very interesting to hear /u/r/KratomDaily.Were you able to find this at a local store like GNC or did order online?
I mean..if the Agmatine works with potentiating tia, then obviously this might be a helpful tool in tapering?
I saw this on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PZ5WXWI/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
and if you read the reviews, there are 2 reasons why people use this and that's either (a) to help their body recover from a workout or weightlifting session or (b) to use it for potention and pain relief purposes. One reviewer uses it with his kratom while another uses it strictly for nerve pain and yet another says it's "calming, pain reducing and potentiates many other meds"
Even though I have tried and researched every possible tia potentiator that is out there with no luck, I will probably give this a try.
https://www.amazon.com/Physique-Enhancing-Science-Supplement-Frost/dp/B00PKQMN1S
I use this one: https://smile.amazon.com/OPTIMUM-NUTRITION-ESSENTIAL-ENERGY-Extract/dp/B00QQA0BH0
Feel like I can take on the world when that stuff kicks in.
Legion Pulse: https://www.amazon.com/Legion-Pulse-Pre-Workout-Supplement/dp/B00WZPOWHK
About 2 cups of water, usually 1.5 scoops. The more I think about it though the less I blame the PWO though. Recently switched my gym time to a little earlier and I frequently take 2 shits in the morning when bulking.
It's also my only source of caffeine if that's it.
Legion Pulse is my favorite. It 100% makes a difference
https://www.amazon.com/Legion-Pulse-Pre-Workout-Supplement/dp/B00QYZ6MLG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2ECDMG1N9DDWT&keywords=legion+pulse+pre-workout&qid=1559151965&s=gateway&sprefix=legion+pulse%2Caps%2C575&sr=8-3
Probably a repeat of everyone else, but needless to say, you are not alone.
I leave my house at 6:15 a.m. to be at work by 7 a.m. I work out at night - mostly because I see a trainer 2x a week, and he's not willing to meet me at 5 a.m. :)
The lack of energy in the evenings is real and can be very hard to overcome.
I started taking a prework out, on my trainer's advice. I unfortunately don't feel that it helps me very much, but YMMV. (I have this one, but there are many.)
Things that definitely do help:
Here's what I'm thinking of putting together:
BCAAs (Edit: Just realized this is not vegan friendly)
L-Arginine a-Ketoglutarate
L-Citrulline DL-Malate
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
Beta Alanine
Creatine Monohydrate
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Maltodextrin
Waxy Maize
I'm currently using a mix very similar to the above listed ingredients and it works very well!
I would like to just take a pre-mixed powder, but it seems like they all have caffeine, which I'm not a fan of for working out in the evening.
I'm also somewhat interested in Agmatine Sulfate and Phenylethylamine. Anyone have any opinions on those two chemicals?
If you think it might be pain related look into agmatine sulfate. It's very well tolerated in humans and dogs and studies have shown improvements in dogs with osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain. It also seems to improve the effectiveness of some other pain relievers, at least opioids and cannabinoids (cbd - don't give your pup thc). It's quite cheap and you can buy it in bulk on Amazon for less than $50/kilo or a bit more for smaller amounts.
Agmatine for Pain Management in Dogs With Coxofemoral Joint Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study
The dose in the above canine study is 25mg per kg, 2x per day.
It's an important part of my regimen too, I use it before workouts and also find that it helps depression. More here on Examine.com.
On a final note, please check carefully that any supplements recommended to you are non-toxic for dogs before you give it to your furry loved one. There are many substances that we metabolize easily that can make dogs very sick or worse.
Oblate discs will change your life friend as well as agmatine for tolerance mitigation. It will lower your dose and extend the duration of your burns. oblate discs here agmatine here
I'm not Op (obviously) but i may be able to help,
Nootropics Depot: Powder |
Capsules
Bulk Supplements: Powder
Caffeine pills - $8 for a bunch.
Arginine or Agmatine - Dirt cheap.
Creatine (if you want) - Also dirt cheap.
Preworkout is usually just caffeine plus some other amino acids for energy. Beta-alanine is common ingredient as well and has studies showing it increases blood flow and vascularity. I love using preworkout, it's helped me be more consistent and hit new PR's. Also, once you drink it you pretty much have to go workout or else you waste it and just have a ton of energy for nothing haha.
https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Energy-Blueberry-Mojito/dp/B0196BEXZQ/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473427892&sr=1-3&keywords=amino+energy
I really like this one. It tastes amazing and doesn't make me too jittery like C4 and I scale how much caffeine I want by changing how many scoops. Also has beta-alanine. No creatine but I add creatine myself if I want it.
Own Pwr Elite. It's amazon's brand. On sale right for like 15 bucks. Great doses of everything. Slightly high on caffeine though. They have a non-elite version that's lower caffeine and is cheaper.
Always start my day off with some [Gracie Lemonade] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wgxqo48NXM)! Actually take tho... Pre-workout - [Legion Pulse] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QYZ6MLG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), Post-workout - [MyProtein] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHJ45FI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), Pre-BJJ - [Muscle Pharm BCAA] (https://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Pharm-BCAA-Powder-Unflavored/dp/B00I9E4W58/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468411888&sr=8-7&keywords=bcaa+muscle+fitness)
I bought mine on Amazon, brand name "bulk supplements". Hope this helps.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZ5WXWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_uilfAb4B0HNE5
pulse
I love Pulse. It works without giving you a flush, or itchy heat feeling.
Maybe addressed in comments below, but I am 51 and did both last year and had great success. Here are my tips:
Never start while still in keto transition phase. It will be awful. It sounds like you are past that.
Do not do more than 500-750 deficit. period! Anymore and you will not get much gains and your body will hate you.
Keep the electrolytes up. I suggest chicken broth but, even doses of 1/4 teaspoon of lite salt as needed.
Optional: I love this Pre workout keto supp, has caffeine, BHB, and tastes great. Once you take it also forced to leave the house since you will be a bundle of energy that needs a workout to feel whole :)
https://www.amazon.com/BPI-Sports-Pre-Workout-Supplement-Watermelon/dp/B01LX1DRF4?th=1
Supps i take are joint juice, ZMA, curcermin, Fish oil, and other nootrpics not related to this. As you notice, all of these help joints which as you get older need more help.
I did stonglifts to start and it was great, taught me fundamentals, how to warm up properly, and great app (but pay to get the warm ups). I did stay on it too long as i pushed until i hit 2 plates on Squats amd 3 plates on DL's. Not bad for an old guy on a keto deficit who never really did weights before. Going back on keto in a few weeks to cut again.
I never really like pre workout powders, thought they were all crap and the ones i used didnt help convince me either, namely c4 and no xplode....but a buddy recommended this legion pulse one http://www.amazon.com/Legion-Athletics-Workout-Supplement-Weight/dp/B00QYZ6MLG/ref=sm_n_ma_dka_US_pr_pub_1_0?imprToken=.imdaN4Qxxf4QF28yarL7Q&linkCode=w43&tag=muscleessence-20&linkId=300d3e10a5daeb1f46d3d7947aeee784
and i swear its the only thing that works. The only other thing i use is gold standard for protein, i tend to keep it simple...the stuff thats proven to work. I stay away from those crazy test booster that have wild claims...or anything that sounds too good to be true.
Tier 1 pre-workout. That's all.
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy. 100mg caffeine per serving (2 scoops). http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Energy-Raspberry-Servings/dp/B005Q8IM6K/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1463419153&sr=1-1&keywords=optimum+nutrition+pre+workout+aminos
I just bought bulk powders from that site for all the active ingredients in this pre-workout and it worked quite well for me---insane pumps and could get more reps on 3rd, 4th, and 5th sets. It depends on what you're taking the preworkout for, though. If you only care about increased blood flow and pump, 8g citrulline is the only requirement. If you care about a stimulant, then caffeine (and l-theanine to take the edge off the caffeine high, if you want the energy without the jitters).
https://www.amazon.com/Legion-Pulse-Pre-Workout-Supplement/dp/B00QYZ6MLG
This is the best you are going to find thats premade, its pricy but really does give you "clinically effective dosages" of each ingredient and theres no bullshit in its ingredients list.
If you want to actually have the cheapest and best preworkout, research different preworkout compounds and order them in bulk yourself from amazon and bulk supplements. I do the second option and it saves me a ton of money.
here ya go
Also, let me just add... pre-workout really helps: https://www.amazon.com/MuscleTech-NeuroCore-Raspberry-Explosive-Servings/dp/B0187S2NLU
It may also help to do targeted protein/carb intake post-workout. So if you plan to burn 10 - 12 carbs on one meal, make it the one post workout with good protein.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PZ5WXWI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's not encapsulated, but it's chunky so I just grab a rock weigh it and swallow it like a pill
https://www.amazon.com/PEScience-Frost-Scoop-Caffeine-Free-Preworkout/dp/B00PKQMN1S/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=pes%2Bscience%2Bhigh%2Bvolume&qid=1562868200&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1
Raspberry Lemonade
i bought this one thru S&S. so it's a little less than twice as much vs. the cheap link you provided, but i only bought 1/10th
do you have a rec'mnd dose for a newbie that's never used it?
give it time it will get better since just 3 weeks. You might also look at a new per workout for keto, I have used it 3 times and am happy with it, seems to help and do not have hunger near end of workout (sl5X5 with accessories). As a side note , it is like creamy watermelon, tastes so good i have to hold myself from making more when not working out, lol.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX1DRF4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QYZ6MLG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420754218&sr=8-1
Legion athletics pulse. All natural no proprietary blend. Also a stand up company. They had an issue with their powder clumping and so everyone who got a bad batch they sent a free replacement tub. Flavor is only okay but it's not loaded up with mystery ingredients. I like it.
Good man, my suggestion is if you’re not using preworkout give it a shot.
If you are, try a different brand. I’ve been using “Prime” I believe it’s called and it’s been doing wonders.
Edit: Pulse not prime
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QYZ6MLG/ref=mp_s_a_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521594380&sr=8-14&keywords=prime+pre+workout
Oh sorry one more thing. This is where I get the agmatine:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PZ5WY1I/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you're worried about your pre workouts content, try one called tier 1 nutrition. Each scoop has 200mg of caffeine, 5g of creatine, and 3 other amino acids and that's it - the company is known for having safe ingredients and giving exactly what they advertised. It also has a ton of really good reviews and for 30 bucks (30 servings) the price isn't too bad for what you're getting. Here's a link if you're interested: https://www.amazon.com/Tier-Preworkout-Performance-Supplement-376g/dp/B00EDTJW3U
When you're ready for it, I recommend Legion Pulse.
https://www.amazon.com/Legion-Pulse-Pre-Workout-Supplement/dp/B00QYZ6MLG
All the ingredients are appropriately dosed and there's no fucking meth/pcp/ketamine like stimulants in there that could fuck you up (and this is coming from someone who used to take the original jack3d).
You get what you Pay for, definitely recommend it.
I really like to take a pre-workout powder. The Caffeine helps me dial in and focus and push harder during my workouts.
I recommend https://www.amazon.com/Six-Star-Explosion-Powerful-Intensity/dp/B00OXLP6H4/ref=lp_6973697011_1_6_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1540306888&sr=1-6
Like this? BulkSupplements Agmatine Sulfate Powder (100 grams) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZ5WXWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UuOYBbKCNQEMH
And no, I haven't tried.
I've been taking Citadel Tier1+ for a while now and I love it. All ingredients listed with no proprietary blends, 300MG Caffine
Try again.
5th image says 160mg caffeine
So does amazon... https://www.amazon.com/MuscleTech-Neurocore-Supplement-Blue-Raspberry/dp/B0187S2NLU#immersive-view_1488246670983
I'm highly partial to Citadel Nutrition's Tier 1+.
If you must take a PWO I would recommend Legion Pulse, it has clinically effective dosages. The creator (Mike Matthews) has a legit brand.
https://www.amazon.com/Legion-Pulse-Pre-Workout-Supplement/dp/B00QYZ6MLG
I searched for "amazon preworkout" and this came up.
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Brand-Raspberry-Servings-Creatine/dp/B07CQ83NPK/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1537390819&sr=8-3&keywords=amazon+preworkout
Legion Pulse is pretty clean and natural. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QYZ6MLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_E-dYAbX20YF75
This stuff is great: https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Energy-Coffee-Extract/dp/B0196BEXZQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493917254&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=amino%2Bblue%2Bmojito&th=1
I drink it before/during my workout and it makes me feel like not a complete zombie. Its only 1g per 2 scoops (I usually use only 1 scoop for an entire blender bottle with ice and it tastes perfect to me). If you do decide to try it, I'd recommend blueberry mojito!
I've tried
I prefer Pre-Jym, but I found both make a difference: mentally I find I'm very focused, and less likely to want to take breaks.
Tier 1
Cheap and has most of what you need. Supplement 2-3g L - CITRULLINE if you feel so inclined.
BPI has a preworkout specifically for ketogenic diets. I took it for awhile before going back to pre-jym. It works great and tastes great.
https://www.amazon.com/BPI-Sports-Ketogenic-Supplement-Tropical/dp/B01HI8KPOM
Doesn't have the best reviews but those are mostly from people who misunderstood the purpose of this product. It doesn't have creatine in it so you may want to buy a tub of that too.
Wut pre should I buy basically debating cheap vs. better dosed but more expensive
https://www.amazon.com/OWN-PWR-Servings-Creatine-CarnoSyn/dp/B07CQ83NPK/ref=sr_1_93?keywords=preworkout&qid=1565715676&s=gateway&sr=8-93&th=1
https://www.tigerfitness.com/products/like-a-pro-supplements-pump-focus?variant=22521067175994
Check out pulse. It's got great reviews and I really like it. The guy seems to listen to feedback too.