{"id":526,"date":"2026-04-02T15:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T15:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=526"},"modified":"2026-04-02T15:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T15:15:00","slug":"need-some-energy-before-the-gym-here-are-the-6-best-pre-workouts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=526","title":{"rendered":"Need some energy before the gym? Here are the 6 best pre-workouts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div><head><meta charset=\"utf-8\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"X-UA-Compatible\" http-equiv=\"X-UA-Compatible\" content=\"IE=edge\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/uk\/nutrition\/g70833605\/best-pre-workout-supplements\/\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"msapplication-tap-highlight\" content=\"no\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><title data-next-head=\"\">Top 6 pre-workout supplements: What you need to know and which one to buy<\/title><meta name=\"title\" content=\"The 6 Best Pre-Workout Supplements: What to Know &amp; Which to Buy\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"description\" content=\"We spoke to experts and reviewed dozens of popular brands to find the best pre-workout supplements to help support your workouts and fitness goals. \" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"best pre-workout supplements, best pre-workout supplements for men, pre-workout supplements\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"theme-color\" content=\"#000000\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/menshealth\/static\/images\/favicon.800c51a.ico\" rel=\"icon\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Men's Health\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"fb:app_id\" content=\"663950107043274\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/menshealthuk\/\" property=\"article:publisher\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Need Some Extra Energy Before the Gym? Here Are the 6 Best Pre-Workouts\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"These expert-approved formulas may help you push harder at the gym\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"parsely-metadata\" content=\"{&quot;socialHeadline&quot;:&quot;Need Some Extra Energy Before the Gym? Here Are the 6 Best Pre-Workouts&quot;}\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noarchive,max-image-preview:large,max-snippet:-1,max-video-preview:30,index,follow\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"apple-touch-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/menshealth\/static\/images\/apple-touch-icon.35eef3d.png\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"alternate\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/nutrition\/g60885968\/best-pre-workout-supplement\/\" hreflang=\"en-us\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"alternate\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/uk\/nutrition\/g70833605\/best-pre-workout-supplements\/\" hreflang=\"en-gb\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"alternate\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/uk\/nutrition\/g70833605\/best-pre-workout-supplements\/\" hreflang=\"en-ie\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"alternate\" type=\"application\/rss+xml\" title=\"Men's Health - Nutrition\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/uk\/rss\/nutrition.xml\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"alternate\" type=\"application\/rss+xml\" title=\"Men's Health\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/uk\/rss\/all.xml\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/2a643430-99bc-4758-9036-236116b1b4d6.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=1200:*\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"thumbnail\" content=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/2a643430-99bc-4758-9036-236116b1b4d6.jpg?crop=0.5xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=320:*\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"sailthru.image.full\" content=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/2a643430-99bc-4758-9036-236116b1b4d6.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=320:*\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"sailthru.image.thumb\" content=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/2a643430-99bc-4758-9036-236116b1b4d6.jpg?crop=0.5xw:1xh;center,top\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/2a643430-99bc-4758-9036-236116b1b4d6.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:*\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta content=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/uk\/nutrition\/g70833605\/best-pre-workout-supplements\/\" property=\"og:url\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"auto-publish\" content=\"timely\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"article:opinion\" property=\"article:opinion\" content=\"false\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta content=\"Nutrition\" property=\"article:section\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta content=\"2026-04-02T15:14:00Z\" property=\"article:modified_time\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta content=\"2026-04-02T15:14:00Z\" property=\"article:published_time\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"sailthru.excerpt\" content=\"\n\n<p class=&quot;\u672c\u6587&quot;> No matter your goals, you may need a little more power, energy, and stamina to hit the gym and perform at your best. There&#8217;s no substitute for a balanced diet and plenty of hydration, but the best pre-workout supplements may just give you the extra boost you need to hit the gym and hit your next PR.<\/p>\n<p>Need more convincing? One <a href=&quot;https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/1550-2783-7-10&quot; \u30bf\u30fc\u30b2\u30c3\u30c8=&quot;_\u7a7a\u767d&quot; \u76f8\u5bfe=&quot;\u30d5\u30a9\u30ed\u30fc\u3057\u306a\u3044&quot;>Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition<\/a>reported that combining a pre-workout with a HIIT session significantly increased VO2 max, training volume, lean body mass, and also accelerated the rate of body fat loss in moderately trained recreational athletes. <\/p>\n<p>Still, some pre-workout supplements can be misleading. Firstly, UK regulators have not approved pre-workouts before they hit the market. The responsibility lies with corporate responsibility. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to criticize supplements that promise excessive benefits without scientific backing. Even worse, some pre-workout supplements may contain large amounts of caffeine and, uh, questionable ingredients. So how do you find safe and effective products? Your work is done.<\/p>\n<h2 class=&quot;\u30dc\u30c7\u30a3-h2&quot;>Best pre-workout supplements<\/h2>\n<p>[product-summary-view headline=&#8221; showheadline=&#8221;false&#8221;\/><\/head><body id=\"wp_automatic_ReadabilityBody\"><\/p>\n<p>While you don\u2019t <em>need<\/em> pre-workout to build muscle, it can be helpful if you require an extra &#8216;push&#8217; to get through your workout if you\u2019re a bit more fatigued one day or if you\u2019re in a calorie deficit. Pre-workout supplements include ingredients that supply energy, help you push harder, improve focus, and can help your body more easily build muscle and recover from your workouts. <\/p>\n<p>We examined products for effective formulas, caffeine, testing, user experience, and overall safety to find the best pre-workout supplements to help support your workouts and fitness goals. You&#8217;ll also find a guide to the products that can give you a natural pre-workout boost.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"&quot;body-h2&quot;\">What to Consider <\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"&quot;body-h3&quot;\">Caffeine<\/h3>\n<p>Caffeine is the primary stimulant in most pre-workouts. Doses typically range between 150mg and 300mg per serving, but more isn\u2019t always going to give you the better workout experience \u2013 especially if you&#8217;re sensitive to caffeine jitters or fond of a late-night workout. While caffeine is not needed for a workout, the compound might improve your performance and focus. Research has found that consuming caffeine within 60 minutes of your workout can improve aerobic and anaerobic running capacity, strength, and power.<\/p>\n<p>Research published in Food and Chemical Toxicology cited that 400mg of caffeine a day is the upper limit for adults. What does this mean to you? One cup of instant coffee contains 60-80mg of caffeine, but high street flat whites typically contain between 120mg and 160mg. Some pre-workout brands spill over the recommended daily dose, so pay close attention to the packaging.<\/p>\n<p>Considering a stim-free or caffeine-free pre-workout? We did a little investigation into this product category ourselves, and found them to not be as effective. You would likely be better off taking the supplements found in stim-free versions like beta-alanine and creatine in individual doses.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"&quot;body-h3&quot;\">Other Ingredients<\/h3>\n<p>Pre-workout supplements also like to advertise all the other stuff they include on top of the caffeine. Citrulline for blood flow. Beta-alanine for muscle fatigue. Creatine for creatine\u2019s sake. A lot of the products making these claims often don&#8217;t have enough of the stuff to matter. For example, some products claiming to contain creatine only have a single gram of it, which is not even a quarter of your recommended dosage. It hardly seems worth it. Optimum Nutrition&#8217;s Gold Standard Pre-Workout at least has 3.3 grams, a much more reasonable offering. For the more esoteric ingredients, there isn&#8217;t a whole lot of science behind how they combine in a pre-workout.<\/p>\n<p>As sports nutritionist Matt Lovell points out, there are definitely some ingredients included in pre-workouts that  you should actively avoid, too. \u2018I would say any speed cousins, amphetamine cousins. Some pre-workouts basically contain ecstasy. Or close to it,\u2019 he says.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"&quot;body-h3&quot;\">Safety<\/h3>\n<p>For most men, pre-workout is a safe supplement to take, but even at the safe end of the spectrum, its side effects can still cause jitters, itching and interrupted sleep, which are harmless but still uncomfortable. Our advice: if you&#8217;re new to pre-workout, go for half doses to begin with and see how your body reacts.<\/p>\n<p>To err on the side of caution, it&#8217;s also a good idea to choose a supplement that has been third-party tested, which will ensure that each batch has been tested to ensure it contains exactly what it the packaging claims, and that it is free from banned substances or other contaminants.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"&quot;body-h2&quot;\">How We Selected<\/h2>\n<p>To help you find the best pre-workout for energy, endurance, and strength, we enlisted a panel of sports nutritionists to put a range of market-leading products to the test as part of our 2024 Sports Nutrition Awards and 2025 Sports Nutrition Awards.<\/p>\n<p>They assessed each pre-workout supplement based on the quality of ingredients, nutritional make-up and formulation. Judging was extremely stringent and only the top-rated pre-workouts that really impressed were put forward for further testing back at Men&#8217;s Health HQ.<\/p>\n<p>Our panel of testers, including editors, then rated each best pre-workout on flavour, texture, aroma and ease of use. We also tested them over a period of a few weeks to see how they impacted athletic performance. After all that, feedback was analysed, and final scores were awarded. The products above with the esteemed Sports Nutrition Awards logo are our winners and have passed our rigorous assessments.<\/p>\n<p>&#8221; data-next-head\/&gt;<meta name=\"sailthru.tags\" content=\"nutrition,Nutrition,gear,The MH Edit,supplements,Supplements,Men's Health-GB\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"sailthru.date\" content=\"2026-04-02 15:14:00\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"sailthru.socialtitle\" content=\"Need Some Extra Energy Before the Gym? Here Are the 6 Best Pre-Workouts\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"sailthru.contenttype\" content=\"listicle\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"sailthru.author\" content=\"Lauren Keary, NASM,Priyankaa Joshi,Luke Chamberlain\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"cXenseParse:pageclass\" content=\"article\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"cXenseParse:undefined-content_display_type\" content=\"listicle\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"cXenseParse:undefined-collection\" content=\"The MH Edit\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta property=\"cXenseParse:image\" content=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/2a643430-99bc-4758-9036-236116b1b4d6.jpg?crop=0.5xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=600:*\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><meta name=\"cXenseParse:recs:recommendable\" content=\"true\" data-next-head=\"\"\/><link rel=\"preload\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/fre\/scopes\/hdm\/_next\/static\/css\/2755106bfc8b0e8d.css\" as=\"style\"\/><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/fre\/scopes\/hdm\/_next\/static\/css\/2755106bfc8b0e8d.css\" data-n-p=\"\"\/><noscript data-n-css=\"\"\/><link rel=\"preload\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/menshealth\/static\/fonts\/ibm-plex-mono-v19-latin-500.648a099.woff2\" as=\"font\" type=\"font\/woff2\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"\/><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/uk\/api\/styles.css?id=ac4b85e0-a5fc-472b-9780-ce090ac4226d&amp;type=site&amp;source=content%3Alisticle\"\/><meta name=\"app-version\" content=\"1.7.815\"\/><template id=\"page-settings\" data-nav-height=\"112\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"__next\">\n<section data-lazy-id=\"P0-3\"\/>\n<section data-lazy-id=\"P0-4\"\/><span tabindex=\"0\"\/>Skip to Content<\/p>\n<nav data-tracking-id=\"topNav\" class=\"css-21vl1e e1rbq3om6\"\/><main id=\"main-content\" class=\"css-rk6tbh ewq0ot91\"><\/p>\n<section data-lazy-id=\"P0-6\"\/>\n<section data-lazy-id=\"P0-7\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"affiliate-bar\" class=\"css-1b3euh3 e76wunf2\">\n<p class=\"css-tuokxc e76wunf1\"><span class=\"css-0 e76wunf0\">We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div data-journey-body=\"listicle\" data-journey-hide=\"true\" class=\"listicle-container content-container listicle-body-content css-4rmlxi e13lia4i22\">\n<section data-ad-index=\"0\" class=\"css-1qcmm85 e13lia4i20\">\n<section id=\"slide-1\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-1\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-13j5f4r e16kmapv10\">\n<div class=\"css-oz2irx eh1nfpp0\">\n<div data-ad-exclude=\"(min-width: 90rem)\" data-embed=\"embed-product\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-wrapper\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center embed css-ri07z2 e1ydkxnk1\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-info\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center css-dhpwj5 ebgq4gw9\">\n<div class=\"top css-1ycie50 ebgq4gw7\">\n<p>Best Pre-Workout With Creatine<\/p>\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-title\" class=\"css-144ip4t e1bddzxd0\">ON Gold Standard Pre-Workout<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-image-container\" class=\"css-1jht55h e467n7m1\">\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-image-container\" data-theme-key=\"product-image-container\" class=\"css-1pc0key e467n7m0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"pros-cons-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-container\" class=\"css-1ecl3j5 el16ixo9\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-column\" class=\"css-1jz5po1 el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-pros-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo6\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>175mg of caffeine<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>Contains creatine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-column\" class=\"css-kyu22j el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-cons-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo5\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Contains artificial ingredients<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Lower dosages of some key ingredients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-dek-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-description\" class=\"css-1k8pmwc exai5wx0\">\n<p>Optimum Nutrition&#8217;s Gold Standard Pre-workout is budget-friendly, costing under 40p per serving (at the time of writing), and widely available at most large supermarkets as well as online. For the price, you really can\u2019t beat the quality, especially as it\u2019s Informed Choice certified, so you know you\u2019re getting what\u2019s on the label and nothing that\u2019s not.<\/p>\n<p>Creatine supports muscle growth and recovery from intense exercise, reduces muscle damage, lowers the risk of musculoskeletal injury, and even has neuroprotective effects when taken in doses of 3 to 5 grams. Each serving of this pre-workout has 3 grams of creatine to provide this support and protection during workouts. It also has 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, an amino acid needed for carnosine production in the muscles.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Read More: Best Creatine Supplements<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"key-specs-container\" data-theme-key=\"key-specs-container\" class=\"css-1kr8s4s e1qmnfvi1\">\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"key-specs-title\" class=\"css-petnxe e1qmnfvi0\">Features at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table data-theme-key=\"table-container\" class=\"css-ytu4ud e11b32fp3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Caffeine<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">175mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Third-Party Tested?<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">Yes \u2013 Informed Choice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"slide-2\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-2\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-13j5f4r e16kmapv10\">\n<div class=\"css-oz2irx eh1nfpp0\">\n<div data-ad-exclude=\"(min-width: 90rem)\" data-embed=\"embed-product\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-wrapper\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center embed css-ri07z2 e1ydkxnk1\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-info\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center css-dhpwj5 ebgq4gw9\">\n<div class=\"top css-1ycie50 ebgq4gw7\">\n<p>Best pre workout for intense workouts<\/p>\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-title\" class=\"css-144ip4t e1bddzxd0\">PhD Charge All in One Pre-Workout with Creatine<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-image-container\" class=\"css-1jht55h e467n7m1\">\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-image-container\" data-theme-key=\"product-image-container\" class=\"css-1pc0key e467n7m0\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1775057520-e582ef8b-8248-4111-9c5d-384306f81048.jpg?crop=0.995xw:0.995xh;0,0.00481xh&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.00481xh&#038;resize=980:*.jpeg 980w\" alt=\"PhD Charge All in One Pre-Workout with Creatine\" title=\"PhD Charge All in One Pre-Workout with Creatine\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.00481xh&#038;resize=980:*.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"pros-cons-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-container\" class=\"css-1ecl3j5 el16ixo9\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-column\" class=\"css-1jz5po1 el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-pros-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo6\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>200mg of caffeine<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>Contains creatine and BCAAs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-column\" class=\"css-kyu22j el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-cons-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo5\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Not third-party tested<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Contains artificial ingredients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-dek-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-description\" class=\"css-1k8pmwc exai5wx0\">\n<p>This potent pre-workout contains an impressive list of active ingredients that have been scientifically proven to aid performance. On top of the 200mg of caffeine for an explosive hit of energy, each serving contains 3g of beta-alanine, 3g of BCAAs and 3g of creatine, which are known to increase focus, buffer soreness and promote muscle growth.<\/p>\n<p>Sure enough, it kept our testers pushing hard, even during their most demanding sets, and they raved about the flavour, which was a treat to chug as they hyped themselves up ahead of training.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Read More: Best Whey Protein Powder<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"key-specs-container\" data-theme-key=\"key-specs-container\" class=\"css-1kr8s4s e1qmnfvi1\">\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"key-specs-title\" class=\"css-petnxe e1qmnfvi0\">Features at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table data-theme-key=\"table-container\" class=\"css-ytu4ud e11b32fp3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Caffeine<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">200mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Third-Party Tested?<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\">\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\" class=\"gpt-breaker-container breaker-ad breaker-ad listicle-slide-list-ad eutn2uj2 css-s9ru39 e1spmc110\">\n<p>Advertisement &#8211; Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section data-ad-index=\"1\" class=\"css-1e7sdkt e13lia4i20\">\n<section id=\"slide-3\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-3\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-13j5f4r e16kmapv10\">\n<div class=\"css-oz2irx eh1nfpp0\">\n<div data-ad-exclude=\"(min-width: 90rem)\" data-embed=\"embed-product\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-wrapper\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center embed css-ri07z2 e1ydkxnk1\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-info\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center css-dhpwj5 ebgq4gw9\">\n<div class=\"top css-1ycie50 ebgq4gw7\">\n<p>Best Pre-Workout Gummies<\/p>\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-title\" class=\"css-144ip4t e1bddzxd0\">Myprotein Pre-Workout Gummies<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-image-container\" class=\"css-1jht55h e467n7m1\">\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-image-container\" data-theme-key=\"product-image-container\" class=\"css-1pc0key e467n7m0\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1775059298-683f1eb9-db04-432c-a344-7da10fa6d03e.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_967_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg 980w\" alt=\"Myprotein Pre-Workout Gummies\" title=\"Myprotein Pre-Workout Gummies\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_967_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"pros-cons-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-container\" class=\"css-1ecl3j5 el16ixo9\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-column\" class=\"css-1jz5po1 el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-pros-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo6\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>Easy to control caffeine dose at lower levels<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>A good option for afternoon and evening workouts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-column\" class=\"css-kyu22j el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-cons-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo5\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Higher cost per serving than podwers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-dek-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-description\" class=\"css-1k8pmwc exai5wx0\">\n<p>If you&#8217;re not a fan of drinking your pre-workout before a session, these gummies, which taste just like fruit pastilles, are a solid alternative. One recommended serving (four gummies) provides a gentle (by comparison) 120mg caffeine punch \u2013 ideal for PM workouts and those who sensitive to caffeine. These also make for a great option for newcomers to using pre-workout, who can incrementally increase the caffeine dose over time by taking extra gummies \u2013 just remember to keep count of how many you&#8217;re taking.<\/p>\n<p>Each recommended serving also packs 800mg of L-citrulline for helping to increase endurance and 1.45mg of B vitamins for delaying fatigue. Although note that these also include beef gelatine, so aren&#8217;t suitable for vegetarians. At full price, they&#8217;re also more costly per serving than powders.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Read More: Best Magnesium Supplements<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"key-specs-container\" data-theme-key=\"key-specs-container\" class=\"css-1kr8s4s e1qmnfvi1\">\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"key-specs-title\" class=\"css-petnxe e1qmnfvi0\">Features at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table data-theme-key=\"table-container\" class=\"css-ytu4ud e11b32fp3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Caffeine<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">30mg per gummy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Third-Party Tested?<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"slide-4\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-4\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-13j5f4r e16kmapv10\">\n<div class=\"css-oz2irx eh1nfpp0\">\n<div data-ad-exclude=\"(min-width: 90rem)\" data-embed=\"embed-product\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-wrapper\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center embed css-ri07z2 e1ydkxnk1\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-info\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center css-dhpwj5 ebgq4gw9\">\n<div class=\"top css-1ycie50 ebgq4gw7\">\n<p>Best pre-workout for cardio<\/p>\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-title\" class=\"css-144ip4t e1bddzxd0\">Protein Works Raze Extreme<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-image-container\" class=\"css-1jht55h e467n7m1\">\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-image-container\" data-theme-key=\"product-image-container\" class=\"css-1pc0key e467n7m0\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1775059685-2506d352-c6fa-47e7-b242-fe71fb50435d.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_426_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg 980w\" alt=\"Raze Extreme\" title=\"Raze Extreme\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_426_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"pros-cons-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-container\" class=\"css-1ecl3j5 el16ixo9\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-column\" class=\"css-1jz5po1 el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-pros-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo6\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>200mg of caffeine per serving<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>Contains creatine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-column\" class=\"css-kyu22j el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-cons-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo5\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Beginners may find caffeine too strong<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Low dose of beta-alanine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-dek-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-description\" class=\"css-1k8pmwc exai5wx0\">\n<p>Protein Works&#8217; pre-workout passed our tests with flying colours. It\u2019s easy to use \u2013 simply mix with water \u2013 and contains a punchy 200mg of caffeine, 3.5g of creatine (to help avoid injury), 1.5g of beta-alanine (to protect against lactic acid build up and delay muscle fatigue) and EnXtra\u00ae (to intensify the effects of the caffeine). It also features a blend of vitamins C, B6, B9 and B12 to combat tiredness.<\/p>\n<p>The impact on our panel&#8217;s performance was impressive, facilitating faster runs and successful weights sessions. It\u2019s probably best suited to experienced pre-workout users, however, as one tester said it made them feel quite jittery.<\/p>\n<p>Though on the artificial side, everyone enjoyed the sweet  flavour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"key-specs-container\" data-theme-key=\"key-specs-container\" class=\"css-1kr8s4s e1qmnfvi1\">\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"key-specs-title\" class=\"css-petnxe e1qmnfvi0\">Features at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table data-theme-key=\"table-container\" class=\"css-ytu4ud e11b32fp3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Caffeine<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">200mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Third-Party Tested?<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\">\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\" class=\"gpt-breaker-container breaker-ad breaker-ad listicle-slide-list-ad eutn2uj2 css-s9ru39 e1spmc110\">\n<p>Advertisement &#8211; Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section data-ad-index=\"2\" class=\"css-1e7sdkt e13lia4i20\">\n<section id=\"slide-5\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-5\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-13j5f4r e16kmapv10\">\n<div class=\"css-oz2irx eh1nfpp0\">\n<div data-ad-exclude=\"(min-width: 90rem)\" data-embed=\"embed-product\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-wrapper\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center embed css-ri07z2 e1ydkxnk1\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-info\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center css-dhpwj5 ebgq4gw9\">\n<div class=\"top css-1ycie50 ebgq4gw7\">\n<p>Best Pre-Workout for Beginners<\/p>\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-title\" class=\"css-144ip4t e1bddzxd0\">C4 Original Pre Workout<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-image-container\" class=\"css-1jht55h e467n7m1\">\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-image-container\" data-theme-key=\"product-image-container\" class=\"css-1pc0key e467n7m0\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1775142479-6edb6cc0-b642-4443-b66d-d90412421c70.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_759_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg 980w\" alt=\"C4 Original Pre Workout\" title=\"C4 Original Pre Workout\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_759_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"pros-cons-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-container\" class=\"css-1ecl3j5 el16ixo9\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-column\" class=\"css-1jz5po1 el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-pros-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo6\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>150mg of caffeine<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>Great taste<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-column\" class=\"css-kyu22j el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-cons-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo5\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Regular pre-workout users might want higher caffeine dose<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Only 1.5g of creatine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-dek-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-description\" class=\"css-1k8pmwc exai5wx0\">\n<p>New to pre-workout? This C4 formula is a good starting point. Each serving contains 150mg of caffeine \u2013 a comparatively lower dose versus other options listed. You also get a small 1.5g hit of creatine and 1.6g of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, an amino acid that enhances muscular endurance and reduces fatigue.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re set on a third-party tested product, consider the C4 Sport Pre-Workout, which has an Informed Sport accreditation. Though it contains less caffeine \u2013 135mg per serving \u2013 you get a couple grams extra creatine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"key-specs-container\" data-theme-key=\"key-specs-container\" class=\"css-1kr8s4s e1qmnfvi1\">\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"key-specs-title\" class=\"css-petnxe e1qmnfvi0\">Features at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table data-theme-key=\"table-container\" class=\"css-ytu4ud e11b32fp3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Caffeine<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">150mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Third-Party Tested?<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"slide-6\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-6\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-13j5f4r e16kmapv10\">\n<div class=\"css-oz2irx eh1nfpp0\">\n<div data-ad-exclude=\"(min-width: 90rem)\" data-embed=\"embed-product\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-wrapper\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center embed css-ri07z2 e1ydkxnk1\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-info\" size=\"large\" class=\"size-large align-center css-dhpwj5 ebgq4gw9\">\n<div class=\"top css-1ycie50 ebgq4gw7\">\n<p>Best Caffeine Free Pre-Workout<\/p>\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-title\" class=\"css-144ip4t e1bddzxd0\">Bulk Dope Caffeine Free Pre-Workout<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-image-container\" class=\"css-1jht55h e467n7m1\">\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-image-container\" data-theme-key=\"product-image-container\" class=\"css-1pc0key e467n7m0\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1775125571-3af33148-578c-4577-9759-2361c4c1912e.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_994_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg 980w\" alt=\"Bulk Dope Caffeine Free Pre-Workout\" title=\"Bulk Dope Caffeine Free Pre-Workout\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_994_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"pros-cons-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-container\" class=\"css-1ecl3j5 el16ixo9\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-column\" class=\"css-1jz5po1 el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-pros-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo6\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>Boosts workout performance without stimulants<\/li>\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo3\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pro-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/check-circle-bold.8264626.svg?primary=%252315803D\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Pro\" role=\"img\" title=\"Pro\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo1\"\/><\/span>Suitable for PM workouts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-column\" class=\"css-kyu22j el16ixo8\">\n<h3 data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-cons-header\" prefix=\"listicle\" class=\"css-i5tdcc el16ixo5\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-pros-cons-list\" class=\"css-x5j25h el16ixo4\">\n<li data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-cons-item\" class=\"css-4kwcq1 el16ixo2\"><span data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-con-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"css-1w4f7je ec4ut140\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/x-cross-circle-bold.7de9af1.svg?primary=%2523DC2626\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"auto\" width=\"auto\" alt=\"Con\" role=\"img\" title=\"Con\" class=\"css-23kqqm el16ixo0\"\/><\/span>Regular pre-workout users might miss caffeine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"product-dek-container\" data-theme-key=\"embedded-product-description\" class=\"css-1k8pmwc exai5wx0\">\n<p>If you&#8217;re concerned about the caffeine content of your pre-workout, Bulk Powders&#8217; caffeine-free option is a safer bet. Offering similar benefits to conventional pre-workout supplements but without the stimulants, this formula contains an alternative mix of performance-enhancing ingredients, including 3.5mg of beta alanine, 3g of creatine monohydrate and L-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid thought to improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re wanting to pair this stimulant-free formula with a regular pre-workout, Bulk has a 200mg caffeine version that also contains 3g of creatine per serving.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-optimizely=\"key-specs-container\" data-theme-key=\"key-specs-container\" class=\"css-1kr8s4s e1qmnfvi1\">\n<h2 data-theme-key=\"key-specs-title\" class=\"css-petnxe e1qmnfvi0\">Features at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table data-theme-key=\"table-container\" class=\"css-ytu4ud e11b32fp3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Caffeine<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">0mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-line\" class=\"css-0 e11b32fp2\">\n<th data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-label\" class=\"css-4esnxt e11b32fp0\">Third-Party Tested<\/th>\n<td data-theme-key=\"listicle-product-key-specs-value-item\" class=\"css-14bw0g1 e11b32fp1\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\">\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\" class=\"gpt-breaker-container breaker-ad breaker-ad listicle-slide-list-ad eutn2uj2 css-s9ru39 e1spmc110\">\n<p>Advertisement &#8211; Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section data-ad-index=\"3\" class=\"css-1e7sdkt e13lia4i20\">\n<section id=\"slide-7\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-7\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-8binen e16kmapv10\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" class=\"css-gd5gam e16kmapv9\">\n<div class=\"css-1gomreu e16kmapv0\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-item-image\" class=\"css-l3aj7 eutn2uj3\">\n<div class=\"css-7jdyxr e1nfup6f1\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=980:* 980w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=1200:* 1200w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg 1440w\" alt=\"horizontal black line\" data-cy=\"slide-image-7\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg\" title=\"horizontal black line\" width=\"870\" height=\"78\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-item-meta\" class=\"css-1h3t9lj e16kmapv6\">\n<div class=\"css-1ptha05 e16kmapv7\">\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">The Pros and Cons of Taking Pre-Workout<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"css-7cyxa emevuu60\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"css-kw9lqy emevuu60\">\n<li>Improved performance: Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition concluded that pre-workout supplements &#8216;have promise as an ergogenic aid for active individuals.&#8217; Or, in other words, they enhance the performance of people who already exhaust the gym.<\/li>\n<li>Increased concentration and focus: Pre-workout is packed with caffeine, which is know to enhance cognition. As research published in the Journal of Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease found, caffeine works to boost people&#8217;s arousal, mood and concentration, so if you want to be focused on a workout, pre-workout is the supp for you.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances athletic performance: The University of C\u00f3rdoba found the citrulline added to pre-workout could add up to 53% more bench press reps in a workout. In another study, pre-workout containing citrulline was found to give cyclists a 12% longer ride before hitting exhaustion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"css-7cyxa emevuu60\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"css-kw9lqy emevuu60\">\n<li><strong>Possible jitters and sleep issues: <\/strong>Negative side effects caused by overstimulation: if the jitters and interrupted sleep we mentioned earlier don&#8217;t sound like fun, perhaps give pre-workout a miss.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You can build up a tolerance with overuse:<\/strong> if taken excessively, your body can become immune to pre-workout&#8217;s effects. To avoid this, it&#8217;s probably best to save pre-workout for those sessions where it&#8217;s &#8216;go hard or go home&#8217; or try cycling the supplement once in a while.<\/li>\n<li><strong>It can cause digestion problems: <\/strong>ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, magnesium, creatine and caffeine can all cause digestion problems. Avoid this by trying different pre-workout supplements until you find one that works for you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Some formulas contain harsh stimulants: <\/strong>Scientists have previously linked the original class of energy drinks to diabetes, mental health problems and kidney damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"slide-8\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-8\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-8binen e16kmapv10\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" class=\"css-gd5gam e16kmapv9\">\n<div class=\"css-1gomreu e16kmapv0\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-item-image\" class=\"css-l3aj7 eutn2uj3\">\n<div class=\"css-7jdyxr e1nfup6f1\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=980:* 980w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=1200:* 1200w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg 1440w\" alt=\"horizontal black line\" data-cy=\"slide-image-8\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg\" title=\"horizontal black line\" width=\"870\" height=\"78\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-item-meta\" class=\"css-1h3t9lj e16kmapv6\">\n<div class=\"css-1ptha05 e16kmapv7\">\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">What Are the Main Ingredients in Pre-Workout Supplements?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">While all pre-workouts include different types of ingredients in different amounts, common ingredients include caffeine, citrulline, beta-alanine, branched-chain amino acids, creatine, tyrosine, and a variety of botanicals that may help support performance or recovery. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">How To Take Pre-Workout<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Most people take pre-workout around 30 minutes to one hour before they work out, but just because it&#8217;s called pre-workout that doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean you have to take it prior to your workout. \u2018For longer sessions, you could delay until an hour into the session,\u2019 suggests Lovell. Always refer to the label of your pre-workout for specifics.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">How Long Does Pre-Workout Take to Work?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">When you start exercising, you want to hit the ground running. You don&#8217;t want to be waiting around for your pre-workout to kick in, so it&#8217;s important to find the sweet spot. For most people, the ideal time is around 30 minutes to one hour before your workout \u2014 this should give the supplement enough time to hit your bloodstream and amp you up ahead of your session.<\/p>\n<p>Something to consider, however, is the &#8216;half-life&#8217; of caffeine. Generally, caffeine has a half-life of around three to seven hours after ingestion. If you&#8217;re used to training in the evenings, you want to take half the recommended dose or swap it out for a pre-workout alternative.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">Who Should Not Take Pre-Workout? <\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Men with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or sensitivity to stimulants, should avoid pre-workout supplements.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">Is Pre-Workout Dangerous?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Broadly speaking, pre-workout supplements are safe to take on a regular basis when following the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions. Of course, when it comes to ingesting caffeine, we all have different thresholds and with some brands tipping over a sensible limit of caffeine content, it can become a risky game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Bear in mind that figure from the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal: 400mg a day \u2013 that&#8217;s around two to three cups of coffee \u2014 is the upper limit for adults, so be sure to check the per-serving caffeine content of your supplement during your next top-up.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">Are There Any Potential Side Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Some ingredients in pre-workout products can cause side effects, depending on what ingredients are included and in what amounts. Beta-alanine, which may cause a tingling effect, and caffeine, which could cause nervousness or jitters, are common side effects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\">\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\" class=\"gpt-breaker-container breaker-ad breaker-ad listicle-slide-list-ad eutn2uj2 css-s9ru39 e1spmc110\">\n<p>Advertisement &#8211; Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section data-ad-index=\"4\" class=\"css-1e7sdkt e13lia4i20\">\n<section id=\"slide-9\" data-anchor-id=\"slide-9\" data-journey-listicle-slide=\"true\" class=\"css-deak4w e16kmapv11\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" data-journey-content=\"true\" class=\"listicle-slides css-8binen e16kmapv10\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-inner-container\" class=\"css-gd5gam e16kmapv9\">\n<div class=\"css-1gomreu e16kmapv0\">\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-item-image\" class=\"css-l3aj7 eutn2uj3\">\n<div class=\"css-7jdyxr e1nfup6f1\"><img srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=980:* 980w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg&amp;resize=1200:* 1200w, https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg 1440w\" alt=\"horizontal black line\" data-cy=\"slide-image-9\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_959_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.jpg\" title=\"horizontal black line\" width=\"870\" height=\"78\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-theme-key=\"listicle-slide-item-meta\" class=\"css-1h3t9lj e16kmapv6\">\n<div class=\"css-1ptha05 e16kmapv7\">\n<h2 class=\"css-1gywm4a emevuu60\">Best Natural Pre-Workouts<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"css-7cyxa emevuu60\">Coffee<\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">A cup of black coffee (with or without sugar) before your workout is a great way to up your energy levels.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-7cyxa emevuu60\">Bananas<\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Rich in starchy carbohydrates, one banana will contain around 14g of sugar, made of glucose and fructose \u2013 two sugar types that are ideal for athletic performance. Bananas are also rich in potassium and magnesium, providing electrolytes to your body that \u2014 when lost \u2014 will cause muscle cramps and fatigue, so it&#8217;s best to keep your levels topped-up. Each banana will contain around 20-27g of carbohydrates, fuelling your muscles before strenuous exercise.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-7cyxa emevuu60\">Coconut Water<\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Like bananas, coconut water is naturally full of electrolytes. With an improper electrolyte balance leading to muscle cramps, stiffness, nausea, headaches and fatigue, drinking coconut water will help top up your body&#8217;s electrolyte supply. You&#8217;ll want to ditch your energy drink too, because coconut water contains more nutrients per serving and up to 25% fewer calories when compared to market-leading sports drinks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"css-1k33gg5 e13lia4i20\">\n<div data-journey-blur=\"partial\" class=\"css-1e54vvi e13lia4i11\">\n<div class=\"css-qnacz1 e13lia4i10\">\n<section data-lazy-id=\"P0-26\"\/>\n<div data-journey-blur=\"partial\" data-ad-exclude=\"true\" class=\"css-19m4yzp e1jy25xv0\">\n<div class=\"css-sfzxfp ev8dhu59\"><span class=\"css-3mrz81 ev8dhu51\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/menshealth\/static\/images\/logos\/lettermark.70e252c.svg?primary=%2523000\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" alt=\"Lettermark\" class=\"css-7mevzh ev8dhu50\"\/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-1dsojn8 ev8dhu55\">\n<div class=\"css-10kex8m ev8dhu54\">\n<p>Lauren Keary is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and fitness\/nutrition writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is an ex-collegiate rower, and received her M.A. in magazine journalism and B.A. in literary journalism. She has nearly a decade of professional journalism experience and has covered topics all across the wellness and lifestyles spaces.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Her bylines include <em>Fortune<\/em>, BarBend, <em>Outside Magazine<\/em>, <em>Evening Standard<\/em>, BuzzFeed, <em>Modern Luxury<\/em>, <em>Women&#8217;s Running Magazine<\/em>, TripSavvy, <em>San Diego Magazine<\/em>, <em>Orange Coast Magazine<\/em>, Fitt and FoodBeast.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When she&#8217;s not writing or editing, you can catch her walking with her dog and an iced vanilla latte (half sweet) beachside or catching a flight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-sfzxfp ev8dhu59\"><span class=\"css-3mrz81 ev8dhu51\"><img src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.file.png\" alt=\"Headshot of Priyankaa Joshi\" title=\"Headshot of Priyankaa Joshi\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"css-o0wq4v ev8dhu53\"\/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-1dsojn8 ev8dhu55\">\n<div class=\"css-10kex8m ev8dhu54\">\n<p>Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.<br \/>Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years\u2019 experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for <em>Stylist<\/em>\u2019s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. \u00a0\u00a0Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London&#8217;s best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-sfzxfp ev8dhu59\"><span class=\"css-3mrz81 ev8dhu51\"><img src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775229979_199_Need-some-energy-before-the-gym-Here-are-the-6.file.png\" alt=\"Headshot of Luke Chamberlain\" title=\"Headshot of Luke Chamberlain\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"css-o0wq4v ev8dhu53\"\/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-1dsojn8 ev8dhu55\">\n<div class=\"css-10kex8m ev8dhu54\">\n<p>Luke Chamberlain is the ecommerce editor for <em>Men\u2019s Health UK <\/em>where he compiles expert-led buying guides and in-depth product reviews across gym wear, fitness tech, supplements, and grooming. Responsible for testing everything from the latest gym headphones to the best manscaping tools, Luke also enlists the help of leading health and wellness experts to help readers make informed choices when shopping online \u2013 whether it&#8217;s to debunk the latest viral hair growth trend or to get the lowdown on a new type of recovery tech. He also covers major sales events for <em>Men\u2019s Health<\/em>, such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, scouting and verifying hundreds of discounts in order to recommend only the most genuine deals on offer. A magazine journalism graduate from the University of Sheffield in 2018, Luke has also worked as assistant editor for <em>Outdoor Swimmer<\/em> magazine and as an ecommerce writer for <em>The Recommended<\/em>. When he\u2019s not testing the latest health and fitness products, he\u2019s busy plotting routes for his next trail run or gravel ride out of London. Follow Luke on Instagram at @lukeochamb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"css-1k33gg5 e13lia4i20\"\/><\/div>\n<section data-lazy-id=\"P0-27\"\/>\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\" class=\"gpt-breaker-container breaker-ad css-172ho3e e1spmc110\">\n<p>Advertisement &#8211; Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"transporter\" data-journey-hide=\"true\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-28\" class=\"css-15qxeah e9dgbgx0\">\n<section class=\"css-2uaidc ezpcz1b0\">\n<div class=\"css-56diik e19qkiag2\">\n<p>Advertisement &#8211; Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"css-1gvnsp5 ezpcz1b0\"\/>\n<section class=\"css-1gvnsp5 ezpcz1b0\"\/>\n<div data-journey-unblur=\"true\" class=\"gpt-breaker-container breaker-ad css-tlb85d e1spmc110\">\n<p>Advertisement &#8211; Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/div>\n<p><\/body><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>  <br \/>#energy #gym #preworkouts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Top 6 pre-workout supplements: What you need to know and which one to buy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,484],"tags":[754,755,757,758,756,759],"class_list":["post-526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-nutrition","tag-best-pre-workout-supplements","tag-best-pre-workout-supplements-for-men","tag-energy","tag-gym","tag-pre-workout-supplements","tag-preworkouts"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=526"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}