We've have all had those days … you get off work, and it’s time to go to the gym...
But you're exhausted, both mentally and physically, from your day.
Or maybe you work out first thing in the morning, and it takes everything you have to skip the snooze button and get out of bed.
Although there are times when you are super motivated to hit a workout, but just want to make sure you perform at the highest level.
All of these scenarios are cases where the right pre-workout could definitely come in handy.
But, with all of the different options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
The good thing is, regardless of what you choose to do for your workouts, there is definitely a pre-workout that will suit your needs.
Which Pre-Workout is Best?
This is a very “it depends” question. It depends on the type of workout, intensity, duration, and overall goal of your workout.
There are pre-workouts that are solely designed to give you energy on the days you need it...
While others may have no caffeine, with the goal being to improve your performance during the workout.
Finding the right pre-workout for you may be relatively easy, or may take some experimentation.
However, I am going to break down our pre-workouts, shedding some light as to which could be best for you.
Project-1
This is the all-around Swiss Army knife of pre-workouts.
First off, it has caffeine to help give you the energy you need on the days you are dragging ... along with the ingredients Alpha GPC, Dynamine, and TeaCrine, that can help enhance your energy and focus.
Also, Project-1 contains Citrulline Malate, Hydroprime®, Phyt02™, and S7®.. These ingredients are responsible for improving nitric oxide levels. This can help increase the blood and oxygen flow to the muscle. If you enjoy a nice "pump", this is where it comes from.
For endurance, it has 3200 mg of Beta-Alanine. This can help your body with fighting off muscular fatigue, which helps you push past your limits. You'll even get a full 5 grams of creatine for more strength and explosiveness in your training sessions.
Project-1 is a phenomenal option for people who want to take their weight training to the next level!
Megawatt
A good way to describe Megawatt is, versatile. It is great for any athletic activity, helping to boost your energy and focus.
Megawatt uses all-natural energy sources to help give you the extra boost and focus that is great for early mornings or after work.
Megawatt contains natural caffeine, B vitamins, and nootropics to ensure you’re dialed in for your workouts.
We also added electrolytes to help decrease muscle fatigue, fight off cramps, and even improve mental capacity when pushing through a tough workout.
Megawatt can be a phenomenal option for lifting, cross-training, cardio, and even endurance training.
Basically, whenever you need that extra boost, but don’t want to take in too much caffeine ... Megawatt can be a great choice!
Endura-Formance
Let’s get into the pre-workout drink that is strictly for the purpose of improving performance. Containing zero caffeine or any other stimulants ... Endura-Formance is great for any type of training.
The main active ingredients in Endura-Formance are Beta-Alanine and Creatine Monohydrate which can help with endurance and strength in the gym.
This can allow you to have more in the tank, as well as a higher output when it comes to your power and explosiveness.
This is my personal favorite to take as a pre-workout if I don't need the extra energy from caffeine or I'm training later in the day.
AlphaSurge
This is another non-stimulant pre-workout that we offer at 1st Phorm.
The main focus of AlphaSurge is to help with blood flow, oxygen, nutrient, and water delivery to the muscle cell.
It incorporates ingredients like Glycerol, Agmatine Sulfate, and L-Norvaline, which is what creates this effect.
This is definitely a great product for the lifter who is wanting to enhance the “pump”, and really push their limits.
Plus, it's another great option for a workout any time during the day or night, since it has no caffeine, and can also be added to other pre-workouts!
Traditionally, I would recommend this product to anyone who is doing "bodybuilding-style" workouts ... also known as training for "hypertrophy" or muscle growth.
Which Pre-Workout is Best?
Now that we covered the benefits of each pre-workout, hopefully you can determine which one is right for you.
As I stated earlier, you may nail it down the first try, or you may try a couple of different options before you find the one that's best for you.
As for me, I know over the years, I have changed my goals, my training, and time of day that I workout...
Which also meant that I've needed to switch up my drink of choice.
There is nothing wrong with experimenting with different combos, or going back and forth between multiple options.
I also want to cover some frequently asked questions:
When Do You Take Your Pre-Workout?
Typically, I recommend taking it approximately 15-30 minutes before a workout.
There is no “set” time, and you will find out over time what exactly works best for you.
Should I Eat With My Pre-Workout?
That is solely up to the individual. Many people that I've talked to like to eat 1-2 hours prior to their workout, since they don’t want to feel full while they exercise.
For me, I recommend focusing on getting some carbs and protein 1 to 2 hours before training in most situations. Then, I follow up my workout with a post-workout shake every time!
Can I Take Other Forms of Caffeine With My Pre-Workout Drink?
I would always err on the side of caution first and try to stay away from other caffeine sources if your pre-workout drink is caffeinated.
I would also recommend an assessment phase with any caffeinated supplement, which would mean starting with a half-dose the first time you use it, and working your way up from there.
In closing, if you have any more questions about which pre-workout is right for you, or if you could benefit from a pre-workout at all, please reach out to our Customer Service Team for help.
They are fully NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Fitness Nutrition Specialists, and would be more than happy to help answer any and all questions you may have.
