Pre-workout supplements have been getting a lot of attention these days as they have become highly desirable. Athletes and others users use them to get the energy that will help sustain and power them through their training.
It is impossible to turn up to every of your training session feeling 100% motivated. You will sometimes feel fatigued, lethargic, or unmotivated. However, with pre-workouts, you can get the strength and motivation you need to power through.
Simply put, pre-workout supplements are multi-ingredient formulas that are designed to give the energy you need for your workout. They can come in a variety of forms; powder, capsules, pills, drink mix, etc.
To be effective, they have to be taken before you go in for your training. These formulas asides from providing you with energy, also help you recover quickly. You can find further information in this article.
Pre-workouts supplements contain a range of ingredients. Before now, fruits like banana or simply toast were touted to work but these days, there are lots of other ingredients. Typically, no two pre-workout supplement formula is the same. Although there are common ingredients in the mix, each brand seems to have its proprietary blend.
Generally, most products contain a combination of B vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and carbs. Some of the most popular ingredients are caffeine, branch-chained amino acids (BCAA), beta-alanine, creatine, taurine, artificial sweeteners, etc. The quantities and combinations of these ingredients vary widely from one brand to another.
Are Pre-workouts Safe?
The safety and benefits of pre-workout supplements can be found in the specific ingredients that are used in formulating them. Certain ingredients present in the formula can help to boost your athletic performance. In essence, these are some of the ingredients you should look out for when trying to buy supplements.
For example, nitric oxide precursors that are present helps to improve the flow of blood by relaxing blood vessels. Examples of these nitric oxide precursors are L-citrulline, L-arginine, and other sources of nitrates like beetroot juice.
Another good substance is caffeine which helps to increase a person’s energy. Caffeine is a popular stimulant that also helps user to stay mentally alert and focused. It improves memory, helps to lose fat and improves athletic performance.
Creatine is naturally produced by the body and is stored in the skeletal muscles. This compound plays a major role in the production of energy and in building muscular strength. Although creatine can be sold as a standalone, it is typically used in pre-workout formulas. It is common among athletes and weightlifters and bodybuilders.
By using it, you will increase the stored supply of the compound in your body and it will help you recover in time. You will also build muscle mass, strength as well as endurance. You can learn more about creatine here https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263269.
Furthermore, the vitamins and minerals present in supplements are beneficial. B vitamins help to boost your immune system, aid metabolism and can help maintain healthy skin. They are healthy for hormones and they help to break down your food into needed energy and keep you motivated.
Possible Drawbacks of Pre-workout Supplements
Pre-workouts are meant to be safe- and they typically are – but this depends on the kind of ingredients used and their quantity. Most often, they contain sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. While these help to enhance their flavor, it can make you add calories. If you take one with a high amount of sweeteners, this can happen.
Additionally, sweeteners may result in discomfort or distress for some who are not tolerant of them. Taking a lot of sugar alcohol may lead to bloating, gassing and diarrhea. To avoid all of these, you will need to avoid pre-workouts that contain high quantities of these substances.
Some of these formulas may also contain high quantity of caffeine and this can lead to symptoms like anxiety. It can also impair your sleep and lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Typically, pre-workout formulas contain around 250ml to 475ml of caffeine. You should therefore be careful if you are getting it from other sources so you do not consume too much of it.
Another thing that can be a potential drawback is the quality of the supplements. In some places like the United States, these formulas are not regulated. This means that one may not be able to vouch for the quality of the product. The labeling can be misleading as well as inaccurate.
You can be at risk of consuming a banned substance if you do not buy yours from a trusted source. Therefore you should buy from only those that you are sure of or that have undergone third-party testing. You will see some good ones in The Pre Workout Review and also find further information to help you choose a good product.
Taking Pre-workout Supplements
You should understand that supplements are not meant for everyone. It depends on the kind of training you do. The fact that you lack energy and find it difficult going through your paces does not automatically mean you need it.
However, if you are involved in intense workout and you require endurance, you may use them if they work for you. In that case, you should be mindful of the ingredients and the quantity you consume.
As with any type of supplement, consulting with your doctor is a wise thing to do. This is especially true if you have any health issues or if you are taking other medications.
When using a pre-workout, you should take it about 20 minutes before your training begins. This gives it time to kick in. You should also ensure that you take it consistently as it is more effective this way than using it once in a while. Also, avoid taking too much of it but just the right quantity to aid your performance.
Conclusion
Pre-workouts are meant for boosting your energy and athletic performance but you have to be careful when taking them. While they may contain beneficial ingredients, these might be in excess quantities than your body require.
As they are not regulated, you should check the ingredients used and their quantity. Also, ensure that you buy them from trusted sources.
