What seems like an endless variety of workout supplements line the shelves of health stores and supermarkets, as well as online. Particularly finding a pre-workout can be tough, largely because of it’s wide availability of forms, such as drinks, pills and powders.
Especially on days when you feel you may need an extra energy boost, pre-workout supplements can be taken before exercise to enhance performance. Research finds that, while not essential, pre-workout use can result in exercise performance improvement and adaptations to the skeletal muscle, along with other benefits.
The Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three accredited experts in order to determine the best of the bunch, who offered their recommended pre-workout of 2022. The editorial team solely determined star ratings, considering user satisfaction and cost.
Read on to discover our top picks (Note: All prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change).
To determine the best pre-workout of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three accredited nutrition experts who provided their product recommendations. Star ratings were determined by the editorial team, factoring in cost and user satisfaction.
Nutrition
Exercise and Sports Science, Sports Nutrition
Pre-workout is a multi-ingredient supplement blending a combination of stimulants that can promote maximum energy, focus, strength and velocity during exercise. Most contain caffeine and a mix of other ingredients like vitamins, minerals and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), all designed to performance-enhance your workout, says Wendy Bazilian, doctor of public health, nutritionist and author of the Eat Clean, Stay Lean series.
Consumed 30 to 60 minutes prior to exercise (that’s how long it can take for a pre-workout to kick in), the supplement typically features caffeine of varying amounts (excluding the caffeine-free versions), which has long been hailed for its ability to improve a slew of exercise benefits, including muscular endurance and movement velocity.
While post-workout nutrition and recovery is crucial, what takes place prior to exercise is just as important, says Bazilian. The best pre-workout can provide a variety of benefits including maximizing performance, strength and stamina. “Such a supplement is also intended to benefit muscle gain and recovery to help you continue training at your best,” she says.
A body of studies found the supplement effective at improving anaerobic peak and power. Research also proposes the following benefits:
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When selecting a pre-workout, Bazilian says to be mindful of unwanted added ingredients, such as sugar, and to focus on products that add to your current lifestyle and a nutrient-rich eating approach.
“You should choose one that shows and follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) on the bottle—imperative for ensuring the product is processed to the best standards and that checkboxes are safely met, including third party testing.” This covers each step of the supplement manufacturing process from ingredient sourcing, formulation, labeling and packaging.
The cost of pre-workouts can add up quickly, so be mindful of how they fit into your budget. Bazilian warns against the continuation of any supplement not to your liking, be that taste, texture or if it disagrees with your digestion. There are plenty of others up for grabs.
Not everyone requires a pre-workout, especially if your exercise routine is of a lighter nature. If you want a boost for harder workouts, follow the dose according to the instructions, or else you might experience heart abnormalities and nausea, not to mention a reduction in sleep duration or even insomnia, given the caffeine content.
“A pre-workout should not be taken in place of a health-promoting and performance-supporting diet,” says Bazilian. In sports nutrition, an individualized approach is required for eating and supplementation, meaning what works for one person may not for you.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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