There are plenty of reasons to use pre workout products before you exercise or engage in physical activity- but what should you look for in a pre workout product? That is, what ingredients are the most effective at helping to reach your health and wellness goals? Without these vital ingredients, you could be wasting your efforts- and your money! It also may help to know what benefits these components offer- that way, you can purchase what you want and not what you don’t!

Here is what you need to know about some must-have ingredients:

Pre Workout Perks

So, why take pre workouts in the first place? There are so many reasons- and many benefit holistic health, too. This is why it is important to pay close attention to what ingredients are in your supplements, to ensure that you are getting what you need.

Some advantages of a pre workout include:

• Increased energy
• Improved endurance
• More strength
• Faster reaction time
• Better digestion
• More motivation
• Speedy recovery after working out
• Less muscle soreness
• Enhanced focus and mental cognition

Who wouldn’t benefit from these side effects of a pre workout product? Do your research and find out which brands are going to help you meet your health and wellness goals fastest. You have a lot of options when it comes to the pre workout market.

Here is a good plan:

• Figure out your health and fitness objectives. Only you know what your intended goals are, and whether or not a pre workout is right for you.
• Compare which ingredients and nutrients are going to support your progress. As importantly is to check for any artificial flavors, colors, or fillers that might be added.
• Look at brands, price, and, most importantly, customer feedback for some brands online. Consider brands like XWERKS and Transparent Labs for some popular favorite pre workout products.
• Always read and reread the label to make sure of what you are getting.

Want the best pre workout supplements available? Look for those that are quality-tested by third parties, as well as products that are made in the USA.

Pre Workout Fails

Certainly, there are some pre workout products that simply do not deliver on what they promise. How will you know which ones these are? Read labels and ask around; check out online feedback and ratings for the products that you are purchasing. Some reasons why these products do not deliver satisfactory results include:

• Ineffective or useless ingredients
• Under-dosed ingredients
• Too stimulating
• Not stimulating enough
• Tastes bad
• Poor mixability
• Cost too much

Just as there are a lot of losers on the current pre workout supplement market, there are some real winners, too. The key is to review the label of the products that you buy to learn more about them- and to do your research before you shell out any money in the first place.

If you know what to look for and which ingredients will optimize your activity, you should be able to find a pre workout that follows-through on what it promises.

Must-Have Ingredients

Pre workout products that contain the following ingredients will yield fast results- and you will immediately notice the difference. Here is what you need to know about must-have pre workout ingredients to look for:

Branched- Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

One of the most important ingredients that you can look for are BCAAs, or branched- chain amino acids, three of the 20 different types of aminos. You can find these nutrients in meat and dairy, but supplements provide what you need much more easily. Some benefits of BCAAs include better recovery, less fatigue, and enhanced liver function. BCAAs also promote the growth of muscles.

Beetroot Extract

Beetroot is being used more and more in health supplements. Beetroot has a lot of amazing qualities, including its capacity to improve blood flow. Beetroot can increase your stamina and endurance. Plus, beetroot is low in calories and vitamin dense.

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine battles muscle fatigue so you can work out longer, harder. Beta-alanine gets rid of lactic acid that can accumulate in your muscles, so you don’t feel sore afterward. A primary side-effect of Beta-alanine is a tingling sensation, which many users report as being uncomfortable, but less common when taken in lower doses. This happens due to the increase in blood flow throughout the body.

Caffeine

The caffeine in pre workout products serves a couple of purposes. First, it helps to stimulate you and keep you motivated to hit the gym- or whatever activity you have planned. Also, caffeine provides mental clarity and laser focus. Caffeine has been studied and shown to provide more muscular endurance and strength, too, increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body.

Carbs

Always read the label to find out if the pre workout that you are choosing contains sugar. Sugar is sometimes added to supplements for flavor, which equates to added carbs.

There may also be carbs in the supplement to help with energy for cardiovascular workouts. Carbohydrates also support muscle recovery and foster muscle growth. Carbs are not all bad!

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine is probably the most common and perhaps most familiar ingredient that you will find in pre workout products. When you think about training and building muscle, you may think of Creatine. Creatine monohydrate helps increase your power and strength, while building lean muscle and providing better recovery after training. When it comes to sports like bodybuilding or lifting, Creatine can give you that burst or pure power that you need.

L-Citrulline

Like BCAAs, L-citrulline is also an amino acid, like the branched-chain aminos. L-citrulline is naturally made in the body, but it is also commonly found in pre workout products and supplements. The main role is to help blood improve blood flow and vessel expansion so that the muscles get the nutrients and oxygen that they need, efficiently.

L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is one of the building blocks of protein, which you need for lean muscle mass. It also eases muscle recovery and lowers the risk of sore muscles post-workout. L-glutamine is great for muscle repair, and you can find it naturally in eggs, nuts, and dark leafy veggies. If you want a pre workout that will help you prevent aches and pains that can derail your best intentions, look for one with L-glutamine.

Vasodilators

Vasodilators help increase the blood flow to your muscles during activity and exercise. The improvement in blood flow can help you with energy and stamina, while also helping to build lean muscle mass. Vasodilators can help battle fatigue that may accompany a rigorous fitness routine.

Vitamin B

Finally, read the label to see if there are any B vitamins included in the ingredient list for your product. Vitamin B is great for building muscle tone, but it does so much more. It also helps to regulate the production of cholesterol in the body, aid in digestion, prevent anemia, and give you fuel for working out.

Some Side-Effects of Pre Workout Products

Be cognizant of the potential side-effects of pre workout products, too. While not dangerous, these may cause discomfort and could sideline your workout plans for a bit.

Some side-effects include:

• Feeling jittery
• Water retention
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Headache

If you experience any of these issues, you may want to discontinue use and consult with your trainer or physician to determine what is causing your distress. The solution may be as simple as choosing a different pre workout product.

Take a look at the label of your pre workout product: does it have any of these key ingredients? Reading the label can be very telling- and always refer to it for specific dosing and preparation recommendations, too. Use these tips to find pre workout products that contain the ingredients that you need to make the most of your physical activity!