Pre-workout supplements give you that extra energy boost needed to have a satisfactory workout session. They are popular for a reason and fitness enthusiasts love them because they supercharge workout sessions.
Do you really know how pre-workout supplements work? They contain a variety of ingredients offering different benefits, all of which work towards one goal; to help you exercise harder and for longer.
Top 5 Ingredients That Should Be in Your Pre-Workout Supplement
Taurine
Taurine is a sulfonic acid and is the second most abundant amino acid in the muscles. It occurs naturally in the body and can be found in red meats. Some of the health benefits are;
- It promotes healthy metabolism
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems
- Protects against brain aging
- Reduces risks of neurological conditions.
During your exercise. taurine reduces fatigue and accelerates muscle recovery after your workout.
Beta-Alanine
This is a non-essential amino acid, naturally produced by the body and helps in the production of carnosine. Carnosine on the other hand reduces the buildup of lactic acid and ultimately buffers your muscles from fatigue.
The buildup of lactic acid causes your muscles to experience a burning feeling, cutting your exercise short. Beta-alanine increases your workout capacity has anti-aging properties and enhances your immune system.
L-Citrulline
This amino acid is used in the production of nitric acid in the body by being converted into L-arginine, another amino acid. Arginine expands the veins and increases blood flow in your body while reducing blood pressure.
A study showed that L-citrulline is more efficient than L-arginine1 in the production of nitric acid, as it expands the blood vessels more than Arginine does. In your pre-workout supplements, L-citrulline improves your gym performance and reduces fatigue.
Creatine
Creatine is an amino acid that helps in the production and circulation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a compound that supplies your muscles with energy. This supplement aids your workout by speeding muscle growth and gains, giving you a strength boost and enhancing post-workout recovery.
It also has other health benefits;
- Helps fight diabetes.
- Lowers your blood sugar.
- It can help with neurological disorders.
- May help with Parkinson’s diseases.2
Caffeine
Much like the way your morning cup of coffee gives you a surge of energy to power through the day, caffeine boosts your energy levels and helps you work out for longer by increasing your endurance levels. This supplement stimulates your nervous system, thereby reducing fatigue and helps in increasing muscle strength.
Caffeine also sharpens your focus and elevates your alertness during a workout session.
Look out for these Pre-workout supplement ingredients
If your body is not properly fueled before a workout, your energy levels will be low and you will get fatigued more easily. Your workout session will be shorter than it should be and you will take more time to achieve your fitness goals.
The above ingredients are exactly what you need your supplement to contain, for a more effective workout session.
Links to sources used
- Supplemental Citrulline Is More Efficient Than Arginine in Increasing Systemic Arginine Availability in Mice - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5368575/
- The effectiveness of creatine treatment for Parkinson’s disease: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5457735/
