If you are a fitness enthusiast then you’ve definitely heard of pre-workout supplements. Sometimes trainers recommend them to their clients and due to their popularity, your friends may recommend them too. Here’s everything you need to know about pre-workout supplements.
What are pre-workout supplements?
Pre-workout supplements are powdered dietary supplements often used by weightlifters and athletes and are taken right before you start your workout session. They help to increase athletic performance by enhancing focus during the workout and increasing energy and endurance.
The powdered mix is taken as a drink.
Common ingredients of pre-workout supplements
The ingredients are what make the pre-workout supplement effective. Before making your purchase, ensure you critically analyze the ingredients to ensure they are safe for consumption. Here are the most common ingredients.
L-carnitine
This ingredient helps with muscle gains. It gives you a performance boost and enables you to engage in high-intensity exercises.
Other benefits of L-carnitine are:
- Boosts brain function.
- Aids with weight loss.1
- Boosts metabolism.
Creatine
This supplement comes in handy for high-intensity workouts that are short e.g. sprints. It is a performance enhancer that boosts muscular functions.
Other benefits are:
- Better muscle growth.
- Increased endurance.
- Increased body strength.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that has been known to boost energy and is also used in energy drinks. It also helps by:
- Increasing mental focus and alertness during your workout session.
- Reduction of fatigue and improved endurance.
- Boosting metabolism.
Taurine
This ingredient helps increase muscle endurance thereby allowing you to work out for longer. It also speeds up muscle recovery. Other benefits include:
- Reduces risks of getting type II diabetes.
- It helps with cardiovascular diseases.
- Protects against brain aging.
Beta-alanine
These supplements help in the production of carnosine which helps in the production of energy, ultimately increasing your workout capacity.
It also helps with mental gains and muscle endurance.
Why do you need pre-workout supplements?
Each of the ingredients in pre-workout supplements comes with its own set of benefits and when combined, they help you get the most out of a workout session. These supplements especially come in handy during:
Cardio training - Whether you are working to lose weight, be healthy or simply stay fit, cardio exercises will always be an essential component. The pre-workout supplements will help you train for longer by reducing fatigue.
Weight lifting- This type of exercise offers more than building muscles; weightlifting also helps with weight loss and improved posture. Pre-workout supplements will increase your endurance, enabling you to lift weights for longer without getting overly exhausted.
Pre-workout supplements also reduce recovery time.
Don’t Miss Out on the Supplement Benefits!
There is so much to gain from using pre-workout supplements before your exercise. Always check the ingredients and avoid supplements that contain added sugars as they may be harmful to your health.
Links to sources used
- The Effect of (L-)carnitine on Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27335245/
