A pre-workout supplement is made for people who are looking for an extra dose of energy before hitting the gym and performing weightlifting exercises. Well, it’s definitely not the best feeling in the world when you enter the gym doors and already feel exhausted, sleepy, or weak. Thus people have created a special fuel that aids in ramping up your energy and boosts your endurance while training.
One study proved that supplements taken before the training can increase training intensity and body mass while even reducing body fat. As I mentioned before, pre-workout supplements are made to promote harder and longer training. Yet it’s also worth mentioning that you need to be acknowledged of how to take them safely and without risk for your health.
You should always pay attention to the ingredients your pre-workout supplement consists of. Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants that in a normal dose is completely safe for your health. However, many companies can add a way higher dose of it to provide a better effect which can lead to pretty unpleasant side effects such as insomnia, higher blood pressure, and even anxiety.
Research shows that 400 mg of caffeine a day is a maximum for grown-ups. For example, one cup of coffee has 60-80mg of caffeine. This means if you take a supplement that has 400 mg of caffeine and drink 1-2 cups of coffee during the day, you risk facing the listed above side effects.
Also, stay away from supplements that contain DMHA and DMAA. DMAA is a potent chemical amphetamine that works as a strong stimulant and ramps up your energy to the maximum. But let’s face it: it’s a drug that is banned by the FDA and can harm your health. DMHA has a similar effect to DMAA but is believed to be less strong. But yes, it’s also a prohibited ingredient. Safe ingredients you can often find in safe pre-workout supplements: Beta-alanine, Nitric Oxide, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, Vitamin B-6, Acetyl l-carnitine.
