BREAKING DOWN PRE-WORKOUTS: HOW THEY WORK
Whatever your fitness goals are, whether you're aiming for weight loss and fitness or build muscle mass for a bodybuilding competition, a good pre-workout supplement can give you the leverage to reach them sooner. They're packed with ingredients that provide a myriad of benefits to help you power through your exercise.
Increased physical and mental energy
Pre-workout supplements often contain caffeine, taurine, and beta-alanine, which can help increase energy levels and combat fatigue. By providing a temporary boost in energy, these supplements can enhance your ability to engage in intense physical activity and maintain focus during workouts.
Razor-sharp focus
Most pre-workout supplements are designed to enhance mental clarity and focus. Ingredients like caffeine and L-theanine can improve concentration, allowing you to stay attentive and engaged throughout your workout routine.
Improved brain function
Some pre-workout products contain ingredients that support cognitive function, potentially enhancing mental acuity, alertness, and overall brain performance during exercise.
Mood boost
Certain ingredients in pre-workout supplements, such as adaptogens and amino acids like tyrosine, may have mood-enhancing properties. By promoting a positive mental state and optimum nutrition, these supplements can help create an optimal mindset for effective and enjoyable workouts.
Faster muscle growth
Pre-workout supplements can include performance-boosting ingredients that support muscle protein synthesis and increased blood flow to the muscles, potentially aiding muscle repair and growth following exercise.
Reduced recovery time
Components like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and creatine in pre-workout supplements promote muscle recovery and reduce post-exercise soreness, contributing to a faster overall recovery time.
Explosive energy
Some pre-workout supplements may contain ingredients that support cardiovascular health and endurance, potentially improving your ability to sustain physical activity for longer.
Improved strength and power output
Ingredients like creatine and beta-alanine in pre-workout supplements have been linked to improved strength, power output, and overall exercise performance. This could potentially allow you to achieve greater gains and push your physical limits.
TYPES OF PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS
We have the formula for you, whether you want high-stimulant pre-workout powder for a massive session or low-stim pre-workout formulas for steady fuel. Our pre-workout supplements contain only the highest-quality ingredients for better muscular endurance, enhanced mental focus, and higher-impact workouts.
We offer a full range of different supplements designed for pre-workout consumption. Depending on your needs and personal goals, the following are different types of supplements you can choose from.
Creatine Deep Dive
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in energy production during high-intensity, short-duration activities such as weightlifting and sprinting. Creatine supplements are known for improving performance, particularly in activities requiring short bursts of intense effort.
Creatine supplements help provide the energy needed for explosive movements by increasing the body's stores of phosphocreatine. This allows you to push harder and potentially gain muscle strength and power. Additionally, creatine supplementation has been shown to support muscle building and recovery, making it a valuable addition to pre-workout nutrition for individuals seeking to maximise their training efforts.
Thermogenic Enhancers Deep Dive
Thermogenic enhancers support the body's natural fat-burning processes, making them a popular choice for individuals aiming to optimise body composition and metabolic efficiency. These supplements often contain key ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and other thermogenic compounds known for their ability to increase metabolism and energy expenditure.
By promoting the utilisation of stored fat as a fuel source, thermogenic enhancers can enhance the body's capacity for fat oxidation during exercise, ultimately supporting efforts to achieve a leaner physique. When part of a nutritious diet and fitness regime, thermogenic enhancers can complement pre-workout strategies to maximise energy levels and promote a favourable metabolic environment for training.
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) Deep Dive
BCAAs, consisting of the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are renowned for promoting protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and exercise performance. Consuming BCAAs before a workout can provide several benefits, including the potential to reduce muscle protein breakdown, enhance endurance, and mitigate muscle fatigue.
BCAAs can support muscle preservation and recovery during intense training by supplying the muscles with readily available amino acids, ultimately contributing to improved exercise capacity and overall performance. Additionally, BCAAs have been associated with mitigating the onset of muscle soreness, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals engaging in high-intensity or prolonged training sessions.
PRE-WORKOUT FAQS
When should I take a pre-workout?
Supplements are typically taken 15 - 20 minutes before exercising to keep you performing at 100% during your workout.
Should I only take pre-workout for strength training?
Pre-workout supplements are not limited to strength training. They can be beneficial for various types of exercise, including endurance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and even cardio sessions. Pre-workout formulas are designed to boost energy, focus, and performance, making them versatile for many training styles.
How can pre-workout help me reach my training goals?
Pre-workout supplements improve training performance by boosting energy levels, mental focus, and stamina. Ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine work together to delay fatigue, increase power output, and optimise muscle endurance. This allows you to push harder and longer during workouts, helping you achieve your muscle pump and fitness goals.
Can I use pre-workout every day?
Yes, but it’s important to use pre-workout supplements responsibly. Regular use is fine, but consider cycling off periodically to avoid building up a tolerance, especially to ingredients found in pre-workout, like caffeine. Always follow the recommended serving size and consult your doctor if needed.
Can beginners use pre-workout supplements?
You don’t have to be a professional athlete for pre-workout supplements! Beginners can use them, but starting with a lower dose is essential to assess tolerance. Pre-workouts are designed with varying intensities, so look for beginner-friendly options with lower caffeine and stimulant levels.
Can pre-workout help with weight loss?
Pre-workout supplements can indirectly support weight loss. Ingredients like caffeine can enhance metabolism and increase calorie burn during exercise. The energy boost can also help you train harder, increase overall calorie expenditure, and help you reach your body goals faster.
Will pre-workout make me jittery?
Pre-workouts with high levels of caffeine or other stimulants may cause jitters or restlessness, especially if you’re sensitive to stimulants. To avoid this, check the nutritional panel, opt for low-stimulant or stimulant-free pre-workouts, and follow the recommended dosage.
Can I stack pre-workout with other supplements?
Pre-workouts can be stacked with supplements like protein powder, BCAAs, or creatine monohydrate to optimise your fitness routine. However, when stacking products, ensure you don’t exceed safe levels of any single ingredient, particularly stimulants like caffeine.
What if I don’t feel the effects of pre-workout?
If you don’t feel the effects of pre-workout, it could be because you have developed a tolerance, especially to caffeine. Try cycling off for a few weeks or switching to a different formula to reset your sensitivity.
What’s the best way to mix pre-workout?
Mix your pre-workout powder with water according to the serving instructions on the label. Adjust the water amount based on your taste preference—some prefer a more diluted flavour. Shake or stir well to ensure all powder is dissolved.
You can experiment with other beverages like coconut water for added electrolytes. Avoid mixing with energy drinks or coffee, which could lead to excessive caffeine intake.
Can I take a pre-workout if I’m fasting?
Yes, most pre-workouts won’t break a fast since they’re low in calories. However, read the label carefully to ensure no additional ingredients (like sugar or protein) might interfere with your fasting goals.
How do I choose the right pre-workout for me?
Choosing the right pre-workout depends on your fitness goals, tolerance, and preferences. Here are some tips:
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For energy and focus: Look for caffeine-based formulas with added nootropics like tyrosine.
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For strength training: Opt for products with creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate to enhance power and endurance.
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For weight loss: Choose a pre-workout with thermogenic ingredients like green tea extract or cayenne pepper.
- For evening workouts: Consider stimulant-free pre-workouts to avoid disrupting your sleep.
Can pre-workout replace my morning coffee?
Pe-workout can be an alternative to your morning coffee if you prefer a bigger energy boost with additional performance benefits. However, remember that pre-workouts often contain higher caffeine levels than coffee, so adjust accordingly.
Can pre-workout help me stay consistent with my workouts?
Absolutely! The energy boost and mental focus provided by pre-workout can motivate you to hit the gym, even when you feel sluggish. This can help you maintain a consistent workout routine and achieve long-term progress.
Can I use pre-workout for activities outside of the gym?
Pre-workouts can be helpful for any physical or mental activity requiring energy and focus. Whether it’s a long hike, a sports match, or even a demanding workday, pre-workouts can provide the boost you need.
Do I need to take pre-workout every time I exercise?
No, pre-workout is not necessary for every workout. It’s best used when you need an extra boost, such as before intense or long training sessions. You may not need it for lighter workouts or active recovery days.
Can pre-workout affect my sleep?
Pre-workout can disrupt sleep if taken too close to bedtime due to caffeine and other stimulants. To avoid this, use stimulant-free options for evening workouts or ensure you take your pre-workout at least 6–8 hours before sleeping.
What’s the difference between pre-workout and energy drinks?
While both provide energy, pre-workouts are formulated explicitly for exercise, containing ingredients like beta-alanine and creatine to boost performance and endurance. Energy drinks focus on general energy and often lack these performance-enhancing ingredients.
PREMIUM QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS
Kickstart your training with MAX's pre-workout supplements. As the leading expert in sports nutrition, we guarantee that all our products are made with high-quality ingredients backed by science and extensive research.
From high-stream pre-workouts to potent shred systems, we have everything you need to add to your stack and support your fitness journey.
No fillers, no additives, and proudly Australian-made.
You can further amp up your supplementation game by taking your pre-workouts and post-workout supplements.