Though it sounds like a set of exercises that you’re meant to do before you begin your actual, intense workout, a pre-workout in this context refers to a nutritional drink that contains a lot of ingredients that are going to give you a huge energy boost before you begin working out.

In a way, you can see it as a type of protein drink that most people used to have before or after their workout, though protein drinks were mostly used to help individuals increase their protein intake and help them with muscle development. A pre-workout, on the other hand, is meant to increase your body’s stamina and help you have a long and rigorous workout.

You may have a bunch of questions about what exactly it’s used for, who is supposed to use it, and what the drink contains, but you don’t have to go on a google search hunt because we’ve got all your answers here in a single article. Let’s dive right into it and get all your doubts cleared up now, shall we?

What is it?

A pre-workout, like a C4 energy drink, consists of ingredients that are specifically formulated to give you a quick boost of energy, which in turn will lead to longer workout sessions, intense exercises, and faster results.

The ingredients used here are not necessarily beneficial to your overall health in any big way (unlike health shakes with supplements), but their main function is to help you have better workout sessions. This is why dietitians usually recommend you drink it 30 to 40 minutes before your workout to make the most of it. 

But yes, we understand that most of you are here because it’s the first time you’ve heard of a pre-workout, and you’re likely in need of a solid guide to help you get a better understanding of it. We recommend checking out Cellucor’s article – a pre-workout 101 for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts. So let’s dive deeper into what goes into a pre-workout. 

What Does it Contain?

Different sellers use different ingredients in different quantities, but there are a handful of must-have ingredients that make a pre-workout worth the hype. If you’re looking to buy, keep in mind to see if the pre-workout you sue contains all these ingredients:

Caffeine

Just like how most people can’t imagine starting their day without a strong cup of coffee, many athletes also like to have a quick “wake me up” before they begin their day of intense workouts. Caffeine is usually added in very small quantities in most pre-workout drinks, but they definitely help people get a boost of energy and also have mental clarity, especially if you’re working out early in the morning. 

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

This ingredient helps increase your blood flow and circulation. When taken before a workout, it helps you stay more active and energetic for longer periods of time and also prevents you from getting too tired too soon. 

Creatine Nitrate

This is an important one because it helps athletes, especially those who are working out intensely, to build lean muscle and see muscle growth happen faster. Apart from this, it also gives you the energy you need to withstand a long and tiresome training session. 

Why Should You Use It?

Apart from all the benefits listed above with each ingredient, there are a few other reasons why people are in love with pre-workouts and can’t imagine starting their workout without it. Here are some of the main benefits derived from the energy drink:

  • It increases energy and stamina in a matter of minutes.
  • You get to make the most out of your time in the gym.
  • Because of longer training hours due to the increase in energy, you’ll be able to see results sooner. 
  • It helps prevent fatigue and weight loss. 
  • Helps increase your overall endurance, helping you train harder in the long run.