Tell me about preworkout drink/supplement???

A FB friend posted something about taking a preworkout drink and I'm intrigued and considering trying one. Can someone give me a little info and maybe point me in the direction of what specific ingredients I should look for and maybe avoid? Thanks!

Replies

  • Shawshankcan
    Shawshankcan Posts: 900 Member
    I have been using them for a while. I don't experience crashes with them.
    There is a common ingredient, beta alanine that gives a tingly feeling to the skin. I like it. Others don't.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I don't bother. If I eat much too close to working out, I feel like I'm going to hurl …. (I lift weights)
    Many times that means I hit the gym before eating anything, since I do it early in the morning. I have a normal breakfast (cereal and milk, or eggs and toast, or something like that) when I get home.

    I just watch my macros, especially protein, throughout the day. I seem to be making decent gains in my lifts, but I've only been at it for a couple of months so who knows if they are "newbie" gains.

    My point - if you don't feel the need for a preworkout supplement (aside from a friend talking about them), I wouldn't worry about it.
  • alanlmarshall
    alanlmarshall Posts: 587 Member
    Save your money. Eat or drink some calories before if it helps your performance.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    You probably don't need it.

    most people who don't work out- don't need it. they just need to get on their diet and work harder.

    What goal do you think said pre-workout will help you achieve that you are considering it?

    or are you purely considering it because it was a novelty posted by someone else?
  • ElliottTN
    ElliottTN Posts: 1,614 Member
    I have a routine both before my workouts and before my cardio.

    Pre-workout (45-60 minutes before)
    -150 to 200 mg of caffeine
    -Vitamin B complex
    - creatine (I use con-Crete)

    Mix creatine with 12 ounces water. Not going to explain the effects of creatine here, its the most widely researched workout sup. and is proven to work. Vitamin B to boost natural energy levels and the caffeine for focus and fight off fatigue.

    Pre-run its caffeine, lots of hydration and vitamin B complex if I haven't taken it already that day.

    Edit: quick note about the caffeine. I am highly desensitized to stimulants, just how my body is so if you went the caffeine route then you would want to start at a much much lower amount and see what works best for you.

    Post workout its the whey protein time.

    I usually do my strength training in the morning in a fasted state but glycogen stores are up from good nutrition the night before plus workouts only range from 45 - 60 mins there.

    Cardio is always done at the end of my day after I have refueled my body and have some food in my gas tank to try to get it to leave my muscles alone (I'm on a caloric deficit)

    Just found this is what works best for me personally but everyone is different.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    whiskey works
  • micheleb15
    micheleb15 Posts: 1,418 Member
    What is it that is intriguing you? I have no preference either way, I just wanted to know what it was that made you want to try them. I workout at 6am and just eat a banana, sometimes I will workout fasted. Pre-workouts aren't necessary but some people swear by them.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    you mean coffee?
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    Water for me.
  • TiberiusClaudis
    TiberiusClaudis Posts: 423 Member
    I drink coffee before hitting the weights or cardio.

    During my lifting sessions, I sip on a combo of whey protein and creatine mixed with water. Studies I've read stipulate this is the fastest way to get protein into your system. Most studies also seem to point to the fact that those wishing to add muscle need to take extra protein. I simply go to Wal-Mart or Target and get an average tub, cost $19 and last 3 weeks.

    Do you need them? Of course not. But it's a cheap and easy way to get addtional protein.

    Your and other mileage may vary.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    Coffee and porn for me.

    If you really have to try some at least go to your local supplement store and ask for some samples so you can save your money.
  • cats847
    cats847 Posts: 131
    whiskey works

    I like the way you think
  • manda1978
    manda1978 Posts: 525 Member
    I use Thermojet pre workout then WPI protein powder after.
  • I take one called Epiphany D1
    its actually a cognitive enhancement but it relaly gives you a boost of energy for your workout. Its nice because you don't have to drink any nasty powder mixes you just pop the pill. Its mainly to assist in memory, focus and concentration but its perfect for workout because it gives a boost and helps you focus on your exercise.

    I found out about it after seeing a youtube clip on some Olympic Runners, a girl in Canada, and a man in Jamaica who supports it and claims it has taken time off their run. I have noticed great improvements in the gym as well.

    I also use it when I am not working out, just to focus concentration at work.
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
    Any pre-workout with Caffeine or stimulants gives me this weird anxious feeling.

    I always eat something w/protein & carbs about 1.5 hours before I workout. Supplement-wise, I currently take Creatine, Beta Alanine, and sometimes Hemavol because it give me a nice pump :smile:

    Do I need them? Probably don't need to take Hemavol, but Beta Alanine and especially Creatine have a lot of studies/science to back their effectiveness.