Workout Supplements (specifically C4, but also looking for suggestions)

Check out Unico's products- I live by them! The Athena pre-workout is amazing!

I like ENGN EVL. The green apple and blue raspberry. There is no niacin tingle (which I hate) and they don't make me feel jittery, but give good sustainable energy. That being said, I only take them when I am completely wiped out. I do not take them every workout. I also can't take them after about 4 p.m., because I won't be able to sleep.

And I agree with starting with a half-serving, until you see how it's going to affect you.

Also, if you are near a gnc or nutrition store they will sometimes give you samples so maybe you could do that first before making a purchase

Shawshankcan wrote: »

I've used c4, mr Hyde, assault and a couple others. They are all more
Or less the same. Some say they are a placebo, but if you think it helps, it can help you get in the right frame of mind.

Funny thing about placebos: if they work consistently, who cares? It achieved the desired result. My wife uses a pre-workout powder. She says it works for her. I've used one and had no noticeable difference. I probably get the same effect she feels just by taking a B12 supplement every morning. Each to their own.

There is another thread from a week or so ago about this, and like everything else, you'll get many different opinions.

First and foremost I would focus on making sure your nutrition is in line. Make sure you're getting enough complex carbohydrates (this will help with energy), protein (will help your muscles heal and recover after a workout), and yes, even fats.

What I am wondering (not knowing you at all, so bear with me) is if you're trying to make too many changes at once, and perhaps looking for some shortcuts since you have to lose so much. You're young, and it's hard to look at the long haul, but I encourage you to do so. I think as you make dietary changes you'll find you have more energy than you're used to, and you may find you don't need a pre-workout to get yourself going.

As you start losing and getting more fit, your workouts will probably get tougher, and that might be a good time to re-examine the question.

That said, I personally do use preworkouts (and I've used C4 in the past). I can see both sides of the fence here. After using them for 4 or 5 years, I honestly can't say if they improve my performance. But I love the ritual, and it gets my mind into the right mode to workout.

I'm a bit of a Pavlovian dog: the taste of fruit punch, tang, orange creamsicle, etc, makes me want to go out and kill it.

Ultimately you'll have to find out for yourself. All the anecdotal evidence you'll get here probably won't help you reach a verdict. Good luck!

rainbowbow wrote: »

horrorfan wrote: »

Hi everyone!

Background: I'm 19 years old, and I have about 115 pounds to lose in order to be at a healthy body weight. I just started back counting my calories last week on Mother's Day. I worked out 3 days last week and didn't have too much trouble, mostly because I've been out of work for two weeks.

I am in college, but on summer break and just recently got a new job. The job is a split shift (7am-10am and 2pm-6:30pm) and requires me to be on my feet and active (sweeping, cleaning, lifting cage covers, dishes, feeding and letting dogs out, etc) for the 7-8 hours that I work. Given this, it's a lot harder for me to workout as my energy is low and the four hour break I have between shifts is for lunch and relaxation.

Anyways, someone suggested that I look at preworkout supplements to give me the energy to workout and she recommended C4. It's the official supplement of the WWE and as I'm an avid wrestling fan I decided to check it out!

Other info: I have mfp set for me to lose one pound per week and am allowed 2130 calories per day. My active setting as of now is lightly active. I'm trying to up my water intake and lower sugar and am focused on health over weight loss right now.

Questions: My actual question is, does anybody have experience with pre-workouts, specifically C4? Or any other brands? What've been your good and bad experiences? What brands do you recommend? What about post workouts? Any and all info is appreciated!

Here's my opinion. One: you don't need a preworkout supplement. Two: Considering you are obese i probably wouldn't recommend such a strong stimulant for fear of it causing you some chest pain, heart issues, blood pressure issues, etc.

You need more energy? Eat more foods high in micronutrients. Have some carbohydrates. Stay hydrated. Drink some green tea or coffee.

As far as C4 is concerned, it is VERY strong. I have anxiety and it gave me a full blown panic attack and subsequent urgent care visit because i thought i was having a freaking stroke. No. Seriously. Not to mention i bought an entire container i could only pawn off on a friend.

I'm pretty much against the diet and supplement industry convincing us that we need some nonsense all the time to get us up and going and reaching our goals. The truth is; preworkouts are unnecessary. I wouldn't buy one unless i had money to burn and wanted to end up in the ER again.

If i were you, i'd look for the underlying reason as to why you think you need one. If i needed some pep i'd take some coffee or tea. If i just STILL didn't have the energy i'd head to my doctor to see if i have some sort of thyroid problem, iron deficiency, etc.

This is why we are friends.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition