Pre-Workout Drinks are a scam
BHFF
Posts: 421 Member
I'm sure most of you will disagree with me on this but hear me out. Only over the past couple or three years have pre-workouts become really popular. 4 to 5 years ago people really weren't drinking pre-workouts and you never really heard much about them.
It's funny that people go to the gym to get healthy yet they put in a ton of caffeine and other garbage prior to going to the place they are trying to get healthy. I understand everyone is "Tired" but there are better ways of going about getting a spike of energy than drinking these chemically induced high caffeine drinks. Oatmeal, rice cakes, an apple just to name a few. Much healthier for you, loaded with energy that is not caffeine which is a major bonus. Just my two cents.
It's funny that people go to the gym to get healthy yet they put in a ton of caffeine and other garbage prior to going to the place they are trying to get healthy. I understand everyone is "Tired" but there are better ways of going about getting a spike of energy than drinking these chemically induced high caffeine drinks. Oatmeal, rice cakes, an apple just to name a few. Much healthier for you, loaded with energy that is not caffeine which is a major bonus. Just my two cents.
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I wouldn't say they are a "scam" per se. To me scam implies that it doesn't work. They're meant to increase energy and get a great workout in, the few I've had were definitely effective in that regard. Many also have creatine which can help someone bang out a few extra reps. I personally don't take a preworkout anymore because I agree that it's probably not great for you and I can usually get a good workout in without, using whole foods as a preworkout meal, as suggested. If someone's consistently tired and "needs" a pre workout drink to get a good workout in then they should ask themselves why they are tired. Not enough sleep? Inadequate calories/nutrition? Stress? Over training?9
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I wouldn't say they are a "scam" per se. To me scam implies that it doesn't work. They're meant to increase energy and get a great workout in, the few I've had were definitely effective in that regard. Many also have creatine which can help someone bang out a few extra reps. I personally don't take a preworkout anymore because I agree that it's probably not great for you and I can usually get a good workout in without, using whole foods as a preworkout meal, as suggested. If someone's consistently tired and "needs" a pre workout drink to get a good workout in then they should ask themselves why they are tired. Not enough sleep? Inadequate calories/nutrition? Stress? Over training?
exactly! i did keto for a good part of the last year, which helped me drop most of the weight. however, i neeever had energy for my workouts! i used pre-workout a lot more than than i do now. adding (mostly healthy) carbs back into my diet has helped in the energy department SO much and i feel tons better after. i have energy for HOURS after, versus feeling a crash-like feeling after the pre has completely worn off.2 -
I'm sure most of you will disagree with me on this but hear me out. Only over the past couple or three years have pre-workouts become really popular. 4 to 5 years ago people really weren't drinking pre-workouts and you never really heard much about them.
It's funny that people go to the gym to get healthy yet they put in a ton of caffeine and other garbage prior to going to the place they are trying to get healthy. I understand everyone is "Tired" but there are better ways of going about getting a spike of energy than drinking these chemically induced high caffeine drinks. Oatmeal, rice cakes, an apple just to name a few. Much healthier for you, loaded with energy that is not caffeine which is a major bonus. Just my two cents.
what is wrong with caffeine?6 -
I think they are a bit of a fad for sure...and I think the average gym goer isn't going to particularly get much benefit. The only people I know who seem to really benefit are the one's who are training basically as their livelihood...like basically their job is to workout 6 hours + per day.3
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I'm sure most of you will disagree with me on this but hear me out. Only over the past couple or three years have pre-workouts become really popular. 4 to 5 years ago people really weren't drinking pre-workouts and you never really heard much about them.
It's funny that people go to the gym to get healthy yet they put in a ton of caffeine and other garbage prior to going to the place they are trying to get healthy. I understand everyone is "Tired" but there are better ways of going about getting a spike of energy than drinking these chemically induced high caffeine drinks. Oatmeal, rice cakes, an apple just to name a few. Much healthier for you, loaded with energy that is not caffeine which is a major bonus. Just my two cents.
what is wrong with caffeine?
Not a darn thing!
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I know there are far better options than the chemicals and obscene ammt of caffeine in them. Nothing about them promotes health yet we go to the gym to be healthy. And I disagree with the effectiveness of them. How many people do you know take 2x 3x the reccomended servings... most. Your body adapts to it just like anything else and 1 scoop turns to 2, to 3.1
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I know there are far better options than the chemicals and obscene ammt of caffeine in them. Nothing about them promotes health yet we go to the gym to be healthy. And I disagree with the effectiveness of them. How many people do you know take 2x 3x the reccomended servings... most. Your body adapts to it just like anything else and 1 scoop turns to 2, to 3.
Off topic but is your profile picture actually you?2 -
I think they are a fad. So many people are drinking them because they believe it's improving their performance to the point that if they don't take it, it's part of the blame.
IMO, if people are tired, it's more likely because of lack of rest. Unless someone have a physically demanding job, attitude approach is more of the difference maker. Most of the time, I LOOK FORWARD to hitting the gym and want to kill it when I work out. Days I don't, it probably doesn't matter if I had a pre work blast or not.
All in all, I'm not against them. I just think people OVERPAY for just some strong caffeine boost.
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
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You keep assuming people go to the gym to be/get healthy...
Also... "better" is relative, and HUGELY subjective.
While I kind of sort of think I agree with the intent of your post, I generally disagree with everything you've said.5 -
trigden1991 wrote: »I know there are far better options than the chemicals and obscene ammt of caffeine in them. Nothing about them promotes health yet we go to the gym to be healthy. And I disagree with the effectiveness of them. How many people do you know take 2x 3x the reccomended servings... most. Your body adapts to it just like anything else and 1 scoop turns to 2, to 3.[/quote
Off topic but is your profile picture actually you?
I have more than one pic and yes it's me
Check my YouTube channel out you'll see I'm real.0 -
You keep assuming people go to the gym to be/get healthy...
Also... "better" is relative, and HUGELY subjective.
While I kind of sort of think I agree with the intent of your post, I generally disagree with everything you've said.
Better is not relative when you're talking about real and healthy food in place of chemicals and caffeine
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My pre-workout is usually a cup of coffee... I already get up at 4:30 to go to the gym and cannot work out when there is food in my stomach (and no, I will not get up at 4:00 just to put some food in my stomach before going). I agree, tho, that most of the effect is simply a placebo.4
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You keep assuming people go to the gym to be/get healthy...
Also... "better" is relative, and HUGELY subjective.
While I kind of sort of think I agree with the intent of your post, I generally disagree with everything you've said.
Better is not relative when you're talking about real and healthy food in place of chemicals and caffeine
Everything is made up of chemicals. The coffee that's coloring my water is made of chemicals.1 -
Thanks for the comment! I agree with you and I understand the need for something when you get up that early! I'm up at 4am for work but train after workMy pre-workout is usually a cup of coffee... I already get up at 4:30 to go to the gym and cannot work out when there is food in my stomach (and no, I will not get up at 4:00 just to put some food in my stomach before going). I agree, tho, that most of the effect is simply a placebo.
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You keep assuming people go to the gym to be/get healthy...
Also... "better" is relative, and HUGELY subjective.
While I kind of sort of think I agree with the intent of your post, I generally disagree with everything you've said.
Better is not relative when you're talking about real and healthy food in place of chemicals and caffeine
I will have to find the citations, but I am pretty sure there are some benefits to caffeine to the point that a certain amount per day is actually recommended.0 -
trigden1991 wrote: »I know there are far better options than the chemicals and obscene ammt of caffeine in them. Nothing about them promotes health yet we go to the gym to be healthy. And I disagree with the effectiveness of them. How many people do you know take 2x 3x the reccomended servings... most. Your body adapts to it just like anything else and 1 scoop turns to 2, to 3.
Off topic but is your profile picture actually you?
That's what I was wondering too! I could be wrong (but I don't think so since it's fairly easy to spot) but it looks like chemicals are involved.
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You keep assuming people go to the gym to be/get healthy...
Also... "better" is relative, and HUGELY subjective.
While I kind of sort of think I agree with the intent of your post, I generally disagree with everything you've said.
Better is not relative when you're talking about real and healthy food in place of chemicals and caffeine
I will have to find the citations, but I am pretty sure there are some benefits to caffeine to the point that a certain amount per day is actually recommended.
Caffeine also helps with nutrient uptake. Probably only applicable when nutrient timing matters, but still worth noting.2 -
I use pre-workout when I'm eating in a deficit and don't want to use any of my precious calories at 4:30am prior to my 5am workouts. I've not needed to use more than the recommended dosage, and I cycle off during rest weeks.
My history includes 20 years (on an off) of setting my alarm to get up in the morning to exercise and pushing snooze saying, "I'll start tomorrow." Then three years ago, one of the many changes I made was using pre-workout. So many times I wanted to hit that snooze but I knew once I got that in my system, up and moving, I'd be fine. Honestly, I think pre-workout deserves some credit in my transformation to becoming a much healthier person. That could just be the addiction talking, though. Any excuse!
Edit for spelling correction.4 -
Off topic but is your profile picture actually you? [/quote]
That's what I was wondering too! I could be wrong (but I don't think so since it's fairly easy to spot) but it looks like chemicals are involved.
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Are you guys talking about "steroid usage" you can say it you know lol
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I did get a laugh out of the addicted part lol. I don't disagree that when you're watching calories a bowl of oatmeal might be out of the question lolI use pre-workout when I'm eating in a deficit and don't want to use any of my precious calories at 4:30am prior to my 5am workouts. I've not needed to use more than the recommended dosage, and I cycle off during rest weeks.
My history includes 20 years (on an off) of setting my alarm to get up in the morning to exercise and pushing snooze saying, "I'll start tomorrow." Then three years ago, one of the many changes I made was using pre-workout. So many times I wanted to hit that snooze but I knew once I got that in my system, up and moving, I'd be fine. Honestly, I think pre-workout deserves some credit in my transformation to becoming a much healthier person. That could just be the addiction talking, though. Any excuse!
Edit for spelling correction.
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My husband doesn't use it to work out. He uses it to work. He work's at the Wal-Mart DC, has trouble sleeping, gets up at 2:30 am to drive an hour there, work 10 hours, drive an hour home. I know it is tiring but I keep begging him to stop and find healthier ways to get more sleep and fuel his body. I just worry about him. He is over weight, sneaks to get fast food since I don't buy any junk food anymore, and then drinks pre workout and energy drinks and probably not nearly enough water.
I have gotten so unhealthy from letting my weight go up, so now I'm like super paranoid about him developing problems if he keeps this up. 0 -
megzchica23 wrote: »My husband doesn't use it to work out. He uses it to work. He work's at the Wal-Mart DC, has trouble sleeping, gets up at 2:30 am to drive an hour there, work 10 hours, drive an hour home. I know it is tiring but I keep begging him to stop and find healthier ways to get more sleep and fuel his body. I just worry about him. He is over weight, sneaks to get fast food since I don't buy any junk food anymore, and then drinks pre workout and energy drinks and probably not nearly enough water. I have gotten so unhealthy from letting my weight go up, so now I'm like super paranoid about him developing problems if he keeps this up.
Have you talked to him about your concerns for his health? Those are certainly long days he is working I'm sure it's taxing! However there are better alternatives as you know. I sadly know sooooo many people hooked on pre-workouts of things like NOS of 5 hour energy! The industry is banking on the addictive nature of caffeine and it's pretty sad to see.
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musclesandmusic866 wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »I know there are far better options than the chemicals and obscene ammt of caffeine in them. Nothing about them promotes health yet we go to the gym to be healthy. And I disagree with the effectiveness of them. How many people do you know take 2x 3x the reccomended servings... most. Your body adapts to it just like anything else and 1 scoop turns to 2, to 3.
Off topic but is your profile picture actually you?
That's what I was wondering too! I could be wrong (but I don't think so since it's fairly easy to spot) but it looks like chemicals are involved.
lol
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fitbritt__ wrote: »musclesandmusic866 wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »I know there are far better options than the chemicals and obscene ammt of caffeine in them. Nothing about them promotes health yet we go to the gym to be healthy. And I disagree with the effectiveness of them. How many people do you know take 2x 3x the reccomended servings... most. Your body adapts to it just like anything else and 1 scoop turns to 2, to 3.
Off topic but is your profile picture actually you?
That's what I was wondering too! I could be wrong (but I don't think so since it's fairly easy to spot) but it looks like chemicals are involved.
lol
Just put a post up about this question so y'all don't have to make accusations any longer
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I'm tired A LOT! And all of the apple, natural stuff doesn't work but neither does any amount of caffeine. .....Of course, it could be because I have sleep apnea
I have never purchased any pre-workout but I do a lot of espresso. 0 -
happysherri wrote: »I'm tired A LOT! And all of the apple, natural stuff doesn't work but neither does any amount of caffeine. .....Of course, it could be because I have sleep apnea I have never purchased any pre-workout but I do a lot of espresso.
I would wonder if you have a higher tolerance/threshold for caffeine because of the espresso?2 -
happysherri wrote: »I'm tired A LOT! And all of the apple, natural stuff doesn't work but neither does any amount of caffeine. .....Of course, it could be because I have sleep apnea I have never purchased any pre-workout but I do a lot of espresso.
I'm sure the sleep apnea doesn't help and I truly hope you are doing ok. That can be a scary thing!!!
Espresso certainly is delicious yes!!!
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What about people who have a high caffeine intake but don't work out?
Why should they get to have all the fun?1 -
TresaAswegan wrote: »What about people who have a high caffeine intake but don't work out?
Why should they get to have all the fun?
lol never thought of that
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In agreement with bhff all these drinks that are marketed to increase energy are in reality pretty much a waste... if you have a proper diet through the day taking in cals in prep for training you shouldn't be lacking in energy, most have b12 or beta alanine which give u that tingly feeling in your skin, or nitric oxid... these stimulants give the feeling of stimulation as your heat rate is increased...the most controversial ingredient in some is 1-3 dimethylamylamine or DMAA, which is essentially adderal. Which is a cardiac stimulant... if these are consumed in moderation it should be fine but ya never know how your body will react to these chemicals... i avoid them... food is always the best source of energy5
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